And Judas heard of the fame of the Romans, that they were mighty and valiant men, and such as would lovingly receive all that joined themselves unto them, and make a league of amity with all that came unto them;

And how they had conquered all nations, and brought them under their subjection, with their allies and all that served them; and had subdued them, and made them tributaries.

And that they had overcome Philip, and Perseus, king of Chittim, and all that lifted up themselves against them, and had brought them into subjection.

And how they had overthrown Antiochus the Great, that was then king of Asia, and had a hundred and twenty elephants, and horsemen, and chariots, and a very great army, and how he fought against them.

And they took him alive, and covenanted that he and such as reigned after him should pay a great tribute, and give hostages, and that which was appointed,

And that which they required of him was, that he should give up the country of India, and Media, and Lydia, and some of their best countries: and these they took from him, and gave to King Eumenes.

And how the Grecians had purposed to come and destroy them; but they had knowledge thereof,

And sent a general against them, and fought with them, and many of them were slain: they carried away their wives and children captives, and spoiled them, and took possession of their lands, and pulled down their strong holds, and brought them to servitude unto this day.

They governed the kings that were beyond the sea, and those that were near home, and made them tributary: such as they would, they slew; and such as they would, they created kings: and all that heard of their fame were afraid of them.

Notwithstanding all this, none of them wore a crown, or was clothed in purple to be magnified thereby:

But in their senate, they daily consulted three hundred and twenty men, concerning the welfare of the people, and the preservation of their country.

They commit their government to one man every year, to rule over all their country, and all obey one, and there is neither envy nor emulation among them.

Judas chose Eupolemus the son of John, the son of Accos, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome, to make a league of amity and confederacy with them,

And to intreat them that they would take away the yoke from them, for they saw that the kingdom of the Grecians did oppress Israel with servitude.

They went therefore to Rome, a very long journey, and entered into the senate, and spake and said,

Then they wrote unto him again an answer by letters in this manner:

The Romans and the nation of the Jews have made a league of peace and amity forever; and may the sword and the enemy be far from them.

If there come any war upon the Romans or their confederates in all their dominions, the Jews shall help them with all the might they may, as the time shall require:

The Romans also shall help the nation of the Jews, with all their zeal, as the time shall require.

Whatsoever additions or subtractions are made by either party, it shall be done by common consent; and whatsoever they shall add or subtract, shall be ratified.

Now if there arise any distress unto them hereafter, they shall send to them again for succour, and they shall help them as the agreement is. And in like manner for the Jews.

And if either of these or those shall think to add or diminish anything, they shall do it by their common consent; and whatsoever they shall add or diminish, shall be confirmed.

And if they complain any more of thee, we will give judgment against thee, and will fight against thee by sea and by land.