31 I’m not so old and cowardly that I can’t exhibit youthful strength in my mind out of respect for God.
32 Get your torture devices ready, and build up the fires to make them burn hotter.
33 I don’t pity my old age so much that I will tear down the Law of my ancestors by my actions.
34 I won’t prove disloyal to the Law that made me who I am today. I won’t renounce the virtue of self-control that I value so dearly.
35 I won’t put my own philosophical principle to shame, nor renounce the honor of my priestly office or my knowledge of the Law.
36 But as for you, King, you won’t pollute my mouth that I have kept pure all of my life nor my long life of living under the Law.
37 My ancestors will welcome me as pure: as a person who isn’t afraid of your violence, even to the point of death.