10 we have ventured to send word to you for the renewal of brotherhood and friendship, lest we become strangers to you; a long time has passed since you sent your message to us.
11 We, on our part, have unceasingly remembered you in the sacrifices and prayers that we offer on our feasts and other appropriate days, as it is right and proper to remember brothers.
12 We likewise rejoice in your renown.
13 But many tribulations and many wars have beset us, and the kings around us have attacked us.
14 We did not wish to be troublesome to you and to the rest of our allies and friends in these wars.
15 For we have the help of Heaven for our support, and we have been saved from our enemies, and our enemies have been humbled.
16 So we have chosen Numenius, son of Antiochus, and Antipater, son of Jason, and we have sent them to the Romans to renew with them the friendship and alliance of earlier times.