1Wherever this decree went, a public banquet was organized by the pagans with shouts of jubilation and joy.
2Thus the hatred they had long nourished became evident.
3The Jews, however, did not cease to lament and weep.
4From everywhere rose burning groans, for their hearts were on fire from the unexpected destruction suddenly pronounced.
5What region, what city, what habitable place was not filled with weeping and groaning on their account?
6So cruelly were they sent by the rulers of the cities.
7Some of the enemies, seeing them, took pity on their unworthy fate.
8Old men burdened with years, with feet tottering from age, were forced to run.
9Young brides who had exchanged their wedding for mourning, covered with perfumed dust.
10They were led without veils, and instead of wedding songs, they sang lamentations.
11Dragged as if they were animals, pulled by ropes, exposed to the public.
12Newborns were thrown overboard by the soldiers.
13Chained like wild animals, they were transported in the holds of ships.
14Some had their necks fastened in wooden stocks.
15Their feet were tied with unbreakable chains.
16Moreover, they were in complete darkness during the entire crossing.
17They were kept as traitors during all the transport.