4 ¹ The previously mentioned Simon, who had informed about the money against his own country, slandered Onias, saying that it was he who had incited Heliodourus and had been the real cause of the misfortune. 4 ² He dared to designate as a plotter against the government the man who was the benefactor of the city, the protector of his fellow countrymen, and a zealot for the laws. 4 ³ When his hatred progressed to such a degree that even murders were committed by one of Simon's approved agents, 4 ⁴ Onias recognized that the rivalry was serious and that Apollonius, the son of Menestheus and governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, was intensifying the malice of Simon. 4 ⁵ So he betook himself to the king, not accusing his fellow citizens but having in view the welfare, both public and private, of all the people. 4 ⁶ For he saw that without the king's attention public affairs could not again reach a peaceful settlement, and that Simon would not stop his folly.