2macc 2:26
King James Version
“Therefore to us, that have taken upon us this painful labour of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of sweat and watching;”
Context
23All these things, I say, being declared by Jason of Cyrene in five books, we will assay to abridge in one volume.
24For considering the infinite number, and the difficulty which they find that desire to look into the narrations of the story, for the variety of the matter,
25We have been careful, that they that will read may have delight, and that they that are desirous to commit to memory might have ease, and that all into whose hands it comes might have profit.
26Therefore to us, that have taken upon us this painful labour of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of sweat and watching;
27Even as it is no ease unto him that prepareth a banquet, and seeketh the benefit of others: yet for the pleasuring of many we will undertake gladly this great pains;
28Leaving to the author the exact handling of every particular, and labouring to follow the rules of an abridgement.
29For as the master builder of a new house must care for the whole building; but he that undertaketh to set it out, and paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning thereof: even so I think it is with us.