2 Maccabees 2:31

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.

³⁰To stand upon every point, and go over things at large, and to be curious in particulars, belongeth to the first author of the story:

— 2 Maccabees 2:31 —

³²Here then will we begin the story: only adding thus much to that which hath been said, that it is a foolish thing to make a long prologue, and to be short in the story itself.