4 Maccabees 15:7

⁵for by how much mothers are by nature weak in disposition and prolific in offspring, by so much the fonder they are of children.

⁶And of all mothers the mother of the seven was the fondest of children, who in seven childbirths had deeply engendered love toward them;

— 4 Maccabees 15:7 —

⁸yet, through fear of God, she neglected the temporary salvation of her children.

⁹Not but that, on account of the excellent disposition of her sons, and their obedience to the law, her maternal affection toward them was increased.