Good News Translation
So then, without any further comment, I will begin my story. It would be foolish to write such a long introduction that the story itself would have to be cut short.

New Revised Standard Version
At this point therefore let us begin our narrative, without adding any more to what has already been said; for it would be foolish to lengthen the preface while cutting short the history itself.

Contemporary English Version
Enough said is enough said! Now is the time to begin the story itself. How foolish it would be to write such a long introduction that I would have to leave out part of the history.

New American Bible
but one who is making an adaptation should be allowed to aim at brevity of expression and to forgo complete treatment of the matter.

Douay-Rheims Bible
But to pursue brevity of speech, and to avoid nice declarations of things, is to be granted to him that maketh an abridgment.

But to pursue brevity of speech, and to avoid nice declarations of things, is to be granted to him that maketh an abridgment.

2 Maccabees 2:30
For as the master builder of a new house must have care of the whole building: but he that taketh care to paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning of it: so must it be judged of us.

2 Maccabees 2:31
For to collect all that is to be known, to put the discourse in order, and curiously to discuss every particular point, is the duty of the author of a history:

2 Maccabees 2:33
Here then we will begin the narration: let this be enough by way of a preface: for it is a foolish thing to make a long prologue, and to be short in the story itself.

2 Maccabees 3:1
Therefore, when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws as yet were very well kept, because of the godliness of Onias, the high priest and the hatred his soul had of evil,