But the two heads remained, which also ruled over the earth and its inhabitants may be rendered “And so only two heads remained, and they also ruled over the earth and its people.”

For And I looked, and behold, see 2Esdras 11.2.

The head on the right side devoured the one on the left: This clause probably refers to a tradition, never proven, that Domitian caused the death of his brother Titus.

Translators may use Good News Bible as a model for these two verses. Contemporary English Version is also helpful with the following model:

• 34 and so only two heads were left. They also ruled the world and its people, 35 but soon the head on the right ate the one on the left.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.