And when R. Shimon and R. Yishmael were executed, R. Akiva said to his disciples: Prepare yourselves for calamity. For if good were destined to come in our generation, only R. Shimon and R. Yishmael would receive it. But it is revealed and known before Him who spoke and brought the world into being that great calamity is destined to come in our generation wherefore these were taken from among us (so as not to witness it.) As it is written (Isaiah 57:1) "the tzaddik (a righteous person) perishes and no one takes it to heart. And men of lovingkindness are taken off and none understand (why). It is before the evil (that is destined to befall them) that the tzaddik was taken off. (2) Peace will come (to him). They will rest on their couches—those who walk in uprightness." And, in the end, (3) "As for you, come closer, you sons of a sorceress, (to hear of your impending doom), seed of an adulterer and a harlot, etc."