2
For while the wicked thought to be able to have dominion over the holy nation, they themselves being fettered with the bonds of darkness, and a long night, shut up in their houses, lay there exiled from the eternal providence.
3
And while they thought to lie hid in their obscure sins, they were scattered under a dark veil of forgetfulness, being horribly afraid and troubled with exceeding great astonishment.
4
For neither did the den that held them, keep them from fear: for noises coming down troubled them, and sad visions appearing to them, affrighted them.
5
And no power of fire could give them light, neither could the bright flames of the stars enlighten that horrible night.
6
But there appeared to them a sudden fire, very dreadful: and being struck with the fear of that face, which was not seen, they thought the things which they saw to be worse:
7
And the delusions of their magic art were put down, and their boasting of wisdom was reproachfully rebuked.
8
For they who promised to drive away fears and troubles from a sick soul, were sick themselves of a fear worthy to be laughed at.
9
For though no terrible thing disturbed them: yet being scared with the passing by of beasts, and hissing of serpents, they died for fear: and denying that they saw the air, which could by no means be avoided.
10
For whereas wickedness is fearful, it beareth witness of its condemnation: for a troubled conscience always forecasteth grievous things.
11
For fear is nothing else but a yielding up of the succours from thought.
12
And while there is less expectation from within, the greater doth it count the ignorance of that cause which bringeth the torment.