17:3 For while they supposed to lie hid in their secret sins, they were scattered under a dark veil of forgetfulness, being horribly astonished, and troubled with [strange] apparitions.
17:4 For neither might the corner that held them keep them from fear: but noises [as of waters] falling down sounded about them, and sad visions appeared unto them with heavy countenances.
17:5 No power of the fire might give them light: neither could the bright flames of the stars endure to lighten that horrible night.
17:6 Only there appeared unto them a fire kindled of itself, very dreadful: for being much terrified, they thought the things which they saw to be worse than the sight they saw not.
17:7 As for the illusions of art magick, they were put down, and their vaunting in wisdom was reproved with disgrace.
17:8 For they, that promised to drive away terrors and troubles from a sick soul, were sick themselves of fear, worthy to be laughed at.
17:9 For though no terrible thing did fear them; yet being scared with beasts that passed by, and hissing of serpents,
17:10 They died for fear, denying that they saw the air, which could of no side be avoided.
17:11 For wickedness, condemned by her own witness, is very timorous, and being pressed with conscience, always forecasteth grievous things.
17:12 For fear is nothing else but a betraying of the succours which reason offereth.