[22] Hence the Father Ephraim Syrus (Hymn in Opp. Vol. II. p. 457. Gesenius, “Kommentar. zum Jesaias,” (Commentary on Isaiah), Pt. II. p. 540. Ephraim lived 379 A. D.):—It is Venus that led astray her followers, the Ishmaelites. Into our land also she came, how most abundantly do the sons of Hagar honour her.
A street-walker (they call) the Moon,
Like a courtesan they represent Venus.
Twain they call female among the Stars.
And not merely names are they,
Names without meaning, these female names,
Abounding in Wantonness are they in themselves.
For since they are the women of all men,
Who amongst them can be modest,
Who amongst them chaste,