8. Having shewn them by the thirst which they had suffered how you did punish the adversaries.
9. For when they were tried, albeit but in mercy chastened, They learned how the ungodly were tormented, being judged with wrath:
10. For these, as a father, admonishing them, you did prove; But those, as a stern king, condemning them, you did search out.
11. Yes and whether they were far off from the righteous or near them, they were alike distressed;
12. For a double grief took hold on them, And a groaning at the remembrance of things past.
13. For when they heard that through their own punishments the others had been benefited, They felt the presence of the Lord;
14. For him who long before was cast forth and exposed they left off mocking: In the last issue of what came to pass they marveled, Having thirsted in another manner than the righteous.
15. But in requital of the senseless imaginings of their unrighteousness, Wherein they were led astray to worship irrational reptiles and wretched vermin, You did send upon them a multitude of irrational creatures for vengeance;
16. That they might learn, that by what things a man sins, by these he is punished.
17. For your all-powerful hand, That created the world out of formless matter, Lacked not means to send upon them a multitude of bears, or fierce lions,
18. Or new-created wild beasts, full of rage, of unknown kind, Either breathing out a blast of fiery breath, Or blowing forth from their nostrils noisome smoke, Or flashing dreadful sparkles from their eyes;
19. Which had power not only to consume them by their violence, But to destroy them even by the terror of their sight.
20. Yes and without these might they have fallen by a single breath, Being pursued by Justice, and scattered abroad by the breath of your power. But by measure and number and weight you did order all things.
21. For to be greatly strong is your at all times; And the might of your arm who shall withstand?
22. Because the whole world before you is as a grain in a balance, And as a drop of dew that at morning comes down upon the earth.