19. And at another time even in the midst of water it burns above the power of fire, That it may destroy the fruits of an unrighteous land.
20. Instead whereof you gave your people angels’ food to eat, And bread ready for their use did you provide for them from heaven without their toil, Bread having the virtue of every pleasant savor, And agreeing to every taste;
21. For your nature manifested your sweetness toward your children; While that bread, ministering to the desire of the eater, Tempered itself according to every man’s choice.
22. But snow and ice endured fire, and melted not, That men might know that fire was destroying the fruits of the enemies, Burning in the hail and flashing in the rains;
23. And that this element again, in order that righteous men may be nourished, Hath even forgotten its own power.
24. For the creation, ministering to you its maker, Straineth its force against the unrighteous, for punishment, And slackeneth it in behalf of them that trust in you, for beneficence.
25. Therefore at that time also, converting itself into all forms, It ministered to your all-nourishing bounty, According to the desire of them that made supplication;
26. That your sons, whom you loved, O Lord, might learn That it is not the growth of the earth’s fruits that nourishes a man, But that your word preserves them that trust you.
27. For that which was not marred by fire, When it was simply warmed by a faint sunbeam melted away;