16. So then every man, whoever it might be, sinking down in his place, Was kept in ward shut up in that prison which was barred not with iron:
17. For whether he were a husbandman, or a shepherd, Or a labourer whose toils were in the wilderness, He was overtaken, and endured that inevitable necessity, For with one chain of darkness were they all bound.
18. Whether there were a whistling wind, Or a melodious noise of birds among the spreading branches, Or a measured fall of water running violently,
19. Or a harsh crashing of rocks hurled down, Or the swift course of animals bounding along unseen, Or the voice of wild beasts harshly roaring, Or an echo rebounding from the hollows of the mountains, All these things paralysed them with terror.
20. For the whole world beside was enlightened with clear light, And was occupied with unhindered works;
21. While over them alone was spread a heavy night, An image of the darkness that should afterward receive them; But yet heavier than darkness were they to themselves.