Therefore were they worthily punished by those like things, and tormented with a multitude of insects; whereas Thy children the venomous fangs of dragons could not overcome, for Thy mercy received and healed them. For they were pricked, that they might remember Thy words; then quickly, lest they should fall into a deep forgetfulness, and be deprived of Thy goodness. And no herb, but Thy word, O Lord, which healeth all, did heal them. And sometimes the flame did abate, lest it should burn up what was sent upon the ungodly among the animals; and that they might see and know, that the judgment of God was upon their offspring.

But instead of that punishment, Thou didst deal well with Thy people, by preparing for them quails for food, a strange taste, with which Thou didst satisfy their desire.

So that while the former, with their hunger, were devoid of all desire for food from the loathsomeness of what Thou hadst sent upon them; these, after a little need, did partake of a strange-tasting food.

For it was necessary that an inevitable want should fall upon those oppressors, and that these should see how their enemies, and no others, were tormented.

And when these were assailed by the terrible wrath of beasts, and were destroyed by the sting of venomous serpents,

Thy wrath did not continue to the end, but they were disturbed for a while, for a warning to them; and Thou didst set up for them a mark of salvation, reminding them of the commandment of Thy law.

For he that turned to it was saved, not by that which was seen, but by Thee, O Saviour of all.

And by that Thou didst demonstrate to our enemies that Thou art the deliverer from all evil.

For those were slain by the sting of locusts and flies, and there was no cure for their souls; for they were worthy to be punished by such like.

For Thou hast power over life and death; Thou leadest down to the gates of hell, and bringest up again.

But man slayeth by his wickedness, yet he doth not restore the spirit that is gone forth, nor redeem the life that is taken.

There is none that can escape out of Thy hand.

For Thou didst scourge with the strength of Thine arm the ungodly who denied Thy knowledge, and didst let loose upon them floods and hail and strange rains, and consuming fire.

And what was most strange, the fire in the water, which quencheth all things, increased its intensity; for the elements of the world fight for the righteous.

And at other times it went beyond the nature of fire, and blazed in the water, that it might destroy the wicked growth of the earth.

But instead of that, Thou didst feed Thy people with angels' food, and didst send them from heaven bread prepared without labour, containing all delight, and suiting every taste.

For Thy substance showed forth its sweetness to Thy children, for it served the desire of the partaker, and was turned to whatsoever every man desired.

And snow and ice endured fire and did not melt, that it might be known how the fruits of the enemies were eaten, how the fire of the enemies blazed in the cold and flashed in the rain.

But with these, the power which it had forgot itself, that the saints might be nourished.

For the creation, serving Thee, Who art its Maker, is strengthened to punish the wicked, and relaxeth to do good to those that trust in Thee.

Therefore then it was transformed into all things, to minister to Thy all-nourishing grace, according to the desire of every needy one.

That Thy children, whom Thou hast loved, O Lord, might learn that it is not the growth of fruits that the earth bringeth forth which nourisheth man, but it is Thy word that preserveth those who trust in Thee.

For that which the fire could not dissolve, a small gleam of the sun did warm and melt.

That it might be known that we must anticipate the sun to give Thee thanks, and stand before Thee at the dawning of the light.

For the hope of the unthankful melteth away like winter ice, and goeth away as water without benefit.