I am Paulus, Hermas' best friend, and I would willingly serve you in your sore need.

No danger is now threatening you, for Phoebicius is seeking you on a wrong road; you may trust me.

Look at me! I do not look as if I could betray a poor erring woman.

But you are standing on a spot, where I would rather see my enemy than you; lay your hand confidently in mine--it is no longer white and slender, but it is strong and honest--grant me this request and you will never rue it! See, place your foot here, and take care how you leave go of the rock there.
You know not how suspiciously it shook its head over your strange confidence in it.

Take care! there--your support has rolled over into the abyss! how it crashes and splits.