Whom did you meet ?" "A demon of hell," answered Hermas.

"And now the fiend pursues me into our cave, and torments me in a variety of shapes." "Drive it out then and pray," said the old man gravely.

"Unclean spirits flee at the name of God." "I have called upon Him," sighed Hermas, "but in vain; I see women with ruddy lips and flowing Hair, and white marble figures with rounded limbs and flashing eyes beckon to me again and again." "Then take the scourge," ordered the father, "and so win peace." Hermas once more obediently rose, and went out into the air with the scourge; the narrow limits of the cave did not admit of his swinging it with all the strength of his arms.
Very soon Stephanus heard the whistle of the leathern thongs through the stillness of the night, their hard blows on the springy muscles of the man and his son's painful groaning.
At each blow the old man shrank as if it had fallen on himself.

At last he cried as loud as he was able "Enough--that is enough." Hermas came back into the cave, his father called him to his couch, and desired him to join with him in prayer.
After the 'Amen' he stroked the lad's abundant hair and said, "Since you went to Alexandria, you have been quite another being.

I would I had withstood bishop Agapitus, and forbidden you the journey.