9. and prepare crowns for the heads of their gods. Then sometimes the priests filch the gold and silver from their gods and spend it on themselves,
10. or give part of it to harlots in the brothel. They dress them up in clothes like human beings, these gods of silver and gold and wood.
11. Though they are wrapped in purple clothing, they are not safe from rust and corrosion.
12. Their faces are wiped clean of the cloud of dust which is thick upon them.
13. Each has a scepter, like the human ruler of a district, but none can do away with those that offend against it.
14. Each has in its right hand an ax or dagger, but it cannot save itself from war or pillage. Thus it is known they are not gods; do not fear them.
15. As useless as a broken pot
16. are their gods, set up in their temples, their eyes full of dust from the feet of those who enter.
17. Their courtyards are walled in like those of someone brought to execution for a crime against the king; the priests reinforce their temples with gates and bars and bolts, so they will not be carried off by robbers.
18. They light more lamps for them than for themselves, yet not one of these can they see.
19. They are like any timber in the temple; their hearts, it is said, are eaten away. Though crawling creatures from the ground consume them and their garments, they do not feel it.
20. Their faces become sooty from the smoke in the temple.
21. Bats and swallows alight on their bodies and heads—any bird, and cats as well.