The reeds which grew out from the spot, when moved by the wind, uttered the fatal secret, “Midas has the ears of an ass.” […] Moses, by striking the rock with his miraculous rod, caused water to gush out to satisfy the raging thirst of the Israelites. […] His statues were frequently placed in the high roads, to point out the way to travellers. […] Happy days were spun out of gold and silver, while the thread of sorrow was of black worsted. […] They were rendered incapable of any trust, or honour; were put out of the protection of the laws, and exposed to insult and injury.