Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

HE goes on with that which he began before; to wit, that the fortresses in which the Egyptians kept themselves so strongly, and in such security, should avail them nothing at all. For they seemed to be impregnable, because they were environed with the sea, with the river Nilus, and with many strong places: and the histories testify, that the passages whereby they entered into the Country, were very difficult, because there was no mouth or entrance into Nilus: for which cause they could easily repulse the ships which came to land there. Thus they glorified much in this goodly seat and place that was so strong by nature: even as the Venetians at this day, seeing themselves so strongly environed with deep and long rivers, think themselves altogether invincible. But such fortresses and defences are utterly unprofitable,¹ when God is purposed to chastise us. Hereunto serves that which he adds touching their munitions. He alludes to the causes, which not only let and hinder the overflowings of Nilus, but also kept th• whole land: as if he should say; You shall need no such things, because Nilus it self shall be dried up.

HE goes on with that which he began before; to wit, that the fortresses in which the Egyptians kept themselues so strongly, and in such securitie, should auaile them nothing at all. For they seemed to be impregnable, because they were inuironed with the sea, with the riuer Nilus, and with many strong places: and the histories testifie, that the passages whereby they entred into the Country, were very difficult, because there was no mouth or entrance into Nilus: for which cause they could easily repulse the ships which came to land there. Thus they glorified much in this goodly seate and place that was so strong by nature: euen as the Venecians at this day, seeing themselues so strongly inuironed with deepe and long riuers, thinke themselues altogether inuincible. But such fortresses and defences are vtterly vnprofitable,