How difficult this investigation, how doubtful its results, may be understood when we mention that Hilgenfeld says, Jüdische Apocalyptik, p. 245: Essaism is the most enigmatical phenomenon of later Judaism ; and Lucius (der Essenismus, p. 63) makes a remark precisely similar.

nor the devil himself , could hurt them, nor make them to go out of frame

But even before he could do so, half-a-dozen black Somanlis, now eager for gain, interposed their strong arms to prevent such culpable waste of good saleworthy slave stuff.

[…] And me no more shall any Gold glittering of the maidens Henceforth, in all my life-days, In ashen bath bewash me.