[Sidenote: p. 181.] But that Man, he says, is without honour in the world, and much honoured [in heaven, being betrayed] by those who know not to those who know him not, and accounted like a drop which falleth from a vessel.[175] But we are, he says, the spiritual who have chosen out of the living water, the Euphrates flowing through the midst of Babylon, that which is ours, entering in through the true gate which is Jesus the blessed. And we alone of all men are Christians, whom the mystery in the third gate has made perfect, and have been anointed[176] there with silent ointment from the horn like David and not from the earthen vessel, he says, like Saul,[177] who abode with the evil spirit of fleshly desire. 10. These things, then, we have set forth as a few out of many: for the undertakings of folly which are nonsensical and madlike are innumerable. But since we have expounded to the best of our ability their unknowable gnosis, we have thought it right to add this also. This psalm has been concocted by them, whereby they seem to hymn all the [Sidenote: p. 182.] mysteries of their error thus:--[178] The generic law of the universe was the primordial mind; But the second was the poured-forth light[179] of the First-born: And the third toiling soul received the Law as its portion. Whence clothed in watery shape, The loved one subject to toil (and) death, [Sidenote: p. 183.] Now having lordship, she beholds the light, Now cast forth to piteous state, she weeps. Now she weeps (and now) rejoices; Now laments (and now) is judged; Now is judged (and now) is dying. Now no outlet is left or she wandering The labyrinth of woes has entered.[180] But Jesus said: Father, behold! A strife of woes upon Earth From thy breath has fallen, But she seeks to flee malignant chaos. And knows not how to win through it, For this cause send me, O Father, [Sidenote: p. 184.] Holding seals I will go down, Through entire æons I will pass, All mysteries I will disclose; The forms of the gods I will display; The secrets of the holy way Called Gnosis, I will hand down. These things the Naassenes attempt, calling themselves Gnostics.[181] But since the error is many-headed and truly of diverse shape like the fabled Hydra, we, having struck off its heads at one blow by refutation, (and) using the rod of Truth, will utterly destroy the beast. For the remaining heresies differ little from this, they all being linked together by one spirit of error. But since they by changing the words and the names wish the heads of the serpent to be many, we shall not thus fail to refute them thoroughly as they will. [Sidenote: p. 185.] 2. _Peratæ._[182]