Through a land of hardship and distress,^(C)
    of lions^(D) and lionesses,
    of adders and darting snakes,^(E)
the envoys carry their riches on donkeys’^(F) backs,
    their treasures^(G) on the humps of camels,
to that unprofitable nation,

²² Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent
    as the enemy advances in force;
they will come against her with axes,
    like men who cut down trees.^(A)