St. John Cassian on the Passions
Cassian numbered eight terrible passions, And yet there is a ninth—impure thoughts.
- Gluttony in food and drink is the first,
- Promiscuity in spirit and body is the second.
- Avarice: a shackle, which ties one to metal.
- Anger: the frost of man’s heart, which freezes and constricts.
- Melancholy: the insatiable worm, which eats at the soul.
- Despondency: drowsiness, also called death of the soul.
- Vanity: a serpent, a many headed serpent, Which is everywhere and nowhere, concealed by the grass.
- Pride: a double-edged sword that cuts and hews, Mercilessly destroying both the young and old: The vigorous ones become proud because of their strength, And the spiritual elders become dear to themselves.