The Chemical Wedding

...greatest misfortune, had placed myself upon a stone by the wall of the Tower, and for that reason I could not reach the rope, which descended in the middle.

Second drawing out. original: "Secunda."

The second time the rope was let down, many found their chains too heavy, while their hands were too soft This likely refers to those who lacked the spiritual "grip" or strength of character to hold on under pressure.; they could not hold onto the rope, but instead knocked down many others who might have held on. Indeed, many a man was even dragged down by another who could not reach the rope himself; thus, even in our great misery, we were still envious of one another. But I pitied most of all those whose weight was so heavy that they tore the hands right out of their bodies, and yet they still could not be pulled up.

So it happened that during those five turns, very few were drawn up. For as soon as the signal was given, the servants were so quick with the pulling that the majority of people tumbled over one another. Especially on the fifth time, the rope was drawn up completely empty. Because of this, the majority of us—including myself—despaired of our deliverance release/freedom original: "erledigung." and called upon God, asking that He might have mercy on us and, if possible, deliver us from this darkness; and He then heard some among us.

Sixth drawing out. original: "Sexta."

For when the rope came for the sixth time, several people hung onto it firmly. And because the rope swung back and forth as it was being pulled up, it—perhaps by Divine will—swung toward me. I quickly caught hold of it, sat on top of all the others, and so, finally, against all hope...