Mystery magnifies danger, as a fog the sun, the hand that warned Belshazzar derived its horrifying effect from the want of a body.

Summary

This quote suggests that mystery enhances the perception of danger, similar to how a fog obscures the sun. It highlights the idea that the fear or horror generated by a warning or threat is intensified when the source or cause of that warning is unknown or unidentified. The example of Belshazzar refers to a biblical story where a disembodied hand writes a cryptic message on the wall, adding to the terror and impact of the message. Overall, the quote implies that the unknown and mysterious aspects of a situation can amplify feelings of fear and danger.

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