1 So they arrived at the opposite shore of the Lake, in the country of the Gerasenes.

2 At once, on His landing, there came from the tombs to meet Him a man possessed by a foul spirit.

3 This man lived among the tombs, nor could any one now secure him even with a chain;

4 for many a time he had been left securely bound in fetters and chains, but afterwards the chains lay torn link from link, and the fetters in fragments, and there was no one strong enough to master him.

5 And constantly, day and night, he remained among the tombs or on the hills, shrieking, and mangling himself with sharp stones.

6 And when he saw Jesus in the distance, he ran and threw himself at His feet,

7 crying out in a loud voice, »What hast Thou to do with me, Jesus, Son of God Most High? In God's name I implore Thee not to torment me.«

8 For He had said to him, »Foul spirit, come out of the man.«

9 Jesus also questioned him. »What is your name?« He said. »Legion,« he replied, »for there are a host of us.«

10 And he earnestly entreated Him not to send them away out of the country.

11 Feeding there, on the mountain slope, was a great herd of swine.

12 So they besought Jesus. »Send us to the swine,« they said, »so that we may enter into them.«

13 He gave them leave; and the foul spirits came out and entered into the swine, and the herd –about 2,000 in number– rushed headlong down the cliff into the Lake and were drowned in the Lake.

14 The swineherds fled, and spread the news in town and country. So the people came to see what it was that had happened;