For them the bitings of grasshopers and flies killed, neither was there found any remedy for their life: for they were worthy to be punished by such.

But thy sons not the very teeth of venomous dragons overcame: for thy mercy was over by them, and healed them.

For they were pricked, that they should remember thy words.

Wisdom of Solomon, 16:9–11, Apocrypha

'...it was related that the party of explorers, at the extremity of their strength, had the constant delusion that there was one more member than could actually be counted.'

T. S. Eliot, referring to

Shackleton's Antarctic expedition