{I feared} (ephoboum(886e)). Imperfect middle, I continued to
fear. {Austere} (aust(8872)os). Old Greek word from au(935c), to dry
up. Reproduced in Latin _austeros_ and English _austere_. It
means rough to the taste, stringent. Here only in the N.T.
Compare skl(8872)os (hard) in  Mt 25:24 . "Harsh in flavour, then
in disposition" (Bruce). {Thou layedst not down} (ouk eth(886b)as).
Probably a proverb for a grasping profiteer.