The earth presented an appearance of confusion and desolation impossible to describe. The mountains, once so beautiful in their perfect symmetry, had become broken and irregular. Stones, ledges, and ragged rocks were now scattered upon the surface of the earth. In many places hills and mountains had disappeared, leaving no trace where they once stood; and plains had given place to mountain ranges. These changes were more marked in some places than in others. Where once had been earth's richest treasures of gold, silver, and precious stones, were seen the heaviest marks of the curse. And upon countries that were not inhabited, and those where there had been the least crime, the curse rested more lightly.

Jorden frembød et ubeskriveligt skue af forvirring og ødelæggelse. Bjergene, der engang havde været så smukke i deres fuldkomne symmetri, var nu forrevne og uregelmæssige. Stene og forrevne klipper fandtes nu spredt ud over jordens overflade. Mange steder var høje og bjerge forsvundet, og der var intet spor af dem; andre steder havde sletter givet plads for bjergrygge. Disse forandringer var mere udprægede nogle steder end andre. Der, hvor jordens rigeste forekomster af guld, sølv og ædelstene engang fandtes, sås de stærkeste spor af forbandelsen, mens disse ikke var så udtalte i lande, der var ubeboede, eller hvor der havde været færrest forbrydelser.