notwithstanding that we were established in positions [which we had thought well-suited] to listening to [whatever secrets might be in] it: and anyone who now [or ever] tries to listen will [likewise] find a flame lying in wait for him!

'We used, indeed, to sit there in (hidden) stations, to (steal) a hearing; but any who listen now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.

And we used to sit on places (high) therein to listen. But he who listeneth now findeth a flame in wait for him;

And we used to sit in some of the sitting-places thereof to steal a hearing. But he who tries to listen now finds a flame lying in wait for him:

And we used to sit therein in positions for hearing, but whoever listens now will find a burning flame lying in wait for him.