Book 3: Hymn 18: A jealous wife's incantation against a rival

1From out the earth I dig this Plant, and herb of most effectual power, Wherewith one quells the rival wife and gains the husband for one's self. 2Auspicious, with expanded leaves, sent by the Gods, victorious Plant, Drive thou, the rival wife away, and make my husband only mine. 3Indeed he hath not named her name: thou with this husband dalliest not, Far into distance most remote we drive the rival wife away. p. a88 4Stronger am I, O stronger one, yea, mightier than the mightier; Beneath me be my rival wife, down, lower than the lowest dames! 5I am the conqueror, and thou, thou also art victorious: As victory attends us both we will subdue my fellowwife. 6I've girt thee with the conquering Plant, beneath thee laid the mightiest one. As a cow hastens to her calf, so let thy spirit speed to me, hasten like water on its way.