Book 1: Hymn 17: A charm to be used at venesection

HYMN XVII

A charm to be used at venesection

1Those maidens there, the veins, who run their course in robes of
ruddy hue,
Must now stand quiet, reft of power, like sisters who are brother-
less.
2Stay still, thou upper vein, stay still, thou lower, stay, thou
midmost one,
The smallest one of all stands still: let the great vessel e'en be
still.
3Among a thousand vessels charged with blood, among a thousand
veins,
Even these the middlemost stand still and their extremities have
rest.
4A mighty rampart built of sand hath circled and encompassed
you:
Be still, and quietly take rest.