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

HYMN XVIII

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.