Book 6: Hymn 56: A charm against snakes

HYMN LVI

A charm against snakes

1Let not the serpent slay us, O Gods, with our children and our
folk.
Let it not close the opened mouth nor open that which now is
closed.
2Be worship paid unto the black, worship to that with stripes
across!
To the brown viper reverence, reverence to the demon brood!
3I close together fangs with fang, I close together jaws with jaw.
I close together tongue with tongue, I close together mouth
with mouth.