III.

CHARM FOR A SUCKLING CALF.

I rose up early in the morning.

I took the sickle (scythe)

In my hand.

I went up to the hill of love.

I went down into the valley of affection.

I cut nine handfuls of flowers,

I cut (gathered) love from nine jolly widows,

From nine beautiful girls,

From nine kings and nine rulers.

With the same zest as kings hasten to their kingdom,

Rulers to their rule,

Ministers to their ministration,

Knights to their knighthood,

And merchants to their business,

So shall the “Thursday1 one”

Hasten to the calf,

And the calf to her.

As the tongue is fast in the mouth,

So shall “Thursday one” stick to her calf,

And the calf on to her.

I burnt it (the spell) with fire,

I singed it with the flame,

I enveloped it with love,

With affection I kindled it.

As the honey is sweet,

So shall the calf long for “Thursday one.”