it is of a single stem, and reddish down to the root; and the leaves are rather
crinkled and have fruit (810) like the tip of wild asparagus. It is similar
to the so-called talapes, like the wild beet. Now the amulets require this procedure:
copy the right one onto the skin (815) of a black sheep, with myrrh-ink, and
after tying it with sinews of the same ani- mal, put it on; and copy the left
one onto the skin of a white sheep, and use the same procedure. The left one
is very full of "PROSTHYMERI" (820), and has this text: "So speaking, he drove
through the trench the single-hoofed horses." (Il. X. 564) "And men gasping
among grievous slaughters." (Il. X. 521) "And they washed off their profuse
sweat in the sea." (Il. X. 572) "You will dare to lift up your mighty spear
against Zeus." (IL. VIII.424) (825) Zeus went up the mountain with a golden
bullock and a silver dagger. Upon all he bestowed a share, only to Amara did
he not give, but he said: "Let go of what you have, and then you will receive,
PSINOTHER NOPSITHER THERNOPSI" (and so on, as you like). (830) "So Ares suffered,
when Otos and mighty Epialtes* ... him. (Il. V. 385) spell for restraining anger:
"You will dare to lift up your mighty spear against
Zeus." (Il. VIII.424) For friends: "Let ... seize ... , lest we become a source
of joy for our enemies." (Il. X. 193)
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* [Sic; but this giant's name is usually given as Ephialtes. He and his brother
Otos imprisoned Ares in a bronze jar. -- RE]