Book 6: Hymn 14: A charm against consumption

HYMN XIV

A charm against consumption

1Remove thou all Decline that lurks within the members and the
joints,
The firmly-settled heart-disease that racks the bones and rends
the limbs.
2From the consumptive man I pluck Decline as 'twere a severed
part.
I cut the bond that fetters him, even as a root of cucumber.
3Begone, Consumption, hence away, like a young foal that runs.
at speed.
Then, not pernicious to our men, flee, yearly visitant like grass!