De Cicuta.

The harsh nature of *Cicuta* is a lethal power,

wherefore it kills those who drink it in the manner of a cold poison;

whoever perishes by this herb, his skin becomes spotted.

From which the kind of death can be seen through these signs.

This used to be the public penalty for criminals in Athens.

Having taken this, the great Socrates was killed.

How this happens: I do not think it is for us to say,

By whom nothing that harms, but what helps must be reported.

If anyone, having taken this herb, is very close to death,

Let him perhaps drink warm wine: and he will escape the danger.

But although it is very often accustomed to harm in a drink,

Nevertheless, when applied, it is accustomed to help wonderfully.

It wonderfully helps summer fluxes of the eyes

If the forehead is covered with its crushed green leaf

Or if the eyes are smeared around with its juice.

By this treatment also holy fire and *herpes* will be driven away.

Anaxilaus relates that if a virgin smears her breasts often with its juice

When they first to swell

Begin, they will remain small and always firm.

Crushed green and placed over the breasts, this dries them up;

It extinguishes sexual desire: and all flux of seed.

If it is well crushed: you may poultice with it often;

Mixing these with foam of silver and fat,

You may apply it warmly as a healthful poultice for gout,

And I have proved that by itself it profits such a person much.

Why should I mention individual things? Any harmful heat whatever

You will be able to cure by applying crushed hemlock.