122. Charm For Rose

WHEN this charm is applied, the point of a knife or a needle, or the tongue of a brooch or of some other sharp instrument, is pointed threateningly at the part affected. The part is then spat upon and crossed three times in the names of the three Persons of the Trinity, whether it be the breast of a woman or the udder of a cow. The legend says that Mary and Jesus were walking together when Mary took rose (erysipelas) in her breast, and she said to Jesus:--

AIC, a Mhic 's a Chriosda, Cioch do Mhathar air at; Thoir-sa fois dh' an chich, Cuir-s' an crion an t-at; Thoir-sa fois dh' an chich, Cuir-s' an crion an t-at.

Faic fein i, Righinn, 'S tu a rug am Mac, Cuir-sa casgadh air a chich, Cuir-sa crionadh air an at; Cuir-sa casgadh air a chich, Cuir-sa crionadh air an at.

Faic thus i, Iosda, Is tu Righ nan dul; Cuir-sa casgadh air a chich, Cuir-sa crionadh air an uth; Cuir-sa casgadh air a chich, Cuir-sa crionadh air an uth.

Chithim, thubhairt Criosda, Is nithim mar is fiu, Bheirim fois dh' an chich, 'S bheirim sith dh' an uth; Bheirim fois dh' an chich, 'S bheirim sith dh' an uth.

BEHOLD, Son and Christ, The breast of Thy Mother swollen; Give Thou peace to the breast, Subdue Thou the swelling; Give Thou peace to the breast, Subdue Thou the swelling.

Behold it thyself, Queen, Since of thee the Son was born, Appease thou the breast, Subdue thou the swelling; Appease thou the breast, Subdue thou the swelling.

See Thou it, Jesu, Since Thou art King of life; Appease Thou the breast, Subdue Thou the udder; Appease Thou the breast, Subdue Thou the udder.

I behold, said Christ, And I do as is meet, I give ease to the breast, And rest to the udder; I give ease to the breast, And rest to the udder.