Page:The Chace - Somervile (1735).djvu/137

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Book IV.
THE CHACE.
117
The rustick Swains, by long Tradition taught 300Of Leeches old, as soon as they perceiveThe Bite impress'd, to the Sea-Coasts repair.Plung'd in the briny Flood, th' unhappy YouthNow journeys home secure; but soon shall wish The Seas as yet had cover'd him beneath 305The foaming Surge, full many a Fathom deep.A Fate more dismal, and superior IllsHang o'er his Head devoted. When the MoonClosing her monthly round, returns againTo glad the Night; or when full-orb'd she shines 310High in the Vault of Heav'n; the lurking PestBegins the dire Assault. The pois'nous FoamThro' the deep Wound instill'd with hostile Rage,And all its fiery Particles saline,Invades th' arterial Fluid; whose red Waves 315Tempestuous heave, and their Cohesion broke,Fermenting boil; intestine War ensues,

And

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