Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WITCHES' CHARM (3), by BEN JONSON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WITCHES' CHARM (3), by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: The owl is abroad, the bat, and the toad
Last Line: Let all be dumb.
Variant Title(s): Witches' Chasm;charm
Subject(s): Witchcraft & Witches


The owl is abroad, the bat, and the toad,
And so is the cat-a-mountain,
The ant, and the mole fit both in a hole,
The frog peeps out of the fountain;
The dogs, they do bay, and the timbrels play,
The spindle is now a-turning;
The moon it is red, and the stars are fled,
But all the sky is a-burning:
The ditch is made, and our nails the spade,
With pictures full, of wax, and of wool;
Their livers I stick, with needles quick;
There lacks but the blood, to make up the flood.
Quickly, dame, then bring your part in,
Spur, spur, upon little Martin,
Merrily, merrily, make him sail,
A worm in his mouth, and a thorn in his tail,
Fire above, and fire below,
With a whip in your hand, to make him go.
O, now she's come!
Let all be dumb.





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