The true prophecies or prognostications of Michael Nostradamus, physician to Henry II. Francis II. and Charles IX. Kings of France, and one of the best astronomers that ever were. / A work full of curiosity and learning. Translated and commented by Theophilus de Garencieres, Doctor in Physick Colleg. Lond.

by Nostradamus

LXXXIX.

French.

Entre deux cymbes pieds & mains attachez,

De miel face oingt & de laict substante,

Guespes & mouches feront amour fachez,

Poccilateurs faucer, Scyphe tente.

English.

Between two Boats one shall be tyed hand and foot,

His face annointed with Honey, and he nourished with Milk,

Wasps and Bees shall make much of him in anger,

For being treacherous Cup-bearers, and poisoning the Cup.

ANNOT.

This is a description of the punishment which the Persians use to afflict upon poisoners; for they were put between two Troughs, which are here called Boats, from their likeness to them, with their face only uncovered, which was daubed with Honey, that the Wasps and Bees might be drawn to it and torment them, they were fed with Milk, which if they refused to do, and had rather dye than be so tormented, then did the Tormenter prick their Eyes with Needles to force them to their diet, and so were they left, till the Vermin eat them up. We have an example of this in the Life of Artaxerxes King of Persia.