Extracted from a rotten post.
And again,
’Tis true a scorpion’s oil is said
To cure the wounds the vermin made;
And weapons dress’d with salves restore
And heal the wounds they made before.
In Dryden’s Tempest, the sympathetic treatment is referred to. Hippolito has been wounded by Fernando, and Miranda instructed by Ariel, visits him. Ariel says, “Anoint the sword which pierced him with this weapon salve, and wrap it close from air.” The following is the next scene between Hippolito and Miranda.
Hip. Oh! my wound pains me.
Mir. I am come to ease you.[Unwrapping the sword.
Hip. Alas! I feel the cold air come to me.