Their poison in their hollow teeth collect,
And only then the venom takes effect,
When, pierced the skin, it mingles with the blood:
If from its gums each tooth be torn,
Harmless becomes the snake and innocent;
Around the neck, or arm, or waist ’tis worn,
A strange, but still innocuous ornament.
“But far more mischief, traitor! than the snake,
Thou causest with thy sland’rous tongue alone:
Well, then! this trial I’m disposed to make: