This exorcism is then pronounced—
Muro, Muro, cursed jade,
If you’re in, then you must out;
Here are Simon Svipu, scissors, blade,
Will put you to the right about.
The birchen charm may remind one of the slips of yew “shivered in the moon’s eclipse,” in Macbeth.
The term “svipu” is used in parts of the country for whip, instead of the real word “svöbe.” And I have no doubt this is the signification of it here—viz., a means of driving away the mare.[12]
But to return to the real Simon Pure—I mean Svipu. Unfortunately, I could not get a sight of it. The good folks either could not, or would not, find the wonderful instrument. I believe, though still in their heart clinging to the ancient superstition, they were averse to confessing it to others.
“But here comes a man,” said the Lehnsman, “who will tell us some curious anecdotes; his name is Solomon Larsen Haugebirke. He is a silversmith and blacksmith by trade, and having been servant to half-a-dozen priests here, he has become waked up, and having a tenacious memory, he can throw a good deal of light on the ancient customs of the valley. Gesegnet arbeid (blessed labour) to you, Solomon.”
“Good day, Mr. Lehnsman. You have got a stranger with you, I see. Is he a Tüsker (German)?”