The shaft and limbs were rods of yew.
This was dipped in the blood of a slaughtered goat and scathed with flame. Then the priest shook it on high, shouting:
“Woe to the wretch who fails to rear
At this dread sign the ready spear!
For, as the flames this symbol sear,
His home, the refuge of his fear,
A kindred fate shall know.
* * * * *
Sunk be his home in embers red!
And cursed be the meanest shed