Alexis: And how soon does it take effect?
Mr. Wells: In twelve hours. Whoever drinks of it loses consciousness for that period, and on waking falls in love, as a matter of course, with the first lady he meets who has also tasted it, and his affection is at once returned. One trial will prove the fact.
Enter Aline with large tea-pot.
Alexis: Good: then, Mr. Wells, I shall feel obliged if you will at once pour as much philtre into this tea-pot as will suffice to affect the whole village.
Aline: But bless me, Alexis, many of the villagers are married people!
Mr. Wells: Madam, this philtre is compounded on the strictest principles. On married people it has no effect whatever. But are you quite sure that you have nerve enough to carry you through the fearful ordeal?
Alexis: In the good cause I fear nothing.
Mr. Wells: Very good, then, we will proceed at once to the Incantation.
In the South Sea Islands amatory aids and spells are still in vogue. The following love incantation involves the love-sick girl Taratake: