Whence sally forth the direful Sisters three,

To do the damage we have cause to fear,

For much they revel in our misery.

[He takes some flocks of hair from the lamb and throws them into the air.

So may the wind make all their projects vain,

And as I now proceed to lave and stain

This shining knife with that pure victim's gore,

With guileless spirit and a purpose plain,

So may Numantia's soil be sprinkled o'er

With Roman blood; and may its reddened sands