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EPIGRAM by DECIMUS MAGNUS AUSONIUS

First Line: HER JEALOUS HUSBAND AN ADULTRESS GAVE
Last Line: SO WHEN FATES PLEASE, EV'N DOUBLE POISONS HEAL.

HER jealous husband an adultress gave
Cold poisons, which too weak she thought for's grave.
A fatal dose of quicksilver then she
Mingles, to haste his double destiny.
Now whilst within themselves they are at strife,
The deadly potion yields to that of life,
And straight from th' hollow stomach both retreat
To th' slipp'ry pipes known to digested meat.
Strange care o'th' gods! the murth'ress doth avail;
So when fates please, ev'n double poisons heal.



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