Metrical Charm 5: For Loss of Cattle

As soon as any one tells you that your cattle are lost, then, before you say anything else, say first,—

"Bethlehem was named the town

Wherein Christ was born.

Renowned it is through all the world.

So may this act among men grow famed

Through the Holy Rood of Christ. Amen."

Then pray three times toward the east, and say thrice: "Crux Christi ab oriente reducat;" then pray three times west, and say thrice: "Crux Christi ab occidente reducat;" then pray three times south, and say thrice: "Crux Christi ab austro reducat;" then pray three times north, and say thrice: "Crux Christi ab aquilone reducat, Crux Christi abscondita est et inventa est. The Jews crucified Christ; they did the worst of deeds to him; they hid what they could not hide. So may this deed in no wise be hidden, through the Holy Rood of Christ. Amen."