To cure an equally undefined affection known as “_le mal volant_” the patient must also take a black hen, and, holding her in both hands, must rub that part of the body in which the pain is felt. The hen used in this incantation must be bought; if a gift, the charm would fail of its effect. After having been used it must not be kept or put to death, but given away. The classical reader will not require to be reminded that cocks were sacrificed to Æsculapius. [205] From Mrs. Dalgairns and Rachel Duport. CELTS. These interesting relics of the aboriginal inhabitants of the island are called by the country people “_fouïdres_,” _i.e._ thunderbolts. It is firmly believed that the house which has the happiness to possess one of them will neither be struck by lightning nor consumed by fire. It is believed that animals that are sick can be cured by giving them water to drink in which a celt has been dipped. ANOTHER COUNTER-CHARM FOR WITCHCRAFT. When a person has reason to believe that either himself or any of his belongings is under the influence of a spell, he should procure the heart of an animal--that of a black sheep is supposed to be the most efficacious,--and, having stuck it over thickly in every part with new pins or nails, put it down to roast before a strong fire. Care must, however, have been taken previously to close up all means of entry into the house, even to stuffing up the key-hole. The heart no sooner begins to feel the influence of the fire than doleful cries are heard from without, which increase more and more as the roasting goes on. Loud knocks are next heard at the door, and urgent appeals for admission are made, so urgent that few have the heart to withstand them. No sooner, however, is the door opened than all the clamour ceases. No one is seen outside, and, on looking at the heart, it is found to be burnt to a cinder. The charm has failed, and those who tried it remain as much under the influence of the sorcerer as ever, with the additional certainty of having offended their enemy without a chance of pardon or pity on his part, nay, they know that they have only exposed themselves to greater persecution in revenge for the pain they have made him suffer; for it is universally believed that the wizards or witches are irresistibly attracted to the place where this counter-spell is being performed; and that, while it lasts, the tortures of the damned are suffered by them. What would occur if the spell were persevered in and the door kept closed is not generally known, but it is thought that as the heart dried up before the flames, the sorcerer would wither away, and that, with the last drop of moisture, his wicked soul would depart to the place of everlasting torment.[206] [206] From Charlotte Du Port. THE SEIGNEUR OF ST. GEORGE AND THE DÉSORCELLEUR.