Ms. Plut. 73.16, medication-education

[MarcoP]

Basilisca herb. One must gather it in this way: whoever gathers this herb, first, let him consider his own health and go forth purified from all things. Let his garments be pure and immaculate; when he goes, let no menstruating woman touch him, nor any man who is defiled. When he begins to gather the herb, before he approaches it, let him have oak leaves in his hand and spring water from three nymphs; and with that same water let him purify or sprinkle himself, at sunset, using a branch of oak with his right hand. Then let him pray: “Holy goddess Earth,” and the rest that is written at the beginning.

I don't know about the three nymphs: could it be the name of a spring?

Mylène Pradel-Baquerre You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. translates 'aquam fontanam ex tribus nimfis' as “...de l’eau puisée à trois fontaines” (water drawn from three fountains). More literally it would be “spring water [aquam fontanam] drawn from three fountains”. I think that this interpretation makes sense, though "nymph" as "fountain" is not obvious. This reading is also consistent with the illustration. The passage describes an actual procedure, so the “nymphs” cannot refer to the divinities as such, in their woman-like form, but to their manifestation as physical springs.

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Huius nympha loci, sacri custodia fontis,
Dormio, dum blandae sentio murmur aquae.
Parce meum, quisquis tangis cava marmora, somnum
Rumpere. Sive bibas sive lavere tace (CIL, VI/5, 3*e).

I am the nymph of this place, guardian of the sacred spring.
I sleep, lulled by the gentle murmur of the water.
Do not break my slumber, you who touch the hollowed marble;
be silent, whether you drink or bathe.