If the serpent bite before it is charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.

If a snake gives a bite before the word of power is said, then there is no longer any use in the word of power.

Εαν ο οφις δαγκανη χωρις συριγμου, πλην και ο συκοφαντης καλητερος δεν ειναι.

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.