Asp

a species of viper found in EKgypt, resembling the cobra da capello, and having a very venomous bite, When approached or disturbed it elevates its head and body, swells out its neck, and appears to stand erect to attack the aggre or. Hence the ancient Egyptians believed that the asps were guardians of the spots they inhabited, and the figure of this reptile was adopted as an emblem of the pro genius of the world. Cleopatra is said to have committed suicide by means of an asp’s bite, but the incident is generally a ociated with the horned viper.