But, but..., but..... I LIKE most snakes (even dated a few), Beasties that they are. The Fer de Lance is more like a War Child, Stormbringer, portender of doom.

Nor snake nor slowworm draweth nigh her...

Ogden Nash

But I, like the Fairies, wear boots and try to protect myself. Thigh high leather hiking boots, a bit of a pain in the neck, but a real fashion statement.

Yeah, fairies wear boots and you gotta believe me
Yeah I saw it, I saw it, I tell you no lies
Yeah Fairies wear boots and you gotta believe me
I saw it, I saw it with my own two eyes

Black Sabbath--Fairies Wear Boots

And lived to tell it.