The Royal Politician represented in One Hundred Emblems ::

The Royal Politician represented in One Hundred Emblems

Written in Spanish by Don Diego Saavedra Faxardo ... With a large Preface, containing an Account of the Author, his Works, and the Usefulness thereof. Done into English from the Original. By Sir Ja. Astry

Astry, James

[dedication]

II.

[volume]

[This naked Skull of Death, the dismal Scene]

On the Author and his Book, in Allusion to the Emblem.

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384

[This naked Skull of Death, the dismal Scene]

This naked Skull of Death, the dismal Scene,
Which now the simple Spider measures o're
With its slight Web; which baffled heretofore
The nicest Subtilties of Humane Brain,

Once wore a Di'dem, and triumphant stood,
As Monarch of the Arts of Peace and War:
His Smiles gave Life; his Anger dire Despair;
And all the World depended on its Nod.

What once gave proudly Laws to War and Peace,
Spiders and Ear-wigs do now possess.
Why then this Pride, O Princes, since the Grave
Makes no Distinction 'twixt the Base and Brave,
Betwixt the mighty Prince and wretched Slave?

385

On the Author and his Book, in Allusion to the Emblem.

Whither so fast, vain Man? 'fore out of breath,
Stop, and behold this lively Scene of Death.
The Head thou seest was Great Saavedra's once,
A greater Name no Rhetorick can pronounce.
Here Piety with Policy were join'd.
Here Honour, Sence and Learning were combin'd,
False Machiavilian Notions to convince,
And form at once a Wise and Vertuous Prince.
Where now, alas! Worms having eat it bare,
The Death-watch Spiders spread their curious Hair,
And with their Bowels nobly re-interr.
Scepters and Crowns here tumbled down you see;
A trifling Loss to one so Great as He:
But since this Work remains, the World may cry,
Death, where's thy Sting? Grave, where's thy Victory?

FINIS.

University of Virginia Library

[This naked Skull of Death, the dismal Scene]

On the Author and his Book, in Allusion to the Emblem.