Emblems Divine, Moral, Natural and Historical Expressed in Sculpture, and Applied to the several Ages, Occasions, and Conditions of the Life of Man. By a person of Quality |
 | EMBLEMS Divine, Moral, Natural and Historical.
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 | Emblems Divine, Moral, Natural and Historical |  |
EMBLEMS Divine, Moral, Natural and Historical.
Expressed in Sculpture, AND Applied to the several Ages, Occasions, and Conditions of the Life of Man.
1
[EMBLEM I.] The Phœnix.
To the Citizens of London.
Have ye suffered so many things in vaine.
Gal: 3. 4
Arabia
's Bird, the Phœnix call'd by name,
May None-such well be term'd, since to the same
None may compared be; nor hath there been
'Bove one at once by any mortal seen.
May None-such well be term'd, since to the same
None may compared be; nor hath there been
'Bove one at once by any mortal seen.
Hundreds of years she having liv'd, at last
Into a bed of Spice her self doth cast;
Which being fired by the heat o'th' Sun,
She is consum'd; and so her life is done.
Into a bed of Spice her self doth cast;
Which being fired by the heat o'th' Sun,
She is consum'd; and so her life is done.
Then from her ashes doth arise a Worm,
Which of another Phœnix soon takes form.
And here great London-Citie comes to minde,
No less remarkable then that in'ts kinde.
Which of another Phœnix soon takes form.
And here great London-Citie comes to minde,
No less remarkable then that in'ts kinde.
For glory, honour, riches, and renown,
She pass'd all places in the world were known:
And whatsoere in others rare was found,
In our Metropolis did much abound.
She pass'd all places in the world were known:
And whatsoere in others rare was found,
In our Metropolis did much abound.
Thus after many Ages prosperous Trade,
(Seeming as 'twere in Wealth her Nest t'have made)
She at the last (th'effect of heavenly ire)
Was put in flames, whereby she did expire.
(Seeming as 'twere in Wealth her Nest t'have made)
She at the last (th'effect of heavenly ire)
Was put in flames, whereby she did expire.
Its ruines soon another Citie raised,
For grace and splendour much more to be praised:
Which God make lasting, and us thankful all,
To see This rise, that saw the Other fall.
For grace and splendour much more to be praised:
Which God make lasting, and us thankful all,
To see This rise, that saw the Other fall.
3
[EMBLEM II.] The good Wife.
To Mrs. S:M: and hir daughter S.M.
A Vertuous Woman her price is far above rubies
pro: 31: 10.
Behold the Emblem of a vertuous Wife,
One not inclin'd to babling and to strife;
Who with her finger doth her tongue restrain,
That so from talking much she may refrain.
One not inclin'd to babling and to strife;
Who with her finger doth her tongue restrain,
That so from talking much she may refrain.
The Countenance is Index of the minde;
And modestie we in her face do finde:
No wanton rolling eye, nor tempting smile,
As if unwary youths she would beguile.
And modestie we in her face do finde:
No wanton rolling eye, nor tempting smile,
As if unwary youths she would beguile.
The Keys which hanging in her hand ye see,
Declare her charge, and her fidelity;
Whereby of Care her Husband she doth ease,
Let him be in, or out, or where he please.
Declare her charge, and her fidelity;
Whereby of Care her Husband she doth ease,
Let him be in, or out, or where he please.
The Tortoise shews she gaddeth not from home,
Nor after Gossips tales abroad doth roam:
But house and family she doth attend,
Minding what's fit therein to make or mend.
Nor after Gossips tales abroad doth roam:
But house and family she doth attend,
Minding what's fit therein to make or mend.
Her Children she gives Education due,
And them instructs in Precepts good and true.
T'her servants she (as well as work) gives food.
Her counsel and example's always good.
And them instructs in Precepts good and true.
T'her servants she (as well as work) gives food.
Her counsel and example's always good.
Her Guests she heartily doth entertain
With wholesome food, not with expences vain.
Both in her food and in her clothing she
Hath due regard to her Good-mans degree.
With wholesome food, not with expences vain.
Both in her food and in her clothing she
Hath due regard to her Good-mans degree.
5
[EMBLEM III.] No Working, no Eating.
To Idle packs.
An Idle soul shall suffer hunger etc.
pro: 19. 15.
We here present to view an idle pair;
That sit and gape, as if they liv'd by th'air:
Father and son suppose; a hopeful breed
Is likely to spring up from such a seed!
That sit and gape, as if they liv'd by th'air:
Father and son suppose; a hopeful breed
Is likely to spring up from such a seed!
Adam, when he did Paradise possess,
Must not be idle, he the same must dress:
And afterward must nothing have to eat,
But what he in the sweat of's brow did get.
Must not be idle, he the same must dress:
And afterward must nothing have to eat,
But what he in the sweat of's brow did get.
The great Apostle Paul, that might command,
Did labour for his food with his own hand:
And wheresoere he came, he order gave
That such as would not work no food should have.
Did labour for his food with his own hand:
And wheresoere he came, he order gave
That such as would not work no food should have.
By Draco's Laws, the slothful man was slain;
The Florentines make banishment his pain:
At Corinth they to such did warning give;
Which if not ta'n, they might no longer live.
The Florentines make banishment his pain:
At Corinth they to such did warning give;
Which if not ta'n, they might no longer live.
An idle minde is Satans shop, where still
He forgeth and contriveth what he will.
For who through sloth at honest work doth grudge,
Must certainly be made the devils drudge.
He forgeth and contriveth what he will.
For who through sloth at honest work doth grudge,
Must certainly be made the devils drudge.
Then unto honest labour bend thy minde,
And thou therein both wealth and peace shalt finde:
For when our mindes are on our Callings set,
Satans injections there no room can get.
And thou therein both wealth and peace shalt finde:
For when our mindes are on our Callings set,
Satans injections there no room can get.
7
[EMBLEM IV.] Take Time by the Foretop
To Time Wasters.
For man also knoweth not his Time.
Eccles: 9. 12.
Behold Occasion standing on a Wheel,
Because she always to and fro doth reel;
Holding a sharpned Razor in her had,
To let all sinful mortals understand
Because she always to and fro doth reel;
Holding a sharpned Razor in her had,
To let all sinful mortals understand
She cuts and slashes all on every side;
And when she comes, she Armies can divide.
Her feet are wing'd, and therefore 'tis we finde
She flees from place to place as swift as winde.
And when she comes, she Armies can divide.
Her feet are wing'd, and therefore 'tis we finde
She flees from place to place as swift as winde.
Long Lock she hath before, whereby w'are told
That we at first on her should take good hold:
She's bald behinde, thereby to signifie
No hold is to be had when she's past by.
That we at first on her should take good hold:
She's bald behinde, thereby to signifie
No hold is to be had when she's past by.
The place wherein she stands is open, free,
That so by all she plainly seen may be;
To whom they may in due time make repair,
And take hold on her ere she turns the bare.
That so by all she plainly seen may be;
To whom they may in due time make repair,
And take hold on her ere she turns the bare.
Which if they do not, let them not complain,
Although perhaps they in ill case remain:
For certainly with them t'had not been so,
If they Occasion had not oft let go.
Although perhaps they in ill case remain:
For certainly with them t'had not been so,
If they Occasion had not oft let go.
Occasion is the Christians day of grace,
Which if he wretchedly do once let pass,
Nothing thereafter doth on him attend,
But expectation of a fearful end.
Which if he wretchedly do once let pass,
Nothing thereafter doth on him attend,
But expectation of a fearful end.
9
[EMBLEM V.] Whet no Let.
To the Labourious.
The Labour of the rightuous tendeth to life.
pro: 10. 16.
Next comes upon our Stage the painful Mower,
Who toils in sun and sweat with all his power,
That he may thereby gain a small supply
For the necessities of 's family.
Who toils in sun and sweat with all his power,
That he may thereby gain a small supply
For the necessities of 's family.
Early he rises, and to work he goes,
Else cannot be perform'd his task, he knows:
He clears his way of all things that may let;
Yet notwithstanding will take time to whet.
Else cannot be perform'd his task, he knows:
He clears his way of all things that may let;
Yet notwithstanding will take time to whet.
But that time is not lost: he's thereby made
More apt and fit to carry on his Trade:
Quicker and better cuts he then before,
And of his work he rids away much more.
More apt and fit to carry on his Trade:
Quicker and better cuts he then before,
And of his work he rids away much more.
Thus every Christian hath his work set out,
Which in his life-time he must bring about;
That so he may, as here his lot shall fall,
Provide things honest in the sight of all.
Which in his life-time he must bring about;
That so he may, as here his lot shall fall,
Provide things honest in the sight of all.
Yet must he not so much his gain respect,
As duties (the souls whetstone) to neglect:
For by them we do great refreshment finde,
When they're performed with a heavenly minde.
As duties (the souls whetstone) to neglect:
For by them we do great refreshment finde,
When they're performed with a heavenly minde.
In Israels Land, all males did thrice a year
Before the Lord at his own place appear;
Yet whilst they thus perform'd the Lords command,
No enemy durst ere invade their Land.
Before the Lord at his own place appear;
Yet whilst they thus perform'd the Lords command,
No enemy durst ere invade their Land.
11
[EMBLEM VI.] First consider, then speak.
To Bablers
Let thy words be few
Eccle: 5. 2.
The while the Bird remains within our hand,
So long 'tis at our absolute command:
But when it once hath scap'd and fled away,
Then we in vain may call to bid it stay.
So long 'tis at our absolute command:
But when it once hath scap'd and fled away,
Then we in vain may call to bid it stay.
Whoere he be that walketh warily,
And makes his foot keep even pace with's eye,
Shall many a rub and knock thereby avoid,
Wherewith unwary persons are annoy'd.
And makes his foot keep even pace with's eye,
Shall many a rub and knock thereby avoid,
Wherewith unwary persons are annoy'd.
That man that takes another for his friend,
Had need some time in his probation spend:
For whom oft-times we think for friend we have,
Proves nothing better then a flattering knave.
Had need some time in his probation spend:
For whom oft-times we think for friend we have,
Proves nothing better then a flattering knave.
He that a good Horse hath, and doth him prize
For service, shape, for colour, or for size,
Will have the greater care of him therefore,
And ere the Steed be stole, shut stable-door.
For service, shape, for colour, or for size,
Will have the greater care of him therefore,
And ere the Steed be stole, shut stable-door.
A word once spoken cann't be call'd again,
Let it be good or bad, useful, or vain:
All wise men therefore will consider well,
Before they speak, what they to others tell.
Let it be good or bad, useful, or vain:
All wise men therefore will consider well,
Before they speak, what they to others tell.
For they that thus do, boldly may speak on:
But he whose tongue before his wit doth run,
Out of his lips such things doth often vent,
Whereof he ever justly may repent.
But he whose tongue before his wit doth run,
Out of his lips such things doth often vent,
Whereof he ever justly may repent.
13
[EMBLEM VII.] Industry prevents Indigence.
To Youth
Remember now thy Creator in the dayes of thy youth.
Eccl: 12. 1.
In youthful days, when Spirits boil up high,
And Wits are brisk and quick, then we thereby
May useful things the better comprehend,
Which may be useful to us till our end.
And Wits are brisk and quick, then we thereby
May useful things the better comprehend,
Which may be useful to us till our end.
Make use of Time therefore, and use the means:
For Time doth pass apace, and change its Scenes.
Take Time by th'foretop, and there hold it fast,
Lest thou bewail thy slothfulness at last.
For Time doth pass apace, and change its Scenes.
Take Time by th'foretop, and there hold it fast,
Lest thou bewail thy slothfulness at last.
The riches of the minde all others pass;
They make us be accepted in each place:
Many thereby are rais'd to honours high;
And so from mean, do raise their family.
They make us be accepted in each place:
Many thereby are rais'd to honours high;
And so from mean, do raise their family.
Whereas those sluggards that neglect their prime,
Remain in stupid dulness all their time;
Are not regarded, nor are good for ought,
But commonly to beggery are brought.
Remain in stupid dulness all their time;
Are not regarded, nor are good for ought,
But commonly to beggery are brought.
Behold the Hour-glass, see how it does run!
By Candle we should studie when day's done;
And all too little, if we did but minde
The great advantage we might thereby finde.
By Candle we should studie when day's done;
And all too little, if we did but minde
The great advantage we might thereby finde.
See here likewise, and view an open Book,
Inviting learners thereinto to look.
If knowledge true we earnestly endeavour,
We certainly are thereby made for ever.
Inviting learners thereinto to look.
If knowledge true we earnestly endeavour,
We certainly are thereby made for ever.
15
[EMBLEM VIII.] Soon ripe, soon rotten.
To the Serious.
Discretion shall preserve thee
prov. 2. 11.
The fruits that are first ripe, or first mature,
Do soonest rot, and least of all endure:
When such as ripen by a slow gradation
From rotting have the longest preservation.
Do soonest rot, and least of all endure:
When such as ripen by a slow gradation
From rotting have the longest preservation.
If in the dust we any thing do write,
A blast of winde will straight deface it quite:
But if in Marble we impression make,
Nor time, nor age, it thence can hardly take.
A blast of winde will straight deface it quite:
But if in Marble we impression make,
Nor time, nor age, it thence can hardly take.
Green wood when first it's laid upon the fire
Burns not so soon as we perhaps desire:
But when on it the fire doth once take hold,
With greater force it drives away the cold.
Burns not so soon as we perhaps desire:
But when on it the fire doth once take hold,
With greater force it drives away the cold.
Many at first are hardly to be taught;
But things once in their apprehensions caught,
Are far more fixedly by them retained
Then those that with more ease the same had gained.
But things once in their apprehensions caught,
Are far more fixedly by them retained
Then those that with more ease the same had gained.
In judging Wits therefore care's to be had,
Not to reject a youth as a dull lad
Because he does not straightway comprehend
What we unto his knowledge would commend.
Not to reject a youth as a dull lad
Because he does not straightway comprehend
What we unto his knowledge would commend.
For better 'tis gradatim to attain
Ingenious arts that may with us remain,
Then soon to fill our heads with notions plenty,
And yet retain for use not one in twenty.
Ingenious arts that may with us remain,
Then soon to fill our heads with notions plenty,
And yet retain for use not one in twenty.
17
[EMBLEM IX.] Sweet Meat, sowre Sauce.
To pleasure lovers.
Man is borne unto trouble
Job. 5. 7.
Sharp prickles every way do Roses guard,
As 'twere from injuries the same to ward:
For they appearing lovely to the eye,
Are often nipt by such as pass them by.
As 'twere from injuries the same to ward:
For they appearing lovely to the eye,
Are often nipt by such as pass them by.
If therefore we to Roses have a minde,
We shall be sure the prickles sharp to finde;
The which if to avoid we take not heed,
They'll scratch our finger, and so make it bleed.
We shall be sure the prickles sharp to finde;
The which if to avoid we take not heed,
They'll scratch our finger, and so make it bleed.
But when we have the Rose, for all the cost,
Its sweetness makes us think no labour lost:
For though the finger with a prick do meet,
Our nostrils are refreshed with the sweet.
Its sweetness makes us think no labour lost:
For though the finger with a prick do meet,
Our nostrils are refreshed with the sweet.
Here, without sowre, no sweet we can enjoy;
Contentment can't be had without annoy:
The truth on't is, no sweets or sowres there are,
But as the one with th'other we compare.
Contentment can't be had without annoy:
The truth on't is, no sweets or sowres there are,
But as the one with th'other we compare.
After a storm, a calm doth most us please;
After hard labour, we delight in ease:
After cold Winter, pleasant is the Spring;
And after mourning, grateful 'tis to sing.
After hard labour, we delight in ease:
After cold Winter, pleasant is the Spring;
And after mourning, grateful 'tis to sing.
The world is at no certainty; but still
'Twill change and vary, do we what we will:
Which to prevent, it is not in our power;
But, with the sweet, we must in'ts turn have sowre.
'Twill change and vary, do we what we will:
Which to prevent, it is not in our power;
But, with the sweet, we must in'ts turn have sowre.
19
EMBLEM X. Beware of a Lyer.
To Lyers.
A double minded man is unstable in all his wayes
Jam: 1. 8
A certain Country-man had to his guest
A Satyr (half a man, and half a beast).
The man at night from work doth home retire,
Where being come, he sits him down by th'fire.
A Satyr (half a man, and half a beast).
The man at night from work doth home retire,
Where being come, he sits him down by th'fire.
He shak'd and shiver'd, (for 'twas frost and snow)
And to put heat in them, his hands did blow:
Which being by the Satyr noted, he
Would know the reason why it so should be.
And to put heat in them, his hands did blow:
Which being by the Satyr noted, he
Would know the reason why it so should be.
He by his Landlord presently was told
It was to get in heat, and drive out cold.
Now supper-time was come, when each his seat
Did take, in order to sit down to eat.
It was to get in heat, and drive out cold.
Now supper-time was come, when each his seat
Did take, in order to sit down to eat.
Down being set, the man his broth did blow.
The Satyr needs must know why he did so.
'Tis (quoth the man) because it is too hot,
Being newly taken from the boyling pot.
The Satyr needs must know why he did so.
'Tis (quoth the man) because it is too hot,
Being newly taken from the boyling pot.
With that the Satyr in a passion fell,
And said, If thou blow hot and cold, farewel.
I'll never in that house take my repose,
Where from the same mouth hot & cold both blows.
And said, If thou blow hot and cold, farewel.
I'll never in that house take my repose,
Where from the same mouth hot & cold both blows.
Whereby we are forewarned to beware
Of those who double-tongu'd in talking are;
Not to put trust in such at any rate,
Nor suffer them to lodge within our gate.
Of those who double-tongu'd in talking are;
Not to put trust in such at any rate,
Nor suffer them to lodge within our gate.
21
EMBLEM XI. Death and Sleep compared.
To the Secure
Awake thou that sleepest, etc:
Ephes: 5. 14.
Since Sleep and Death so near resemblance bear,
Why should we more the one then th'other fear?
For there's no difference 'twixt the one and t'other,
But that the one hath breath, and not the other.
Why should we more the one then th'other fear?
For there's no difference 'twixt the one and t'other,
But that the one hath breath, and not the other.
By both we do obtain alike release
From pain and trouble, which in both do cease:
Yet though in ease and rest we take delight,
The thoughts of death the veryest wretch affright.
From pain and trouble, which in both do cease:
Yet though in ease and rest we take delight,
The thoughts of death the veryest wretch affright.
Nay, one advantage Death hath over Sleep;
In perfect rest and peace it doth us keep:
Whereas our Sleep hath often fears and frights,
Distracting dreams, and seeming dismal sights.
In perfect rest and peace it doth us keep:
Whereas our Sleep hath often fears and frights,
Distracting dreams, and seeming dismal sights.
Yea, many fall asleep, that wake no more;
But to be rais'd from death, we all are sure:
No matter whether quickly, or long hence;
'Tis both alike to them that have no sence.
But to be rais'd from death, we all are sure:
No matter whether quickly, or long hence;
'Tis both alike to them that have no sence.
But this fear happens 'cause we take no care
For Death and Judgement duely to prepare:
For if 'twixt God and us we kept things right,
The thoughts of death would never us affright.
For Death and Judgement duely to prepare:
For if 'twixt God and us we kept things right,
The thoughts of death would never us affright.
That Steward was by Christ pronounced blest,
Who to do his Lords will himself addrest:
But he that did not to the same attend,
Did share with unbelievers in the end.
Who to do his Lords will himself addrest:
But he that did not to the same attend,
Did share with unbelievers in the end.
23
EMBLEM XII. The Gardens excellencie.
To Gardners.
My beloved is gon downe into his Garden to gather Lillyes.
Cant: 6. 2.
Gardens are always stor'd with objects rare,
And such as to the sight most pleasant are:
Not onely so, but nostrils too are fill'd
With fragrant scents which Gardens use to yeeld.
And such as to the sight most pleasant are:
Not onely so, but nostrils too are fill'd
With fragrant scents which Gardens use to yeeld.
As well as pleasure, Gardens profit bring
By herbs, roots, fruits for food that therein spring;
And Physick-herbs therein are also found,
Which cure the sore, and make diseased sound.
By herbs, roots, fruits for food that therein spring;
And Physick-herbs therein are also found,
Which cure the sore, and make diseased sound.
There Arbors grow, by art and nature made,
Which in hot Summer yeeld a cooling shade;
And therein pleasant Fountains oft are seen,
To bathe the body, and to make it clean.
Which in hot Summer yeeld a cooling shade;
And therein pleasant Fountains oft are seen,
To bathe the body, and to make it clean.
Gardens are spacious, and have many a walk,
Where friend with friend conveniently may talk
Of Gods great works presented there to eye,
And for the same his Name may magnifie.
Where friend with friend conveniently may talk
Of Gods great works presented there to eye,
And for the same his Name may magnifie.
Of any seed or plant if we'd have store,
Or if from what we have, we would have more,
We them in Gardens do as 'twere intomb,
Where they're prepar'd for spring as in a womb.
Or if from what we have, we would have more,
We them in Gardens do as 'twere intomb,
Where they're prepar'd for spring as in a womb.
Gods Church to Garden is compar'd, we finde,
Wherein (as flowers) are graces of each kinde,
Which when the Spirits winde on them doth blow,
Their fragrant scent doth forthwith from them flow.
Wherein (as flowers) are graces of each kinde,
Which when the Spirits winde on them doth blow,
Their fragrant scent doth forthwith from them flow.
25
EMBLEM XIII. A Contented minde worth all.
To Contented.
In what soever state, I am therewith Content.
phil: 4: 11:
In stately palaces, and buildings high,
Contentment does not always chuse to lie:
But very often it seems good to use
The meanest lodging, such as poor men use.
Contentment does not always chuse to lie:
But very often it seems good to use
The meanest lodging, such as poor men use.
Diogenes would live within a Tun,
Which he in Winter open'd to the Sun;
But when he could not Summers heat abide,
Then he it open'd on the shady side.
Which he in Winter open'd to the Sun;
But when he could not Summers heat abide,
Then he it open'd on the shady side.
This unto him so great content did bring,
That when he was demanded by the King
What favour at his hands he did desire,
Stand out o'th' Sun, (quoth he) I thee require.
That when he was demanded by the King
What favour at his hands he did desire,
Stand out o'th' Sun, (quoth he) I thee require.
Which did so much affect this great Commander,
That he said, If I were not Alexander,
Diogenes I straight would chuse to be,
That of all fear and care doth live so free.
That he said, If I were not Alexander,
Diogenes I straight would chuse to be,
That of all fear and care doth live so free.
Bias his goods about him well could bear,
And Codrus had mean cates his heart to chear;
His food was roots, his table was a stool:
Yet neither of these twain was counted fool.
And Codrus had mean cates his heart to chear;
His food was roots, his table was a stool:
Yet neither of these twain was counted fool.
For who is rich? He that doth nought require;
And who is poor? He that doth all desire.
When we have all we can, we still want more:
And he that always wants, is always poor.
And who is poor? He that doth all desire.
When we have all we can, we still want more:
And he that always wants, is always poor.
27
EMBLEM XIV. The World's drudgery.
To Worldlings.
For there worme shall not die. etc:
Isa: 56: 24.
Loe
Sisyphies, that most notorious Thief,
Who in that faculty it seems was chief,
And being for that fault condemn'd to hell,
There rolling of a stone doth ever dwell.
Who in that faculty it seems was chief,
And being for that fault condemn'd to hell,
There rolling of a stone doth ever dwell.
What he gets up the hill with toil and pain,
Returns with greater force on him again:
Then he again must to his labour fall,
And so again, though to no end at all.
Returns with greater force on him again:
Then he again must to his labour fall,
And so again, though to no end at all.
Of Adams off-spring this is just the case;
Now here, now there, not resting in one place:
Yet when this place and that place we have try'd,
Our pain and travel it doth still abide.
Now here, now there, not resting in one place:
Yet when this place and that place we have try'd,
Our pain and travel it doth still abide.
But Exercise is good for man, indeed,
As use for Iron, which else rust will breed:
Yet, if in use we don't the same employ,
The rust and canker will't at length destroy.
As use for Iron, which else rust will breed:
Yet, if in use we don't the same employ,
The rust and canker will't at length destroy.
As Schoolmasters the hardest tasks do set
On them from whom they most applause may get:
So God expecteth most from them whose ways
Are order'd so as may set forth his praise.
On them from whom they most applause may get:
So God expecteth most from them whose ways
Are order'd so as may set forth his praise.
Gods people are his Husbandry, and they
Must plow'd and harrow'd be, that so they may
Good fruits unto the Husbandman afford,
And be a field that's blessed of the Lord.
Must plow'd and harrow'd be, that so they may
Good fruits unto the Husbandman afford,
And be a field that's blessed of the Lord.
29
EMBLEM XV. The good Physician.
To Learned Physicians.
This Emblem is humbly presented.
Here in this Figure is presented thus
The fam'd Physician, Æsculapius,
Who had such skill in Physick, (it should seem)
That as a God the people did him deem.
The fam'd Physician, Æsculapius,
Who had such skill in Physick, (it should seem)
That as a God the people did him deem.
Which by his Lawrel-Crown is represented.
His Beard declares him well experimented,
And grave likewise; both which do well commend
All such as Physicks practice do pretend.
His Beard declares him well experimented,
And grave likewise; both which do well commend
All such as Physicks practice do pretend.
The Scepter shews how he doth bear the sway
Among his Patients; none dares say him nay.
The ragged Staff denotes his crabbed skill,
Or else in stead of cure, he'd often kill.
Among his Patients; none dares say him nay.
The ragged Staff denotes his crabbed skill,
Or else in stead of cure, he'd often kill.
His Sitting shews he must have minde sedate,
That so he may all rash proceeding hate.
The Serpent shews how he doth age restore,
And oft recover persons from deaths door.
That so he may all rash proceeding hate.
The Serpent shews how he doth age restore,
And oft recover persons from deaths door.
The wakeful Cock his watching doth declare,
The better of his Patients to take care.
The Dog of faithfulness is emblem true;
Which a Physician ought all times to shew.
The better of his Patients to take care.
The Dog of faithfulness is emblem true;
Which a Physician ought all times to shew.
Physicians that are qualifi'd like this,
Of making Cures can rare or never miss:
But wanting true endowments for the same,
They of Physicians do usurp the name.
Of making Cures can rare or never miss:
But wanting true endowments for the same,
They of Physicians do usurp the name.
31
EMBLEM XVI. Others Harms, our Arms.
To the Imprudent.
A prudent man foreseeth the evil,
pro: 23. 3.
Behold this Gamester here, how he's intent;
He dreads no danger, nor no sad event:
He's not concern'd at all with frights or fears,
Although the house do flame about his ears.
He dreads no danger, nor no sad event:
He's not concern'd at all with frights or fears,
Although the house do flame about his ears.
Yet wisdom would us teach, when danger's nigh,
That to secure our selves we should apply;
And when a fire in neighbours house is known,
Then to be careful to secure our own.
That to secure our selves we should apply;
And when a fire in neighbours house is known,
Then to be careful to secure our own.
Archimedes, that man of great renown,
Was so concern'd for Syracuse his Town,
That he for its defence was plodding on,
Even till the enemy the Town had won.
Was so concern'd for Syracuse his Town,
That he for its defence was plodding on,
Even till the enemy the Town had won.
Madness it is to think we're danger-free
When midst of dangers we encompass'd be.
As if when foes a Citie do distress,
Th'inhabitants should think their danger less!
When midst of dangers we encompass'd be.
As if when foes a Citie do distress,
Th'inhabitants should think their danger less!
Yea, they that do to others help deny,
Or else defer, in their necessity,
May justly then from other men expect
In greatest need to finde the like neglect.
Or else defer, in their necessity,
May justly then from other men expect
In greatest need to finde the like neglect.
When mischief is begun, let's not delay,
But it suppress with all the speed we may:
For when beginnings we with care keep down,
We may be sure its conquest is our own.
But it suppress with all the speed we may:
For when beginnings we with care keep down,
We may be sure its conquest is our own.
33
EMBLEM XVII. The World's Vanity.
To the Temperate.
Enter not into the path of the wicked.
prov: 4. 14
Heraclitus
sits weeping: well he may;
Considering how poor mortals day by day
Fresh miseries encounter, till at last,
Worn out with woes, they off this stage are cast.
Considering how poor mortals day by day
Fresh miseries encounter, till at last,
Worn out with woes, they off this stage are cast.
Democritus on th'other side laughs loud,
To think that men should be so vain and proud,
To heap up riches for their infant-elves,
Which oftentimes do die before themselves.
To think that men should be so vain and proud,
To heap up riches for their infant-elves,
Which oftentimes do die before themselves.
Who may not with the first of these bewail
Those horrid crimes which everywhere prevail,
Which oft-times do procure some sad event
Whereof the actors may too late repent?
Those horrid crimes which everywhere prevail,
Which oft-times do procure some sad event
Whereof the actors may too late repent?
Excess and riot body hurt, we finde;
Rancour and malice do disturb the minde:
All sins upon the conscience leave a stain,
Which flouds of tears can scarce wash off again.
Rancour and malice do disturb the minde:
All sins upon the conscience leave a stain,
Which flouds of tears can scarce wash off again.
Who may not likewise with the second laugh,
To see how men to day carouse and quaff,
Not thinking how that death, or pain, or sorrow,
May seize on them to night, before to-morrow?
To see how men to day carouse and quaff,
Not thinking how that death, or pain, or sorrow,
May seize on them to night, before to-morrow?
Many are dead, were yesterday alive;
Many decay'd, that yesterday did thrive;
Many are sick, that yesterday were well;
Many then here on earth, are now in hell.
Many decay'd, that yesterday did thrive;
Many are sick, that yesterday were well;
Many then here on earth, are now in hell.
35
EMBLEM XVIII. The Womans defence.
To Faire Women.
As a Jewell of Gold in a swines snout so is a fair Woman without discretion
Pro: 11. 22.
When God Almighty made at first the world,
Out of the Chaos into which 'twas hurl'd,
A nature he gave all things, by whose law
In all respects they should be kept in awe.
Out of the Chaos into which 'twas hurl'd,
A nature he gave all things, by whose law
In all respects they should be kept in awe.
By that same law, each creature had its arms,
Or to resist, or to keep off all harms.
Bulls, which for madness range about and roar,
When ought affronts them, with their horns can gore.
Or to resist, or to keep off all harms.
Bulls, which for madness range about and roar,
When ought affronts them, with their horns can gore.
Horses, when any trouble they do feel,
Are nimble-footed, and can kick with heel.
What hurts the Lion, he straight gripes in's paws,
And rends it piecemeal with his hungry jaws.
Are nimble-footed, and can kick with heel.
What hurts the Lion, he straight gripes in's paws,
And rends it piecemeal with his hungry jaws.
If trembling Wat on hunt be hard pursu'd,
He with exceeding swiftness is indu'd.
If Fish endanger'd be by Anglers bait,
By help of fins they're out of harms way straight.
He with exceeding swiftness is indu'd.
If Fish endanger'd be by Anglers bait,
By help of fins they're out of harms way straight.
Birds on the wing betake themselves to flight,
If any danger come within their sight.
Woman is onely helpless left alone;
Arms of offence or defence she hath none.
If any danger come within their sight.
Woman is onely helpless left alone;
Arms of offence or defence she hath none.
But in their stead, Nature gave her a face,
Wherein is planted such an awful grace,
As makes the bold, fierce, swift, submit and bow,
In token of subjection they her owe.
Wherein is planted such an awful grace,
As makes the bold, fierce, swift, submit and bow,
In token of subjection they her owe.
37
EMBLEM XIX. Know when ye are well.
To Flatterers.
Sicilian
Dionysius had a slave,
That him to flatter, would say what he'd have;
Democles was he call'd; whom to repay,
That he should King't a while the King gave way.
That him to flatter, would say what he'd have;
Democles was he call'd; whom to repay,
That he should King't a while the King gave way.
In Royal Robes straightway he's Prince-like clad,
And for his Seat a Royal Throne he had:
Great Peers and Nobles did on him attend;
The dainties of his Table had no end.
And for his Seat a Royal Throne he had:
Great Peers and Nobles did on him attend;
The dainties of his Table had no end.
His Bed of gold, whose Coverings costly are,
And all his Furniture is rich and rare:
Melodious Airs his ears do entertain,
And everywhere Perfumes refresh his brain.
And all his Furniture is rich and rare:
Melodious Airs his ears do entertain,
And everywhere Perfumes refresh his brain.
Now to the height of state and glory brought,
One askt him what of this fine life he thought:
Who answered, It is the onely heaven,
No life like this to mortals can be given.
One askt him what of this fine life he thought:
Who answered, It is the onely heaven,
No life like this to mortals can be given.
But set in's Throne, just ore his head he spy'd
A Sword (point downward) to a hair was ty'd;
Which having seen, he with distracted minde,
In mirth or meats no joy or sweet could finde.
A Sword (point downward) to a hair was ty'd;
Which having seen, he with distracted minde,
In mirth or meats no joy or sweet could finde.
Then humbly pray'd the King him to restore
To the same state wherein he was before;
And that he to his pomp would put an end,
Since on the same such danger did attend.
To the same state wherein he was before;
And that he to his pomp would put an end,
Since on the same such danger did attend.
39
EMBLEM XX. Diligence makes rich.
To the Idle.
Goe to the Ant, thou sluggard consider her wayes.
pro: 6. 6.
Labour behold advanc'd in Chariot high,
And drawn by Ants, emblem of industry;
Abounding in all plenty, therewith crown'd;
Possessing all that in the world is found.
And drawn by Ants, emblem of industry;
Abounding in all plenty, therewith crown'd;
Possessing all that in the world is found.
Sloth sits by weeping, tatter'd, rent and torn,
Neer pin'd for want, ruing the time she's born.
But all the comfort she from Labour gains,
Is to be scourged soundly for her pains.
Neer pin'd for want, ruing the time she's born.
But all the comfort she from Labour gains,
Is to be scourged soundly for her pains.
The Grashopper at the poor Ant did jeer,
For toyling all the pleasant time o'th' year;
Whereas for her part she did no such thing,
But hopt about, and merrily did sing.
For toyling all the pleasant time o'th' year;
Whereas for her part she did no such thing,
But hopt about, and merrily did sing.
But Winter coming, th'Ant takes to her hill,
Where she is warm, and findes of food her fill;
Th'other, whose work to sing in Summer 'twas,
For cold and hunger now cries Wo, alas!
Where she is warm, and findes of food her fill;
Th'other, whose work to sing in Summer 'twas,
For cold and hunger now cries Wo, alas!
Hence learn, that while we youth and health enjoy,
We profitably should our selves employ;
Lest, when old-age and sickness do assail us,
We finde all means of sustenance to fail us.
We profitably should our selves employ;
Lest, when old-age and sickness do assail us,
We finde all means of sustenance to fail us.
How sad will our condition then appear,
When none to help or pitie will come neer;
But all will say, No matter, take the smart;
For idleness thou justly punisht art.
When none to help or pitie will come neer;
But all will say, No matter, take the smart;
For idleness thou justly punisht art.
41
EMBLEM XXI. Pride will have a fall.
To the proude.
Pride goeth before destruction
pro: 16. 18.
Behold the dire effect of tow'ring pride,
In Niobe, who to one deifi'd
Would needs compare; for which presumption high
She saw the death of all her progeny.
In Niobe, who to one deifi'd
Would needs compare; for which presumption high
She saw the death of all her progeny.
At sight whereof, such grief did her surprise,
That flouds of tears did issue from her eyes,
Which so continued, until (says Fame)
A weeping Marble she at last became.
That flouds of tears did issue from her eyes,
Which so continued, until (says Fame)
A weeping Marble she at last became.
Thus mortals of their state impatient grown,
Aspire to get up higher, till they're thrown
Down to th'abyss of misery and wo:
Thanks to their pride that brought them down so low
Aspire to get up higher, till they're thrown
Down to th'abyss of misery and wo:
Thanks to their pride that brought them down so low
Birth, Honours, Titles, some so raise, that they
All others deem as contemptible; nay,
They on the rest at such a distance look,
As if themselves for more then men they took.
All others deem as contemptible; nay,
They on the rest at such a distance look,
As if themselves for more then men they took.
The Rich and Opulent that hoord up bags,
Contemn the Poor and Needy cloath'd in rags;
And for no other cause that I guess may,
But, t'other have not Coffers cram'd, as they.
Contemn the Poor and Needy cloath'd in rags;
And for no other cause that I guess may,
But, t'other have not Coffers cram'd, as they.
Whereas One, of one mold, did make us all;
The Poor as well as Rich; as Great, so Small:
Let not the High therefore the Low despise;
God brings down Proud, and makes the Humble rise.
The Poor as well as Rich; as Great, so Small:
Let not the High therefore the Low despise;
God brings down Proud, and makes the Humble rise.
43
EMBLEM XXII. For Work, or for Weapon.
TO LEIVTENANT: HĒ: STRODE.
They which built, with one hand wrought in the worke, and with the other hand held a weapon
Nehemia 4: 17.
Jerusalem
reduc'd to ruines all,
Fortless, defenceless, and without a wall;
For its repair the Jews receive command;
Which Sanballat, with others, do withstand.
Fortless, defenceless, and without a wall;
For its repair the Jews receive command;
Which Sanballat, with others, do withstand.
In this work Nehemiah was o'rseer,
Who of no opposition stood in fear:
He marshalled the people into bands,
Appointing unto them their several stands.
Who of no opposition stood in fear:
He marshalled the people into bands,
Appointing unto them their several stands.
The high as well as low, the rich as poor,
He set unto the work; and, which is more,
Unto the God of heaven he often pray'd,
That he would be to them defence and aid.
He set unto the work; and, which is more,
Unto the God of heaven he often pray'd,
That he would be to them defence and aid.
Those that in work were on the wall employ'd,
And so by th'foe most apt to be annoy'd,
With one hand wrought, the other Weapon held,
By which th'assailants force might be repell'd.
And so by th'foe most apt to be annoy'd,
With one hand wrought, the other Weapon held,
By which th'assailants force might be repell'd.
Builder and Souldier thus in one united,
Defence was made, the enemy was slighted:
For every one that in this building wrought,
A Sword as well as Trowel with him brought.
Defence was made, the enemy was slighted:
For every one that in this building wrought,
A Sword as well as Trowel with him brought.
Behold an emblem of the Christian race!
When we work our salvation out by grace,
Satan will always opposition make,
Unless Gods armour we do to us take.
When we work our salvation out by grace,
Satan will always opposition make,
Unless Gods armour we do to us take.
45
EMBLEM XXIII. The dutiful Son.
To the obedient.
Children obey your Parents. in the Lord.
Ephes: 6. 1.
When famous Troy a long Siege had sustained,
And by the whole Greek force could not be ganed,
At last, arrived at its utmost date,
It was enforced to submit to fate.
And by the whole Greek force could not be ganed,
At last, arrived at its utmost date,
It was enforced to submit to fate.
Well may we think the towns-mens case was sad,
Whenas the Victors with revenge were mad;
To which so highly they provoked were,
By having been repulsed full ten year.
Whenas the Victors with revenge were mad;
To which so highly they provoked were,
By having been repulsed full ten year.
Destruction did in every corner rage;
None did respect condition, sex or age:
The tender Infants dashed on the ground;
Aged and Impotent no mercy found.
None did respect condition, sex or age:
The tender Infants dashed on the ground;
Aged and Impotent no mercy found.
The Citie being fir'd, was on a blaze,
Whereat the people round about did gaze:
Each one to save himself did cast about,
And how to be deliver'd from the rout.
Whereat the people round about did gaze:
Each one to save himself did cast about,
And how to be deliver'd from the rout.
Warlike Æneas had an aged father,
Whom he'd not leave, but hazard's own life rather;
And therefore takes him up upon his back,
And by the light o'th' fire away doth pack.
Whom he'd not leave, but hazard's own life rather;
And therefore takes him up upon his back,
And by the light o'th' fire away doth pack.
This all instructs, that they should do no less,
But aged parents help in their distress:
Reproving thousands, who, unto their shame,
Do oft neglect the stock whereof they came.
But aged parents help in their distress:
Reproving thousands, who, unto their shame,
Do oft neglect the stock whereof they came.
47
EMBLEM XXIV. The Impotent Begger.
To the helpless. The Impotent Beggar
Of sturdy Beggers we have too great store
In Town and Country pass from door to door,
Who by their sloth themselves do Beggers make,
That begging for a trade they up may take.
In Town and Country pass from door to door,
Who by their sloth themselves do Beggers make,
That begging for a trade they up may take.
But here behold a Begger poor indeed,
Who nothing can supply to help his need:
Nor hands nor feet to him can succour give,
And therefore he must beg, or else not live.
Who nothing can supply to help his need:
Nor hands nor feet to him can succour give,
And therefore he must beg, or else not live.
We all should Beggers be at throne of grace,
With lift-up hands, and with erected face;
And God has promis'd them that his Name fear,
That he in every Nation will them hear.
With lift-up hands, and with erected face;
And God has promis'd them that his Name fear,
That he in every Nation will them hear.
Nothing have we whereon we may rely;
None of our best deeds will us justifie:
Therefore if meerly on our selves we trust,
Without all remedy we perish must.
None of our best deeds will us justifie:
Therefore if meerly on our selves we trust,
Without all remedy we perish must.
But so much grace doth God vouchsafe to all
The faithful, that he'll hear before they call:
Let us therefore in faith to him apply,
Who none upbraids, but giveth liberally.
The faithful, that he'll hear before they call:
Let us therefore in faith to him apply,
Who none upbraids, but giveth liberally.
He setteth none to drive us from his gates,
But us invites to most delicious cates;
Proclaiming unto every one that will,
That he may come, and freely take his fill.
But us invites to most delicious cates;
Proclaiming unto every one that will,
That he may come, and freely take his fill.
49
EMBLEM XXV. Kindred not always Friends.
To Fowlers.
In vaine the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
prov. 1. 17.
Eating of wild fowl being now in season,
The fowler how to catch them plotteth treason:
Pursuant whereunto, he spreads his Net,
Wherein he hopes good store of Ducks to get.
The fowler how to catch them plotteth treason:
Pursuant whereunto, he spreads his Net,
Wherein he hopes good store of Ducks to get.
He's careful nought to do that may them scare,
Lest he should be deprived of his fare;
And patiently doth wait the happie hour
When he may get his game within his power.
Lest he should be deprived of his fare;
And patiently doth wait the happie hour
When he may get his game within his power.
But these fowls flie so high up in the air,
That them to take the fowler would despair,
But that he had been taught a cunning art,
To make one of themselves to act his part.
That them to take the fowler would despair,
But that he had been taught a cunning art,
To make one of themselves to act his part.
A tamed Duck therefore he doth provide,
Which be'ng let flie when once the game is spi'd,
Joyns with the flock, and stays, till at the last
Down she flies to the Net, and they as fast.
Which be'ng let flie when once the game is spi'd,
Joyns with the flock, and stays, till at the last
Down she flies to the Net, and they as fast.
Thus many by relations are decoy'd
With fair pretences, till they are destroy'd;
And they oft-times who on their kin rely,
Do finde that they their trust most falsifie.
With fair pretences, till they are destroy'd;
And they oft-times who on their kin rely,
Do finde that they their trust most falsifie.
No wonder then that such distinction is
'Twixt friends and kindred. And I tell ye this:
Were I to make my choice of one or t'other,
I'd chuse a Friend before I'd chuse a Brother.
'Twixt friends and kindred. And I tell ye this:
Were I to make my choice of one or t'other,
I'd chuse a Friend before I'd chuse a Brother.
51
EMBLEM XXVI. Try before ye trust.
To the Treacherous.
An evil man seeketh onely Rebellion.
prov. 17. 11.
Gifts
blinde the eyes, as Solomon doth say,
And that as divers others, so this way;
When we make presents onely to beguile,
Concealing mischief we intend the while.
And that as divers others, so this way;
When we make presents onely to beguile,
Concealing mischief we intend the while.
An instance of the same we here present
In these two Great-ones, who with bad intent
Did gifts of friendship to each other send,
When no such matter either did intend.
In these two Great-ones, who with bad intent
Did gifts of friendship to each other send,
When no such matter either did intend.
Hector on Ajax doth a Sword bestow,
(A grateful gift to warlike men, we know)
Ajax the other's kindness to requite,
Presents him with a Girdle, as they write.
(A grateful gift to warlike men, we know)
Ajax the other's kindness to requite,
Presents him with a Girdle, as they write.
The Sword which Hector unto Ajax gave,
Did bring to pass what Ajax sought to have;
Hector in Ajax Girdle being girt,
He was by it (when slain) drag'd through the dirt.
Did bring to pass what Ajax sought to have;
Hector in Ajax Girdle being girt,
He was by it (when slain) drag'd through the dirt.
With a known foe be not too intimate,
Though he pretend all kindness, and no hate:
When he speaks fair, speak fair to him again;
But have a care th'art not by's fairness slain.
Though he pretend all kindness, and no hate:
When he speaks fair, speak fair to him again;
But have a care th'art not by's fairness slain.
The gifts of enemies are to ensnare;
All wise men therefore of them will beware:
Their kisses being cruel, friendship fained,
And their pretences to be all disdained.
All wise men therefore of them will beware:
Their kisses being cruel, friendship fained,
And their pretences to be all disdained.
53
EMBLEM XXVII. Well fare a good Conceit.
To Vaine expecters.
As a roaring Lion seeking whom he may devoure.
1. pet. 5. 8.
The roaring Lion ranging for his prey,
At last a silly Sheep falls in his way;
Which he does rend and tear without remorse,
And feed upon with stomack like a horse.
At last a silly Sheep falls in his way;
Which he does rend and tear without remorse,
And feed upon with stomack like a horse.
A Dog comes by the while, that fain would share
In that sweet morsel; but he does not dare
Come nigh that rav'nous beast that looks so grim,
Lest he should also be o'th' bones of him.
In that sweet morsel; but he does not dare
Come nigh that rav'nous beast that looks so grim,
Lest he should also be o'th' bones of him.
Fain he'd have stay'd, but on his course he took;
Yet as he went, behinde him still did look,
Pleasing himself on sight thereof to feed,
When he could taste no part thereof indeed.
Yet as he went, behinde him still did look,
Pleasing himself on sight thereof to feed,
When he could taste no part thereof indeed.
Thus many thirst for whatsoere they see,
Though to lay hold on it there danger be:
However, they are pleased with the thought,
As if some great advantage it had brought.
Though to lay hold on it there danger be:
However, they are pleased with the thought,
As if some great advantage it had brought.
Thus heirs impatient till the time shall come
That parents die, and go to their long home,
Spend on the hopes thereof, when after all,
They drink themselves dead ere the prey doth fall.
That parents die, and go to their long home,
Spend on the hopes thereof, when after all,
They drink themselves dead ere the prey doth fall.
And idle persons fancie this and t'other
Good fortune will befal, one way or other;
Mean while neglect an honest true endeavour,
And so continue poor and base for ever.
Good fortune will befal, one way or other;
Mean while neglect an honest true endeavour,
And so continue poor and base for ever.
55
EMBLEM XXVIII. Every one hope the best.
To the Patient.
Be thou faithfull unto Death etc:
Rev: 2. 10.
The Fisher-man into the Sea lets down
His Net, whereas to him it is unknown
Whether of Fish he shall have few or many;
Nay, many times perhaps he takes not any.
His Net, whereas to him it is unknown
Whether of Fish he shall have few or many;
Nay, many times perhaps he takes not any.
Nothing sees he but rolling billows: they
Each other meet, seeming to sport and play,
Whilst he stands by the gamesters to behold,
Oft-times in fear, in hunger, and in cold.
Each other meet, seeming to sport and play,
Whilst he stands by the gamesters to behold,
Oft-times in fear, in hunger, and in cold.
Yet notwithstanding he hath patience store;
He waiteth long, and never will give ore;
Believing sure that he at last shall finde
A draught of fish that may content his minde.
He waiteth long, and never will give ore;
Believing sure that he at last shall finde
A draught of fish that may content his minde.
Can these such faith and patience exercise
For mean things, which yet are not seen with eyes?
Can they cold, hunger, and what not endure
For things they hope for onely, are not sure?
For mean things, which yet are not seen with eyes?
Can they cold, hunger, and what not endure
For things they hope for onely, are not sure?
Much more should Christians by believing eye
The things that are invisible espie,
And have of them as clear an evidence,
As if they did look full on them by sense.
The things that are invisible espie,
And have of them as clear an evidence,
As if they did look full on them by sense.
And while we here upon the earth remain,
A firm and stedfast hope we should retain,
That though the time seem tedious that is past,
Yet he that shall come, will come at the last.
A firm and stedfast hope we should retain,
That though the time seem tedious that is past,
Yet he that shall come, will come at the last.
57
EMBLEM XXIX. Every thing in its Season.
To the Slothfull.
Not slothfull in business. etc.
Rom: 22. 11.
The fowls of heaven that in the air do flie,
Keep every one their season constantly,
And finde a Climate out wherein to dwell,
When that wherein they were fits not so well.
Keep every one their season constantly,
And finde a Climate out wherein to dwell,
When that wherein they were fits not so well.
When first in any Region they appear,
They there give notice what's the time o'th' year:
And every sort of them have their own time
Wherein to make abode in any Clime.
They there give notice what's the time o'th' year:
And every sort of them have their own time
Wherein to make abode in any Clime.
The Swallow brings the Spring along with it,
Wherever he at first begins to twit.
The Cuckoe tells the Summer is at hand;
Which he by's note gives us to understand.
Wherever he at first begins to twit.
The Cuckoe tells the Summer is at hand;
Which he by's note gives us to understand.
Gnat-snapper Autumn brings, 'cause then he will
Have grapes enow, whereof to eat his fill.
The Chafinch he delights in Winter cold,
Of whose approach we by this bird are told.
Have grapes enow, whereof to eat his fill.
The Chafinch he delights in Winter cold,
Of whose approach we by this bird are told.
These little Birds their constant course do keep,
While Man his time away in sloth doth sleep,
Seldom regarding either time or season,
As if he liv'd without or rule or reason.
While Man his time away in sloth doth sleep,
Seldom regarding either time or season,
As if he liv'd without or rule or reason.
What things in Summer naturally are bred,
With them in Winter we must needs be fed;
And what the Autumn freely doth produce,
We must have in the Spring-time for our use.
With them in Winter we must needs be fed;
And what the Autumn freely doth produce,
We must have in the Spring-time for our use.
59
EMBLEM XXX. Labour in vain.
To the Naturall.
Bray a foole in a morter yet etc.
prov: 27. 22.
The Prophet asks, Can Blackmoor change his skin?
Not as a thing he'd be resolved in;
But takes it to be granted as most true,
A Blackmoor possibly can't change his hue.
Not as a thing he'd be resolved in;
But takes it to be granted as most true,
A Blackmoor possibly can't change his hue.
What's bred i'th' bone, wo'n't out o'th' flesh, we say;
No man his constitution alter may:
We may as well stop course of Moon or Sun,
As bring to pass what Nature wo'n't have done.
No man his constitution alter may:
We may as well stop course of Moon or Sun,
As bring to pass what Nature wo'n't have done.
Put fool in Mortar, bray him while ye will,
A fool he was, a fool he will be still.
The sluggish person will a sluggard be,
Though he is sure 'twill end in beggery.
A fool he was, a fool he will be still.
The sluggish person will a sluggard be,
Though he is sure 'twill end in beggery.
A man that naturally is proud and high,
Up he will climb, as if he'd scale the skie:
And he that fo of nature poor and base,
Wants confidence to look a man i'th' face.
Up he will climb, as if he'd scale the skie:
And he that fo of nature poor and base,
Wants confidence to look a man i'th' face.
In many others we might instance make,
With whom if we the greatest pains should take
To work a change, from morning unto night,
'Twould be but as to wash the Blackmoor white.
With whom if we the greatest pains should take
To work a change, from morning unto night,
'Twould be but as to wash the Blackmoor white.
Then let us not in our attempts be vain,
By taking things in hand we can't attain;
But evermore such matters set upon
As are within our power to be done.
By taking things in hand we can't attain;
But evermore such matters set upon
As are within our power to be done.
61
EMBLEM XXXI. Shrubs safer then Cedars.
To the Contented.
A mans pride shall bring him low
pro: 29. 23.
The lofty Oak, the Pine, and Cedar tall,
And all great trees that overtop the small,
Spreading their mighty arms out every way,
With branches fresh and green as is the May:
And all great trees that overtop the small,
Spreading their mighty arms out every way,
With branches fresh and green as is the May:
When blustring storms of winde i'th' air do rush,
And with great violence at them do push,
Their monstrous bulks do buckle, bow and bend,
Their branches shiver, and their arms do rend.
And with great violence at them do push,
Their monstrous bulks do buckle, bow and bend,
Their branches shiver, and their arms do rend.
Nor do they scape so always: for full oft
Those towring trees that stand so much aloft
By tempests are not onely rent and torn,
But up by th'very roots are likewise torn.
Those towring trees that stand so much aloft
By tempests are not onely rent and torn,
But up by th'very roots are likewise torn.
Thus Fortunes darlings in the world so high,
As if no grief or wo could them come nigh,
When storms of Envie once begin to blow,
They are in danger to be brought down low.
As if no grief or wo could them come nigh,
When storms of Envie once begin to blow,
They are in danger to be brought down low.
But poor low shrubs, that are so mean and base,
Enjoy by far o'th' two the safer place:
For when those blusters make the high ones reel,
These underlings do no such trouble feel.
Enjoy by far o'th' two the safer place:
For when those blusters make the high ones reel,
These underlings do no such trouble feel.
Then let us not ambitiously desire
The great things of the world, since to aspire
Is most unsafe: for if we stand not fast,
Our fall will be the greater at the last.
The great things of the world, since to aspire
Is most unsafe: for if we stand not fast,
Our fall will be the greater at the last.
63
EMBLEM XXXII. The Cheating Physician.
To Physick Cheats.
The Horsleech hath two daughters crying give, give.
pro: 30. 15.
A certain woman being dim of sight,
Thought by Physicians help gain cure she might:
He being sent for, comes, and day by day
Took some part of her goods with him away.
Thought by Physicians help gain cure she might:
He being sent for, comes, and day by day
Took some part of her goods with him away.
This course he held until the cure was wrought;
For now her sight he had restor'd, she thought;
And thereupon he did demand his hire,
And she therein did grant him his desire.
For now her sight he had restor'd, she thought;
And thereupon he did demand his hire,
And she therein did grant him his desire.
Then she to look about her did begin,
To see what order all her goods were in:
But when she lookt, no goods were to be found,
Although she looked all about her round.
To see what order all her goods were in:
But when she lookt, no goods were to be found,
Although she looked all about her round.
Stay, stay, quoth she, I am mistaken sure;
My sight I have not as I had before:
For in my house I used to behold
All sorts of Goods and Furniture of old.
My sight I have not as I had before:
For in my house I used to behold
All sorts of Goods and Furniture of old.
But no such matter now that I can see,
Therefore my eyes still surely blinded be:
For were my sight restor'd as formerly,
In every place much Goods I should espy.
Therefore my eyes still surely blinded be:
For were my sight restor'd as formerly,
In every place much Goods I should espy.
Many so much Physicians do attend,
That they thereby do all their substance spend:
For let th'advice be either good or bad,
Be sure the money must by them be had.
That they thereby do all their substance spend:
For let th'advice be either good or bad,
Be sure the money must by them be had.
65
EMBLEM XXXIII. Natural Affection.
To Unnaturall Parents.
Without naturall affection
Rom: 1. 31.
Of tenderness behold an instance true,
Which in the Stork doth natural instinct shew,
By flying to and fro to fetch in food,
To fill the craws of her import'nate brood.
Which in the Stork doth natural instinct shew,
By flying to and fro to fetch in food,
To fill the craws of her import'nate brood.
And when the young ones, by the old ones care,
To help themselves to food enabled are,
Then they in gratitude do her supply
When she by age disabled is to flie.
To help themselves to food enabled are,
Then they in gratitude do her supply
When she by age disabled is to flie.
This to the shame of Mankinde doth redound,
'Mongst whom are many parents to be found
That of their off-spring take no care at all,
But turn them off, let what will them befal.
'Mongst whom are many parents to be found
That of their off-spring take no care at all,
But turn them off, let what will them befal.
Through Idleness, their getting is not much,
And to excess in Drink their thirst is such,
That all goes that way, nay all will not serve,
Though wife and children in the mean time starve.
And to excess in Drink their thirst is such,
That all goes that way, nay all will not serve,
Though wife and children in the mean time starve.
Children by this likewise may understand
That when grown up t'enjoy the parents land,
They should not then them slight, nor yet neglect,
But cherish them, and shew them all respect.
That when grown up t'enjoy the parents land,
They should not then them slight, nor yet neglect,
But cherish them, and shew them all respect.
Nor ought they do as many, void of grace,
Who spend their fathers means before their face,
Until at length, by an unthristy son,
Children and parents both are quite undone.
Who spend their fathers means before their face,
Until at length, by an unthristy son,
Children and parents both are quite undone.
67
EMBLEM XXXIV. The Sayings of the seven Sages.
Wisdom excelleth folly
Eccl: 2. 13.
The Sages seven of Greece, which heretofore
So fam'd for wisdom were, as none were more,
Each one of them a Golden Sentence had,
Which Alciat thus in picture open laid.
So fam'd for wisdom were, as none were more,
Each one of them a Golden Sentence had,
Which Alciat thus in picture open laid.
Keep still the Mean, Cleobulus adviseth;
Which by a Balance Alciat advertiseth.
Chilon bids Know thy self: the which to do,
A Mirrour is at hand, thy self to view.
Which by a Balance Alciat advertiseth.
Chilon bids Know thy self: the which to do,
A Mirrour is at hand, thy self to view.
Restrain thy Wrath, says Periander. Here
An herb expelling Choler does appear.
Nothing too much, doth Pittacus exhort:
And loe a plant, too much whereof doth hurt.
An herb expelling Choler does appear.
Nothing too much, doth Pittacus exhort:
And loe a plant, too much whereof doth hurt.
Remember still thy End, was Solon's word;
Till which time, nothing can true joy afford.
A Statue falling here we see presented;
To shew, the force of death can't be prevented.
Till which time, nothing can true joy afford.
A Statue falling here we see presented;
To shew, the force of death can't be prevented.
Of Wicked men the number doth exceed,
Would Bias say. And 'cause in very deed
Sardinia vile a place most wicked was,
He sets one of its people on an Ass.
Would Bias say. And 'cause in very deed
Sardinia vile a place most wicked was,
He sets one of its people on an Ass.
Says Thales, last of all, Flee Suretiship,
Lest thou thereby be scourg'd with thine own whip.
And here a subtil Bird sits on the Net,
The which the Fowler with all's lures can't get.
Lest thou thereby be scourg'd with thine own whip.
And here a subtil Bird sits on the Net,
The which the Fowler with all's lures can't get.
69
EMBLEM XXXV. The Blessings of Peace.
To the lovers of Peace
I make peace, and create evil
Isa. 45. 7.
When noise of War hath filled all mens ears,
And dread of sad events hath rais'd their fears;
When bloud and slaughter hath gone quite its round,
And nothing but destruction's to be found:
And dread of sad events hath rais'd their fears;
When bloud and slaughter hath gone quite its round,
And nothing but destruction's to be found:
How grateful then is settlement and peace,
When Union doth begin, and Discord cease!
Great Princes then laying by their armed Bands,
In signe of friendship do as 'twere shake hands.
When Union doth begin, and Discord cease!
Great Princes then laying by their armed Bands,
In signe of friendship do as 'twere shake hands.
And Subjects setting all revenge aside,
Fall to their Callings, and therein employ'd,
They are made rich, grow wealthy, and thereby
Can better (when need is) their Prince supply.
Fall to their Callings, and therein employ'd,
They are made rich, grow wealthy, and thereby
Can better (when need is) their Prince supply.
Peace, love and amity prevent all broyls,
And free the world from all those Warlike toyls
That wrath and envie raise among mankinde,
(They being by nature thereto much inclin'd.)
And free the world from all those Warlike toyls
That wrath and envie raise among mankinde,
(They being by nature thereto much inclin'd.)
One Nation now is to another true,
There's no encroaching on anothers due;
No cause for Arms at Land, nor for Equipping
(For safeguard of the Seas) a Fleet of Shipping.
There's no encroaching on anothers due;
No cause for Arms at Land, nor for Equipping
(For safeguard of the Seas) a Fleet of Shipping.
The Swords to Plow-shares now converted are,
And now are banisht quite all thoughts of War:
All hostile acts are works of peace become;
More pleasing musick's heard then Fife and Drum.
And now are banisht quite all thoughts of War:
All hostile acts are works of peace become;
More pleasing musick's heard then Fife and Drum.
71
EMBLEM XXXVI. Nothing will last always.
To the Aged.
So teach us to number our days.
psal: 90. 12.
The longest day, when Sun doth longest shine,
Must unto night at last its light resigne.
The sturdiest Oak that in the Forest grows,
Must shiver'd be by time, or storm that blows.
Must unto night at last its light resigne.
The sturdiest Oak that in the Forest grows,
Must shiver'd be by time, or storm that blows.
The long-liv'd Raven at the last must die:
The soaring Eagle will not always flie.
The Phœnix rare, which long endures the fire,
In her own ashes doth at length expire.
The soaring Eagle will not always flie.
The Phœnix rare, which long endures the fire,
In her own ashes doth at length expire.
The nimble Stag, that lives so great an age,
Comes at the length to run out his last stage.
The Patriarchs liv'd so long as none beside,
Yet at the last it's said of them, They dy'd.
Comes at the length to run out his last stage.
The Patriarchs liv'd so long as none beside,
Yet at the last it's said of them, They dy'd.
The stateliest Fabrick, built with cost and art,
Of best materials brought from every part,
At last will moulder, crumble, and decay:
For length of time will it in rubbish lay.
Of best materials brought from every part,
At last will moulder, crumble, and decay:
For length of time will it in rubbish lay.
Whatever had beginning, shall have end;
All things below do to corruption tend:
And nothing in this world doth last so sure,
As without end for ever to endure.
All things below do to corruption tend:
And nothing in this world doth last so sure,
As without end for ever to endure.
The greatest Volume that was ere in Print,
Whose tediousness would fright one to look in't,
Seeing so thick and close each page and line-is,
At last thereto y'are sure to meet with
Whose tediousness would fright one to look in't,
Seeing so thick and close each page and line-is,
At last thereto y'are sure to meet with
FINIS.
73
EMBLEM XXXVII. A friend at need, a friend indeed.
To IOHN NORRIS Gent:
Thine owne friend, and thy fathers friend forsake not,
Proverbs 27. 10
A well-grown tree, which many years had stood,
And flourish'd fair as any in the Wood,
At length by age, or else by some mishap,
Becomes dead, dry, and wither'd, without sap.
And flourish'd fair as any in the Wood,
At length by age, or else by some mishap,
Becomes dead, dry, and wither'd, without sap.
Near to this tree a fruitful Vine doth spring,
Which it approaching, doth about it cling;
And still its branches further out doth spread
On every limb of this poor tree that's dead.
Which it approaching, doth about it cling;
And still its branches further out doth spread
On every limb of this poor tree that's dead.
Its uberant grapes and clusters it adorn,
As if they were of its own body born;
Which make it to spectators all appear,
As if it still both fair and fruitful were.
As if they were of its own body born;
Which make it to spectators all appear,
As if it still both fair and fruitful were.
To this dead tree we many may compare,
Who by Gods blessing, and industrious care,
Have thriven well; till sickness, fire, or trust,
Or some such ill, them into want have thrust.
Who by Gods blessing, and industrious care,
Have thriven well; till sickness, fire, or trust,
Or some such ill, them into want have thrust.
But then (like to this Vine) a friend stands by,
Who to 's effectual aid doth straight apply;
And thereby doth his wither'd state revive,
And him that was decaying, makes to thrive.
Who to 's effectual aid doth straight apply;
And thereby doth his wither'd state revive,
And him that was decaying, makes to thrive.
And as the Vine a generous juyce imparts,
Which makes th'afflicted to forget his smarts:
So friendship true, in season right apply'd,
Keeps him alive, who else for grief had dy'd.
Which makes th'afflicted to forget his smarts:
So friendship true, in season right apply'd,
Keeps him alive, who else for grief had dy'd.
74
The Conclusion.
And here at present I break off and end,
Till Readers kindness new occasion lend
Of further progress in this course; and then
You may have more such-like from the same Pen.
Till Readers kindness new occasion lend
Of further progress in this course; and then
You may have more such-like from the same Pen.
Mean while I wish, and heartily do pray,
That what's already done prove useful may.
Which if it do, my aim is thereby hit,
Since That I chiefly did intend by it.
That what's already done prove useful may.
Which if it do, my aim is thereby hit,
Since That I chiefly did intend by it.
FINIS.
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