A collection of emblemes, ancient and moderne quickened vvith metricall illustrations, both morall and divine: and disposed into lotteries, that instruction, and good counsell, may bee furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation. By George VVither. The first booke.

ILLVSTR. XXXIV. Book. 3

WHen thou beholdest on this Burying-stone, The melancholly Night-bird, sitting on The fleshlesse ruines of a rotten-Skull, (Whose Face, perhaps, hath been more beautifull, Then thine is now) take up a serious thought; And, doe as thou art by the Motto taught. Remember Death: and minde, I thee beseech, How soone, these Fowles may at thy window screech; Or, call thee (as the common people deeme) To dwell in Graves, and Sepulchers, by them, Where nothing else, but Bats, and Owles, appeare; Or, Goblins, form'd by Fancies, and, by Feare. If thou shalt be advis'd, to meditate Thy lat••er end, before it be too late, (And, whil'st thy friends, thy strength, and wits may bee In likely case, to h••lp and comfort thee) There may be courses taken, to divert Thos•• Frights, which, else, would terrifie thy heart, When Dea••h drawes neare; and helpe thee plucke away That S••ng, of his, which would thy Soule dis••ay. But, i•• thou madly ramble onward, still, Til t••ou art sinking downe that darkesome hill, Which borders on the Grave (and dost b••ginne To see, ••he Shades of Terrour, and of Sinne To fly ••crosse thy Conscience) 'twill be hard To 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this Lesson; or, to be prepar'd For th•••• sad parting, which, will forced bee, Be•••••• e••hi•• much beloved World, and thee. Consider this, therefo••e, while Time thou hast, An••, put not off this Bus'nesse, till the last.