CALUMNIA,
Calumny, of which the A∣thenians made a Deity, and to which they built a Temple. Lucian has given us an Emblem of Calumny, in a Dialogue under the same Title.
Apelles, says he, being accused by a Painter jealous of his Glory, that he had conspired a∣gainst Ptolomy, and caused the Revolt of Tyre, and the taking of Pelusium, and being acquit∣ted from this Accusation by one of the Pain∣ter's Accomplices, Ptolomy was so sensibly touch∣ed with Sorrow for what was done, that he gave Apelles 100 Talents, and deliver'd up the Accuser into his Hands, to do with him as he should think fit.Apelles therefore to be reven∣ged on Calumny which had done him such an ill turn, made the following Picture. He painted a Prince with large Ears, as commonly Midas's are painted, sitting upon a Throne encompassed with Suspicion and Ignorance, and while he is in this State, he reaches out his Hand a great Way off to Calumny, which advances towards him, having a Face very bright, and sparkling with extraordinary Charms and Enticements: She holds in her Left-hand a sorch, and with the other drags an innocent young Man by the Hair, who holds up his Hands to Heaven and implores its Assistance: Before her marches Envy with a pale Face and squinting Eyes, which set off and dress up Calumny to make her the more accepta∣ble: After her comes Repentance under the Fi∣gure of a Lady in Mourning-Habit, with her Garments rent, which turns her Head towards Truth, who weeps for Sorrow and Shame.