This in Gross.
But more particularly, the Circle of Figures con∣sists of Theology, with her Book of seven Seals, imploring the assistance of Truth for the unfolding of it. On her left hand is the Mosaical Law Vailed, with the Tables of Stone, to which she points with her Iron Rod. On her right side is the Gospel, with the Cross in one hand, and a Chalice in the other. In the same Division, over the Mosaical Law, is Histo∣ry holding up her Pen as dedicating it to Truth, and an attending Genius with several Fragments of Old Writing, from which she collects her History into her Book. On the other side of the Gospel is Di∣vine Poefie, with her Harp of David's fashion.
On the other side of the Circle, opposite to Theo∣logy, in three Squares, are the Mathematical Sci∣ences, (depending on Demonstration, as the other on Faith:) In the first of which is Astronomy with the Celestial Globe, Geography with the Terre∣strial, together with three attending Genii.
In the next is Arithmetick with a Paper of Fi∣gures; Optick with her Perspective Glass; Geo∣metry with a pair of Compass in her left, and a Table with Lines drawn in it in her right hand.
In another Square, on the West side of the Circle, is Law, with her Ruling Scepter, accompanied with Records, Patents, and Evidences, on the one side, and on the other with Rhetorick, by which is an at∣tending Genius, with the Scales of Justice, and a Figure with a Palm-Branch, (the Emblem of Reward for virtuous Actions) and the Roman Fasces, the Marks of Power and Punishment. Printing, with a Case of Letters in one hand, and a Form ready set in the other, and by her several Sheets hanging as a drying.
On that side the Circle, opposite to Law, is Physick, with the Knotty Staff of Aesculapius, with a Serpent winding about it: The Herbalist, imploring the as∣sistance of Truth for the right understanding of the Nature of her Plants: Chymistry, with a Bolt-head in her hands: Chyrurgery, as preparing her self to finish the Dissecting of an Head, which hath the Brain already opened, and is held before her by one of the Genii. In the Triangle on the right hand of the Gospel is Logick in a posture of Arguing. In the Triangle on the left hand of the Mosaical Law is Musick, with her Antick Lyre and Paper of Musick-notes on her knee, with a Genius by her (a little within the next Circle) playing on a Flute, being the Emblem of the most ancient Musick. Dramatick Poetry with a Vizor, representing Comedy, a bloudy Dagger for Tragedy, the Reed Pipe for Pastoral.
In the midst of these Squares and Triangles (as descending from above) is the Figure of Truth sit∣ting on a Cloud; in one hand she holds a Palm∣branch, (the Emblem of Victory) in the other the Sun, whose Brightness enlightens all the Circle of Figures, and is so bright, that it sometimes hides the face of her self to us that are below.
Over the Entrance of the Front of the Theater are Three Figures tumbling down; first Envy with her Snaky hairs, Squint eyes, Haggs brests, Pale ve∣nemous Complexion, Strong, but ugly Limbs, and Riveling skin, frighted from above by the sight of Pallas her Shield with the Gorgon's head in it, a∣gainst which she would oppose the biggest of her Snakes, but her fall is so precipitous that she hath no command of her Arms.
Then Rapine with her fiery Eyes, grinning Teeth, sharp Twangs, her Hands imbrued in bloud, holding a bloudy Dagger in one hand, in the other a burning Flambeau; with which Instruments she would seize on, or destroy, not only Learning, but her Habita∣tions, but is prevented and overcome by an Hercu∣lian Genius, or Power.
Next that, bruitish scoffing Ignorance, that endea∣voureth to vilifie and contemn what she understand∣eth not, represented by a Satyr, which is charmed by a Mercurial Genius with his Caduceus.