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Link to an image of this page  Link to an image of this page  [F3r p85]

Vigilantia & Custodia.

Vigilance and protection

EMBLEMA XV.

Temple with weathercocks on towers at either side and lions guarding the door
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Link to an image of this page  Link to an image of this page  [F3v p86]

Instantis quòd signa canens det gallus Eoi,
Et revocet famulas ad nova pensa manus:
Turribus in sacris effingitur, aerea pelvis,
Ad superos mentem[1] quòd revocet vigilem.
Est leo sed custos, oculis quia dormit apertis,[2]
Templorum idcircò ponitur ante fores.

Because the cock by its crowing gives the signal of approaching dawn and recalls working hands to fresh tasks, it is placed on top of church towers. A bronze bell (is hung there) because it recalls the waking mind to heaven. But a lion is on guard because it sleeps with its eyes open. For that reason it is placed before church doors.

Notes:

1.  In most editions pelvis and mentem are the other way round.

2.  oculis quia dormit apertis, ‘because it sleeps with its eyes open’. See Isidore, Etymologiae, 12.2.5: when lions are asleep, their eyes remain awake. See also Aelian, De natura animalium, 5.39.

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Link to an image of this page  Link to an image of this page  [Z1r p353]

Adversus naturam peccantes.[1]

Those sinning against nature.

EMBLEMA LXXX.

A man defecating in a room.
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Turpe quidem dictu, sed & est res improba factu,
Excipiat siquis choenice ventris onus.
Mensuram, legisque modum hoc excedere sanctae est,
Quale sit incesto pollui adulterio.[2]

It is certainly foul as a deed but also a wicked thing to speak of, if someone were to empty the burden of his bowels into a bushel-box. This means exceeding the measure and limit of divine law as it would be defiled by impure adultery.

Notes:

1.  With thanks to the commentary supplied on the Memorial website.

2.  This emblem is omitted in most editions.

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