<p>Whilst by the High-way-side, the Flint-stone lies,<lb/> Drie, cold, and hardnesse, are the properties<lb/> We then perceive: But, when we prove it nigher,<lb/> We finde, that, Coldnesse doth inclose a Fire ;<lb/> And, that, though Raine, nor cloudie-skie appeares,<lb/> It will be (many times) bedew'd with teares.<lb/> From hence, I mind, that many wronged are,<lb/> By being judg'd, as they, at first, appeare;<lb/> And, that, some should bee prais'd, whom wee despise,<lb/> If inward-Grace, were seene with outward-Eyes.<lb/> But, this is not that Morall (wee confesse)<lb/> Which this our Emblem, seemeth to expresse:<lb/> For (if the Motto speake the meaning right)<lb/> It shewes, that, hard-afflictions first must smile<lb/> Our hardned hearts, before it will bee seene,<lb/> That any light of Grace, in them, hath beene.<lb/> Before the Flint will send forth shining Rayes,<lb/> It must bee strucken, by the Steele, (it sayes.)<lb/> Another Morall, adde we may to this,<lb/> (Which, to the Figure, sutes not much amisse.)<lb/> The Steele, and Flint, may fitly represent<lb/> Hard-hearted men, whose mindes will not relent:<lb/> For, when in opposition, such become,<lb/> The fire of Malice, flames and sparkles from<lb/> Their threatning Eyes; which else, close hidden rests,<lb/> Within the closets of their flintie brests:<lb/> And, flame out-right it will not, (though it smokes)<lb/> Till Strife breake passage, for it, by her strokes.<lb/> If any of these Moralls may doe good,<lb/> The purpose of my paines is understood.<lb/> </p>

embstma_1903_emblem140

141

embstma_1903

emblem pictura

emblempictura

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GUL

EMBLEMS

ILL_BOOK

A flint and steel striking sparks; in the background blacksmiths hammering at a wheel and an artist drawing a statue (of Venus?)

embstma_1903.xml

embstma_1903_fac177

<p>ANTE FERIT QUAM FLAMMA MICET.</p>

GUL

EMBLEMS

ILL_BOOK

25H114

31AA14

41A16

41B111

46C19

47B111(+12)

47B111(+57)

47D8(HAMMER)

48C149(+726)

48C24:92C4

48C5211(+121)

54A11(+4)

86(ANTE FERIT QUAM FLAMMA MICET)

<p>Untill the Steele, the Flint shall smite,<lb/> It will afford nor Heat, nor Light.</p>

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Ante ferit quam flamma micet