Geffrey Whitney, A choice of emblemes (Leiden, 1586)

Emblem 30

Virtus, seated on the tomb of Ajax, is tearing out her own hair

Virtus, seated on the tomb of Ajax, is tearing out her own hair
Engraving · click to enlarge

In victoriam dolo partamLatin

On victory gained by guile

Interpretation
Prowes mourning Ajax (on victory gained by guile)
Interpretation (German)
Ungerechtigkeit

Description of the imageAI-generated

Within an ornamental woodcut border, a square scene shows a barefoot woman in flowing drapery standing beside a large stone tomb set on steps, within a classical architectural setting with columns and pediments. With both hands raised she pulls and tears at her long loose hair, which streams out on either side of her head. The side of the tomb-chest bears an inscription (AIACIS). Grass or ground is indicated at the foot of the steps.

Subscriptio

Facsimile page
Facsimile; click the page to enlarge

TranscriptionAI-generated

WHAT dolefull dame is this in greate dispaire? This prowes is, whoe mournes on AIAX toombe: What is the cause, shee rentes her goulden haire? Wronge sentence paste by AGAMEMNONS doombe: But howe? declare, VLISSES filed tonge, Allur'de the Iudge, to giue a Iudgement wronge. For when, that dead ACHYLLIS was in graue, For valiante harte, did AIAX winne the same: Whereby, he claimde ACHYLLIS armes to haue, VLISSES yet, was honored with the same: His suttle speeche, the iudges did preferre, And AIAX wrong'de, the onelie man of warre. Wherefore, the Knighte impatient of the same, Did loose his wittes, and after wroughte his ende: Loe, heare the cause that mooude this sacred dame, On AIAX toombe, with griefe her time too spende: Which warneth vs, and those that after liue, To beare them righte, when iudgement they do giue.

TranslationAI-generated

What sorrowful lady is this in great despair? This is Prowess, who mourns on Ajax's tomb. What is the cause that she tears her golden hair? A wrong verdict passed by Agamemnon's judgement. But how? Explain: Ulysses' polished tongue enticed the judge to give a wrong judgement. For when dead Achilles was in his grave, Ajax won the same [honour] by his valiant heart; whereby he claimed to have Achilles' arms, yet Ulysses was honoured with them. The judges preferred his subtle speech, and wronged Ajax, the only true man of war. Therefore the knight, impatient of this, lost his wits and afterwards brought about his own end. Behold here the cause that moved this holy lady to spend her time in grief on Ajax's tomb: which warns us, and those who live hereafter, to conduct themselves rightly when they give judgement.

Notes and related emblems

Iconclass

Suggested Iconclass codesAI-generated

Additional codes proposed for this emblem, not (yet) part of the indexing.

Relationships to the Adagia of ErasmusAI-generated

Suggested relationships between this emblem and adages in Erasmus’ Adagia.

Sources

Record ID: embstma_1667_emblem030
This emblem on the Iconclass site: https://iconclass.org/view/embstma_1667_emblem030
Copy: University Library, Glasgow, Stirling Maxwell 1667