Egyptian Oedipus, Volume 1 (1652) - Page 23

⚠Page shows significant ink bleed-through from the reverse side, partially obscuring the top area.

A woodcut shows the coat of arms of the Holy Roman Empire. It features a crowned double-headed eagle wearing a crown. The eagle holds a shield with a central vertical stripe, which is a heraldic symbol of authority. This imagery reinforces the imperial patronage of the book.

Take up the Lyre, O Polyglot Grace; let the Greek tune his lutes,

original: "Polygloſſa Charis"; "Polygloſſa" means many-tongued or multilingual. The Graces were Greek goddesses of charm and beauty. Here, the author personifies the study of many languages as a divine figure.

Let the Hebrew prepare the harp, and the Latin strike the strings.

original: "Heber"; This name refers to Eber, the biblical ancestor of the Hebrews. He represents the Hebrew language in this poetic context.

Together the Italian, the Frenchman, the Portuguese, the Hungarian, and the Englishman,

The Illyrian and the fierce German; the Bohemian and the Spaniard.

Let the Syrian, the Indian, the Arab, the Chaldean, and the Armenian be present.

The Ethiopians, Persians, the Chinese, the Copt, and the African.

original: "Sina"; This is the Latin term for the Chinese people or their language.

Let them pour out from their hearts the well-deserved praises of FERDINAND,

So that what a single tongue cannot achieve, a multitude of languages may sing.

A woodcut emblem depicts a seated female figure. She represents the concept of Silence or the deity Harpocrates. She places her index finger to her lips in a gesture for quiet. A small flame sits atop her head, and a similar flame appears above an owl perched on a globe beside her. The owl is a symbol of wisdom. These flames represent the light of divine intellect and the inspiration required to solve ancient mysteries.