Augustan Moon-Writings ([1649]) - Page 25

An ornamental woodcut headpiece featuring a central lion's face mask flanked by symmetrical, intertwined floral and foliate scrolls.

WEIGH CAREFULLY

Everything with deliberation. original German: Alles mit Bedacht — this was the personal motto of Duke Augustus the Younger.

The die is cast. original Latin: Jacta est alea — a famous phrase attributed to Julius Caesar, signifying a point of no return.

One ought to survey the voyage from the land,
If one is able, and possesses the diligence.
But after one has reached the deep sea,
it is necessary to run with whatever wind is present.

Augustus, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg.

Born April 13, 1579.

ATTEND

Oversight and Instruction. original German: Auffsicht / Abricht — likely referring to the education and training of a prince.

It is easier to imitate than to lead. original Latin: Imitari quàm præire facilius.

Happy is he to whom it falls to have an archetype polished by art,
To which his skillful hand may industriously attend.
Thus he shall recall both Praxiteles and the famous Myron,
And after Augustus, this man shall be a second copy. The poem uses the terms Archetypum (the original model) and ectypus (the copy or cast). It suggests that Duke Rudolph Augustus is the "copy" following the "original model" of his father, Augustus.

Rudolph Augustus, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg.

Born May 16, 1627.

STRIVE

Dared and won. original German: Gewagt / Erjagt — literally "ventured/hunted down," implying that success comes to those who take risks.

Nothing is denied to her sex. original Latin: Nihil negatum sexui — a defense of the intellectual and social capabilities of women.

Equaling Hebrew mothers, Greek heroines,
Thracian shields, and Latin daughters,
To strive for the palm of victory against men in every kind of gift,
This the one Sibyl of the Tulisurgians original: Tulisurgis — a Latinized reference to the region of the Weser river or the city of Brunswick/Wolfenbüttel. loves to do.

Sibylla Ursula, Duchess of Brunswick and Lüneburg. Born

December 6, 1629.