Observe the _Sheafe of Arrowes_, figur’d here; And, how the pow’r, and fury, of the _Beare_ (Though hee attempt it) no device can finde To breake one _slender-shaft_, while they are _joyn’d_: Whereas, were they _divided_, strength but small, Like rotten Kexes, would soone breake them all. This _Emblem_, therefore, fitly doth imply That Safeguard, which is found in _Vnity_; And, shewes, that, when _Dis-union_ is begunne, It breedeth dangers, where before were none. The _Psalmist_, numerous _Off-springs_, doth compare To _Quivers_, that with _Shafts_ replenish’d are. When _Vnity_ hath knit them in her _bands_, They prove like _Arrowes_ in a _Gyants_ hands. And, though, for these, their Foes in wayt have layd, They shall not be supriz’d, nor made afrayd. Consider this, yee _Children of one Sire_, 'Twixt whom, is kindled some contentious _fire_, And, reconciled be, lest you, at length, Consume away the marrow of your _strength_; Or, by dividing, of your _joyned-pow’r_, Make way for those, who studie to devoure. Yea, let us all consider, as we ought, What _Lesson_, by this _Emblem_, we are taught. For, wee are _Brethren_ all; and (by a _Bloud_ More precious, then our nat’rall _Brother-hood_) Nor knit, alone, but, mingled, as it were, Into a _League_; which is, by much, more deare, And, much more dangerous, to be undone, Then all the _Bands_, that can be thought upon. _They, best injoy their Hearts desires, In whom, =Love=, kindles =mutuall-fires=._ [Illustration: AMORE MUTUO. ILLVSTR. XLIV. _Book. 3_]