A _Serpent_ rais’d above the Letter _Tau_, Aspiring to a _Crowne_, is figur’d here: From whence, a _Christian-Morall_ we may draw, Which worth our good regarding will appeare. For, by those _Characters_, in briefe, I see Which _Way_, we must to Happinesse ascend; Then, by what _Meanes_, that Path must clymed bee; And, what _Reward_, shall thereupon attend. The _Crosse_, doth shew, that _Suffring_ is the _Way_; The _Serpent_, seemes to teach me, that, if I Will overcome, I must not then, assay To _force_ it; but, my selfe thereto _applye_. For, by embracing what we shall not shunne, We winde about the _Crosse_, till wee arise Above the same; and, then, what _Prize_ is wonne, The _Crowne_, which overtops it, signifies. Let me, O _God_, obtaine from thee the Grace, To be partaker of thy Blessed _Passion_; Let me, with Willingnesse, thy _Crosse_ imbrace, And, share the Comforts of thy _Exaltation_. To beare that Part, whereto I doomed am, My Heart, with Strength, and Courage, _Lord_, inspire: Then, _Crucifie_ my _Flesh_ upon the same, As much as my _Corruption_ shall require. And, when by thy Assistance, I am rear’d Above that _Burthen_, which lyes yet upon me; And, over all, which (justly may be fear’d) Shall, during Life-time, be inflicted on me; Among those _Blessed-Soules_, let me be found, Which, with eternall _Glory_, shall be _Crown’d_. _In =Death=, no =Difference= is made, Betweene the =Scepter=, and the =Spade=._ [Illustration: MORS SCEPTRA LIGONIB[VS] ÆQVAT ILLVSTR. XLVIII. _Book. 1._]