The Latin and Greek poets and historians afford numerous instances of the use of symbolic ornaments and devices. It will be sufficient in this work to quote from Æschylus and Virgil, as poets; Herodotus and Tacitus, as historians. ÆSCHYLUS. (_Septem contra Thebas._) The poet here introduces a dialogue between Eteocles, King of Thebes, the women who composed the chorus, and a herald ([Greek: kêrux]), which latter is pointing out the seven captains or chiefs of the army of Adrastus against Thebes; distinguishing one from another by the emblematical devices upon their shields. 1. _Tydeus._ ("[Greek: Toiaun autôn,--nuktos ophthalmos prepei]"--Lines 380-386.) "... Frowning he speaks, and shakes The dark crest streaming o'er his shaded helm In triple wave; whilst dreadful ring around The brazen bosses of his shield, impress'd {7} With his proud argument:--'A sable sky Burning with stars; and in the midst full orb'd A silver moon;'--the eye of night o'er all, Awful in beauty, forms her peerless light." 2. _Capaneus._ ("[Greek: Echei de sêma,--PRÊSÔ POLIN]."--Lines 428-430.) "On his proud shield portray'd: 'A naked man Waves in his hand a blazing torch;' beneath In golden letters--'I will fire the city.'" 3. _Eteoclus._ ("[Greek: Eschêmatistai,--purgômatôn]."--Lines 461-465.) "... No mean device Is sculptured on his shield: 'A man in arms, His ladder fix'd against the enemies' walls, Mounts, resolute, to rend their rampires down;' And cries aloud (the letters plainly mark'd), 'Not Mars himself shall beat me from the Tow'rs.'" 4. _Hippomedon._ ("[Greek: Ho sêmatourgos--phobon blepôn;]"--Lines 487-494.) "... On its orb, no vulgar artist Expressed this image: 'A Typhæus huge, Disgorging from his foul enfounder'd jaws, In fierce effusion wreaths of dusky smoke. Signal of kindling flames; its bending verge With folds of twisted serpents border'd round.' With shouts the giant chief provokes the war, And in the ravings of outrageous valour Glares terror from his eyes ..." 5. _Parthenopæus._ ("[Greek: Hon mên akompastos--hiaptesthai Belê;]"--Lines 534-540.) "... Upon his clashing shield, Whose orb sustains the storm of war, he bears The foul disgrace of Thebes:--'A rav'nous Sphynx Fixed to the plates: the burnish'd monster round Pours a portentous gleam: beneath her lies A Theban mangled by her cruel fangs:'-- 'Gainst this let each brave arm direct the spear." 6. _Amphiaraus._ ("[Greek: Toiauth ho mantis,--blastanei bouleumata]."--Lines 587-591.) "So spoke the prophet; and with awful port Advanc'd his massy shield, the shining orb Bearing no impress, for his gen'rous soul Wishes to be, not to appear, the best; And from the culture of his modest worth Bears the rich fruit of great and glorious deeds." {8} 7. _Polynices._ ("[Greek: Echei de--ta xeurêmata.]"--Lines 639-646.)