In these scenes of the casket, Shakespeare himself, therefore, is undoubtedly an Emblem writer; and there needs only the woodcut, or the engraving, to render them as perfect examples of Emblem writing as any that issued from the pens of Alciatus, Symeoni, and Beza. The dramatist may have been sparing in his use of this tempting method of illustration, yet, with the instances before us, we arrive at the conclusion that Shakespeare knew well what Emblems were. And surely he had seen, and in some degree studied, various portions of the Emblem literature which was anterior to, or contemporary with himself. [Illustration: ΜΙΚΡΟΝ ΦΡΟΝΤΙΣΑΝΤΕΣ ΖΩΚΡΑΤΟΥΣ. ΤΗΣ ΔΕ ΑΛΗΘΕΙΑΣ ΗΟΛΥ ΜΑΛΛΟΝ. _Cebes_, _ed._ 1552. Motto _from Plate_ ] ----- Footnote 73: The subjects of the “nyne pageauntes,” and of their verses, are—~“Chyldhod, Manhod, Venus and Cupyde, Age, Deth, Fame, Tyme, Eternitee,”~ in English; and ~“The Port”~ in Latin. Footnote 74: Thus to be rendered— While Elizabeth, as king, did reign, England the terror was of Spain; Now, chitter-chatter and Emblemes Rule, through our queen, the little James. Footnote 75: Through Mr. Jones, of the Chetham Library, Manchester, I applied to D. Laing, Esq., of the Signet Library, Edinburgh, to inquire if the bed of state is known still to exist. The reply, Dec. 31st, 1867, is— “In regard to Queen Mary’s bed at Holyrood, there is one which is shown to visitors, but I am quite satisfied that it does not correspond with Drummond’s description, as ‘wrought in silk and gold.’ There are some hangings of old tapestry, but in a very bad state of preservation. Yesterday afternoon I went down to take another look at it, but found, as it was getting dark, some of the rooms locked up, and no person present. Should, however, I find anything further on the subject, I will let you know, but I do not expect it.” Footnote 76: This mode of naming the motto appears taken from Shakespeare’s _Pericles_, as— “A black Æthiop, reaching at the sun: The word, _Lux tua vita mihi_.” Footnote 77: In two other Letters Drummond makes mention of Devices or Emblems. Writing from Paris, p. 249, he describes “the Fair of St. Germain:”— “The diverse Merchandize and Wares of the many nations at that Mart;” and adds, “Scarce could the wandering thought light upon any Storie, Fable, Gayetie, which was not here represented to view.” A letter to the Earl of Perth, p. 256, tells of various Emblems:— “MY NOBLE LORD,—After a long inquiry about the Arms of your Lordships antient House, and the turning of sundry Books of _Impresaes_ and Herauldry, I found your V N D E S. famous and very honourable.”