36. THE DUCHESS. She is sitting up, dressed, in her bed, at the foot of which are two Deaths, one of whom plays on a violin, the other is pulling the clothes from the bed. “De lectulo, super quem ascendisti, non descendes, sed morte morieris.” 4 Reg. i.
37. THE PEDLAR. Accompanied by his dog, and heavily laden, he is proceeding on his way, when he is intercepted by Death, who forcibly pulls him back. Another Death is playing on a trump-marine. “Venite ad me omnes qui laboratis, et onerati estis.” Matth. xi.
38. THE HUSBANDMAN. He is assisted by Death, who conducts the horses of his plough. “In sudore vultus tui vesceris pane tuo.” Gen. iii.
39. THE CHILD. A female cottager is preparing her family mess, when Death enters and carries off the youngest of her children. “Homo natus de muliere, brevi vivens tempore, repletur multis miseriis: qui quasi flos egreditur, et conteritur, et fugit velut umbra.” Job xiv.
40. THE SOLDIER. He is engaged in unequal combat with Death, who simply attacks him with a bone. On the ground lie some of his demolished companions. In the distance, Death is beating a drum, and leading on a company of soldiers to battle. “Cum fortis armatus custodit atrium suum, &c. Si autem fortior eo superveniens vicerit eum, universa ejus arma aufert, in quibus confidebat.” Luc. xi.
41. THE GAMESTERS. Death and the Devil are disputing the possession of one of the gamesters, whom both have seized. Another seems to be interceding with the Devil on behalf of his companion, whilst a third is scraping together all the money on the table. “Quid prodest homini, si universum mundum lucretur, animæ autem suæ detrimentum patiatur?” Mat. xvi.
42. THE DRUNKARDS. They are assembled in a brothel, and intemperately feasting. Death pours liquor from a flaggon into the mouth of one of the party. “Ne inebriemini vino, in quo est luxuria.” Ephes. v.
43. THE IDEOT FOOL. He is mocking Death, by putting his finger in his mouth, and at the same time endeavouring to strike him with his bladder-bauble. Death smiling, and amused at his efforts, leads him away in a dancing attitude, playing at the same time on a bag-pipe. “Quasi agnus lasciviens, et ignorans, nescit quod ad vincula stultus trahatur.” Prover. vii.
44. THE ROBBER. Whilst he is about to plunder a poor market-woman of her property, Death comes behind and lays violent hands on him. “Domine vim patior.” Isaiæ xxxviii.
45. THE BLIND MAN. Carefully measuring his steps, and unconscious of his perilous situation, he is led on by Death, who with one hand takes him by the cloak, both parties having hold of his staff. “Cæcus cæcum ducit: et ambo in foveam cadunt.” Matt. xv.