To sin in loving virtue.”
Act ii. sc. 2, l. 177
There is an Emblem by Whitney (p. 131), which, though in some respects similar to one at p. 178 of the “Pegma” by Costalius, 1555, entitled “Iron,” “on the misery of the human lot,” is to a very great degree his own, and which makes it appear in a stronger light than usual, that a close resemblance exists between his ideas and even expressions and those of Shakespeare. The subject is “Writings remain,” and the device the overthrow of stately buildings, while books continue unharmed.
Scripta manent.
To Sir Arthvre Manwaringe Knight.
Whitney, 1586.
“If mightie Troie, with gates of steele, and brasse,
Bee worne awaie, with tracte of stealinge time:
If Carthage, raste: if Thebes be growne with grasse.