Emblem IV.11: The motion of the World, this day

The motion of the World, this day,
Is mov'd the quite contrarie way.

WHat was this Figures meaning, but to show,
That, as these kinde of Shell-fish backward goe,
So now the World, (which here doth seeme to take
An arseward Iourney on the Cancer's backe)
Moves counterwise; as if delight it had,
To runne a race, in Courses retrograde:
And, that, is very likely to be true,
Which, this our Emblem, purposeth to shew.
For, I have now, of late, not onely seene,
What backward motions, in my Friends have beene;
And, that my outward Fortunes and Affaires,
Doe of themselves, come tumbling downe the staires:
But, I have also found, that other things,
Have got a wheeling in contrary Rings;
Which Regresse, holding on, 'tis like that wee,
To Iewes, or Ethnicks, backe shall turned bee.
Some punie Clrkes, presume that they can teach
The ancient holy Doctors, how to preach.
Some Lucks, learne their Pastors how to pray.
Some Parents, are compelled to obay
Their Sonnes; and, so their Dignitie to lose,
As to be fed and cloth'd, at their dispose.
Nay, wee have some, who have assay'd to draw,
All backward, to the Bondage of the Law;
Ev'n to those abrogated Rites and Dayes,
By, which, the wandring Iew markes out his wayes.
And, to pursue this Round, they are so heady,
That, they have made themselves, and others giddy.
Doe thou, these froward Motions, LORD, restraine;
And, set the World in her due course againe.