The Precarious Position
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Precarious Position
Scripture Reference:
- Matthew 10 (further images / scripture text)
Description: Above the opening of a smoking volcano, a man hangs by a rope that is about to be cut by Death appearing in a cloud. A number of individuals watch the scene with signs of alarm. The Dutch artist and poet, Jan Luiken (1649-1712), whose initials are at the lower right, was responsible for drawing and etching this emblem and for the poem that accompanies it (below). The attendant scripture text is Matthew 10:28.
Poem:
Someone by a thread, over Etna hung
And laughed, and was content, as if he saw no danger,
That was a miracle, like something unnatural,
As otherwise it wasn’t strange, although his hair stood up.
Oh Man! Oh poor man! who laughs and is cheerful,
And isn’t aware of any danger, that should frighten thee,
Why dost thou not consider how thou art hanging,
As over the abyss of the Sulphur-pool of hell?
Is it not a wonder, that in such a terrible position,
He still sings and whistles, and makes fun of cares,
While such a heavy weight pulls, on such a delicate string,
And awaits the break soon, who can be certain till tomorrow?
Ah! immense object, of such heavy weight!
How thou art forgotten through the deception of vanity!
How the free mind considers eternity so lightly!
How the beautiful opportunity, is so carelessly thrown away!
Oh Man! Oh Man! be scared of the gaping danger,
Arouse and wake up, overcome thine mind,
Look up, look down, and become aware of thine situation;
Watch for the hands that can save thee from that fall.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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