Emblems of Mortality; representing, in upwards of fifty cuts, death seizing all ranks and degrees of people

The THIEF.

Reading edition

O Lord, I am oppressed, undertake for me.

Isaiah xxxviii. 14.

Illustration from Emblems of Mortality; representing, in upwards of fifty cuts, death seizing all ranks and degrees of people

Men to destroy with fell Intent, The Thief by Night does rise; But now to spoil an aged Dame Of a full Basket tries. I suffer Wrong, she cries, and God Sends Death to her Relief, Who, by the Hangman’s certain Gripe, Strangles the greedy Thief.