Executioner's Sword.
Reading edition
This weapon forms one of the curiosities in the superb collection of ancient armor which belonged to Sir Samuel R. Meyrick, at Herefordshire. It bears the date of 1674. The blade is thin and exceedingly sharp at both edges. Engraved on it is a man impaled, above which are some words in German, of which the following is a translation:—
Look every one that has eyes, Look here, and see that To erect power on wickedness Cannot last long.
A man holding a crucifix, his eyes bandaged, is on his knees; the executioner, with his right hand on the hilt and his left on the pommel, is about to strike the blow; above is engraved—
He who ambitiously exalts himself, And thinks only of evil, Has his neck already encompassed By punishment.
On the other side is a man broken on a wheel, over which is—
I live, I know not how long; I die, but I know not when.
Also a man suspended by the ribs from a gibbet, with the inscription—
I move, without knowing whither; I wonder I am so tranquil.