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The Soldier and Death
Engraving, by Thomas de Leu, published 1600
Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris
A dialogue between Death and a soldier in La Danse Macabre, a classic
memento mori theme in which Death reminds the living—regardless
of status or strength—that no one can escape their fate.
'Step
away from me, insatiable monster,
Or with my strong arm, I will strike you down.
How dare you lay a hand on me?
In strength, honour, and wealth, I see no equal.' |
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'Foolish
man, do you think your arm,
Armed with a dagger, has power over me?
I bring down all humans despite their resistance,
Without sparing a single one, I cast them down.' |
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