I

40 THE DANCE OF DEATH.

PLATE VI.—THE EMPEROR.

Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.

Isaiah, xxxviii. 1.

Seated on a throne, and holding in his handthe sword of state, he is attentively listening toan advocate pleading in a soothing tone, againstan unfortunate peasant, who trembling waits, inthe most suppliant posture, the decree that is todetermine his fate. Death at this moment displaysall his power ; he proudly takes possession of thebottom of the throne, and U carelessly leaning hisarm on the Monarch's crown. The angry aspectwith which the Emperor views the advocate andhis two clients, who are seen standing with theirheads uncovered, is a happy presage for the pooroppressed peasant.

PLANCHE VI.—L'EMPEREUR.Assis sur son trSne, & tenant dans sa mainle glaive de Pempire, il ecoute attentivement unavocat qui plaide d'un ton doucereux contre unmalheureux paysan, tandis que celui-ci attend entremblant, & dans la posture la plus suppliante,Parret qui doit decider de son sort. La Mortdeveloppe en ce moment toute sa puissance; elleoccupe fierement la fond du trone, & appuie non-chalemment son bras sur la couronne du Monarque.I/air irrite avec lequel le Chef de PEmpire re-garde Pavocat & ses deux cliens qu'on voit, la tetedecouverte, a cote de leur defenseur, est d'unheureux presage pour h pauvre opprime.