Alciato's Book of Emblems

Emblem 192

That respect is to be sought in marriage

When he burns with love, the viper stands at the shore of the ocean, and from his stomach vomits dreadful poison. Then he sends abroad noisy hisses, to attract the murena fish. But the murena at the very same time desires the caresses of her mate. The greatest respect is due to the marriage chamber: each spouse owes allegiance to the other.