Alciato's Book of Emblems

Emblem 66

Forgetfulness, parent of poverty

When the hungry lynx eats its food, devouring a young deer that in its hunger it captured, if by chance it looks in another direction or turns its eyes, having forgotten the present food it holds in its claw, it seeks an unsure prey, so great its forgetfulness. He who has neglected his own stupidly seeks the things of others.