Alciato's Book of Emblems

Emblem 103

That which is above us is nothing to us

Prometheus hangs eternally on the Caucasian rock; his liver is ripped apart by the talon of the sacred bird. He might regret that he made man; detesting potters, he condemns the flame lit by the stolen fire. The breasts of wise men - those who seek to know the conditions of heaven and the gods - are gnawed by divers cares.