and surmounted by the orb; below, at the base, is the shield
of Munster, where this medal was probably executed; and in
the distance are cities in flames, and the sun eclipsed and
setting behind sea with ships. Above, a scroll inscribed, d a b it
v n io la v eos (Union will give laurels), and an arm holding a
wreath and issuing from clouds, within which is the name of
Jehovah in Hebrew. Ex. Chronogrammatic. I L L V s t e I s I I n -
C b e t I sM o . h a g je I n f e b e V a e I o e X V oto po L I e t o e b I s
f e L I C I t Ee C o nC L Y so . s. (Dedicated by the decree of the
people and the world to the most illustrious alliance auspiciously
concluded at the Hague in February, MCCCOLLLLLXVWVinmmii
= 1691.) i. H. (Johann Hohn.)
Rev. Concord, holding a bundle of arrows under her arm, is
applying the match to a cannon, from which she fires a shot at
a warrior, Louis XIV., who defends himself with his sword and
shield, decorated with the sun and crescent. In the distance is
the Temple of Janus with the doors open, and beyond are hills
surmounted by fortresses. Above, a scroll inscribed, c ly pevm
ex c v s sv b a gea d iv o (About to strike tbe shield away from
Mars), and within clouds the name of Jehovah in Hebrew.
Ex. concobdl® viCTBici s. (Sacred to Concord, the Victorious.)
i. p. l . the initials of the mint-master ?
2-1.
MB. electrotype from Gotha, At. Very rare.
This medal refers to the Congress of the Allies at the Hague,
and represents Germany and the other States seeking the
protection of England and Holland, typified by the combined
oak and orange-tree, against the attacks of Louis XIV., whose
arms had been crowned with success on all sides. He had
defeated the Dutch by land and sea, and had captured several
important cities from Germany. The sun, the favourite emblem
of Louis, is represented as eclipsed by this combination of
the Allies, and about to set before their united forces. The
crescent on the shield of Louis on the reverse probably
refers to his alliance with the Turks, who were attacking the
Empire in the East, whilst he was harassing it from the West.
Plutarch, in his Morals, says : “ The Cretans, who were
accustomed to frequent skirmishes and fights amongst themselves,
nevertheless, as soon as they were attacked by a foreign
enemy, were reconciled and went together. This it was which
they commonly called Syncretism.” The expression was, therefore,
well chosen by the artist in reference to the Congress at
the Hague, as there the Empire and all the smaller States of
Germany forgot their petty quarrels and differences in order
that they might unite in one body against their common enemy,
Prance.
185. Louis XIV. and t h e C o n g e e s s o f t h e A l l i e s .
Feb. 1691.
Hercules, with the lion’s skin and cloak, attacking a man armed
with club, who lies on the ground. Leg. J IE H E h C V L E S
A<EVE(kSVS (DVOS. (Not even Hercules against two.—
comp. Erasm. Adag. Cent. I . xxxix.) Ex. v i n c e e e . ( T o conquer.)
Rev. Louis XIV., standing, face towards I., holding sword iD
right hand; near the edge are shields with crowns; viz. at
top Germany, on right Savoy and Spain, on left England
(a harp) and Holland. These intercept the legend, S E D
LVCb . X I V . A m . (P LVtkE S. (But Louis XIV. against
many.) Ex. avt . m o e i . (Or to die.)
1-65.
Bibl. Paris, 2R. Gotha, At. Extremely rare.
Executed at Gotha by Christian Wermuth. This medal
refers to the situation of Louis XIV. during the Congress of
the Allies at the Hague. Louis, who had to contend single-
handed against the strong array of European powers, is here
contrasted with Hercules, who, with all his strength, was unable,
without the aid of his faithful servant Iolaus, to overcome the
Hydra and the gigantic Crab, which came to its assistance.
(See also No. 244.).^
186. L it e b a b y R ew a e d . Feb. 1691.
Busts conjoined, r., of William and Mary. He, laureate,
hair long, wears armour and mantle fastened with brooch on
c 2