Young Diamondback

I recollected that her eye excelled in brightness, that of any other animal, and that she has no eye-lids�She may therefore be esteemed an... more

by Lynda Dawson-Youngclaus

Title

Young Diamondback

Artist

Lynda Dawson-Youngclaus

Medium

Photograph - Photo

Description

"I recollected that her eye excelled in brightness, that of any other animal, and that she has no eye-lids�She may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance.�She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage.�As if anxious to prevent all pretensions of quarreling with her, the weapons with which nature has furnished her, she conceals in the roof of her mouth, so that, to those who are unacquainted with her, she appears to be a most defenseless animal; and even when those weapons are shewn and extended for her defense, they appear weak and contemptible; but their wounds however small, are decisive and fatal:�Conscious of this, she never wounds till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of stepping on her.�Was I wrong, Sir, in thinking this a strong picture of the temper and conduct of America?" Benjamin Franklin, December, 1775, upon suggesting that the rattlesnake was a good symbol for the American spirit.

Uploaded

September 1st, 2012