The reptile of this name, carrying a virulent and deadly sting in its
tail, is generally borne erect. When it is borne with the head downwards,
it is described as reversed. One branch of the family of Cole bears:
_argent, a fesse between three scorpions erect sable_; and another branch
of the same family, _argent a chevron gules between three scorpions
reversed, sable_.
[Illustration: Scorpion.]
_Scorpion._--Luigi di Gonzaga, styled Rodomonte for his great intrepidity
and strength, was a favourite general of Emperor Charles V. in his army
with Bourbon at the sack of Rome. When Charles made his public entry into
Mantua, Rodomonte wore a blue surcoat made in squares. Upon one was
embroidered a scorpion; upon the other his motto, "_Qui vivens lædit morte
meditur_" ("Who living wounds, in death is healed"). It being the property
of the scorpion when killed and laid over the wound to cure the poison, so
Rodomonte, if any one presumed to offend him, would clear himself of the
injury by the death of his enemy.
"If a man be stung with a scorpion, and drink the powder of them in wine,
it is thought to be present remedie."[10]