August and Virgodetails

AUGUST
The eighth was August, being rich array’d
In garment all of gold downe to the ground:
Yet rode he not, but led a lovely mayd
Forth by the lily hand, the which was crown’d
With eares of corne [wheat], and full her hand was found.
That was the righteous Virgin, which of old
Liv’d heare on earth, and plenty made abound;
But after wrong was lov’d, and justice solde,
She left th’ unrighteous world, and was to heav’n extoll’d. Spenser ” (p. 1058)

The picture shows a happy man, bearded, wearing a toga and sandals, holding by the hand a lady with ears of wheat in her hair and hand. She is carrying scales and a sword, symbols of justice and righteousness.