Inspired by seventeenth century English band samplers, as well as sixteenth century Italian sculptural motifs, this sampler was created as a memorial to a dear friend who died too soon. The queen and king assume the stance of Adam and Eve under the Tree of Life with a starry sky above, the sun peeking through the clouds above. Flanked by mazes and stylized lions and dragons, the main verse, written by Henry King (1592-1669) was first published in 1664:

The wind blows out the bubble dies
The spring entomb'd in Autumn lies
The dew dries up: the starre is shot
The flight is past and man forgot

The sampler closes with an excerpt from a poem titled "The Widower's Tango" by Neruda/Walsh:

What an enormous night, what a lonely earth!

Stitches used in the sampler are cross, double running, eyelet, counted satin, back, Montenegrin cross and French knots. On 35 count linen it will measure approximately 9" x 26". It is recommended for intermediate to advanced needleworkers.