"Memento Mori," so the legend goes, is what a slave accompanying a returning victorious general in ancient Rome would whisper in the general's ear as they paraded through the city. "Remember you will die." Supposedly it was meant to remind the general that he was mortal, and to not get too cocky. Later in history, in a Christian context, memento mori was meant to convey the idea that one should turn one's attention to the afterlife. It became kind of a theme, and carried on into early America and young women's sewing sampler patterns.
And in turn an example of 18th century doodling, which the girl hides by looking busy at something worthwhile (needlepoint), and redeems by adding a phrase overheard in church.
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