The Emblem of Opportunity

5.08. THE EMBLEM OF OPPORTUNITY. A Bald Man, balancing on a razor’s edge, fleet of foot, his forehead covered with hair, his body naked—if you have caught him, hold him fast; when he has once escaped, not Jupiter himself can overtake him: he is the emblem how short-lived is Opportunity.
The ancients devised such a portraiture of Time, to signify that slothful delay should not hinder the execution of our purposes. [more info]

Opportunity

5.08. OPPORTUNITY.
Bald, naked, of a human shape,
With fleet wings ready to escape,
Upon a razor’s edge his toes,
And lock that on his forehead grows—
Him hold, when seized, for goodness’ sake,
For Jove himself cannot retake
The fugitive when once he’s gone.
The picture that we here have drawn
Is Opportunity so brief.—
The ancients, in a bas-relief,
Thus made an effigy of Time,
That every one might use their prime;
Nor e’er impede, by dull delay,
Th’ effectual business of to-day. [more info]