Kitap 1
And let the maid come after in her place.
But this I will advise, and mark my words,
For 'tis the best advice my skill affords;
If needs thou with the damsel wilt begin,
440
Before th' attempt is made, make sure to win;
For then the secret better will be kept,
And she can tell no tales when once she's dipt.
'Tis for the fowler's int'rest to beware,
The bird intangled, should not 'scape the snare.
445
The fish once prick'd avoids the bearded hook,
And spoils the sport of all the neighb'ring brook.
But if the wench be thine, she makes thy way,
And for thy sake, her mistress will betray;
Tell all she knows, and all she hears her say
450
Keep well the counsel of thy faithful spy;
So shalt thou learn whene'er she treads awry.
All things the stations of their seasons keep;
And certain times there are to sow and reap.
Ploughmen and sailors for the season stay,
455
One to plough land, and one to plough the sea;
