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In Cupid's schoolThe poet here lays down the proposition of the work, which he comprehends in the two first verses: he then invokes the assistance of the gods and begins his narration., whoe'er would take degree
Must learn his rudiments by reading me,One must learn to love, and what to love: for love is so far from being forbidden, that there is nothing so commendable, provided the object is good.
Seamen with sailing art their vessels move;
Art guides the chariot: art instructs to love.
Of ships and chariots others know the rule;
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But I am master in Love's mighty school.
Cupid indeed is obstinate and wild,
A stubborn godHe speaks of love who is very seldom guided by reason.; but yet the god's a child:
Easy to govern in his tender age,
Like fierce Achilles in his pupilage:
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That hero, born for conquestThis alludes to his killing Hector, as in the 22nd book of Homer's Iliads., trembling stood
Before the centaur, and receiv'd the rod.
As Chiron mollified his cruel mind
With art; and taught his warlike hands to wind
The silver strings of his melodious lyre;Achilles, when he was a lad, was put to this centaur to be educated.
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So love's fair goddess does my soul inspire
To teach her softer arts; to sooth the mind,
And smooth the rugged breasts of human kind.
Yet Cupid and Achilles, each with scorn
And rage were fill'd; and both were goddess-born.Cupid was the son of Venus, and Achilles of Thetis. Both were children alike, and both hard to govern. For, indeed, the passions of love and glory are not easily overcome by reason, which ought always to be mistress.
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