Kitap 1
That maiden goddess is love's mortal foe,
And much from her his subjects undergo.
Thus far the sportful muse, with myrtle bound,
Has sung where lovely lasses may be found,
300
Now let me sing, how she who wounds your mind,
With art, may be to cure your wounds inclined.The celestial Venus is more charming than the terrestrial, and divine love soon extinguishes carnal, which burns with an obscure fire: whereas the divine enlightens those that it warms with holy desires; it leaves no string behind it and never has an end.
Young nobles, to my laws attention lend,
And all you vulgar of my school attend.
First then believe, all women may be won;
305
Attempt with confidence, the work is done.
The grasshopper shall first forbear to sing
In summer season, or the birds in spring;
Than women can resist your flatt'ring skill;
E'en she will yield who swears she never will.
310
To secret pleasures both the sexes move;
But women most, who most dissemble, love;
'Twere best for us, if they would first declare;
Avow their passion, and submit to prayer.
The cow by looing tells the bull her flame;
315
The neighing mare invites her stallion to the game.
