Kitap 3
To raffle prettily, or slur a die,
Implies both cunning and dexterity;
Nor is't amiss at chess to be expert,Latronum praelia ludet, is the same which the version renders chess; but what the Tessara Missa, of which we have spoken, is, none of the critics are clear in; those who come nearest suppose them to be billiard balls. Merula's explanation is very obscure; nor is Mycillus's much clearer. The latronum proelia is with more certainty interpreted to be chess. There is another game mentioned by the poet Reticuloque, etc., which none of the commentators have explained clearly; but the tunos lapillos is by all of them agreed to be what we call merills, a boyish game which Ovid describes so well, there is no doubt but it is the same. The dye spoken of here is supposed to refer to a game like the modern trick-track.
For games most thoughtful, sometimes most divert.
430
Learn ev'ry game, you'll find it prove of use;
Parties begun at play may love produce:
But easier 'tis to learn how bets to lay,
Than how to keep your temper while you play.
Unguarded then, each breast is open laid,
435
And while the head's intent, the heart's betray'd.
Then base desire of gain, then rage appears,
Quarrels and brawls arise, and anxious fears;
Then clamours and revilings reach the sky,
While losing gamsters all the gods defy.
440
They grieve, and curse, and storm, nay weep at last.
Good Jove avert such shameful faults as these,
From ev'ry nymph whose heart's inclin'd to please
Soft recreations fit the female kind;
Nature, for men, has rougher sports design'd:
445
To wield the sword and hurl the pointed spear;
