O dear sweet son, towards whom I yearn,
’Tis my desire that you should learn
Love’s wiles, to save you from deceit.
When you upon life’s journey meet
With Cupid, let my counsels guide
Your steps, for no man ever tried
That path untaught, but hath perforce
Been stripped of all, till last his horse13710
He needs must sell; I charge you hear
My counsel which your way will clear,
If you but heed the lore I tell,
Who know love’s art and mystery well.
LXXII
Herein the harridan prepares
Fair-Welcome’s mind for love affairs,
And shows how evil women may,
In love, both go and lead astray.
Fair son, whoso of love is fain,13719
That bittersweet, that pleasant pain,
Must Cupid’s ten commandments know,
Yet keep him at arm’s length I trow.
All these to you would I declare,
Perceived I not how great a share
Of each has nature deigned to bless
You with, in her sweet kindliness,
Yea to the hilt that you can need.
Ten are there, but fools only, heed
The latter two, wise men dispense
Therewith, not valuing them two pence.13730
