should not be willing to be brought over to love's side, and it should seem to you that you are not satisfied of the truths I have declared concerning it, if the present time permits it, or at any other you might choose and indicate, I promise you to satisfy all the replies and arguments you might wish to express in opposition to mine; and, for the present, attend to me and listen: Come, issue from the pure and loving breast, Sonorous voice, and let thy tones of pride Sing of the lofty marvels done by Love, So that the thought that freest is and best, May be content thereby and satisfied, Though 'tis but hearsay that the thought doth move. Sweet Love, that canst thy lofty marvels prove, If thou wilt, by my tongue, Grant unto it such grace, That glory, joy and praise, For telling who thou art, reward my song; For, if thou aidest me, as I surmise, Thy worth, in rapid flight To Heaven's height, we see with mine arise. 'Tis Love that is beginning of our bliss; The means whereby one winneth and attaineth The happiest end that anyone doth seek; Unequalled master of all sciences: A fire, that, though a breast ice cold remaineth, Into bright flames of virtue makes it break; A power that wounds the strong and helps the weak; A root from which is born The lucky plant whereby We rise to Heaven on high, With fruitage, that doth unto pleasure turn The soul, of goodness, worth, and noble zeal, Of bliss without alloy, That earth with joy, and Heaven with love doth fill; Courteous and gallant, wise, discreet is he; Gay, liberal-handed, gentle, rich in might; Of piercing glance, although blind be his eyes; True guardian of respect and modesty; A captain who doth triumph in the fight, But honour only claimeth as his prize; A flower that doth 'midst thorns and brambles rise, Which life and soul adorns; An enemy of fear; Of hope a friend so near; A guest that gladdens most when he returns; An instrument of honoured wealth, I trow, Whereby one seeth thrive The honoured ivy on the honoured brow;