Ovids remedy of love directing lovers how they may by reason suppresse the passion of love.

OVIDS Remedy of Love .

Liber 1. WHen Love the Title of this booke had read , Wars against me ( saith he ) are threatened . Cupid doe not condemn him of that crime Who is thy Poet , and hath many a time Borne up those colours thou deliverd'st me , And for my guide and Captaine followed thee . I am not fierce Tydides who did wound Thy Mother Venus , so that in a swound In Mars his Chariot she was found to fly , And returne to Heaven through the moistned skie . Some young men are in love but for a time , But I to love doe alwaies still incline : And if you would know now what I doe doe , I must confesse , I am in love now too . Though I did once such Rules of love impart , As did reduce that passion to an Art . I will not now betray thee gentle Boy , Nor yet my Art of Love will I destroy . That which I in my former worke have done , By my new Muse shall not now be unspun . If any one doe love , and love aright , Placing his love where it doth yeeld delight , Affording sweet contentment to his mind , Let him proceed still with a prosperous wind . But if any one love a disdainfull Maid , Then by this Art his griefe shall be allay'd : Whose Rules if he peruse , he shall not dye For her disdaine , or scornefull cruelty . For why should Lovers whom love doth entangle , Themselves so often with a halter strangle ? Why with their daggers should they stab their brest Love , thou art blam'd who lovest peace and rest . Let him cease to love , who needs for love will dye , Be not thou Author of his Tragedy . Thou art a Boy , and unto sport shouldst runne , And a soft government doth thy yeeres become . Thou mayst use naked arrows in the Warres , But thy gult Darts doe leave no mortall skarres . Let others in Swords and in shaipe speares delight , And get the victory by a bloody fight . Reverence thou thy mothers Arts more mild , By which no mother hath lost her deare childe . By thy powers let the doores at night resound With knocking , and with flowry wreaths be crown'd . Let fearefull Mayds and young men by stealth meet , Let wives their wary husbands finely cheat , Make the Lover flatter at the doore , and chide , While he shut out doth singing there abide . To see their teares , not death should make thee smile Thy Torch is unfit to light a funerall pile . When I had spoken thus , golden Love display'd His Pearle-embroidred wings , and to me said , Finish thy worke which thou hast now begun , And you deceiv'd young men unto me come , You that love hath deceiv'd in every kind . Here by my precepts you some helpe shall finde , And learne from him that did the Rules impart Of love , how you may cure your selves by Art : That the same hand which wounded you , againe May heale you , and may mitigate your paine . The earth both wholesome hearbs & weeds doth cherish , And by the Rose the Nettle oft doth flourish . And Pelias Speare such virtue did conceale , That it would make a wound , and it would heale . To men and maydens I declare my Art , Striving to arme them both in every part : Wherein if some things not so usefull be , Yet by example you the way may see : My purpose is good , to quench Loves cruell flame , That no vice in thy servile brest may reigne . Phyllis had liv'd , if shee had ruled beene By those precepts which may here be read , and seene . Nor dying Dido had not seene that houre , When she beheld from the top of her Towre The Trojan ships , that would no longer stay , Hoist up their sayles , and forthwith steale away , And Progne with her sorrow growing wilde , To vexe her husband had not kild her childe . Though Philomela Tereus did please , My Art had helpt him , and cur'd his disease : So that he had not merited to be Transform'd to a bird for his impiety . Pasiphae had not a Bull affected , And Phaedra had her filthy love neglected , Menelaus had his Helena enjoy'd , Nor by the Grecians had Troy beene destroy'd . If wicked Scylla this booke had but read , Nisus purple haire had still growne on his head . Let losing lovers learne how to asswage , By my instruction their loves furious rage , That their ship with the rest saile fairely on , While I their faithfull guide and Pilot am . You should have Ovid read when you begun To love , and now you may read him againe : For I will helpe him whom love doth oppresse , Then favour him that helpes you in distresse . And I intreate thee now when I begin , Even thee Apollo , whose brow is hem'd in With the greene Laurell , thou that didst invent Both Verse and Physick , further my intent . Helpe thou thy Poet playing the Physitian , Both which Arts belong unto thy jurisdiction . When Sun-light motions doe affection stirre , Stay them before that they doe goe too farre . Quench those new flames before they gather force , And stop in the beginning of thy course . Time and delay doe bring the imperfect shapes Of desire to ripenesse , as time ripens Grapes : And which was a tender blade in show , In time unto an eare of corne doth grow . The tree that doth afford a spreading shade To those that walke or underneath are laid . Like to a small twig at first it did appeare , At what time it was set or planted there , Then it might have beene pluckt up with our hands , Now bigger growne it firmely rooted stands . Consider first what she is thou dost love , And from the galling yoake thy necke remove . " Prevent beginnings , Physicks are too late at longth , " When thy sicknesse by delay hath gatherd strength . Make haste , in good things alwayes shun delay . " He 'le be unfit to morrow , that 's unfit to day . Love flatrers us , and is nourisht by delay , If you would shake it off , shake it off to day . You shall see few rivers that from great springs flow , But as they run they still more larger grow . O Myrrha ! hadst thou soone perceivd thy sinne , To a Myrrh-tree thou hadst not transformed beene . I have seene a wound that curable did seeme At first , yet by delay hath worser beene . Yet because we doe take delight to gather Faire Venus flowers , we doe deferre it rather , And flattering of our selves , we still doe say , We 'le doe to morrow as we did to day . While secret flames into our hearts doe creepe , And ill affections there are rooted deepe . But if thou letst the first time slippe and perish , And that thy breast an ancient flame doth cherish ; The work 's the greater , yet in helplesse state I 'le not leave him , though I 'me cald somewhat too late . The Paeancian Heroe should have with al speed Cut off that part whence his wound did proceed . Yet many yeares afterward , as it then seem'd , Being cur'd , he brought those warres unto an end . I that can cure Love , when it first doth grow , When Love doth older waxe the cure is slow . Strive at the first to quench thy wanton flame , Or when the strength of it is spent againe . At first yeeld to it , let it take its course , It 's hard to resist a violent force . He is a foole that against the streame will row , Or swimme , when as he round about may goe . " The impatient minde will no impression take , " All admonitions it doth scorne and hate . " I 'le goe to him , when I his wounds may open , " When he 'le endure to heare truth when'tis spoken . While that a mother doth the funerals keepe Of her sonne , who will forbid her then to weepe , Unlesse it be one that is voyd of reason ? For then to admonish her is out of season . But when she with teares hath eased her sick minde , Then her griefe may by words some comfort finde . " Physicke in season given doth availe ; " But given unseasonably , hurts without faile . " You strengthen vice , while you seeke to redresse it , " If you strive out of season to suppresse it . Therefore when thou art curable by Art , This Rule I first of all to thee impart . I admonish thee most carefully to shun Idlenesse , whence all wicked thoughts doe come . This makes thee love , and doth that love maintaine ; This causes , and doth feed that prety paine . Take away idlenesse , and Cupids dart Hath then no power at all to wound the heart . His Torch hath then no flame or light , but lies Contemn'd , and every one doth it despise . As the Popler , and Osier love the Rivers banke , And the marsh reed loves a muddy soile that 's rank , So Venus in soft ease doth take much pleasure . Then let some businesse give thy thoughts no leasure , If to expell Loves passion thou desire , For businesse maketh Loves flame soone expire ; Soft ease , and spending as thou list the time In sleeping , and immoderate drinking Wine , Weakens the mind , and maketh it decay : For treacherous Love the unwary doth betray . " Love haunts the slothfull , hates those he doth finde Bufie , then give imployment to thy minde . Goe to the Courts , and heare how they doe plead , Study Law , or else for thy friend intercede : Sometimes goe forth , and walke into the Towne , Or behold the trainings of the City-gowne : Or practise bloody Mars his youthfull Art , And those conceits of Love will soone depart . Goe to the Warres , where Caesars troopes doe lie , 'Gainst the Parthians to obtaine a victory : Both Cupids and the Parthian shafts orecome , And bring two Trophies to thy Country home . Why Aegisthus was a murderer wouldst thou know ? The cause was , because he did idle grow . Others were fighting at the siege of Troy , Which Greece with all her force sought to destroy . Would he follow Warres , at Argos none then were , The Courts of Law at Argos empty were : So that he lov'd when nought else could be done : For love from idlenesse doth alwayes come . The Country and Husbandry also yeeld delight : These cares all other cares doe banish quite . Somtimes thou maist yoke thy Oxen , and so wound With thy crooked ploughshare the hard clay ground And sometimes with the Harrow cover o're Thy seed , which thy field with interest may restore . Looke how the crooked boughs bent downwards are With the weight of Apples that are ripe and faire , So that the labouring tree can hardly beare Those fruits which from her first produced were . Look how soft streames with a sweet murmur passe : Looke how the sheepe graze on the fruitfull grasse . Marke how the Goats the stony rocks doe climbe , Suckling their Kids when it is evening time ; While the Shepheard piping on his reed doth lye , And his watchfull dogges doe beare him company . And then a Cow doth make the woods resound With lowing for her Calfe as yet unfound . Sometimes you may with smoake put under , drive The young brood of Bees out of their waxen hive : And having tooke their Honey got with paine , You may then hive the tender brood againe . Autumne yeelds apples , Summer yeeldeth fruits , The Spring yeelds flowers , & fire with Winter suits . The Country-man gathers Grapes at a set time , And with naked feet doth presse out the new wine . And certaine times he cutteth downe his hay , Rakes it , and makes it , and beares it away . Or in the Garden thou maist graft and plant , And water those hearbs which doe watring want . And sometimes thou maist make incision , The graft unto the stock thereby to joyne , That so the stock of any home bred tree With outlandish boughs and fruit may cover'd be . When these pleasures to thy mind delight do bring , Then Love will fly away on a weake wing . Besides , thou maist sometimes a hunting run , Venus hath oft by Diana beene o'recome . Sometimes with Hounds the Hare before thee chase , Sometimes thy nets on the shady mountaines place . Or pursue the Hart , and put him in a feare , Or wound the Boare with thy sharp-pointed Speare : That at night thou weary , fast asleepe maist fall , And of thy Sweet-heart take no care at all . While fatning rest thy body may refresh , And banish Love which did thy mind oppresse . Or thou maist take the light-wing'd birds sometime , Or goe a fishing with thy hooke and line : Covering the crooked hook with such a baite , That shall make the greedy Fish bite at it straight . By these and the like wayes untill thou leave To love , thou must thy selfe thy selfe deceive . And if Loves fetters thou wouldst faine off shake , Then some long journey thou must undertake : And though thou weepe for being so unkind , When thy Sweet-hearts name doth come into thy mind , Yet still goe farre from her , goe farre I say . And the more thou art unwilling for to goe . Remember to quicken thy pace when 't is slow . Offer violence to thy selfe , and so goe on , And enforce thy feet away from her to runne . Let no light showre of raine thy journey stay , Nor the observation of an Holy-day : Nor yet enquire how many miles thou hast gon , But rather enquire how many are to come . Nor poore excuses , nor delayes doe not faine , That somewhat neare to her thou maist remaine . Doe not thou reckon the time that is past , Nor unto Rome a longing looke backe cast . But see that thou doe from her runne and flye , As the Parthian would doe from his enemy . Some will say my Rules are hard , I know 't my selfe , But thou wilt suffer much to gaine thy health . In sicknesse I have drunke a bitter juyce , And was deny'd that dyet I would chuse . Thou canst endure to be lanchd and seard , to regaine Thy bodies health , and canst from drinke refraine : And to suffer any thing wilt thou deny , For thy minds health and her recovery ? Since that the minde is a part farre compleater Then any body , and of price farre greater . Though the entrance of my Art seeme hard , the first " Beginning of a worke seemes hard and worst . At first the Heyfer's wrung with the hard yoake , At first the saddle galleth the swift Colt . Thou wilt say , it grieves thee to depart from home , Which makes thee to returne when thou art gon . But 't is thy sweetharts love thee hom hath brought , While thou with faire words coverest thy fault . Depart but from her once , and thou shalt see The Countrey will yeeld comfort unto thee . And the length of the way will helpe to banish Thy cares , and company will make it vanish . Yet thinke it not enough for to depart From her that is thy Love , and thy Sweet-heart . But thou must stay from her , till thy desire Doe lose its strength , and ashes hide thy fire . If thou returne before thou hast quencht thy flame , Rebellious love will assault thee againe . Thou shalt be what thou wa'st , thy love shall burne The more by absence when thou dost returne . Thinke not if thou inchanted hearbs dost use , And Magicks Arts , they can thy helpe produce . The use of charmes is ancient and old , But my harmelesse Verse doth a new way unfold . For I will force no ghost his grave to leave , Nor old wife with her charmes the earth shall cleave . I will not blast the Corne , nor make it faile ; Nor Phoebus in his sphere shall not waxe pale . Tyber , ( as he was wont ) to the Sea shall flow , The Moone be drawne with horses white as snow . I will make thy brest with charmes lay by Thy cares , nor make subdued love to fly . What helpe did enchanted hearbs lend thee or ayd Medea , when thou wouldst at home have staid ? And what did Circe by her charming Art , When Vlysses ships did from the shore depart ? Thou striv'st to make thy crafty guest still stay , But he hoisted up his sailes and fled away . Thou that to a thousand ships couldst men transform ; Thy mindes affection couldst not change nor turne . Thou strivest to expell Loves cruell flame , But Love did still within thy Brest remaine . For'cis said , that when Vlysses would be gon , Thou to deteine him thus to speake begun ; I doe not now intreate thee for to bee My hu band , though that hope was once in me ; Though I deserv'd to be thy wife hereafter , Being a goddesse , and the bright Suns daughter . Now to stay a while I onely thee desire ; What lesse canst thou wish me that I should require ? Thou seest the Sea is rough , and thou should feare it : The Winde hereafter will stand for thee more fit . Why wilt thou goe ? Troy is not built againe , Thou art not call'd these warres now ●o mainetaine . Here 's love and peace , and it is onely I That here am wounded by loves cruelty : While thou in safety maist stay , and command My Kingdome , which I offer to thy hand . When she these words had possionately to him said , Vlysses presently his Anchor waighd So that the North-wind drove his sailes away , And her words , which vainely pleaded for his stay . Then Cerces furious love began to rage ; So that she sought by art how to asswage With her accustom'd charmes her inward flame , But yet they could not mitigate Loves paine . Therefore if thou expectest helpe from hence , In charmes or love-cups put no confidence . If some waighty occasion make thee stay in Rome , Take then my councell , for this is my doome . He hath a great strength that at once can free Himselfe , and set himselfe at liberty . He that can doe thus , I 'le admire his compo sition , And say , he needeth not my admonition . But thou that lovest , and wouldst thy love forget , Yet canist not , for thy helpe I here will set These Rules downe : First , be sure to thinke upon These wicked acts which thou and she hast done . Lay all unto the charge of the poore Maide , Let thy cost bestowed on her be before thee laid : Thinke how she hath got from thee this and that , And yet her covetous mind is insatiate . Thinke how by her perswasions at the last Thy house for her joincture thou hast to her past , Howshe falsified her Oath which she had swore , And made thee lye oft-times even at her doore : Thinke that she loves some other , because she Disdaines to love , or be belov'd of thee . And though she will not grant thee loves delight , Her Peramour enjoyes her every night . Let these things deepely through thy senses strike , And from hence take occasion of dislike . And I would have thee use such amplification That may set forth her wrongs with aggravation . For if thou doe begin once to repent , " Thy wrongs will make thee straightway eloquent . My selfe to love a Maid was once inclin'd , But she prov'd not agreeable to my mind : Yet like sicke Podalirius I was cured By my owne medicines which I had procured . For I that am Loves Physitian , will not sticke To confesse that I my selfe for love was sick : But by scanning my Sweet-hearts faults I cur'd my selfe , And by often doing so regain'd my health . My Mistresse hath , thought I , but a bad thigh , And yet , to confesse the truth , I did but lye , My Mistresse armes are not so faire quoth I , And yet , to confesse the truth , I did but lye . Shee is low of stature , and insatiate , And hence I grounded my dislike and hate . And since Vertues unto vices are so neare , Her Vertues vices to me did appeare . Thus all her naturall gifts thou maist deface , And let thy blinded Judgement her disgrace , If that she be full-bodied , call her fat ; If she be browne , then thou maist call her black : And if that she be slender in the waste , For leanenesse then find fault with her thou maist : Thou may'st call her wanton , if well behav'd she be : If honest , a piece of cold rusticity . And often presse her that she would but grant To expresse that skill which thou know'st she doth want . If she have no voyce desire her to sing : If she cannot dance , her unto dancing bring . If that her speech be homely , rude and course , Then give her still occasion of discourse : And if her skill in Musicke be not much , Desire her to give her Lute a gentle touch . If that her steps and gate uncomely be , Be sure that thou doe make her walke with thee : And if her brests hang downe on either side , Pull off the Tiffeny that doth them hide . Then make her laugh if that she have bad teeth , If slender eyes , with sad stories make her weepe . And sometimes to thy Mistresse in a morning come , Before she be drest , or head tyres put on . For what are Maides when that they are undrest ? When they are in their cloathes , they are at the best . With Pearles & Gold they dresse themselves with Art , And the Maid is of her selfe even the least part . And then thou maist imagine thou hast lost In this throng of cloaths the Maid whom thou lov'st most : And like a witty Lover take delight In a resting manner to delude thy sight . Yet to this Rule too much credit doe not give , For a carelesse beauty many doth deceive . When thy Mistresse is painting of her selfe , then rush Into her presence and so make her blush : Thou shalt finde her Boxes , and her colours there With which she makes her brest seem white & fair . Her window will smell like to Phineus table , So that to turne thy stomacke it will be able . And now I purpose afterward to shew What in the acts of Venus thou must doe , That Love wherein thou takest such delight , May thereby b'abanisht , and quite put to flight . Many Rules for shame I must leave unexprest , But by my words thou maist conceive the rest . For some of late my Bookes doe carpe and blame , Because my Muse hath such a wanton veine . Let him disgrace those Workes which I have done , So my Verse may please , and through the World be sung . Envy detracted from great Homers Wit , And Zoilus , thou didst get a name by it : And sacrilegious tongues have out of spight Disgrac'd his Lines * * Vir. that did of Aeneas wr●te . Envy , winds , thunder , aime at , blow , and strike Those things that are advanc'd to greatest heig●● . But thou that art displeas'd with our loose veine , Conceive each subject must have a fittstreme . Warres must be in Heroicke Verses writ , Not enterlac'd with pleasant strain●s of Wit. Anger becomes a high lin'd Tragedy , Acommon line a merry Comedy : Iambick Verses serve to jeere a foe , Whether they doe runne swiftly , or o'reflow . The Elegy doth sing of quiver'd Love , Even as thy Mistresse curst or kinde doth prove . It would not become Callimachus to rehearse The praise of Achilles in his verse : Nor would Cydippe be a subject fit For Homers full ●ine , and his strength of wit . Who can endure , that wanton Thais should be Acted in the play of Andromache . My Art is directed to such as Thais be ; My wanton time is sportive , and most free : Of Thais onely my Art hath a care , Not those that with a fillet bind their haire ; For if my muse hath lively here exprest Her matter fitly in the way of jest : My Muse shall overcome those that abus'd her , And of a false crime , falsly have accus'd her ; Let envy burst , my Muse shall haue a name , The more she frownes , the more shall be her fame . For envies hatred will encrease my fame : Then enuy be sure to crosse me , for if I live , I 'le give thee more occasion for to grieve . For it will vexe thy heart ( I know ) to see My Verses famous with posterity . For as my fame encreaseth , my desire Of fame encreaseth , and still mounteth higher , Though my panting horses now begin to climbe The hill , they may reach to the top in time , For Elegies are indebted unto me , As much as Heroicks unto Virgil be .

Ovids Remedy of Love . Lib. 2. HItherto we have answered envy , now againe I will recall my selfe , draw in my raine ; And I the Poet will proceede to runne On in that circle which I have begunne . When thou art to performe the youthfull deed , And that to lie with thee she hath agreed ; And that the promis'd night is now at hand , Wherein unto thy bargaine thou must stand : Lye with some other , least thou being ful of pleasure Thy Mistresse doe requite thee with such measure , And answer thee againe , with such sweet height Of dalliance that may take thee with delight . On any one bestow thy strength of Love , And thy next affection will more milder prove . Venus is still most powerfull at the first , But heate seekes shades , and water quenches thirst . I am asham'd , yet to speake I will assay , Joyne Venus shapes in an uncomely way : Which may at any time be easily done , For they suppose nought doth them mis-become . Then to set open the Windows I thee bid , And by day-light marke those parts that are hid . And when the pleasur 's ended which thou hadst desir'd And that thy minde and body both are tyr'd : While thou repentst that thou a maid didst touch , And resolv'st nere againe to doe so much . Then observe the faults that in her bodie are . Looke on her when she lies nak'd and bare . If these rules seeme of small use unto any Though all availe not , some may being many . The little Vipers biting ki●ls the Bull , And a little hound the Boare will tugge and pull : Of my precepts , being many , the belt take , Many collected a great heape doe make . But since so many men and mindes there are To credit me in all things take no care ; For that which doth not offend us , may be thought , Perhaps by another to bee a fault . He that hath seene those parts should not be seene His love will coole , though it hath furious beene . He that hath seen when his sweete-heart doth rise From Venus encounter and her Veneries , What staines and spots most shamefully are spred , On the ●olluted and defiled bed . If these things can delight you , he will say , Proceede you lovers , and still sport and play . For when that Loves torch hath enflam'd your mind , Your suddain heate then no dislike can finde : For when Cupid drawes his arrowes to the head , The greater wounds of Love are thereby bred . And then of Lovers , the wounded company Require the greater care and remedy . What shall we say of those who have laine hid In some secret corner , while their sweet-heart did Make water , and so by that meanes did see Those parts which for modesty should conceled be ? The gods forbid we should such rules invent , Though they profit , yet they are not expedient . But I advise thee for to have two Loves ; Hee that loves many , to none loving proves . When Loue is so devided , then at length , One Love abateth from the others strength , Great Rivers that within the full bankes glided , Grow-lesle , being into smaller streames divided And if stickes be pull'd asunder , then the fire Doth straight goe out , and the flame doth expire . One Anchor cannot hold a stout ship fast , One hooke is not enough for to be cast Into the water : he that provides two things Obtaines his ends and still the victory wins . Thou that unwillingly didst one sweet-heart serve , Finde out another that may thy love deserve . Minos forgot his love to Pasiphae , When he in loue with Progne needs would be . Alcinaeus did his Phegis love forget , When he Callirhoe to his bed did get . And Paris still had Oenone loved , If the Whore Hellen be had not approved . Pandion of his wife Progne tooke care , Till her Sister Philomel did seeme more faire : Why should I more examples here unfold ? " Since a new Love makes men forsake the old . A Mother for her childs death makes lesse mone That had many , than she doth that had but one . And doe not thinke that I new lawes doe mention , Yet would it were the glory of my invention , Since Atrides who did all things see , this saw , And was not all Greece by him kept in awe ? For he himselfe was conquer'd by the looke Of Cryses whom he in the warres had tooke : But yet her father foolishly then wept , Because he had her from Achilles kept : Why dost thou weepe old man for the happy fate Of thy Daughter hindering so her happy state ? For when Chalchas trusting in Achilles aide , Had commanded that he should restore the Maide , Atrides said , even she that 's next in fame , And some letters tooke away hath the same name , Her let Achilles yeeld me if he be wise , Else he shall feele that power he doth despise . If this action ( Grecians ) foule to you appeare , Know that my stout hand doth the Scepter beare : If I am King , then she shall with me sleepe , Else may Thersites all my Kingdomes keepe . This said , he had her in his first loves stead , His new love cur'd the old , for straight it fled . As Agamemnon did , looke thou dost doe , Put love into a maze by loving two . If thou wovldst know to get them , read our Arts Of Love , and thou shalt have choise of Sweet-hearts . But if our Rules have any power to heale , I Apollo doe his Art by me reveale . Though thou burnst as if Aetna did thee enfold , Seeme to thy Mistresse in affection cold : Dissemble thy paine , that thou maist her deceive , And laugh then , when thou inwardly dost grieve . I would not have thee straight way quench thy flame That over thy affections thou maist raigne . I command thee onely but to counterfeit , As if thy former affection thou didst quit : And so by imitation thou shalt doe That which thou faignedst , really and true . For oftentimes that I might so shun drinking , I would counterfeit my selfe asleepe by winking : And while I in counterfeiting did proceed , I many times have fallen asleepe indeed . So those who cunning in counterfeiting are , Doe seldome fall into Loves spring or snare . The mind by custome doth Love entertaine , And it by custome is forgot againe . He that can counterfeit himselfe no Lover , By counterfeiting shall his health recover . Come if she bid thee at the appointed night , And if shee shut her doore , yet beare it light . Doe not thou use soft complements , or prate With flattering words , or scold before her gate : Or if that shee doe lock thee out in spight , Doe not thou at her threshold lye all night : Nor yet complaine unto her in the morning ; Nor shew a signe of sorrow for her scorning Thy love : for when she sees thou dost not grieve For her disdaine , she her disdaine will leave . Thy Love will cease , if thou thus carelesse seeme . The Horse resists the bridle when 't is seene . But use such pretended shewes as I have bid , " Good effects at first are in their causes hid . Loves cure thus by a close way shall be done , " Since birds that see the nets , the nets doe shun . L●ve her not still when shee doth thee despise , If shee disdaine thee let thy courage rise . If her gate stand open passe by though she call , On the appoynted night come not at all . Patience will make thee to endure annoy , And from thy sufferings thou shalt receive joy , There is no hardnesse in my Rules or Art : For of a Counsellour now I play the part . And since mens mindes doe differ , and doe varie , Our Art shall varie that may now miscarry . Since there are thousand shapes of misery , There are thousand salves to cure each misery : Some bodies must be lanc'd , and sear'd , and cut , And some by potions and hearbes health have got . But if thou art of a more softer mind , So that Love in his fetters doth thee bind , And like a Conquerour holds thee at his beck , And cruelly doth tread upon thy neck , To struggle with thy passion thou must cease , Let thy windes drive thy ship as they doe please . I would have thee quench the thirst of thy desire , And with some common water quench the fire . And thou maist drinke farre more than will suffice , Till full of water thou dost it despise , With thy Sweet-heart take thy fill of delight , And in her company spend both day and night : For thy Love will end with such satiety , And thou shalt be able to want her company , And tarry from her : hungry Love is tyr'd With plenty , and doth loath what he desir'd . Be not thou jealous , jealousie doth nourish Love , and doth make it both to last and flourish . If to extinguish Love thou hast a care , Extinguish jealousie and idle feare . He that fears his Mistresse should be taken from him , There is no remedy can worke upon him . The Mother for that sonne doth take most care , Of whose returne from the wars she stands in feare . Neare the Colline Gate a Temple there doth stand , Which is from Erix called , and so nam'd : There love they , in the Lethaean waves they drench , And Cupids torches in those waters quench . There young-men pray , they may their lovesforget , That on disdainefull Maides their love have set : But at the last , thus Cupid said to me ; ( Else 't was a dreame , a dreame it well might be ) O thou , who teachest men how they should love : And teachest them the remedy to remove Their passion : Ovid adde these rules of mine Unto those preceps , and those rules of thine : Thinke on thy troubles and thy misery , The thought of crosses will make love to flye : " And God doch never none so intirely blesse , " But that he gives them troubles more or lesse . He that hath suits or feareth his rent day , Is wrested with a debt which he must pay . He that hath a hard father , that doth keepe him in , Let him thinke on his father , though unseene . If thou seest a marryed man in a poore estate , Thinke that his wife doth cause his haplesse fate . If thou in the Country a fruitfull Vineyard hast , Take care lest ill winds should thy rich Grapes blast . If he have a ship that is returning home , Let him thinke what losses oft by Sea doe come . A Sonne at the Warres to trouble thee may be able , Or else a Daughter that is marrigeable . " What actions to our life belonging are , " But will afford us cause of griefe and care . If Paris had remembred his brothers fate , Their deaths had made him Hellena to hate : And Cupid more unto me then had spake , But that out of my dreame I then did wake . For when my dreame ( sure 't was a dream ) had left me , My waking thus , of many Rules bereft me : Yet will I still goe on , and no● forsake My intended course , till I an end doe make . Let Lovers take heede of solitude , they may be Safer , if they frequent good company : For thoughts of Love by being alone increase ; But if thou keepe company , then they will cease . Thou wilt be sad , if that thou art alone , Thy Mistresse beauty into thy minde will come . And thus the nights are , then the dayes more sad , Because no company can then be had . Shun not discourse , nor shut thy chamber doore , Nor in the darke , thy selfe with teares deplore . And have some Pylades , that may cure Orestes . This use of friendship 'mongst others not the least is . What did hurt Phyllis , but that she did love To frequent the Wood , and solitary Grove ? What caused her by her owne hands to dye , But sollitude , and want of company ? For like to Bacchus Nimphs through griefe and care She was wont to goe with loose disheaveld haire , And sometimes looking to the Sea she would stand , Sometimes being weary lye downe on the sand . Faithlesse Demophoon , full of treachery ; Faithlesse Demophoon she aloud did cry To the deafe waves , that 'gainst the shoares did breake , While sobs did breake off those words she did speak . There was a narrow path cover'd with a shade , By which to the Sea she oft her journey made : Her miserable steppes had even worne This new way walking on 't as one forlorne : And with a pale countenance being hither come , Upon her silken girdle she looketh downe : She looks upon the bonghes , doubts , and doth feare , And to doe what shee desired , she doth not dare . At last her fingers about her neck did knit A halter and so hangd her selfe with it . O Phyllis ! hadst thou not beene alone , The woods for Phyllis had not made such mone . For every wood such griefe for thee conceives , That for thee each yeare it mourns without Leaves , Le maids and men by Phyllis example take ; Beware of being alone for Phyllis sake . There was a yong man that had almost done What my Muse prescribes , & to his health was come : But while that he kept company with each Lover , Hee lost that health he did before recover : And Love did take againe his Golden Dart , And shot this young man deeply to the heart . If thou dost love , and wouldst not love , then see That thou doe shunne all amorous company . For unto Cattell this much hurt hath done , Who from each other take infection . Their Eyes , that looke on bad eyes , are hurt by it , Bodies to bodies infection doe transmit . And sometimes a Riverthat's hard by doth flow , And moisten places that are dry in show . So love concealed through thy veines will glide , If with thy Mistresse thou dost still abide : And in framing excuses we all witty be , That we may enjoy our Mistresse company . Another too was cured , but his paine Renew'd by living neere to her againe : His wounds of Love once heal'd , did bleed afresh , And so my Art thereby had no successe . If fire be neere a house , 't will soone take fire : Keepe from those places that may stirre desire . For if that shee within the Cloysters walke , Goe not unto her , nor yet with her talke : For why shouldst thou by talking with her againe , Thy warme love with the heate of love enflame ? If thou art hungry , thou wilt not refraine When meat 's before thee , to fall to againe : And when the water springs up in thy sight , To see it spring up will thy thirst incite . The Bull that sees a Cow , follows her straight way : The Horse that sees a Mare , after her will neigh. Yet love will not leave thee though this course thou take 'T is not enough that thou dost her forsake : But bid her Mother , Sister , Nurse , farewell , And whosoe'r doth with thy Mistresse dwell . Her servant and waiting-maid both shunne . If with commendation to thee they doe come From thy Mistresse , and doe with a feigned teare Deliver it , their words doe thou not heare : Nor how she does see that thou doe not aske , Of this silence thou wilt find the good at last : And thou that of thy Mistresse doest complaine , Cease thy complaints , they doe increase thy flame . Thy love through silence better will expire , A silent suffering will quench thy desire . In silence strive thy affection to removed . Who saith too oft he doth not love , doth love ; For flames of love are by degrees expell'd , It is a wound that must be slowly heal'd . Torrents more swiftly run than Rivers deepe , Yet this is shallow , that one course doth keepe : For love by srealth away from Lovers flyes , And by degrees it languishes and dyes . Yet never hate that Maid whom thou didst wooe , Such dispositions savage beasts doe shew . He is not cur'd that endeth love with hate , For still he loves , though he doth her forsake . They that were Lovers once , should not turne foes , Appias doth hate such dissentions as those . For Love thus to insinuate doth use , And makes us love those whom we doe accuse : And wandring Love hath found out an invention To beget love by wrangling and dissention . A young man stood by his sweet-hearts bed-side , And she began to threaten him , and chide : Whereat in being ready away to goe , She bid him draw the Curtaines , he did so ; Which as soone as he had ignorantly done , He saw his wife , then he grew mute and dumbe . But yet at last embracing her , quoth he , Pardon my errour , thou hast conquer'd me , And so from her he did depart in peace . Though he were cheated yet all strife did cease . Let her have those gifts she hath from thee obtain'd , For by such losses greater good is gain'd . But if that you by chance with her doe meet , These Rules which I doe give you , in mind keepe . Take courage , and expresse thy valour on her , Thy Penthesilea with thy weapon conquer . Thinke on thy Rivall , and how often late Thou hast stood knocking at thy Mistresse gate : And for those vowes which thou hast often made , Now punish her , let her be soundly paid . Curle not thy haire , nor when thou com'st to see Thy Mistresse , let thy Dublet unbutton'd be . Nor of other Maids take thou care to please any , But let her be to thee in stead of many . But now I 'le shew what slacks the eure of love , And you your selfe shall an example prove . For we hardly cease to love , when we beleeve We are belov'd againe , and so deceive Our selves ; since we most credulous and apt be To deceive our selves with our selfe flattery . But unto oaths or words no credit give , For what than they doth oftner us deceive ? Nor if thy Mistresse weepe , yet be not caught With teares , for she her eyes to weepe hath taught . Lovers minds are divers wayes besieg'd and try'd , Like a Rocke beaten with waves on every side . Shew not the causes why thou dost her leave , Nor tell her why thou griev'st , yet closely grieve . Tell her not of her faults whatsoe'r they are : For if she come to excuse them , then beware , For whatsoe'r her case is , you must know ; In thy owne cause she will thee overthrow . In silence beare all : for if thou dost stand To reason with a Mayd , and still demand Satisfaction for some wrong thou didst sustaine , Thou wilt scold thy selfe in love at last againe . Yet to clip Cupids wings is not my intent , Nor shall his Bow by my Art be unbent : It is councell unto you which I doe sing , Therefore obey those Rules which I doe bring . And bright Apollo as thou still hast done , Assist my worke that it may yet goe on . Phoebus is present ; harke , me thinkes I heare His sounding Harpe ; Phoebus ' is present here : In his resplendant robe I have him espy'd , Richer than robes in Tyrian Purple dy'd . You then that are in love , see you compare Your Mistresses to those that are more faire . Each goddesse unto Paris faire did seeme ; But comparing their beauties , he did then esteeme Venus the fairest : Thus let every lover Compare his mistresse beauty with some other . And so with others thou maist compare her mind . Let not affection thy judgement blinde . Briefe are the Rules I shall hereafter sing , Yet such , as unto many helpe did bring . And I have found the power of my owne Art , Which when I was in love did ease my smart . Keepe not thy Mistresse letters , nor them read ; Much harme from reading letters doth proceed : Put them into the flame , and say this fire Shall burne this letter kindling my desire . Thestias in a brand her sonne did burne , To burne a trecherous letter wilt thou mourne ? Remoove her picture ; why shouldst thou be tooke With the faire shadow of a beauteous looke ? And also see that thou dost shun those places , That are guilty of your amorous embraces . For when thou those places dost behold and view , Past pleasures will thy present griefe renew . Thinke not thus with thy selfe , here she and I Have beene together , here did together lye : Here on this bed we slept , both with delight , And I enjoyd her here one happy night . Such thoughts as these doe but renew our flame , And make the wound of love to bleede againe . For as a Brimston match will new life give To dying cinders , making them revive , And as one sparke may kindle a great fire , So one sparke of love may enflame thy desire . So unlesse thou endeavour to shun all Occasions , that thy love to minde may call , Thy flame of love which seemed to expire , Will burne againe in thee with fresh desire . The Sea-man rejoyceth when he hath saild by A dangerous Rocke which in his way doth lye . But take heed of those places which appeare Pleasant , because thou hadst thy pleasure there : These places Rocks to shipwrack thee become , And as Carybdis see thou doe them shun . And in some things , we can but advise our best , And must commit to fortune all the rest For love when it is poorest , is most wise , Riches and wealth doe seeme to blinde his eyes . Poore men in Love oft-times more wisedome show , For Riches doe make Love a wanton grow . Why did none of poore Hecale a Wife make ? Why did none Irus for a Husband take ? For this , the Mayd was poore , and therefore tarry'd : So was the other poore , and so not marry'd . Besides , the Theaters doe not thou frequent , While in thy brest love is not resident : For while thou hear'st their Songs and Musick often , And seest their Dances , these the mind doe soften . There fained Lovers oftentimes advance Themselves , and in a Maske doe meet and dance . Actors doe shew the Lovers cunning slight , And their shewing of it stirres up a delight . Read not Callimachus who of love doth write , And Cous who doth in that straine endite . Sappho hath made me love my Mistresse better , And the Teian Muse hath made my love waxe greater . Who can with safety read Tibullus Verse ? Or those which Cinthia's Lover doth rehearse ? Who that reads Gallus Verses doth not melt ? And some by mine the like effects have felt . For unlesse Apollo doe frustrate my labour , There are no Love-lines can like mine get favour . Though there be some that faine would imitate me , Yet beleeve that none are Rivals unto thee . The more Hermione was lov'd of another , The more Orestes did begin to love her . Menelaus griev'd not when to Creete he went , And though his wife was absent , was content : But when he saw that Paris stole her had , Then for his wife he raged , and grew mad . " Those that love not their wives , yet when they see " Another love their wives , they jealous be . This bred Achilles griefe and sad annoy , Because that Agamemnon should her enjoy : He wept , nor did he onely weepe it did seeme , But something did , or else he had slothfull beene . Truely although my wisedome be not much , I thinke that I my selfe have done as much : For out of envy to him he did receive Her first fruits , and the next to him did leave . Though that he ne're toucht Brysis he doth sweare By his Scepter , his Scepter was no God to heare . Then still passe by thy forsaken Mistresse gate , And let thy quick steps thence convey thee streight : And sure thou maist performe it , if thy mind Doe gather strength , and be thereto inclin'd . For when thou passest by , goe quicke and fast , Spurre on thy selfe as if thou wert in haste . Thinke that the Syrens in that house doe dwell , And make haste from her , so shall all be well : And for thy Rivall never grieved be , Esteeme him not now as thy enemy : Or salute him though thy hatred doe remaine : For'tis a signe thou art thy selfe againe . And that I may play the Physitians part , What meats to use I will prescribe by Art . For Scallions from Lybia sent to thee , Or else from Megaris both hurtfull be : And lustfull Eringoe's see that thou doe shun , Which unto Venery make the body prone . Rather eate Rue that sharpeneth the sight , And that which hindreth Venus soft delight . If concerning Wine thou wouldst have me to shew Some Rules , my Rules at this time shall be few . Wine doth prepare the minde to Venerie , Unlesse you drinke too much , and drunken be : For too much Wine the affections stupesie , When that the heart in Wine doth buried lie , For as by blowing a fire may be kindled , So by blowing a new fire may be extinguish'd . A gentle winde doth nourish the weake flame , A violent puffe doth put it out againe . Drinke so much Wine as may thy cares expell , If thou drinkst more or lesse , thou dost not well . This worke is done , now with fresh Garlands Crown My Ship which to the intended Haven's come , And to your sacred Poet offerings give , You Lovers that from hence did helpe receive .

FINIS .