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xii make naught of Danger; but they ask that they may have the aid of Venus.

The God of Love replies that the Goddess Venus, his mother, is not under his command, but that he owes to her respect and reverence. He further explains wherein lies the difference between the service due to him and to his mother. This explanation affords us a clear view of the distinction made by the poets of the Middle Ages between the sentiment inspired by Venus, the Goddess of sensual pleasure, and that inspired by her son, who ruled the hearts of men. Oftentimes it haps that Venus and her son use their influence in concert, but as often also they act independently.

Richesse having refused to take part in the siege, or aid the Lover, since he is not numbered among her friends, Cupid declares that he will avenge himself upon her by reducing to poverty the rich men who fall into his snares. He much objects to the presence of False-Seeming in his host, but the barons declare that it is absolutely necessary to ensure the success of their enter­prise.

The God agrees to his remaining among the host, but proposes that he shall declare at full who and what he is. To this False-Seeming makes demur, on the ground that if he discovers himself his revelation will bring down upon him the wrath of his companions, but at the com­mand of Love he speaks out. He avows that he is the son of Fraud by Hypocrisy; he makes