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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 horse

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.

AIR son, whoso of love is fain,

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.