IL. — Sapho and Phao (IL, iv, 55-115) gr Le De Arte Amandi

Sybilla. Loue, faire child, is to be gouerned by arte, as thy boat by an oaret : for fancie, thogh it cometh by hazard, is ruled by wisdome. If my preceptes may persuade, (and I pray thee let them perswade) I woulde wish thee first to be diligent : for that womenne desire nothing more then to haue their seruants officious. Be alwaies in sight?, but neuer slothful 5. Flatter, I meane lie : little things catch light mindes, and fancy is a worme, that feedeth first vpon fenell. Imagine with thy selfe all are to bee won #, otherwise mine aduise were as vnnecessary as thy labour. It is vnpossible for the brittle mettall of women to withstand the flattering attemptes of men : only this, let them be asked5; their sex requireth no lesse, their modesties are to be allowed so much. Be prodigall in prayses and promises 6, bewtie must haue a trumpet, & pride a gifte. Peacocks neuer spread their feathers, but when they are flattered 7, and Gods are seldome pleased, if they be not bribed. There is none so foule, that thinketh not her selfe faire $. In commending thou canst lose no labour ; for of euery one thou shalt be beleeued ©. O simple women ! that are brought

1. Arte citae, veloque rates, remoque reguntur : (I, 3) Arte leves currus : arte regendus amor. (I, 4)