Love is submissive and obedient to superiors, in its own eyes mean and contemptible, devout and thankful to God, always trusting and hoping in him, even then when it tastes not the relish of God's sweetness; for there is no living in love without some pain or sorrow.
8. Whosoever is not ready to suffer all things, and to stand resigned to the will of his Beloved, is not worthy to be called a lover.
He that loves must willingly embrace all that is hard and bitter for the sake of his Beloved, and never suffer himself to be turned away from him by any contrary occurrences whatsoever.
Chap. VI.
Of the proof of a true lover.
1. My son, thou art not as yet a valiant and prudent lover.
Why, O Lord?
Because thou fallest off from what thou hast begun upon meeting a little adversity, and too greedily seekest after consolation.
A valiant lover stands his ground in temptations, and gives no credit to the crafty persuasions of the enemy.
As he is pleased with me in prosperity, so I displease him not when I send adversity.