My father, tell me some example of this. (417-638.)
Patience of Socrates. A man should endure as Socrates did, who to try his own patience married a scolding wife. She came in on a winter day from the well and saw her husband reading by the fire. Not being able to draw an answer to her reproaches, she emptied the water-pot over his head: but he said only that rain in the course of nature followed wind, and drew nearer to the fire to dry his clothes. (639-698.)
I know not if this be reasonable, but such a man ought truly to be called patient by judgement of Love’s Court.
Here again is a tale by which thou mayest learn to restrain thy tongue. (699-730.)
Jupiter, Juno and Tiresias. Jupiter and Juno fell out upon the question whether man or wife is the more ardent in love, and they made Tiresias judge. He speaking unadvisedly gave judgement against Juno, who deprived him of his sight. Jupiter in compensation gave him the gift of prophecy, but he would rather have had the sight of his eyes. Therefore beware, and keep thy tongue close. (731-782.)
Phebus and Cornide. Phebus loved Cornide, but a young knight visited her in her chamber. This was told to Phebus by a bird which she kept, and he in anger slew Cornide. Then he repented, and as a punishment he changed the bird’s feathers from white to black. (783-817.)
Jupiter and Laar. The nymph Laar told tales of Jupiter to Juno, and he cut off her tongue and sent her down to hell. There are many such now in Love’s Court, who let their tongues go loose. Be not thou one of these, my son, and above all avoid Cheste.
My father, I will do so: but now tell me more of Wrath. (818-842.)
843-1088. Hate is the next, own brother to Cheste. Art thou guilty of this?
I know not as yet what it is, except ye teach me.