Em quanto quiz Fortuna que tivesse

While Fortune willèd that for me remain Some grateful esp'rance of some glad content, The joys of gentle thought a longing lent To pen life's pleasures and depaint its pain;

But Cupid, fearing lest such writ contain Lere for the judgments Love hath never shent, With darkling tortures 'gan my wits torment That of his treach'ry I should ne'er complain.

O ye, whom Love's obligeance may subject To divers wills! whenso ye read thereof Bound in one booklet cases so diverse,

(Which all be truthful; facts without defect,) Learn that according as ye have the love, So shall ye have the lore, of this my verse.