The coward oft, whom dainty viands fed,
That boasted much his lady's ears to please,
By help of them whom under him he led
Hath reaped the palm that valiance could not seize.
The unexpert that shores unknown ne'er sought, 5
Whom Neptune yet appalled not with fear,
In wandering ship on trustless seas hath taught
The skill to feel that time too long doth lere.
The sporting knight that scorneth Cupid's kind,
With fained cheer the pained cause to breed: 10
In game unhides the leaden sparks of mind,
And gains the goal, where glowing flames should speed,
Thus I see proof that truth and manly heart,
May not avail, if Fortune chance to start.
1. dainty] fine, pleasant, delightful. viands] articles of
food.
4. reaped] acquired, as in harvesting grain. palm] a palm leaf was a sign of victory in Greece and Rome.
8. that] what, that which. lere] teach.
9. kind] nature; it is Cupid's nature to bring people together.
10. fained] glad. pained] affected with pain; hurt,
distressed, grieved.
11. leaden] dull, made of lead. sparks] small
traces of some quality.
12. speed] succeed or prosper.
14. avail] to have force or efficacy for the accomplishment of a
purpose. start] suddenly jump to life.
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