Love is but folly, - since the wisest love

[ZaunköniG]

Love is but folly, - since the wisest love
Itself disclaiming, would invent a use
For its free motion. – penitents recluse,
That scarce allow the natural heart to move,

With amorous ditties woo the mystic dove,
Or fondly bid their heavenly Spouse unloose
Their sacred zones. – The politic excuse
Of worldlings would to wourdly ends improve

The gentle madness. – Courtiers glibly preach
How Love and Woman best rehearse the play
That statesmen act. – The grave fine-spoken leech

Counts how the beatings of the pulse betray
The sweet disease. – And all the poets teach
That love alone can build the lofty lay