I. My lord, which of two noble ladies, in whom dwell joy and youth and a joyful, loving, disposition, would you choose? One, if it please you, will be yours right speedily and without formality and fair is she and debonair; the other will you conquer with difficulty and tardily and it will behove you to suffer in great trepidation.
II. Peirol, although I am ever desirous of repose and joy, never ought my reason to fail in decisions on questions of love. A lover granted too many opportunities changes quickly, wherefore for my part, I, as a true lover, prefer with cunning and guile to be a bold thief [i.e. when I can, to snatch the opportunities opened up by my guile and cunning].
III. My lord, your reasoning would hold good, but when the rain falls and the wind and the frost harry the bushes and the lover at the meeting place awaits that which is his concern, well do I know and believe that if denial is his lot, he goes away in dudgeon.
IV. Peirol, if a crafty lover, long-suffering and hopeful, manages to circumvent to his liking the foolish watchfulness of the jealous husband, then is he uplifted when he achieves his desire, for it does not seem to him that emperor or king may have such wealth or riches.
V. My lord, by my faith, I would rather have well-being than suffer discomfort always.
VI. Peirol, by my faith, I prefer misfortune without well-being to well-being without suffering.
