I. Sir Albert, choose, according to your mind: a lover woos two ladies of equal worth. One loves him and grants him the utmost, provided that he abandon the other, whom he loves doubly more dearly. But she will not love him nor condescend to him. Say now with which one of the two it is better that he abide.
II. Sir Aimeric, he has little wit who cannot choose the better. Like a faithful lover, I will love truly her from whom my heart never departs; and I will that you love like a double-faced wretch. I have no desire to take a false guerdon, —rather will I serve till I attain a precious love-joy.
III. Sir Albert, I know well that the wise and the efficient lovers will hold your choice the worse. I know too that it is more pleasing to be gay with a half-love, kissing and lying, than to sigh and dream for a whole love. I prefer the fruit that one can reach with his hands to the one that hangs high and at which one must hurl something to get it.
IV. Sir Aimeric, it does not seem to me that you make love in an honorable way, because it is not fitting that a wooer should keep changing and turning. Rather should he be faithful and true. And I do not wish that any such fruit should fatten me. I would rather always be thinner than a stick of wood than eat a fruit for which I had no liking.
V. Sir Albert, since they (these ladies) are of equal beauty and worth, I act like a good debater when I leave to you the bad and take the good. It is fitting that a man should bow and stoop before the good and should flee the bad in all haste; for, before it flame up or be kindled too much, one should have the means to put out the fire.
VI. Sir Aimeric, the deceits of the false lovers and the tricksters have led lady-service astray; and it is not gracious of you to assume such a burden, for a faithful lover never betrays his lady. And I am a man taught by true Love, so that I bear myself loyally toward my lady.
VII. Sir Albert, I wish the Lady Beatrice of Este to judge this debate, as to what is right, for she is a ray of beauty, and Worth is born in her. I believe that she will uphold my cause.
VIII. Sir Aimeric, I leave the decision to the Lady Emilia of Ravenna, for she is more famed for all good traits that pertain to a lady; and may she abide by the right!
