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And if he see you, great delight
He’ll feel, yet all precautions dight.
Nor, save in secret, dare to make
A finger signal, or to shake
His head ; and should he see you speak
To those about, at once he’ll seek7710
To close the shutter and espy
Your form both long and lovingly
Athwart the chinks, unless from thence
He’s torn by brutal violence.

Deceivers must be deceived Have special care that near the spot
Vile Evil-Tongue perceive you not;
Salute him, if you chance to meet,
Politely, but in nowise greet
His glance with anger or despite—
With such an one ’twere ill to fight.7720
A wise man ne’er displays his wrath,
But hides it ’neath his vest’s broad-cloth,
For fair and good it is a cheat
With tools he fashions to entreat,
And every liege of Love should do
Thuswise, who hath the wit thereto.

To Evil-Tongue and all his race
’Tis well to show a pleasant face,
Although they’d turn you inside out.
Offer (so sweetly that no doubt7730
His mind can have) your body and soul
To serve him.
If you first the goal
Would reach, in racing with a sharp,
Sing him a tune that suits his harp.