Love takes hold

Love takes hold more swiftly of the heart

That is more on guard against love.

Because my heart was betrayed by its Thyrsis,

I swore to offer its servitude no longer.

Against bewitching glances, I said, I'll arm myself

With uniform arrows, and surely I will triumph!

Love takes hold more swiftly of the heart

That is more on guard against love.

But I saw Phyllis, and at once every virtue left me!...

I saw Amaryllis, and I no longer knew how to conquer!

Now however many more I see, I become crazy about them all;

At first I had one torment, now I have a hundred!

Love takes hold more swiftly of the heart

That is more on guard against love.