LETRILLA XVIII
SATÍRICA

The ladies of to-day, Bras,
are not content with graces
they love you dearly if you give them presents,
and better if you give them more.

Today love is not child-like or blind,
and he does not thank you for toys,
because by tears and persistence
snow glows in place of fire.
He looks at the present and not the suit,
and Venus turns to Pallas.
They love you dearly if you give them presents,
and better if you give them more.

The most exalted plume
flies from the danger of wax,
and melts like the white foam
on the shore; let no one
who does not give presume,
rather let him throw away his wings.
They love you dearly if you give them presents,
and better if you give them more.

Now the best way to favour
is the path of interest,
and the bigger the bribe
the bigger the compliment.
There is no love except by this method,
for it is in vain that you scale the heavens.
They love you dearly if you give them presents,
and better if you give them more.

The most ingenious arguments
have no force unless they give.
There is no virtue that is not perverted
by the stupid man who speaks in doubloons;
he captivates hearts
with his mettle and his fine clothes.
They love you dearly if you give them presents,
and better if you give them more.

What happens if you see a shepherd talking
and a noble citizen with him,
if the former offers his (full) hand
and the latter offers his love?
They will give the shepherd the favour
and Aing pellets at the citizen.
They love you dearly if you give them presents,
and better if you give them more.