SIR AMOROUS IS PLEASED WITH HIMSELF For, as I say, women have curious ways, and there are a good many of them recorded in this book.

And yet more I have observed which I cannot find room for in a chronicle of so many sad and bad and warlike happenings.
But none of them all is more notable than this--that women, or at least (for it is no use saying "women," every one being different in temper, though like as pease in some things) many women, will permit that which it suits them to be oblivious of, when if you ask them for permission or make a favor of the matter, they will promptly flame sky-high with indignation.

So my advice to the young man who honestly goes a-courting is to keep talking earnestly, to occupy his mistress's attention withal, and progress in her favors during the abstractions of high discourse.
Of course in this, as in all other similar enterprises, Sir Amorous must have a certain trading-stock of favor to start with.

But if he have this much, 'tis not difficult to increase it by honest endeavor, and, as it were, the sweat of his brain.

So at least I am told by those who have proved it.