III.25The Pleasures of Temporary Variance

Although there be no fault in him, the sweetness of his love
Hath power in me a fretful jealousy to move.

Although my husband is free from defects, the way in which he embraces me is such as to make me feign dislike.

My 'anger feigned' gives but a little pain;
And when affection droops, it makes it bloom again.

His love will increase though it may (at first seem to) fade through the short-lived distress caused by (my) dislike.

Is there a bliss in any world more utterly divine,
Than 'coyness' gives, when hearts as earth and water join?

Is there a celestial land that can please like the feigned dislike of those whose union resembles that of earth and water?

'Within the anger feigned' that close love's tie doth bind,
A weapon lurks, which quite breaks down my mind.

In prolonged dislike after an embrace there is a weapon that can break my heart.

Though free from fault, from loved one's tender arms
To be estranged a while hath its own special charms.

Though free from defects, men feel pleased when they cannot embrace the delicate shoulders of those whom they love.

'Tis sweeter to digest your food than 'tis to eat;
In love, than union's self is anger feigned more sweet.

To digest what has been eaten is more delightful than to eat more; likewise love is more delightful in dislike than intercourse.

In lovers' quarrels, 'tis the one that first gives way,
That in re-union's joy is s een to win the day.

Those are conquerors whose dislike has been defeated and that is proved by the love (which follows).

And shall we ever more the sweetness know of that embrace
With dewy brow; to which 'feigned anger' lent its piquant grace.

Will I enjoy once more through her dislike, the pleasure of that love that makes her forehead perspire?

Let her, whose jewels brightly shine, aversion feign!
That I may still plead on, O night, prolong thy reign!

May the bright-jewelled one feign dislike, and may the night be prolonged for me to implore her!

A 'feigned aversion' coy to pleasure gives a zest;
The pleasure's crowned when breast is clasped to breast.

Dislike adds delight to love; and a hearty embrace (thereafter) will add delight to dislike.