MS-HRC-SB-4-3

[2060] must one not, sweet pet? [2061] When you hold me in your arms, and I you
in mind ^{[place = margin left] e}, it naturally does not amount to much, compared to the
transports of youth, and even middle age. [2062] But all is relative, let
us bear that in mind, stags and hinds have their needs and we have
ours. [2063] It is even astonishing that you manage so well, I can hardly
get over it, what a chaste and sober life you must have led. [2064] I do ^{[place = margin left] too},
you must have noticed it.

[2065] Consider moreover that the flesh is not
the end-all and the be-all, especially at our age, and name me the
lovers who can do with their eyes what we can do with ours, which
will soon have seen all there is to s for them to see and have often
great difficulty in remaining open, and with their tenderness, with-
out the help of passion, what by this means alone we realize daily,
when separated by our respective obligations.

[2066] Consider furthermore,
since there is nothing more for us to hide, that I was never beautiful
or well-proportioned, but ugly and even misshapen, to judge by the
testimonies I have received. [2067] Papa notably used to say that people
would run a mile from me, I have not forgotten the expression. [2068] And
you, sweet, even when you were of an age to quicken the pulse of
beauty, did you exhibit the t ^{[place = overwritten] o}ther requisites? [2069] I doubt it.

[2070] But with
the passing of the years we have become scarcely less hideous than
even our best favoured contemporaries and you, in particular, have
kept your hair. [2071] And thanks to our having never served, never under-
stood, we are not without freshness and innocence, it seems to me.

[2072] Moral, for us at last it is the season of love, let us make the most
of it, there are pears that only ripen in December. [2073] Do not fret
about our methods, leave all that to me, and I warrant you we'll
surprise each other yet. With regard to tête bêche