Beauty of Human Figures.

They, who are influenced by Love, or perhaps better said, by unchecked desires, which act like a false lens that presents everything as more beautiful or different than they truly are, deceive the observer; even flaws are perceived as beauties and attractions. Thus, a passionate lover might perceive a dark, tanned slipper-like face as a charming brunette; or a thick, pumpkin-like footlocker as a delicate bag; or a skinny, dried-up stickfish, where there is nothing but skin and bone, as a slender and spirited deer. Similarly, they might whimsically name a short and incomplete creation a pretty little animal after its head was smashed. But just as a true assessment of works of art and all beautiful things exists which improves them under careful examination, they seem to gain in virtue and beauty the more one looks at them. But in this supposed beauty lies something entirely different; for often, prolonged examination reveals that the beauty transforms into its true and ugly nature: just as happens quite comically under the masked appearance of a newly wed woman, who perhaps was not the most beautiful to begin with, as the following verses will paint.

Our young lady cries and complains, That her man no longer pleases her, And that his love has greatly diminished; She cannot think what bothers her; But dear wise one, silently remain still, At first he saw her through love's spectacles: You now see how sharply his nose is cut, For the spectacles of love are now removed.

Translation Notes:

- "Minnebril": translated as "love's spectacles," suggesting a way of seeing that is clouded or altered by affection.