quis nisi vel miles vel amans et frigora noctis
et denso mixtas perferet imbre nives ?
mittitur infestos alter speculator in hostes ;
in rivale oculos alter , ut hoste , tenet .
ille graves urbes , hic durae limen amicae
obsidet ; hic portas frangit , at ille fores .
Saepe soporatos invadere profuit hostes
caedere et armata vulgus inerme manu .
sic fera Threicii ceciderunt agmina Rhesi ,
et dominum capti deseruistis equi .
nempe maritorum somnis utuntur amantes ,
et sua sopitis hostibus arma movent .
custodum transire manus vigilumque catervas
militis et miseri semper amantis opus .
Mars dubius nec certa Venus ; victique resurgunt ,
quosque neges umquam posse iacere , cadunt .
Ergo desidiam quicumque vocabat amorem ,
desinat . ingenii est experientis amor .

Who but a soldier or lover could endure
cold nights or dense snow mixed with rain ?
One’s sent out to spy on attacking forces :
the other keeps eye on his rival , his enemy .
This one lays siege to strong cities , that one his harsh friend’s
entrance : one breaks down gates , the other doors .
Often it helps to attack a sleeping enemy ,
and strike the unarmed mass with armed hand .
That’s how Rhesus and his fierce Thracians were killed
and forfeited the leader’s captured mares .
Lovers , for sure , will make use of a husband’s sleep
and employ their arms while the enemy slumbers .
Getting past watchman’s hands , and enemy sentinels
is work for soldiers and wretched lovers .
Mars is chancy , Venus uncertain : the fallen can rise again ,
while those you think could never be thrown are beaten .
So if you’ve called all lovers idlers , forget it .
Love is all experience and ability .

Who but either soldier or lover will bear alike the cold of night and the snows mingled with dense rain ? The one is sent to scout the dangerous foe ; the other keeps eyes upon his rival as on a foeman . The one besieges mighty towns , the other the threshold of an unyielding mistress ; the other breaks in doors , the one , gates . Oft hath it proven well to rush on the enemy sunk in sleep , and to slay with armed hand the unarmed rout . Thus fell the lines of Thracian Rhesus , and you , O captured steeds , left your lord behind . Naturally lovers profit from the husband’s slumber , and bestir their own weapons while the enemy lies asleep . To pass through companies of guards and bands of sentinels is ever the task both of soldier and wretched lover . Mars is doubtful , and Venus , too , not sure ; the vanquished rise again , and they fall you would say could never be brought low . Then whoso hath called love spiritless , let him cease . Love is for the soul ready for any proof .