A decorative woodcut headpiece featuring a symmetrical arrangement of scrolling vines, leaves, and a central floral motif.

PHILO AND SOPHIA, ON THE ESSENCE OF LOVE.

FIRST DIALOGUE.

A large decorative woodcut initial letter "L" depicting a man seated in a garden-like setting surrounded by large leaves and vines.

The knowledge I have of you, Lady Sophia, causes both love and desire within me. S O P H. These effects, which the knowledge of me produces in you, Lord Philo The name Philo is derived from the Greek "philos," meaning lover or friend., seem discordant to me. But it is possible that some passion makes you speak in this way. P H I L. Discordant they truly are with your own feelings, which are outside of all harmony original: "concordance," referring to the lack of mutual affection from Sophia.. S O P H. Rather, even between themselves, love and desire are contrary affections of the Will Will: In Renaissance philosophy, the "Will" is the faculty of the soul that chooses or desires what the mind perceives as good.. P H I L. And why contrary? S O P H. Because