The following woodcuts open a window on the norms governing heterosexuality and marriage in sixteenth-century Europe. The first two moralize on mismatches of age and wealth. In the first, a young male dandy uses sweet words and good looks to seduce a wealthy but lonely widow, but his ulterior motive is purely selfish: to dominate her, take her money, and indulge his taste for adulterous affairs. The second woodcut taddles lascivious widowers who ignore the dangers of luring young women in return for promises of wealth and security; alas, the young woman's motives correspond perfectly with his recognition that only money can deliver sex and caring across so great a disparity of age and riches. Finally, the "Tamed Lion" offers an ambiguous verdict on relations between woman and man in sex and marriage: is the lion a fool for succumbing so easily to the blandishments of women? Or are women the fools to think that the control him really? All translations are by Steven Ozment, When Fathers Ruled: Family Life in Reformation Europe (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1983), 61, 63, 71.

The Young Man and the Old Widow The Young Man: A young man, fine of body, Made love to an old widow, Whose skin was wrinkled and hard. He thought only of her money. Afterward he conversed idly, Plying her with sweet words and promising many things, Saying how he wanted to support her honorably, While all the while thinking to himself Of the time when he would dominate her. Then he would spend all her money And thrash that old hide soundly. Restrain an young man both day and night,  For he will flee an old creature And visit the chicken coop. The Old Widow: The old widow looked on the young man, Who was beautifully smooth and well-shapen, And said: I worry that you are too rude And that what has happened to so many other widows Will also happen to me after our first quarrel. Still, I will hope better of you, That you will do me no harm, And treat me with honor in all things. I will make you a lord And give you the property Amassed by my first husband, If only you will do as I bid. The marriage occurred; I do not know how it turned out.

The Old Man and the Young Girl The Old Man: Once upon a time a very old man Became enamored of a young girl. He courted her for a long time, Grooming himself from head to toe. Finally, he said: If you are willing to pledge your troth to me And hold me always in your honor, When I die, you will increase, I will see that you are well compensated, You may buy whatever your heart desires, Only show me friendly love and honor. If one servant does not please you, I will get you two. Only always be friendly to me. If this pleases you, tell me so. The Young Girl: The girl understood the situation well;  She gave the old man a friendly stare And promised what he desired: She would hold him in love and honor. She thought, however, only of cold cash. Stroking him with sweet words, She draped a fool's cap About the old dandy's neck, And taking him in tow, She led him away on a fool's rope, As happens still to many an old man. Old and young do not go together, Like belongs with like. Here love and joy abound, As one observes all around.

The Tamed Lion
 

A.  No man is ever so high or good That he cannot be managed by a woman Who does his will In friendly love and service. B. Although he is tyrannical and wild, He is soon calmed by a woman. She boldly strokes his open mouth, His anger fades, he does not bite. C. The lion, most lordly of beasts, Famous for his strength and nobility, Favors us women with heartfelt gifts And good humor accompanies his kindness.

D. How wonderfully you reflect Your taming at woman's hand, Bearing patiently what another Does to you against your will. E. O powerful king and greatest lord Your equal is neither near nor far. Excelling all, both large and small, Upon your head should lie a crown. F.  Lord lion, although you are feared by all, A woman knows how to saddle you, Bending you to her will by love. True love finds a home with a good man.

G. How well you have been groomed! Now how lively and cheerful! One so spirited May have the company of women. H. Lord lion, you may have your every wish. Cover your trail with your tail And you will not be tracked down. Those who love you in secret know this well. Lion: I let the women amuse themselves by serving me. What harm can they possibly do me? If I want, I can suddenly turn fierce again. He is a fool who lets himself be taught by women.