Loves Labours Lost: #4

He says it is impossible to study without knowing love or beauty. He also says that beauty and love can teach you, as well. He says that they see their learning in their eyes. Here's the exact quote:

"And where we are our learning likewise is:
Then when ourselves we see in ladies' eyes,
Do we not likewise see our learning there?"

I think he's referring to the reflection of themselves you see in someones eyes (both literally and figuratively). He uses a lot of rhetorical references, such as Hercules, the Sphinx,  and Apollo. He uses these to convey the fact that love is immensely strong and impossible to resist. The effect of this is that they come to the conclusion that they aren't forsworn. As he goes on arguing the point that they aren't forsworn, he says that women's eyes are the Promethean fire,
"they are the books, the arts, the academes,
that show, contain and nourish all the world:
else none at all in ought in ought proves excellent."
He's saying that without them studying and learning are impossible. Without them, how can they study and learn? Basically they are the inspiration for it. As such, they are fools to forswear women. He also says poets never wrote without having felt and experienced love. When they did, their verses were magnificent. Example of what they could do:
"O, then his lines would ravish savage ears
And plant in tyrants mild humility."
So all in all, he uses his arguments to prove that they are not forsworn and can woo (or court) the French ladies.

Vocabulary

Coursing- the sport of pursuing game with dogs that follow by sight rather than scent: a direction or route taken or to be taken.

Idolatry- excessive or blind adoration, reverence, devotion, etc.

Coxcomb- a conceited, foolish dandy; pretentious fop.

Misprision- a neglect or violation of official duty by one in office: a mistake or misunderstanding: failure by one not an accessory to prevent or notify the authorities of treason or felony: a contempt against the government, monarch, or courts, as sedition, lese majesty, or a contempt of court.