The map shows a geography entirely based around the theme of
love according to the
Précieuses of that era. 'The way through this pastoral country of the
affections begins at
Nouvelle Amitié and leads (ignoring dead-ends such as the Lake of Indifference) by three alternative routes to either
Tendre-sur-Reconnaissance,
Tendre-sur-Inclination, or
Tendre-sur-Estime. On the map the river of Inclination flows directly to Tendre-sur-Inclination, showing mutual affection as the shortest way to love. Unsuccessful suitors, however, have to find their way to love ("Tendre") through two possible routes. One leads through the villages of "Billet Doux" (
Love Letter"), "Petits Soins" (Little Trinkets) and so forth and ends at "Tendre-sur-Estime", the suitor having successfully convinced the lady of his worth. The other route leads to "Tendre-sur-Reconnaissance", the names of the villages showing how patience, faithfulness, and constant attention will eventually soften a lady's heart. Straying from those routes is not recommended, as one might fall into the "lake of Indifference".
Passion by contrast was left on the fringes, where 'lies
La Mer Dangereuse, rocky but otherwise uncharted, and beyond that again are
Terres Inconnues'. == Influences ==