Ante-Nicene Fathers/Volume VIII/Pseudo-Clementine Literature/The Clementine Homilies/Homily V/Chapter 7

Chapter VII.&#8212;A Distinction with a Difference.

&#8220;Then Appion said:&#160; &#8216;Do you not think it is the same thing, whether you obtain her by magic, or by deceiving her with words?&#8217;&#160; Then said I:&#160; &#8216;Not altogether the same; for these differ widely from one another.&#160; For he who constrains an unwilling woman by the force of magic, subjects himself to the most terrible punishment, as having plotted against a chaste woman; but he who persuades her with words, and puts the choice in her own power and will, does not force her.&#160; And I am of opinion, that he who has persuaded a woman will not suffer so great punishment as he who has forced her.&#160; Therefore, if you can persuade her, I shall be thankful to you when I have obtained her; but otherwise, I had rather die than force her against her will.&#8217;