Page:Lovers Legends - The Gay Greek Myths.pdf/22

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''This 1700-year-old debate pits a lover of women against a lover of boys. The tale opens as Theomnestus, a young nobleman fond of boys and girls alike, asks his friend Lycinus which of the two he deems better.''

 Part I 


 * Since dawn, friend Theomnestus, you've filled my ears with love's games. I'd had it up to here with serious stuff, and thirsted for amusement. Man's spirit needs to take a break—it craves a bit of relaxation, a taste of pleasure. All morning long your vivid and delightful stories made me feel like Aristides the Milesian, that writer of steamy tales. I swear upon those loves of yours, to which you've presented such a broad target, I'm sorry indeed you've reached the end! I beg you, in the name of Aphrodite herself, should you think I am joking, tell me one more adventure with boys or girls; Come, search your memory! Besides, today is Hercules' festival – we need a sacrifice. I'm sure you know how wild this god is about Love; your tales will please him more than victims.

8
 * You'd sooner count the ocean's waves, or the rushing snowflakes, Lycinus, than all my loves. I think they've emptied out their quiver into me, so were they to go after another, their unarmed hand would only draw laughter. Ever since childhood gave way to youth, I yielded myself for them to feast upon me. Loves followed thick upon each other: before one ended, another began. They were like true Lernean $2$ heads, more numerous than that of the Hydra, defying the flaming brands of Iolaus—as if fire could ever put out fire. No doubt there is a lodestone in my eyes that tirelessly draws all who are beautiful. I have even asked myself more than once whether so many favors were not some curse of Aphrodite. And yet I'm no child of Helios,$3$ nor some insolent Lemnian,$4$ nor that boor Hippolytus.$5$