Page:Lovers Legends - The Gay Greek Myths.pdf/56

LOVERS’ LEGENDS example, drink Thasian wine by ourselves, nor stuff ourselves in solitude with fancy dishes. Each finds more pleasant what he shares with another, and, likewise, we prefer reciprocal enjoyments. One unites with a woman in mutual desire; the two part equally satisfied one with the other after tasting the same delights, unless we are to believe Tiresias, who claimed the woman's pleasure far surpasses the man's. I consider, therefore, that men should value not the selfish pleasure they can take, but the one they can afford in exchange. Nobody in his right mind would claim that is the case with boys: the lover gets up and leaves, having tasted joys beyond compare, but his victim begins with pains and tears. Even later, when, I am told, his suffering grows less acute, you will never be anything but a bother to him, because of pleasure he has none. If we can speak more freely, as 42