Page:Lovers Legends - The Gay Greek Myths.pdf/89



Lycinus continues his account to Theomnestes with his own words of encouragement to Callicratidas, the lover of boys, who is about to speak in defense of male love.

Part III


 * "May the eloquence of Pericles and the tongues of the ten orators marshaled against the Macedonians make your harangue worthy of those declaimed on the Pnyx!" Callicratidas collected his thoughts a moment or two. Judging by his expression, he too seemed ready for combat. Then he launched into his rebuttal.

If women took part in government meetings, in the courts, and in public affairs, you surely would be a general, Charicles, or president, and they would raise bronze statues of you in the public squares. In fact, the wisest among them, were they to speak in favor of their cause, could hardly have outdone you—neither Telesilla, who fought against the Spartiates and in whose honor, at Argos, Mars is deemed one of the gods of women; nor Sappho, that sweet glory of Lesbos; nor Theano, daughter of wise Pythagoras. It may even be that Pericles defended Aspasia with less eloquence. But if men are now to speak on behalf of women, then let us men speak on behalf of men. And you, Aphrodite, grant me favor, for we too honor Eros, your son!

I had thought our argument would remain on friendly footing, but since Charicles in his speech started theorizing on behalf of women, I will gladly seize the opportunity to tell him this: only male love is the product of both desire and virtue. I would have wished, had it been possible, that we stood beneath the plane tree that once heard the speeches of Socrates — happier tree than the Academy or the Lycaeum — and under which Phaedrus lounged, as the divine man, best beloved of the Graces, tells us. From its branches, like those of the talking 75