Page:Homo-sexual Life by William John Fielding (1925).pdf/63

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HOMO-SEXUAL LIFE
61

of the Norman conquest to the present day—have shown a decidedly homogenic temperament. (This authority prefers to use the term homogenic, from two root words, both Greek, i. e., "homos," same, and "genoc," sex, instead of homosexual.)

Three of these kings, namely, William Rufus, Edward II and James I were homosexual in a high degree—possibly enough so as to be classed as Urnings. Others, like William III, had a marked strain of the same temperament.

Of these monarchs, William Rufus and William III, were in their different ways men of great courage and personal force. James I was not a creditable character—and while the term degenerate might be applicable to him—it would be equally fitting to several others of the royal line.

It is also apparent that one of England's greatest queens, Elizabeth, had a highly developed homosexual disposition, enough to bring out in no uncertain manner those characteristics that are usually associated with the masculine gender. She was inordinately resourceful, independent, assertive—and showed no particular erotic leanings toward the opposite sex.

Referring to the common belief that a male who experiences love for his own sex must be despicable, degraded, depraved, vicious, and incapable of humane or generous sentiments, J. Addington Symonds (A Problem of Modern Ethics) remarks that "If Greek history did not contradict this supposition, a little patient