Different Loves1
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
Lycinus: 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.
Theomnestus: 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
