5
AUTOB. Now while Protogenes was desirous to say more, Daphnaeus interrupting him said: Truly you have done well to put us in mind of Solon, and we may make use of him as the judge of a person addicted to love. Hear what he says: Then dote upon the flowery youth of boys, Their fragrant breath admiring and soft thighs.
5
AUTOB. Add to this of Solon that other of Aeschylus: Ungrateful, for the kisses of my lips, Not to revere the glory of my lips.
5
AUTOB. These are proper judges of love; but others there are who deride all those that would have lovers inspect thighs and haunches, like so many sacrificers and diviners. And for my part I draw from hence a very strong argument on the behalf of the women. For if male converse, which is altogether against nature, neither extinguishes nor is any ways noxious to amorous affection, much more probable is it that the love of women, which is according to nature, should reach to the consummation of friendship, by virtue of that obsequious beauty which attends it. For I must tell you, Protogenes, the submission of the female to the male was by the ancients expressed by the word χάρις (grace or favor). For which reason Pindar observes that Vulcan was by Juno brought forth without the graces; and Sappho tells a young virgin, not yet ripe for matrimony, A little child thou seem’st, and without grace.
5
AUTOB. And a certain person puts the question to Hercules, By force or by persuasion did the maid Her favors yield?