Kitap 8
1
If a man isn’t jealous or angry, Chrysis, and never hits you, cuts your hair off, or tears your clothes, is he still in love with you?
1
Are these the only signs of a man’s love, then?
1
Yes, these are the signs of a burning love. All else, the kisses, the tears, the vows and the frequent visits are the signs of a love that is beginning and still growing. But the real flame comes from jealousy. And so, if Gorgias hits you, and shows jealousy, as you say, you may be hopeful, and should pray that he always continues in the same way.
1
In the same way? What do you mean? That he should go on hitting me for the rest of his days?
1
No, but that he should be hurt, whenever you have eyes for another man. For, unless he’s in love with you, why should he be angry at your having another lover?
1
I haven’t one. But he wrongly imagined the rich fellow was in love with me, just because I happened to mention his name once.
2
That again is nice for you—having him thinking you’re sought after by rich men. It will hurt him the more, and make him the more eager not to be outdone by his rivals for your affection.
2
But all he does is show temper and hit me. He never gives me anything.
2
He will—for he’s jealous—particularly if you hurt him.
2
Somehow you seem to want me to be hit, my dear Ampelis.
