"There can be no doubt of the common nature of the Love which goes with Common Aphrodite; it is quite random in the effects which it produces, and it is this love which the baser sort of men feel. Its marks are, first, that it is directed towards women quite as much as men; second, that in either case it is physical rather than spiritual; third, that it prefers that its objects should be as unintelligent as possible, because its only aim is the satisfaction of its desires, and it takes no account of the manner in which this is achieved all this it partakes of the nature of its corresponding goddess, who is far younger than her heavenly counterpart, and who owes her birth to the conjunction of male and female. But the Heavenly Aphrodite, to whom the other Love belongs, for one thing has no female strain in her, but springs entirely from the male, and for another is older and consequently free from wantonness. Hence, those who are inspired by this Love are attracted towards the male sex, and value it as being naturally the stronger and more intelligent. Besides, even among the lovers of their own sex, one can distinguish those whose motives are entirely dictated by this second Love; they do not fall in love with mere youths, but wait until they reach the age at which they begin to show some intelligence . . . By choosing that moment in the life of their favourite to fall in love, they show, if I am not mistaken, that their intention is to form a lasting attachment and a partnership for life; they are not the kind who take advantage of the ignorance of a youth to deceive him, and then are off with a jeer in pursuit of some fresh darling." (Part of a speech by Pausanius). (THIS SERIES OF EXTRACTS TO BE CONTINUED)

From: LEAVES OF GRASS-By Walt Whitman

TO A WESTERN BOY

Many things to absorb I teach to help you become eleve* of mine; Yet if blood like mine circle not in your veins,

If you be not silently selected by lovers and do not silently select lovers,

Of what use is it that you seek to become eleve of mine?

* a pupil.

2.2.

one