"Truly he is worthy to be loved. Who would not love Hermes in the palæstra, or Phœbus at the lyre, or Castor on the racing-ground? Who would not wish to sit face to face with such a youth, to hear him talk, to share his toils, to walk with him, to nurse him in sickness, to attend him on the sea, to suffer chains and darkness with him if need be? He who hated him should be my foe, and who so loved him should be loved by me. At his death I would die; one grave should cover us both; one cruel hand cut short our lives!" In the sequel of the dialogue Lucian makes it clear that he intends these raptures of Callicratidas to be taken in great measure for romantic boasting. Yet the fact remains that, till the last, Greek paiderastia among the better sort of men implied no effeminacy. Community of interest in sport, in exercise, and in open-air life rendered it attractive.[106] "Son of Eudiades, Euphorion, After the boxing-match, in which he beat, With wreaths I crowned, and set fine silk upon, His forehead and soft blossoms honey-sweet; Then thrice I kissed him all beblooded there; His mouth I kissed, his eyes, his every bruise; More fragrant far than frankincense, I swear. Was the fierce chrism that from his brows did ooze." "I do not care for curls or tresses Displayed in wily wildernesses; I do not prize the arts that dye A painted cheek with hues that fly: Give me a boy whose face and hand Are rough with dust or circus-sand, Whose ruddy flesh exhales the scent Or health without embellishment: Sweet to my sense is such a youth, Whose charms have all the charm of truth: Leave paints and perfumes, rouge, and curls, To lazy, lewd Corinthian girls."