The Instructor 2.10.97

after thanksgiving for the good things enjoyed. Nature does not always give opportunity for fulfilling the intercourse of marriage; indeed, union after a longer interval is more desired. Nor should we be licentious at night, as if in darkness, but should keep modesty shut up in the soul, like the light of reason. For we will be no different from Penelope at her weaving if by day we weave the teachings of self-control and by night unravel them when we go to bed. For if we must practice dignity, as we must, we should show dignity much more to our own wife, refusing indecent embraces; and let trustworthy faithfulness toward our neighbors begin at home. For it is not, it is not possible to be thought dignified by a woman before whom dignity is not shown to be witnessed in those very sharp pleasures. Affection that confesses a slippery tendency toward intercourse blooms a little and ages with the body, and sometimes grows old before it, when desire has withered, whenever courtesan-like pleasures outrage marital self-control. For the hearts of lovers have wings, and their love charms are quenched by regret; and love often turns to hate when satiety perceives its own condemnation.