l enthrall, while others leave us
cold and inert?

Does the potency lie in the eyes and the lips, or is there some
inscrutable and psychic power? At all events, who will explain how it is
that

A man will sometimes forsake the most beautiful of wives and a woman will
forsake the kindest of husbands to follow recklessly one who admits no
comparison with the one forsaken? All we can say is that

The potency of personality exceeds the potency of beauty. For,
Powerful as is physical charm, it counts not for all in the matter of
love. Yet what it may be that does count, and how and why it does count,
no man living shall say. For

Is even love aware of all its seeks? And

Is it given to any to grant all that love beseeches? And yet

Were all love sought bestowed, what sequel?

Perhaps 't were well to leave love but semi-satisfied. At bottom the
real question is this: What will win and keep me another heart? But

How to win and keep another heart, that is a thing has to be found out
for oneself--if it be discoverable. And always by the experimental
method. Since

In matters amatory, there is no a priori reasoning possible. All we know
is that

There is nothing more potent than passion. And

The chasm, which seems to innocence to yawn between virtue and frailty,
is leapt by that Pegasus, Passion, at a bound--but he blinds his rider
in the feat.

* * *

In spite of the poesy of love, deeds are more potent than words;
--though perhaps it is well to pave the way for the one by the other.

In spite, too of the piety of love, love laughs at promises--that is,
the promises that affect it.

* * *

There is one miracle that women can always perform, and always it
astonishes the man; it is this: to change from the recipient into the
appellant. That is to say,

When woman, usually regarded as the receiver, becomes the giver,--or
rather the demander,--man's wonderment surpasses words. And let it be
remembered that

There is no re-crossing this Rubicon.

* * *

Mistrust a prolonged and obdurate resistance. Either you are
out-classed, or you are out-experienced. And, besides,

Surrender after prolonged resistance rarely is brought about by emotion.

* * *

A woman never really quite detests daring. This is why
Much is a forgiving a daring man. So, too,

Much is forgiven a pretty woman -by the men.

* * *

If the beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water, the
beginning of love