"True," I agree, acknowledging the hit, "and there is much to be said for concordance between men. But let us think of Cyparissus," I say, "who loved Apollo so well that when he accidentally killed his stag, he begged to become the tree that bears his name. And Apollo granted such a request. That is taking friendship too far. Perhaps Apollo and Hermes came to pleasurable accord because Hermes had proved himself a worthy opponent." Saying that makes me think of Tetricus, and how we came truly into our relationship only when I had returned to Excolo after serving as tribune - when I had proved myself a man in my own right. Cyparissus was an idiot boy, I think. But I turn away these thoughts, because it is more interesting to focus on this jousting with Isauricus. There is something quite stimulating about matching wits with another man. "Which is all to say," I continue, "that there are many ways that men find satisfaction in their dealings with other men, do you not think?"