The Gay Icon Classics of the World by Robert Joseph Greene Page B

quivering accused and asked if it was true. Ahmed said that the accusation was false and explained that the guard was a jealous lover. As the prince looked into Ahmed's eyes, he knew that Ahmed was not lying. The prince ordered Ahmed to be freed, but the guard refused. So, Prince Asfar reached into his pocket and offered the guard the emerald in exchange for Ahmed's freedom. The guard greedily took the emerald and tossed poor Ahmed at the prince's feet. So grateful was Ahmed that he pledged his life, once again, in service to the prince.
    Overwrought from his long journey, the prince became ill and collapsed. He would have surely died had it not been for the care and treatment by his faithful servant, Ahmed. Whilst under Ahmed's care, Prince Asfar and Ahmed spoke of their wonderful childhoods together. Ahmed often entertained the prince with jokes and games, for the prince was too weak even to leave the bed.
    It was a few months before Prince Asfar had enough strength to present himself to the foreign prince. The foreign prince was far more beautiful than Prince Asfar had ever imagined. Prince Asfar told the foreign prince of the nature of his journey. The foreign prince was quite vain and it only inflated his ego to hear of Asfar's loving words, and his great wish for a lifelong companionship with him. “ I welcome you into my arms,” said the foreign prince,“for you will be the hundredth man in my court. I shall receive your love every hundredth day and sleep with you every hundredth night. Upon hearing such vanity, Prince Asfar quickly stormed out the palace and laid once again at the gates of this foreign kingdom and wept. Soon, Ahmed rushed to his side to console him. It was then that Prince Asfar turned to Ahmed and took him into his arms and said, “It is to you, Ahmed, that I will pledge my love, for you have served me as I will serve you -- forever.” Prince Asfar then reached into his pocket and presented Ahmed with the last jewel: the diamond.

And Cupid Also Loved – Roman Empire
    In Cupid’s early years , before his fate had been bestowed upon him, “desire” did not yet exist in the world. Sex and intimacy were mere acts of reproduction with no emotional pleasure attached.
    In his teenage years, Cupid developed into a picturesque image of a god. What a beautiful figure was Cupid, with his perfect white feathers and toned physique. Indeed, many of the gods and goddesses fell in love with him. But, Cupid was uninterested in their love.
    Yes, Cupid would sigh as he gazed upon the world that lay below, because he knew his love interests lay somewhere down there. He often wondered what he was searching for, until one day he discovered his fate.
    Cupid’s eyes gazed upon a mere young lad who was as somber as he. His name was “Desire.” Desire was a destitute farm boy, hand-picked from poverty by a rich, ruthless landowner. He bought Desire for a few gold pieces from his peasant parents, who were desperate for money.
    How the sisters of Desire wept for their brother! Now his days were filled with fearful servitude to the heartless man who bought him. One night, while all beings lay asleep, Desire prayed to the heavens to fill his empty life. Desire’s beautiful prayers fell upon the ears of Cupid, who was laying among the stars, and Cupid heard the tearful supplications of Desire.
    Although it was forbidden for the gods, Cupid wanted so badly to lie next to this young lad that he quickly devised a plan to disguise himself as a mortal bridegroom on his wedding night.
    Cupid grabbed his cloak, soaked it in lavender and frankincense, and set out to claim his love on the earth below. Cupid appeared at the bedside of Desire. Desire, so soothed by the sweet scent of Cupid’s cloak, closed his eyes and beckoned the stranger to him. He never did see the face of this stranger.
    Cupid gave Desire such pleasure that it ignited his soul.
    Desire was visited each night by