Some vessels showed scenes more dramatic: a young man with a handsome profile and dark curly beard offering a gift to a younger athlete, reaching to fondle him, seeking his love. Sometimes the athlete accepted; sometimes he refused by stopping the hand that reached. Alec thought he would welcome the gift and the touch of a man so fit and gentle; he would give love as he received it. With these noble images pleasing him, he decided there must be more to being one of those than the world’s contempt, mockery, and determination to make him hate himself.
