One must bow to nature's law if one is neither impotent nor a saint.

Now you are neither the one nor the other, I think, but if, from inconceivable motives, you desire to live in temporary continence, follow the prescription of an occultist of the sixteenth century, the Neapolitan Piperno.

He affirms that whoever eats vervain cannot approach a woman for seven days.

Buy a jar, and let's try it." Durtal laughed.

"There is perhaps a middle course: never consummate the carnal act with her you love, and, to keep yourself quiet, frequent those you do not love.