Robert Asprin – Thieves World 09 – Blood Ties

“You’re just saying that because I’m a woman,” Chenaya protested. “Men do it-“

“That doesn’t make it admirable,” Jubal interrupted firmly. “You consistently take the worst models for your behavior. You’ve chosen to ignore the subtleties of femininity in favor of the blunt coarseness of men. What’s more, you’ve tried to pattern yourself after the worst of men. I assume you’ve watched the gladiators when they’re given women the night before they enter the arena.

Remember that gladiators are viewed as animals by most, including themselves.

What’s more, they know there is a good chance they will not live through the next day, so they have little concern for thinking of the future or making a good impression on their partners. Then again, there’s the minor detail that a gladiator’s usually dealing with imprisoned whores or slaves. If he tried his pre-fight advances on a free woman in a tavern, I doubt he would find them acceptable to the lady or the other patrons. If you want someone to like you or admire you, you don’t do it by embarrassing them in public… or in private, for that matter. Rape isn’t admirable, no matter which sex perpetrates it.”

“But Tempus is respected, and he’s a known rapist.”

“Tempus is respected as a soldier, in spite of… not because of his ways with women. I have yet to hear anyone, including his own men, describe his sexual habits as admirable. Remember what I was saying about paying a price for dealing with magic? If my information is correct, part of the cost Tempus pays for being