PERSUASION

Her whole letter cries out her longing to be led astray. And she could not have hit upon a more convenient and well-worn method. She wants me to be her friend. But I like novel and intricate ways of going about things, and it is not my intention to let her off so lightly. Indeed, I have not taken so much trouble with her in order for it all to end with a run-of-the-mill seduction. Quite the opposite, in fact; my plan is that she should feel most acutely the value and extent of each of the sacrifices she makes to me; not to lead her along so fast that she does not feel guilt; to let her virtue expire in a long-drawn-out agony; to concentrate her mind incessantly upon this desolating spectacle; and not to allow her the happiness of having me in her arms until I have forced her no longer to hide the fact that she wants it. For I am not worth much if I am not worth the asking, that’s for sure. And can I exact a lesser vengeance on a high and mighty woman who seems ashamed to admit she adores me?

(Letter LXX, The Vicomte de Valmont to the Marquise de Merteuil)