“Well, as a matter of fact, she hasn’t it to give. No, what she will give you, and what you’ll accept from her, because you can’t help it, is—anguish, insanity, possibly death.”
“You may be talking sense, but it sounds like raving to me. Why should I accept insanity and death?”
“Because your passion will force you to.”
“What about yourself?” Maskull asked, biting his nails.
“Oh, I have my male stones. I am immune.”
“Is that all that prevents you from being like other men?”
“Yes, but don’t attempt any tricks, Maskull.”
Maskull went on drinking steadily, and said nothing for a time. “So men and women here are hostile to each other, and love is unknown?” he proceeded at last.
“That magic word.... Shall I tell you what love is, Maskull? Love between male and female is impossible. When Maskull loves a woman, it is Maskull’s female ancestors who are loving her. But here in this land the men are pure males. They have drawn nothing from the female side.”
“Where do the male stones come from?”