Pa. Which is the most laudable for Chastity, he that castrates himself, or he that having his Members entire, forbears Venery?
Ma. The latter, in my Opinion: I should call the former a Madman.
Pa. Don't they in a Manner castrate themselves, that abjure Matrimony?
Ma. I think they do.
Pa. Then it is no Virtue to forbear Coition.
Ma. Is it not?
Pa. I prove it thus; if it were of itself a Virtue not to copulate, it were a Sin to do it: so that it follows of Consequence, it is a Fault not to copulate, and a Virtue to do it.
Ma. When does this Case happen?
Pa. As often as the Husband requires his due of his Wife; especially if he would embrace her for the Sake of Procreation.
Ma. But if it be out of Wantonness? Is it not lawful to deny him?