She drew back her lips a little so that her small white teeth became

visible, and then said lightly, as if she were discussing some

trifling matter, "Do you want to be my slave?"

"There is no equality in love," I replied solemnly. "Whenever it is

a matter of choice for me of ruling or being ruled, it seems much

more satisfactory to me to be the slave of a beautiful woman. But

where shall I find the woman who knows how to rule, calmly, full of

self-confidence, even harshly, and not seek to gain her power by

means of petty nagging?"

"Oh, that might not be so difficult."

"You think--"

"I--for instance--" she laughed and leaned far back--"I have a real

talent for despotism--I also have the necessary furs--but last night

you were really seriously afraid of me!"

- Venus in Furs