A sexy complexity of caramel amber musk, dark patchouli, apricot-rosewater white chocolate truffles, peach brandy, plumeria, coconut sage, Tiare, raspberry cream, and neroli orange flowers.

I resolved to make a virtue of my desire.

My rewards will be commensurate with your gifts if only you give me the one that lifts me laughing...

And though it costs you nothing, still it is of immense value to me.

Your reward will be not just to fly but to soar, so high that your joys vastly exceed your desires.

And my beauty, to which your heart aspires and which you never tire of praising, I will employ for the raising of your spirits. Then, lying sweetly at your side, I will shower you with all the delights of a bride, which I have more expertly learned.

Veronica Franco (1546-1591) loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Art: A Classical Beauty by Luis Falero, 1889