Plutarch, Peri Erotos, in: Plutarch's Moralia, (The Loeb Classical Library, 1987), vol. XV., Fragments, tr. F. H. Sandbach, §138, p. 261:
And it is a most delightful thing to look upon the beautiful, but to touch and hold them has its dangers. Or rather, as Xenophon says,1 whereas fire burns only those who touch it, the beautiful kindles a flame even in those who stand well away. For it is sight that allows this passion to get its grip.
1. Xenophon, Cyropædia, v. 1. 16., tr. J. S. Watson, 1855:
«But, by Jove,» said Cyrus, «you, perhaps, retired before the time that love naturally lays hold of a man. It is possible that a person touching fire, may not immediately be burned; and wood does not immediately blaze up; yet I do not willingly touch fire, or gaze on beautiful persons; and I advise you, Araspes, not to let your eyes dwell long upon beautiful persons; for as fire burns those that touch it, beautiful persons inflame those that look at them even from a distance, so that they are set on fire with love.»
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