Romance lives by repetition, and repetition converts an appetite into an art. Besides, each time that one loves is the only time one has ever loved. Difference of object does not alter singleness of passion. It merely intensifies it. We can have in life but one great experience at best, and the secret of life is to reproduce that experience as often as possible.
Oscar WildeHow sad it is!" murmured Dorian Gray with his eyes still fixed upon his own portrait. "How sad it is! I shall grow old, and horrible, and dreadful. But this picture will remain always young. It will never be older than this particular day of Juneโฆ . If it were only the other way! If it were I who was to be always young, and the picture that was to grow old! For thatโfor thatโI would give everything! Yes, there is nothing in the whole world I would not give! I would give my soul for that!
Oscar Wilde