I cannot be happy when I look down upon the woman I love.
 Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, Venus in Furs (1870). copy citation

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Author Leopold von Sacher-Masoch
Source Venus in Furs
Topic love women
Date 1870
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by Fernanada Savage
Weblink https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Venus_in_Furs

Context

“"If the foundation of marriage depends on equality and agreement, it is likewise true that the greatest passions rise out of opposites. We are such opposites, almost enemies. That is why my love is part hate, part fear. In such a relation only one can be hammer and the other anvil. I wish to be the anvil. I cannot be happy when I look down upon the woman I love. I want to adore a woman, and this I can only do when she is cruel towards me." "But, Severin," replied Wanda, almost angrily, "do you believe me capable of maltreating a man who loves me as you do, and whom I love?"” source