The Gay Icon Classics of the World by Robert Joseph Greene

was so tired that he knew he’d never make it back to the farm that night. He decided to secretly sleep in the royal stables.
    He was awoken by stirring from within the stable. As he turned, he witnessed firsthand Clovis performing favors on the Prince.When the prince left to relieve himself, Bartoner took it upon himself to warn Clovis.
    â€œI’ve seen these actions before,” said Bartoner, “the field hands indulge in your pleasure.” Clovis was infuriated by such spying and by such a commoner as Bartoner, the farm hand. “How dare you address me!” Said Clovis“Tomorrow I shall tell the prince and have you flogged.”
    â€œPray pity on you Clovis; I only come to heed you warning that the prince is to marry. I heard of it today.”
    â€œNonsense” said Clovis as he stormed from the stable.
    However, the next day, it was announced that a grand feast to mark the courtship of the Prince was announced. Simultaneously, Clovis was banished by royal command to the kitchen until after the wedding.
    During the royal reception, the prince requested raspberry tarts from the kitchen. It was reported that no raspberries were available. The prince used this news to publicly beat poor Clovis for failure to work in the kitchen. Clovis saw this outrage and from that pointforward had nothing but hatred for the prince. Frustrated and humiliated, Clovis ran to the stables and cried.
    Bartoner was returning from royal court when he heard Clovis crying in the stables. He asked Clovis what was wrong. Clovis explained everything to him and admitted that Bartoner was right about the prince. Bartoner told Clovis not to worry and to go into town to have fresh berry tarts made by one of the cooks at the monastery. When the prince was presented the desserts, he accused Clovis of stealing them. However, Bartoner was present and stepped forward before the Prince. “It is I who brought these tarts, and therefore, I should be punished”
    â€œVery well,” said the prince.
    Bartoner was branded a knave and stripped of his duties. He collected his belongings from the farm where he lived, but had nowhere to go.
    So grateful was Clovis that his heart realized his shame, and he asked Bartoner to live with him and his father as an apprentice in the pantry. Bartoner agreed that they would both study the profession together, and all were happy except the Prince.
    Upon receiving his new bride to be, he realized he could not love her, for Clovis was his true heart’s desire. Years later, upon the king's death, the prince summoned Clovis to a place in his court. Clovis, whose father had also passed on, was now co-pastry chef with his true love, Bartoner. Clovis refused the new king in order to remain at Bartoner’s side, leaving the new king to be utterly miserable for life.
    And this is why we have the word Barton for the meaning of “farm hand”.
    THE END

The Love of Falleron and Ibsen – Greece (during the Roman Era)
By Robert Greene
    Falleron came from a farming village in central Greece. It was considered rural and the people simple. As a child, he was happy and free. His long, curly locks of hair contrasted with his masculine demeanor, which gave him an angelic appeal. Falleron was quick-witted, agile, and moody, although popular among kids his age. Falleron was selective about the children with whom he played. Only through sheer loneliness did he develop a tolerance for a local neighbor’s boy named Ibsen. Ibsen’s characteristics were quite opposite to Falleron's: Ibsen was very tall, strong, dim witted, and jovial. Ibsen found Falleron to be a boy genius and followed him everywhere. Ibsen knew him to be mentally challenged at learning skills. “Falleron you lazy son with big dreams, you must learn to work the farm with me,” Falleron’s father would often say while scolding Falleron’s refusal to help him. Falleron, as sharp as he was, convinced Ibsen to