In Donne’s Sappho to Philaenis, I was struck by how he seems to imply a certain sort of narcissism by being attracted to the same sex. For example, a main argument used by the narrator is that the two are so alike (although separate beings), that “Why should they not alike in all parts touch?” This theme continues shortly after, with “Likeness begets such strange self-flattery, / That touching myself all seems done to thee.” Does Donne then see lesbianism as an extended form of self-worship? Or is it vice versa, that self-adoration is an inevitable byproduct of lusting after another woman? Either way, it seems to me that there is a connection… any ideas?