Virgins

This, from a book I found in the National library. I think it's general attitude sums up why I've become a lesbian.

‘It has been told us the virgins of Stripura in this country kill males; therefore it is best that thou shouldest go thither . . . the virgins, on seeing them, put on white silk cloths, combed their locks and bound them into hair knots; round their necks they hung necklace of pearl and coral with garlands, on their wrists put bangles, and on their leg anklet. then anointing their bodies with perfumes, patting on over all silk cloths thrown across their breasts, fixing in their their ear-flowers, covering their heads with net veils, and binding their forehead with gold fillets, the 500 virgins came dancing and singing to meet the king. he, fearless of being seduced by their amorous subterfuge, told them the purpose of his visit: seizing with one hand the hair-knots of the 500 virgins he terrified them, and spoke fiercely to them, saying, ‘I shall kill you all with one blow. The virgins, greatly alarmed, bowed before the king, and said, ‘Up to the present age we have not seen even the semblance of a man. The words thou speakest are very sweet to us.’ After lamenting their virgin lot, they abandoned themselves to the king’s embraces, who told them, ‘Ye cannot all find husbands such as I will be,’ and remained seven days. On the 7th day, when the king was about to quite them, one wished to follow him. thereupon the king, thinking into he women in that world will come to visit the men in ours, and the males in our land will go to see the women in theirs, blocked up forever the passage through the cave.'

Posted by Sophie at 05:52 PM