Each of the three foregoing stories is remarkable for the fact that it contains the same naïve idea—the possibility of purchasing a male “implement.” The idea is fairly common in folk-lore stories of virginity, but, almost always, results in a highly humorous situation. It is a crude but very effective method of depicting the ignorance, even stupidity, of a virgin girl. It also affords the story-teller an opportunity of an indirect reference to a favourite theme—the erotic tendency of women once their sexual senses are aroused.[29]
One episode of The Enchanted Ring (the remarkable qualities of the young man’s penis when adorned with the ring) can hardly fail to recall “The Night of Power,” (Sir Richard F. Burton’s Thousand Nights and a Night), wherein the husband’s organs undergo rapid and wonderful transformation. This tale is described by Sir Richard Burton as “the grossest and most brutal satire on the sex, suggesting that a woman would prefer an additional inch of penis to anything this world or the next can offer her.” One cannot help noting, none the less, the indecent anxiety of the mother-in-law, in our story from Kruptadia, to sample the mighty yard of the newly-returned husband.[30]
ADVENTURES WITH HEDVIGE AND HELÈNE AT GENEVA.[31]
Casanova makes the acquaintance of two charming cousins, Hedvige and Helène, at Geneva. After sundry meetings, at which theology and sexual matters are discussed in a frank and amusing fashion, Casanova gets the chance to take his two charmers for a stroll in the garden where they can be sure of immunity from interruption. Casanova’s opportunity occurs as a result of Hedvige’s desire to know why a deity could not impregnate a woman, a male acquaintance having said that he could not with propriety expound such mysteries to her. Casanova gladly agrees to make the matter clear, adding, however, that he must be allowed to speak quite plainly. The text continues:
Yea, speak clearly,” quoth Hedvige, “for none can hear us; but I am forced to confess that I am cognisant of the formation of man only in theory and by lecture. True, I have seen statues, but I have never seen and still less have I examined real[32] man. And thou, Helène?”
“I have never desired so to do.”
“Why not? ‘Tis good to know all.”
“Well, my charming Hedvige,” said I, “thy theologian wished to tell thee that Jesus was not capable of erection.”