The fifth tale in the first Decade of these stories by Honoré de Balzac is entitled variously as respectively accompanying each of the featured illustrators.
In profusely romping prose presented with humorous wit, similes and metaphors galore the author makes us privy to a right royal extended poo joke of a king known for his loose, licentious, living and propensity for practical pranks.
Mervyn Peake. The Diversions of King Louis XI.
Gustave Doré. The Merrie Jests of King Louis the Eleventh.
Jean de Bosschère. The Merrie Diversions of King Louis the Eleventh.
Further details of each of these publications is given in https://derrickjknight.com/2023/01/06/droll-tales-1/
As virgin as a mule is quite an unusual–mules are sterile, but does that also mean anything else? Just found this online
https://www.npr.org/2007/07/26/12260255/befuddling-birth-the-case-of-the-mules-foal
How fascinating, Pat. Thank you for the close reading and the link
That’s fascinating.
I got such a kick out of the following description: “a right royal extended poo joke of a king.”
Thanks very much, Liz. 🙂
You’re welcome, Derrick.
The illustrations are good. Not Charles Keeping, but they are well done.
Thanks very much, Lavinia
I’m with Liz. 😉
I doubt if I’ll go read it, but I did like your description of “profusely romping prose.” 🙂
Thanks very much, Merril
Fabulous illustration by Peake.
I thought so, too, Dolly. Thanks very much
You are very welcome, Derrick.
I so enjoying looking at the illustrations and finding so many details! 🙂
Life has been crazy busy since the new year started! 😮 Hoping things slow down a tad soon.
(((HUGS))) ❤️
Thanks very much, Carolyn X
An interesting synopsis, Derrick. The pictures are fascinating.
Thank you very much, Robbie