Preface xxvii 



that stands for strength and intelHgence and 

 also for cruelty and tyranny, which appear 

 to be their inevitable consequence. Almost 

 every wedding ends in the violent and immedi- 

 ate death of the husband. Often, the bride 

 begins by eating a certain number of suitors. 

 The archetype of these fantastic unions could 

 be supplied by the Languedocian Scorpions, 

 who, as we know, carry lobster-claws and a 

 long tail supplied with a sting, the prick of 

 which is extremely dangerous. They have a 

 prelude to the festival in the shape of a senti- 

 mental stroll, claw in claw ; then, motionless, 

 with fingers still gripped, they contemplate 

 each other blissfully, interminably : day and 

 night pass over their ecstasy while they 

 remain face to face, petrified with admiration. 

 Next, the foreheads come together and touch ; 

 the mouths — if we can give the name of mouth 

 to the monstrous orifice that opens between 

 the claws — are joined in a sort of kiss ; after 

 which the union is accomplished, the male is 

 transfixed with a mortal sting and the terrible 

 spouse crunches and gobbles him up with 

 gusto. 



