Snowdrops from a Curate’s Garden

proper degree of rigidity. It was soon obtained, and she quickly changed her position to bestride him, while her hand guided him to the proper orifice. The dance began. Eve wriggled her fat bottom about as hard as she could, and Adam assisted as far as his constrained position would allow. The critical moment arrived and a deluge of warm liq- uids mingled to flood the surrounding parts. But Eve would not let him withdraw as yet. And at this moment Adam gave vent to a cry of pain. “ I’m bit- ten,” he said. “ That horrible Palaeopulex,” said Eve. “ No, it’s in you ! It’s pushing me out ! Get up ! ” And Eve jumped up alarmed to find Satan quietly emerging from his citadel. Adam jumped for a club. But by the time he arrived a change had arisen. The old snake-skin dropped and Satan stood in his own shape, a radiant spirit. “ You bit me,” said Adam, embarrassed. “ For your own good ! God doomed you to death. My bite has filled your blood with a poison that will take away Death’s terrors, that will make him welcome even ! ” “ What is this poison called ? ” said Eve. And Satan replied “ Syphilis ! ” As he went away he laughed. God did not like to hear him. [91]