Ribald Classic: Lotus Blossoms

October, 1965

Mother Chang, one of the Sung dynasty's wiliest matchmakers, kowtowed at the feet of her rich and handsome patron, Li King. "O noble sire," said she. "By the great Buddha, I pledge that I can bring you to bed with lovely Lotus Petal. And you need only place one hundred gold pieces in my teakettle.""Despicable woman," replied the nobleman, "for one hundred pieces I can romp a fortnight with all the denizens of a house of joy. Yet," he continued, "I am...