" He is said to have taken the virginity of 23 young girls, all in compliance with holy law, " writes Mr Aswany, whose dry tone accentuates the absurdity.
More of a change than any loss of virginity. Fear gone like an operation. Something else grew in its place. Main thing a man had. Made him into a man. Women knew it too. No bloody fear.
Even when everyone around her believed that she should marry, produce an heir, and ensure the line of succession, Elizabeth steadfastly refused to choose a husband — earning for herself the nickname " the Virgin Queen."