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Correspondence from Aleister Crowley to Unknown Correspondent
10 Feb 39
Dear Sir.
Last night, I had the pleasure and the privilege of entertaining Dr Anthony Greville-Gascoigne, of 'El Sendero', North Ferraby, E Yorks. Owing to the unfortunate disposition of the cook, I was unable to offer anything more than a cold collation, of which I append the menu.
Caviar Frappé Latvian-Rye Vodka
Paté aux perdreaux Montrachet '29 Salade Apropos
Creme fraises au Kirsch Reine Claude en fine Champagne
Café. Chateau de Chasseneuil 1827
After this humble repast, he entertained us with some accounts of his character and exploits. Although endowed with the necessary apparatus to a superb degree, he was, he told us, at the age of 45 [?], a celibate. On cross-examination it turned out that this expression meant virgin. He informed us that two Dukes, among other members of the nobility and gentry were competing for his favours. He explained that when in London he always gave large parties at the Savoy, and slept in the Belgravia, and it did not cost him a penny because he was being kept by a very wealthy man.
He had also spent a great part of his life in bed with exceptionally beautiful and passionate women, but nothing ever came of it. He further explained: he now realised that this was because he had been specially reserved for the lady of the house, to whom he proceeded to make violent love, and even to maul her about.
At intervals of his illuminating discourse, I had expressed a feeling of nausea in the French language, and subsequently, by a monosyllable familiar to all English ears, though perhaps not agreeable to some. I then considered at what point any 'grand old English gentleman' would think that the bonds of hospitality might be released; an inner voice told me 'Now'. I thereupon took him and threw him out of the house, kicking him down the steps. The shoes were made by Loeb of St James Street, and although they only cost 6.18.0, are in my judgement, eminently satisfactory for such purposes.
Yours sincerely.
P.S. I do not know what his real name may be, or his style.
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