Andrew– Of course the sex lives of kings do leaven dull history classes. According to my 12 year old, a Rabbi who had lost the attention of the class, just last week raised his voice and all but shouted, “people, this happened because Potiphar wanted to have sex with Joseph!” Which, indeed, got their attention. Though you wouldn’t think it was the teachers who’d push that line.

Of course I am no great fan of Henry VIII, especially having watched the quite brilliant 1969 film, Anne of a Thousand Days recently, which illustrates the depths of his fecklessness, and the consequences of his very useful belief that, as King, he could scarcely have a thought that was not approved of, even implanted, by God himself. (A syndrome I think Hillary suffers from, btw.) As you know, when Henry became bored, or merely interested elsewhere, he could dismiss the previous wife/mistress, even if it required beheading or changing the national religion. There is a certain perverse virility in such action. (Though one that invites feminist critique…)

Would the same be said of a French President who, having caught her eye, is then dumped by this paragon of female attractiveness, Ms. Bruni – because he has become boring in bed? In that case, I think the virility is on the other foot …. Or whatever. I suppose you have made clear enough, though, that many men would not mind being called, if not ulitmately chosen.

So perhaps I am actually concerned that no one will be left for the rest of us less perfect women if even men of Sarkozy’s status are willing to accede to the three weeks and out rule.