Hola to the Annalucia! Yes, his mother, the redoubtable Elizabeth Charlotte (also known as Liselotte), was extremely outspoken, and often very funny; her letters from court to various persons (mostly her favorite aunt) have been published; if I can find the title, I will pass it on. One of her related observations was that as far as her son was concerned, it seemed merely that his mistresses had to be pert, and have a large appetite for food and drink. What I thought was really funny was that she didn’t seem to realize was that she had just described herself!

In truth, it may be an infelicitous expression (”… all cats are grey”), but I think it is NOT the bad thing, a man who does not place all, or even most, of his interest in a woman’s looks. Phillippe, at least, said it to his mother - not for publication, and not to the women whose company he was keeping.

My prudery absolutely does extend to word choice, as I take exception to old women being talked about disrespectfully — they don’t yell, swell, etc., “old bats,” etc. It’s horrid, cruel, and mean. When one talks about people nastily, chances are one treats them badly, too, and encourages others to behave badly as well. (Unfortunately it is also possible to talk perfectly sweetly and behave horribly, but that does not mean it’s fine to talk badly, if only to keep from spreading poison.)

Somehow I think that our dear host Manolo would not have said these words, either as Mr. Franklin or Mr. Obbop said them.

And it’s not a very nice point, regardless of who makes it!

But yes, Mrs. McCain looks superfantastic.

However, Dr. Franklin did write “Advice to a Young Man on Choosing a Mistress.” He recommended older women, on the grounds that “They don’t yell, they don’t swell, and they’re grateful as …”