MARY QUEENSLEY (1862 - 1900)
    LIGHT AT THE HEART OF DARKNESS

    Mary Queensley was known as the “Light at the Heart of Darkness” for her humanitarian work among the natives.  One day Mary realized the villagers had run out of food.  Moved with compassion, she offered herself as food to the natives who seemed confused by the generous offer.  But Mary was insistent:
     

      I can see that you are surprised by my generous offer, which is understandable.  But while it is true that I am the most beloved woman in the jungle, if not the entire world, you must set aside your feelings for me and fill your bellies with my sublime flesh.

    So the natives did, as if Mary was a wild pig.  They roasted her naked (except for her favorite hat) over an open pit with an apple in her mouth and feasted for the rest of that day.  The  next day they went hunting and got more food.  The jungle was full of it.