The World of Courtesans c10.104

c10.104

The Vita proposes to proceed either to the gambling den or to the quarters of ill-fame (*vesha*). He hesitates to go to the den for fear of losing everything. He, therefore, decides to visit the *vesha*. In his opinion the half-closed eyes, the sweet banter of the courtesans, the sharing of soft seats with plump girls and the gestures so common in the *vesha* could all be enjoyed by a man familiar with the pleasant ways adopted there. And he could enjoy all this without allowing himself to be snared by the courtesans. The Vita decides to leave for the *vesha* and on the way he sings the praises of the city of Pataliputra. It is a famous city known throughout the world. When men use the mere word *nagara*, this city is what they have in mind. It has lofty houses and its markets are thronged with crowds buying various kinds of goods in plenty. Its citizens are charitable and respect the arts. They are polite, straight-forward and cultured.