The World of Courtesans c10.150

c10.150

The *Ubhayabhisarika* by Vararuchi is the third burlesque in the *Chaturbhani*. The stage manager recites a few love lyrics and leaves the stage. The Vita enters the stage and describes some of the beauties of spring, the *koels*, the blossoming mango, the *ashoka* trees, good wine, and clear moonlight He conveys the information that relations between the merchant prince Kuberadatta and the courtesan Narayanadatta are strained. She is angry with him because during the musical concert (*sangitaka*) arranged by Madanasena, he discarded her and praised the other woman's performance Kuberadatta wants to be reconciled with her and seeks the help of the Vita. At her request the Vita sets out on his mission and on his way describes the beauty of the city of Pataliputra Its shops are well stocked with all kinds of goods and crowded with customers. Music and Vedic chants are to be heard. Heads peep out of the windows and the roads are crowded with elephants, horses, and chariots conveying high officers of the State. Young coquettish maids walk the roads, stealing the hearts of spectators.