The World of Courtesans c10.163

c10.163

At this point the Vita enters the stage. He is met by Madhava who informs him that Madhavasena, the chief of the courtesans from Saurashtra, has honoured the revered Taundikoki Vishnunaga by touching his head with her feet. The Vita is pleased when he hears the news He learns further from Madhava that Vishnunaga is unable to appreciate the action of his beloved He regards this as an insult. He loses his temper and roars with vehemence, "Fie upon you, whore! You put your feet on my head in a haughty manner without a thought for its honour. The expert hands of my mother have braided the hair on this head When I bowed my head before my father, he exclaimed, 'What a simple boy!' He smelt my hair and the Brahman placed flowers on it, sprinkling it with the sacred water." Vishnunaga lost his temper, and Madanasena's playfulness and haughtiness disappeared She turned pale and the flowers dropped down from her dishevelled hair. She fell at his feet and promised never to repeat the wanton act Vishnunaga refused to accept her apology