The World of Courtesans c10.199

c10.199

After dismissing him, the Vita meets the beautiful courtesan Surasundari. He describes her: "The hand that holds the umbrella handle is as tender as a shoot. The other hand holds on to the end of her *sari*-knot which is held fast by a zone made of glittering jewels. She tries to pull back in place the slipping silken garment. Her body is resplendent with glittering jewels, and she walks with a smile. She appears like the presiding deity of the night, graced by the moon, the stars and the twittering of birds." She at once takes her seat by his side and begins talking about the affairs of his friend Kusumavatika and his friend, the master painter Shivasvami, who is impotent. He tries to explain away his physical defect by asserting that a preparation of *agallochum* which he took in order to reduce his fat had rendered him impotent. After the exchange of some more pleasantries with her the Vita proceeds further.