The World of Courtesans c10.214

c10.214

"After that I brought down from the window sill the paint pots and some fragrant earth. I was ready to paint her feet. Friend, my eyes were rapt. I was busy applying lac-dye; she raised her ankles. I had a glimpse of her thighs as charming as the lip of an elephant between the tusks and white like the pith of a plantain tree. She doubted my glance and said: 'You have not learnt to restrain your sight at such a critical moment.' Uttering these words she struck me on the chest with her foot. I was thrilled with joy. 'It is not right for you to quit before I have completed the painting of your foot.' She replied, 'Then close your eyes and finish the work of painting.' After closing my eyes I began painting her foot with lac-dye. She pulled me by the hair and imprinted a kiss on my lips. Then finding me intoxicated with joy she said: 'Like an *ashoka* tree you blossom when struck with a foot. I accept that I am defeated by your rascally ways.' She embraced me and we retired to bed and you can imagine what followed."