The World of Courtesans c10.27

c10.27

In the sixth court Maitreya finds artisans working in gold and jewels in their workrooms (*karma-toranani*). The workers were listing pearls, corals, topazes, sapphires, cat's-eyes, emeralds, and all other kinds of gems. Rubies were being set in gold, and gold ornaments were being fashioned. Pearls were being strung on a red cord. Pieces of beryl were polished and shells were being cut Coral was being ground on whetting wheels Layers of sandal paste were being dried and musk was being moistened Sandal-wood was ground to make sandal water. Perfumes were being compounded. Betel leaves and camphor were being offered by courtesans to their lovers. In this gathering he sees their coquettish glances, hears the sounds of laughter and sees wine being drunk. He noticed the atmosphere of glee There were male servants and maid-servants and men who had lost everything and forsaken their families All were assembled there. When the courtesans drank from the liquor-jars and handed the jars to them, they drank what was left.