The World of Courtesans c10.49

c10.49

"Here one listens to exercises in the recitation of the *Vedas*; one hears the din of elephants, of chariots and horses, the twang of the bows, learned discussions on drama and poetry. There is the buying and selling of goods brought from across the four oceans. One listens to songs, to musical instruments and to pleasantries. There is gambling; at certain places one hears the gossip of the rakes The rows of houses resound to the chirpings of birds that are reared as pets and to the tinklings of girdles and bracelets."