The World of Courtesans c10.97

c10.97

After indulging in this banter with the Buddhist monk, the Viṭa meets a beautiful courtesan named Vanarajika. He observes: "Well, here comes an object on which the eyes of the toughs can feast. This Vanarajika, daughter of Vasantavati, is as beautiful as a flowering forest. The throng of flowers on her person is, as it were, slipping down from the temple of Kama. She has decorated her body very carefully with flower ornaments. It seems that she is on her way to meet her lover. I shall speak to her sweetly. You have accepted the gifts of the first flowers of the spring and have you not forgotten your guest? Welcome, please accept my salutations. The spring which is newly arrived has entered your body. What did you say?—'In what way?,' Then listen to me. Your hair is decked with *vasanti*, *kunda* and *kuravaka* flowers; *ashoka* flowers are attached to the ends of your braid; on your breasts are *sinduvara* flowers; mango blossoms wave delicately round your ears. O! beautiful one, holding flowers in your hands and standing thus you appear the very embodiment of the spring What did you say?—This is a gift for you "