The World of Courtesans c11.156

c11.156

The Second Chapter of the *Narmamala* describes how certain *vitas* conspired to win the love of other people's wives. Some of them saw the Kayastha's wife engaged in her toilet. They decided to gain her favour. They assembled in a temple to discuss ways and means of achieving their end. One of them thought that since her husband was old, it would be easy to gain her favour. A second *vita* suggested that a discussion on *ars amoris* might give them access to her place. But a third was more realistic. He observed that the Kayastha, her husband, had destroyed many ruffians and so they could not hope to face him. He told the others that his friendship with the king's brother-in-law might help them. They decided to send a Buddhist nun well-versed in magical practices to the woman. She was to act as a go-between. It was through her efforts that they could gain access to her.