The World of Courtesans c11.16

c11.16

When she found the rıght opportunıty Malati addressed Vikarala thus, "Using your wits, you are able to rob Hari of his precious jewels, the Sun god of his seven horses and Kubera of his riches. The maxim 'Intelligence is wealth' is amply proved by the state of that poor lover Dhanavarma who is now clad in rags. He has his meals in free kitchens, he shuns all work. He has lost everything and is reduced to the position of a ring on the foot of Narmada. The polite Nagadatta, the younger son of Sagardatta, has left his home and is trying to win over Madanasena. Manjari playfully extends her feet towards the warrior Narasimha who massages them lightly and feels highly pleased (he has lost all his wealth). Subhadeva, son of Dikshita Bhavadeva, does not leave Kesarasena's doors even though she spurns him. Adhering to your wise precepts, even common prostitutes can manage their victims and reduce them to a state where they have to part with their clothes Making a show of love, I have tried to lure the decrepit, the sick, the worthless and the ugly. Mother! How can I face this misfortune?—Even after selling my body, I am unable to get a lover who is desirable. Mother! take pity on me and show me creatures with whom I could make merry and teach me the ways of enslaving them."