The World of Courtesans c12.33

c12.33

The bawd Vishamashila—Shringaramanjari's mother—was a courtesan (*varavanita*) in the king's service. Her body was worn out, her hair was grey, the face wrinkled, the eyes sunken Her nose was flat and thick, the cheeks flabby, the teeth broken and protruding. She had a thick broad neck with swollen veins Her arms hung loosely by her side and her hands were rough. Her breasts sagged She was an expert in capturing men and in fleecing and destroying them. She enjoyed the company of drunkards. She was proficient in the arts She could understand the psychology of men and was an expert in *ars amoris*. She could subdue an arrogant paramour and was herself very clever at deception. She understood the psychology of harlots and could effect reconciliations. She showed everything but gave nothing. Even the rakes and rogues could not manage to cheat her Flattery, fraud and falsehood were virtues to her. She knew how to scold and instruct her daughter. She only cared for the rich and drove away the poor. Since she was quite flabby, she could not walk much. She was proud of her wit. As a matter of fact she was very much like the bawd Kankali in the *Samayamatrika*.