The World of Courtesans c13.54

c13.54

On the orders of the king the servants gave advance money to the courtesan who had already been selected for him. On the threshold of the house stood the grey haired and red eyed bawd; her body still bore the signs of old wounds. She wore earrings (*pavitrika*), a coin necklace and bracelets. She was deceitful and greedy. She cared only for those customers who had plenty of money. She told the king's messenger that a customer had just presented clothes and money to the girl and therefore she was not prepared to leave the place. She was ready to return the advance money. The king's messenger was aware of the bawd's deceitful ways. He promised to pay a bigger sum. The bawd could not resist the new offer and at once started flattering the new customer, saying that her daughter had waited for him all the time.