The World of Courtesans c4.40

c4.40

The tempting of innocent sages by young temptresses is almost a motif in the epics. It is said that the king of Anga in consultation with his ministers called the noted courtesan of the city to tempt Rishyashringa. The courtesan and her party proceeded in a well decorated boat to Vibhandaka's hermitage. When the old courtesan's daughter approached Rishyashringa, the poor recluse, not knowing who she was, offered her the comforts of the hermitage. She, however, was determined to do her worst. She gave him food, drink, flowers, and coloured garments and his passions were aroused. Then at the critical moment she left him, and he was disconsolate. In the end the courtesan led him to Lomapada.