The World of Courtesans c5.20

c5.20

*Like poisoned draught or robber fell, crooked as horn*
*of stag,*
*Like serpent evil-tongued are they, as merchant*
*apt to brag,*
*Murderous as covered pit, like Hell's insatiate maw*
*are they,*
*As goblin greedy or like Death that carries all away.*
*Devouring like a flame are they, mighty as wind or flood,*
*Like Neru's golden peak that aye confuses bad and good,*
*Pernicious as a poison-tree they fivefold ruin bring,*
*On household gear, wasters of wealth and every*
*precious thing*