The World of Courtesans c8.145

c8.145

Vatsyayana also describes a love quarrel. Smarting under the deception practised by the hero or as a consequence of his reckless behaviour, the irate heroine fought with him, wept bitterly, tore her hair, beat her head and flung herself on the floor from the bed or seat; she threw off her garlands and ornaments and slept on the ground. There was no alternative left for the lover but to pacify her with sweet words or by falling at her feet. When her anger was assuaged, she was requested to proceed to the bed, but that was not an easy task. She flared up as he uttered his flattering words. Catching him by the hair, she showered blows on him with her feet and then proceeded to the door, where she sat and wept piteously. (Here Dattaka, the predecessor of Vatsyayana, strikes a note of warning. In his opinion, no matter how angry she was, the heroine ought never to step out of the threshold of the room, for such an act was bound to be misunderstood). The poor hero tried to gain her favour by beseeching her, and though she was pleased at heart, she continued to be haughty and kept taunting him. Then as a matter of favour she allowed herself to be embraced as a preliminary to love-making