The World of Courtesans c8.185

c8.185

A courtesan normally preferred the love of a young and wealthy man with a secure livelihood. She also liked to consort with a government officer or a person who held a place of authority under the king or a liberal person such as a customs officer. She had to consort with persons who considered themselves handsome or with eunuchs who were anxious to pass themselves off as men or with persons who wanted to spread the news of their sexual power. She naturally preferred a client who competed with rivals of the same age, with the same sort of family background and with the same kind of accomplishment in order to gain her favour. She curried favour with a bountiful person or with a favourite of the king or his minister or with a man who believed that the loss of wealth was due more to bad luck than to squandering. She also curried favour with a spendthrift or a person who had escaped the strict control of his elders. She sought the company of a father's favourite or of the only son of a father. She also enticed those who were troubled by cravings and brave men who did not care for money She tried to attract physicians, for though they were not munificent in gifts, they could be called upon to look after her in illness.