The World of Courtesans c8.260

c8.260

In love affairs with a courtesan, the go-between (*duti*) played an important part. She was not just a professional woman. She could belong to any walk of life. An actress, a female ascetic, a neighbour, a friend, a maid-servant, an unmarried girl, a craftswoman, a foster mother, a nun, or a female fortune-teller, could be employed as a messenger. In the choice of a *duti*, intelligence was the first consideration. She had to be plain-looking and able-bodied, but she had to study the ways of the lover. She had to be poor, honest, sweet of speech, quick to take decisions and capable of keeping secrets.