The World of Courtesans c9.11

c9.11

The second canto describes the great joy that the rains bring to earth. The dark overcast sky is heavy with moisture, flashes of lightning and the sweet patter of rain are accompanied by the rumbling of thunder. When the heavy downpour descends, the earth is covered with green vegetation and the dancing peacocks symbolize the season. The surging muddy rivers uproot the trees on their banks, the Vindhya forest is draped with a green mantle and the antelopes wandering in search of fields enhance the beauty of the season. The grasshoppers chirp, the black bees hum, the peacocks dance on the hills and the blossoming *kadamba* and *ketaki* trees catch the raindrops. The rainy season provides the appropriate background for the lovers. Frightened by the roll of thunder, the courtesans lock their lovers in tight embraces.