The World of Courtesans c9.12

c9.12

The women whose lovers are away remain without perfumes, garlands and jewelry. The girls adorn their long hair with flower ornaments; necklaces dangle on their bosoms; their faces are flushed by the impact of the wind, and this sight attracts their lovers. Chaplets of fresh *kadamba*, *bakula* and *ketakī* flowers encircle their heads. Earrings fashioned from the buds of the *arjuna* perfume their tresses. They anoint their bodies with black *agaru* and sandal paste. The necklaces dangle fully on their pointed breasts and the transparent muslin draping them reveals the firmness of their limbs.