The World of Courtesans c9.14

c9.14

In the fourth canto of the *Rtusamhara*, the pleasures of winter are described. The trees are covered with fresh leaves, the paddy is ready for harvesting, the lotuses have disappeared and the days are now frosty. The black antelopes roam freely, the *krauncha* birds screech and the water is cold and limpid. The courtesans at this time of the year anoint their breasts with saffron paste, wear pearl necklaces, discard their garments and gold jewelry. They anoint their bodies with *agaru* paste, paint designs on their faces and fumigate their hair with *agallochum*. It is naturally the season for love-making. Lovers sleep locked in a deep and tight embrace, their breathing carries the fragrance of sweet smelling flowers. Some hold mirrors in their hands and watch the scratches made on their bodies by their lovers during the ardour of love-making; others are worn out by this love-play and fall into a deep slumber. Their lovely locks fall on their shoulders. Other women, their bodies bent under the weight of heavy bosoms cast away the wreaths from their hair and rearrange their hair. They look at themselves and see the scratches on their lips and their limbs and find the marks of the lover's teeth. Their eyes are slightly closed and their hair hangs loose. There are others who are tired and massage their bodies.