The World of Courtesans c9.55

c9.55

There Vinadattaka asked his servant to treat Naravahanadatta with respect as he would his own master. Since Naravahana had said that he was a Brahman, Vinadattaka ordered thick rice pudding (*payasam*) for him. Thereafter his body was shampooed and oiled by an expert (*mardana-shastrajnah*). Then he bathed his body and wore costly garments. After doing obeisance before the household deities, he went with Vinadattaka to the dining hall (*bhojanamandapam*). Vinadattaka took his seat among his close relatives. Naravahanadatta had said that he was a Brahman so he was provided with a separate seat. The cook served him rice pudding in a golden cup and the *ghee* and honey in an amethyst bowl. When he saw the tasty food and drinks served to others, Naravahanadatta found it difficult to sustain the part of a Brahman. He pretended that his tongue had been scalded by the hot pudding and made out that he was trying to cool it with water.