The World of Courtesans c9.56

c9.56

The trick was detected by Vinadattaka and he was offered fragrant water which he accepted very readily. He also enjoyed meat cooked with condiments (*adhishthana samkulan*). After dinner, a bed was prepared for him in the same hall and he was offered perfumed pills (*mukha-* *gandharaga*) and betel leaves. He lay down in comfort and asked Vinadattaka why the entire city's life revolved round *vina*-playing. He was told that Gandharvadatta, the beautiful daughter of the merchant prince Sanudasa, was to be given in marriage to a man who could accompany her on the *vina* as she sang an unfamiliar song. Every six months she performed before a group of sixty-four *nagarakas*, but so far nobody had succeeded in winning her. Towards the end of this conversation two cane-bearers sent by Sanudasa came to tell Vinadattaka that a meeting of friends was to be arranged and they were to participate in the show (*samasya*).