When
a person is going on a journey, and makes a mark on the thighs, or on the
breast, it is called a ‘token of remembrance’.
On such an occasion three or four lines are impressed close to one
another with the nails. Marks of
other kinds than the above may also be made with the mails, for the ancient
authors say, that as there are innumerable degrees of skill among men (the
practice of this art being known to all), so there are innumerable ways of
making these marks. And as pressing
or marking with the nails is independent of love, no one can say with certainty
how many different kinds of marks with the nails do actually exist.
The reason for this is, Vatsyayana says, that as variety is necessary in
love, so love is to be produced by means of variety.
It is on this account that courtesans, who are well acquainted with
various ways and means, become so desirable, for if variety is sought in all the
arts and amusements, such as archery and others, how much more should it be
sought after in the present case.
The
marks of the nails should not be made on married women, but particular kinds of
marks may be made on their private parts for the remembrance and increase of
love.
The
love of a woman who sees the marks of nails on the private parts of her body,
even though they are old and almost worn out, becomes again fresh and new.
If there be no marks of nails to remind a person of the passages of love,
then love is lessened in the same way as when no union takes place for a long
time. Even when a stranger sees at
a distance, a young woman with the marks of nails on her breast, he is filled
with love and respect for her.
A
man, also, who carries the marks of nails and teeth on some parts of his body,
influences the mind of a woman, even though it be ever so firm.
In short, nothing tends to increase love so much as the effects of
marking with the nails, and biting.