[MR] Courtesans of Atlantia

[Dessert Duchess]

My Lady,
Thank you for your illuminating words on this topic.  I agree with some of your statements and disagree with others.
However, at this point in time, I think it would be appropriate to take this discussion off of this list and let those who choose to pursue it more fully to do so in a more private setting.
Regards,
HRH Seonaid

Barbra E. Bolt
Duchess Seonaid ni Fhionn
3617 NC Hwy 57
Hillsborough, NC 27278
cell (919) 593-2909


--- On Tue, 1/18/11, Helen Rogers <hennabyhelen at mail.com> wrote:

> From: Helen Rogers <hennabyhelen at mail.com>
> Subject: Re: [MR] Courtesans of Atlantia
> To: Atlantia at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org
> Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 8:51 AM
> Duchess Rachel (and others):
> 
> Thank you for your words.  As Logan is no longer in
> Atlantia, per your report, and not fully knowledgeable of
> who courtesans really were, I merely scanned his banter and
> did not take it in the tone of which he wrote.  I was
> remiss in failing to state primarily Italian and French
> women of the 14th-16th century (which I could have sworn I
> initially wrote, but none the less), primarily.  For
> those not knowledgeable, uninformed or simply biased against
> these remarkable ladies, who choose to dismiss them as
> "prostitutes" and "lower class " women, I would have to
> -unabashedly-say "shame on you" for being uneducated and
> narrow minded to think such of these women without taking
> the time to inform yourselves.  Considering MANY
> changed the course of government and history, I would be
> remiss if I did not direct these folks to the VOLUMES of
> books and university courses that detail the remarkable
> knowledge these women held (unlike the noble class and
> others of their time-who were, for th
>  e most part, unschooled and uneducated in literature,
> politics, and such).  
> 
> From the likes of Veronica Franco, Tullia d'Aragona,
> Theodora, and Diane de Poitiers- these women were highly
> intelligent, shrewd business women, and very influential in
> the matters of Kings, Doges and Popes and aided in changing
> the course of history.  The benefactors of these women
> were oft well respected.  Known not just for their
> beauty (and, yes, bedroom skills), their intelligence was
> something that was rarely matched by women of their
> time.  They were published poets and authors and oft
> stood in court with men defending social and legal
> rights.   There is a reason they were so
> highly regarded by the men of that time- and far above the
> physical, but of the mind.  Hence, why I chose to
> emulate and personify them.  For those who still choose
> to lower them beyond the station they were, then there is
> nothing more I can do then hope you will take the time to
> educate yourselves and put you misguided thoughts behind you
> (hmmm-I do believe I have represented these fine ladies a
>  ccordingly, have I not?.....lol).
> 
> As for "flirting", do not most women flirt, oft to get what
> they want?  These women, however, wove their
> knowledge/intelligence into it.  As Veronica Franco's
> mother once quipped, "Desire begins with the
> mind".   And, I must say, I have seen
> flirtatious behavior (and less dress) by some in attendance
> at events that would make even a courtesan blush 
> *grin, wink*.    
> 
> Be it as it may, I'd be more embarrassed to pose an
> unresearched or unsupported comment than one that would
> argue their standing in society accordingly.  I have
> spent many years reading and researching these women (and
> well before my involvement in the SCA).  Personal
> opinions may be what they are, but history speaks for itself
> ;). 
> Helen Rogers, Henna by Helen~Sent from Wireless BlackBerry
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