--- title: "The Golden Ass · Metamorphoses" author: "Apuleius" translator: "William Adlington" languages: [la, en] shelf: "Classical Latin" section: 19 of 21 url: https://scriptura.si/works/apuleius-golden-ass/19/ cite: "Apuleius, tr. William Adlington, The Golden Ass · Metamorphoses, section 19. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/apuleius-golden-ass/19/" --- # The Golden Ass · Metamorphoses *Apuleius, tr. William Adlington* Lucius dabbles in magic, is turned into a donkey, and is saved by Isis; with the tale of Cupid and Psyche. > Latin: ed. Stephen Gaselee, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi1212.phi002, CC BY-SA 4.0). > English: William Adlington, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi1212.phi002.perseus-eng1). Notes are not included. > Rows follow the references the two texts share (books, chapters and sections), cut where both reach the end of a sentence. ## 19. Book X · chapter 10 · 10 Source: https://scriptura.si/works/apuleius-golden-ass/19/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/apuleius-golden-ass/19/#p-N [¶0] but caused me to be garnished and trimmed with trappings of gold, with brave harness, with purple coverings, with a bridle of silver, with pictured clothes, and with shrilling bells, and in this manner he rode upon me lovingly, speaking and entreating me with gentle words, but above all things he did greatly rejoice, in that I was at once his servant to bear him upon my back, and his companion to feed with him at the table. After a long time when we had travelled as well by sea as land, and fortuned to arrive at Corinth, the people of the town came about us on every side, not so much to do honour unto Thiasus as to see me: for my fame was so greatly spread there, that I gained my master much money: for when the people was desirous to see me play pranks, he caused the gates to be shut, and such as entered in should pay money; by means whereof I was a profitable companion to him every day. There fortuned to be amongst the assembly a noble and rich matron, that after that she had paid her due to behold me was greatly delighted with all my tricks and qualities, in so much that she fell marvellously in love with me, and could find no remedy to her passions and disordinate appetite, but continually desired to have her pleasure with me, like a new Pasiphae, but with an ass. In the end she promised a great reward to my keeper for the custody of me one night, who cared for naught but for gain of a little money, and accorded to her desire. When therefore I had supped in a parlour with my master, we departed away and went into our chamber, where we found the fair matron, who had tarried a great space for our coining. Good God, how nobly all things there were prepared! > Latin: Sed prius est ut vobis, quod initio facere debueram, vel nunc saltem referam, quis iste vel unde fuerit. Thiasus (hoc enim nomine meus nuncupabatur dominus) oriundus patria Corintho, quod caput est totius Achaiae provinciae, ut eius prosapia atque dignitas postulabat, gradatim permensis honoribus quinquennali magistratu fuerat destinatus, et ut splendori capessendorum responderet fascium, munus gladiatorium triduani spectaculi pollicitus latius munificentiam suam porrigebat. Denique gloriae publicae studio tunc Thessaliam etiam accesserat, nobilissimas feras et famosos inde gladiatores comparaturus, iamque ex arbitrio dispositis coemptisque omnibus domuitionem parabat. Spretis luculentis illis suis vehiculis ac posthabitis decoris raedarum carpentis, quae partim confecta, partim revelata, frustra novissimis trahebantur consequiis, equis etiam Thessalicis et aliis iumentis Gallicanis quibus generosa suboles perhibet pretiosam dignitatem, me phaleris aureis et fucatis ephippiis et purpureis tapetis et frenis argenteis et pictilibus balteis et tintinnabulis perargutis exornatum ipse residens amantissime nonnunquam comissimis affatur sermonibus, atque inter alia pleraque summe se delectari profitebatur quod haberet in mel simul et convivam et vectorem. [¶1] there were four eunuchs that laid a bed of billowing down on the ground with bolsters accordingly for us to lie on; the coverlet was of cloth of gold and Tyrian dye, and the pillows small, but soft and tender, as whereon delicate matrons accustom to lay their heads. Then the eunuchs, not minding to delay any longer the pleasure of their mistress, closed the doors of the chamber and departed away; and within the chamber were wax candles that made light the darkness of the night all the place over. Then she put off all her garments to her naked skin, yea even the veil of her bosom, and standing next the lamp began to anoint all her body with balm, and mine likewise, but especially my nose; which done, she kissed me, not as they accustom to do at the stews or in brothel-houses, or in the courtesan schools for gain of money, but purely, sincerely, and with great affection, casting out these and like loving words: “Thou art he whom I love,” “Thou art he whom I only desire,” “Without thee I cannot live,” and other like preamble of talk, as women can use well enough when they mind to shew or declare their burning passions and great affection of love. Then she took me by the halter and cast me upon the bed, which was nothing strange unto me, considering that she was so beautiful' a matron, and I so well blown out with wine, and perfumed with balm, whereby I was readily prepared for the purpose. > Latin: At ubi partim terrestri, partim maritimo itinere confecto Corinthum accessimus, magnae civium turbae confluebant, ut mihi videbatur, non tantum Thiasi dantes honori quam mei conspectus cupientes: nam tanta etiam ibidem de mel fama pervaserat, ut non mediocri quaestui praeposito illi meo fuerim. Qui cum multos videret nimio favore lusus meos spectare gestientes, obserata fore atque singulis eorum seorsus admissis, stipes acceptans non parvas summulas diurnas corradere consuerat. Fuit in illo conventiculo matrona quaedam pollens et opulens, quae more ceterorum visum meum mercata ac dehinc multiformibus Iudiciis delectata per admirationem assiduam paulatim in admirabilem mei cupidinem incidit, nec ullam vesanae libidini medelam capieris ad instar asinariae Pasiphaae complexus meos ardenter expectabat. Grandi denique praemio cum altore meo depecta est noctis unius concubitum: at ille nequam, qua posset de me suave provenire, lucro suo tantum contentus, annuit. [¶2] But nothing grieved me so much as to think how I should with my huge and great legs embrace so fair a matron, or how I should touch her fine, dainty, and silken skin made of milk and honey with my hard hoofs, or how it was possible to kiss her soft, her pretty and ruddy lips with my monstrous great mouth and stony teeth, or how she, who was so young and tender, could receive my love. > Latin: Iam denique cenati e triclinio domini decesseramus, et iamdudum praestolantem cubiculo meo matronam offendimus. Dii boni, qualis ille quamque praeclarus apparatus! Quattuor eunuchi confestim pulvillis compluribus ventose tumentibus pluma delicata terrestrem nobis cubitum praestruunt, sed et stragula veste auro ac murice Tyrio depicta probe consternunt, ac desuper brevibus admodum sed satis copiosis puluillis aliis nimis mollibus, et vino pulcherrimo atque copioso memet madefeceram et unguento fragrantissimo prolubium libidinis suscitaram. [¶3] And I verily thought if I should hurt the woman by any kind of means, I should be thrown out to the wild beasts: but in the mean season she spoke gently to me, kissing me oft, and looked on me with burning eyes, saying: “I hold thee my cony, I hold thee my nops, my sparrow,” and therewithal she shewed me that all my fear was vain, for she oft-times embraced my body round about, and had her pleasure with me, whereby I thought the mother of Minotaurus did not causeless quench her inordinate desire with a bull.1 When night was passed, with much joy and small sleep, the matron went away, avoiding the light of day, so that she might not be seen, and bargained with my keeper for another night: which he willingly granted, partly for gain of money, and partly to find new pastime for my master. He, after he was informed of all the history of my luxury, was right glad, and rewarded my keeper well for his pains, minding to shew in the public theatre what I could do; but because they would not suffer that noble wife of mine to abide such shame, by reason of her dignity, and because they could find no other that would suffer even for a great reward so great a reproach, at length they obtained for money an evil woman, which was condemned to be eaten of wild beasts, with whom I should be set in a cage before the people. But first I will tell you what a tale I heard concerning her. This woman had a husband whose father, minding to ride forth, commanded his wife, the young man's mother, which he left at home great with child, that if she were delivered of a daughter, it should incontinently be killed. Now when the time of her delivery came, it fortuned that she had a daughter born while her husband was still abroad, whom she would not suffer to be slain, by reason of the natural affection which she bare unto her child, but declined from the command of her husband and secretly committed her to one of her neighbours to nurse. > Latin: Sed angebar plane non exili metui reputans quemadmodum tantis tamque magnis cruribus possem delicatam matronam inscendere, vel tam lucida tamque tenera et lacte ac melle confecta membra duris ungulis complecti, labiasque modicas ambrosio rore purpurantes tam amplo ore tamque enormi et saxeis dentibus deformi saviari, novissime quo pacto, quamquam ex unguiculis perpruriscens, mulier tam vastum genitale susciperet: heu me qui dirupta nobili femina bestiis obiectus munus instructurus sim mei domini! Molles interdum voculas et assidua savia et dulces gannitus commorsicantibus oculis iterabat illa, et in summa “Teneo te,” inquit “Teneo meum palumbulum, meum passerem,” et cum dicto vanas fuisse cogitationes meas ineptumque monstrat metum: artissime namque complexa totum me prorsus, sed totum recepit. Illa vero, quotiens ei parcens nates recellebam, accedens totiens nisu rabido et spinam prehendens meam appliciore nexu inhaerebat, ut Hercule etiam deesse mihi aliquid ad supplendam eius libidinem crederem, nec Minotauri matrem frustra delectatam putarem adultero mugiente. Iamque operosa et pervigili nocte transacta, vitata lucis conscientia facessit mulier, condicto pari noctis futurae pretio. [¶4] And when her husband returned home, she declared unto him that she was delivered of a daughter, whom, as he commanded, she had caused to be put to death. But when this child came to the flower of her age, and was ready to be married, the mother knew not by what means she should endow her daughter without that her husband should understand and perceive it. Wherefore she could do naught but discover the matter to her son,1 as a secret greatly to be hidden and kept dark; for she greatly feared lest he should unawares be urged by the natural heat of youth and fancy or fall in love with his own sister. The young man understanding the whole matter did (according to his known and proved piety) perform both his duty to his mother and his natural obligation towards his sister; for he kept the matter utterly secret in his heart, feigning that he had towards her no more than common human kindness, and so performed the due offices of kinship and blood that he feigned that she was a neighbour's daughter desolate both of father and mother, that he would take her into the protection of his own house, and incontinently after endowed her largely with part of his own goods, and would have married her to one of his especial and trusty friends. But although he brought this to pass very religiously and sagely, yet in the end none of them could avoid the decree of cruel and envious fortune, which sowed great sedition in his house. For his wife (who was now for this condemned to beasts) waxed jealous of her husband, and began to suspect and then to hate the young woman as a harlot and common quean, in so much that she invented all manner of cruel snares to dispatch her out of the way: and in the end she invented this kind of mischief. She privily stole away her husband's ring, and went into the country, whereas she commanded one of her servants that was trusty to her, but otherwise a faithless varlet, to take the ring and to carry it to the maiden: to whom he should declare that her brother did pray her to come into the country to him, and that she should come alone, as soon as she might, without any other person. And to the end she should not delay, but come with all speed, he did deliver her the ring, to be a sufficient testimony of his message. > Latin: Nec gravate magister meus voluptates ex eius arbitrio largiebatur, partim mercedes amplissimas acceptando, partim novum spectaculum domino praeparando: incunctanter ei denique libidinis nostrae totam detegit scaenam. At ille liberto magnifice munerato destinat me spectaculo publico: et quoniam neque egregia illa uxor mea propter dignitatem neque prorsus ulla alia inveniri potuerat grandi praemio, vilis anquiritur aliqua sententia praesidis bestiis addicta, quae mecum incoram publicam populi caveam frequentaret. Eius poenae talem cognoveram fabulam: Maritum habuit, cuius pater peregre proficiscens mandavit uxori suae, matri eiusdem iuvenis (quod enim sarcina praegnationis oneratam eam relinquebat) ut si sexus sequioris edidisset fetum, protinus quod esset editum necaretur. At illa, per absentiam mariti nata puella, insita matribus pietate praeventa, descivit ab obsequio mariti, eamque prodidit vicinis alumnandam, regressoque iam marito natam necatamque nuntiavit. Sed ubi flos aetatis nuptialem virgini diem flagitabat, nec ignaro marito dotare filiam pro natalibus quibat, quod solum potuit, filio suo tacitum secretum aperuit: nam et oppido verebatur ne quo casu caloris iuvenalis impetu lapsus nescius nesciam sororem incurreret. Sed pietatis spectatae iuvenis et matris obsequium et sororis officium religiose dispensat et, arcanis domus venerabilis silentii custodiat traditis, plebeiam facie tenus praetendens humanitatem, sic necessarium sanguinis sui munus aggreditur ut desolatam vicinam puellam parentumque praesidio viduatam domus suae tutela receptaret, ac mox artissimo multumque sibi dilecto contubernali, largitus de proprio dotem liberalissime traderet. [¶5] The maiden, being very willing and desirous to obey his commandment (for she alone knew that he was her brother) and out of respect also for his signet, went in all haste alone as the messenger willed her to do. But when she was fallen into the snare and engine which was prepared for her with such infinite cunning, the mischievous woman, like one that were mad and possessed with some ill spirit, did strip her husband's sister and scourge her first with rods from top to toe; and when the poor maiden called for help with a loud voice and declared the truth of the matter, declaring oft that he was her brother, the wicked harlot (boiling with jealousy and weening that she had invented and feigned the matter) took a burning firebrand and thrust it betwixt her thighs, whereby she died miserably. He that should be the husband of this maiden, but especially her brother, advertised of her cruel death, came to the place where she was slain, and after great lamentation and weeping they caused her to be buried honourably. The young man, her brother, taking in ill part the miserable death of his sister, and especially the unnatural source whence it came, as it was convenient he should, conceived so great dolour within his mind, and was stricken with so pestilent fury of bitter anguish, that he fell into the burning passions of a dangerous ague; whereby he seemed in such necessity that he needed to have some speedy remedy to save his life. The woman that slew the maiden, having lost the name of wife together with her faith, went to a certain traitorous physician, who could number many such triumphs as the work of his hands, and promised him fifty pieces of gold if he would sell her a present poison that she might buy the death of her husband out of hand. > Latin: Sed haec bene atque optime plenaque cum sanctimonia disposita feralem Fortunae nutum latere non potuerunt, cuius instinctu domum iuvenis protinus se direxit saeva rivalitas, et illico haec eadem uxor eius, quae nunc bestiis propter haec ipsa fuerat addicta, coepit puellam velut aemulam tori succubamque primo suspicari, dehinc detestari, dehinc crudelissimis laqueis mortis insidiari: tale denique comminiscitur facinus. Annulo mariti surrepto rus profecta mittit quendam servulum, sibi quidem fidelem sed de ipsa fide pessime merentem, qui puellae nuntiaret quod eam iuvenis profectus ad villulam vocaret ad sese, addito ut sola et sine ullo comite quam maturissime perveniet: et ne qua forte nasceretur veniendi cunctatio, tradit annulum marito subtractum, qui monstratus fidem verbis adstipularetur. At illa mandatu fratris obsequens (hoc enim nomen sola sciebat) respecto etiam signo eius quod offerebatur, naviter, ut praeceptum fuerat, incomitata festinat. Sed ubi fraudis extremae lapsa decipulo laqueos insidiarum accessit tunc illa uxor egregia sororem mariti libidinosae furiae stimulis efferata primum quidem nudam flagris ultimo verberat, dehinc, quod res erat, clamantem, quodque frustra paelicatus indignatione bulliret, fratrisque nomen saepius iterantem, velut mentitam atque cuncta fingentem titione candenti inter media femina detruso crudelissime necavit. [¶6] This done, in presence of her husband she feigned that it was necessary for him to receive a certain kind of drink, which the masters and doctors of physic do call a sacred potion, to the intent he might purge colour and scour the interior parts of his body. But the physician, instead of that healthy drink, had prepared a mortal and deadly poison, that was rather sacred to the healing of the goddess of death, and when he had tempered it accordingly, he took the pot in presence of all the family and other neighbours and friends of the sick young man, and offered it unto the patient. > Latin: Tunc acerbae mortis exciti nuntiis frater et maritus accurrunt, variisque lamentationibus defletam puellam tradunt sepulturae. Nec iuvenis sororis suae mortem tam miseram et a qua subditur alia Proserpinae sacra Saluti. Iamque praesente familia et nonnullis amicis et amnibus aegroto medicus poculum probe temperatum manu sua porrigebat. [¶7] But the bold and hardy woman, to the end she might destroy him that was privy to her wicked intent, and also gain the money which she had promised the physician, stayed the pot with her hand, saying: “I pray you, master physician, minister not this drink unto my dear husband until such time as you have drank some good part thereof yourself. For what know I, whether you have mingled any poison in the drink or no? Wherein I pray you not to be offended, for I know that you are a man of wisdom and learning, but this I do to the intent the conscience and love that I bear to the health and safeguard of my husband may be apparent.” The physician, being greatly troubled at the marvellous and stubborn wickedness of the mischievous woman, was void of all counsel and leisure to consider on the matter, and lest he might give any cause of suspicion to the standers-by, or shew any scruple of his guilty conscience, by reason of long delay, he took the pot in his hand and presently drank a good draught thereof: which done, the young man, having now no mistrust by this example, drank up the residue. When all this was finished the physician would have gone immediately home to receive a counter-poison or antidote, to expel and drive out the first poison; but the wicked woman, persevering in the constant mischief wherein she had begun, would not suffer him to depart one foot until such time (as she said) as the potion should have begun to work, and its healthy effect be apparent; and then by much prayer and intercession she licensed him to go home. By the way the poison invaded the entrails and bowels of the whole body of the physician, in such sort that with great pain and growing heaviness he came to his own house: where he had scarce time to tell all to his wife, and to will her at least to receive the promised salary of the death of two persons, but this notable physician was violently convulsed and yielded up the ghost. The young man also lived not long after, but likewise died, amongst the feigned and deceitful tears of his cursed wife. > Latin: Sed audax illa mulier, ut simul ei conscium sceleris amoliretur et quam desponderat pecuniam lucraretur, coram detento calice, “Non prius,” inquit “Medicorum optime, non prius carissimo mihi marito trades istam potionem, quam de ea bonam partem hauseris ipse. Unde enim scio an noxium in ea lateat venenum? Quae res utique te, tam prudentem tamque doctum virum, nequaquam offendet, si religiosa uxor circa salutem mariti sollicita necessariam affero pietatem.” Qua mira desperatione truculentae feminae repente perturbatus medicus, excussusque toto consilio et ob angustiam temporis spatio cogitandi privatus, antequam trepidatione aliqua vel cunctatione ipsa daret malae conscientiae suspicionem, indidem de potione gustavit ampliter: quam fidem secutus adolescens etiam, sumpto calice, quod offerebatur hausit. Ad istum modum praesenti transacto negotio medicus quam celerrime domum remeabat salutifera potione pestem praecedentis veneni festinans extinguere: nec eum obstinatione sacrilega, qua semel coeperat, truculenta mulier ungue latius a se discedere passa est, “Priusquam” inquit “Digesta potione medicinae proventus appareat,” sed aegre precibus et obtestationibus eius multum ac diu fatigata tandem abire concessit. Interdum perniciem caecam totis visceribus furentem medullae penitus attraxerant: multum denique saucius et gravedine somnulenta iam demersus domum pervadit aegerrime, vixque enarratis cunctis ad uxorem, mandato saltem promissam mercedem mortis geminatae deposceret, sic elisus violenter spectatissimus medicus effundit spiritum. [¶8] A few days after, when the young man was buried and the accustomed funerals and dirges ended, the physician's wife demanded of her the fifty pieces of gold which she promised for the double murder; whereat the ill-disposed woman, keeping still that same constancy in wickedness, with resemblance of honesty (for all real honesty she had cast away) answered her with gentle words, and made her large promises, particularly that she would presently give her the fifty pieces of gold, if she would fetch her a little of that same drink to proceed and make an end of all her enterprise. Then, in short, the physician's wife was caught in the snare of these wicked deceits, and to win the further favour of this rich woman ran incontinently home, and brought her the whole pot of poison; which when she saw, having now occasion to execute her further malice, she began to stretch out farther her bloody hands to murder. She had a little young daughter by her husband that was poisoned, who, according to order of law, was appointed heir of all the lands and goods of her father; but this she bore very hard, and lusting after all the child's heritage, she determined to slay it. > Latin: Nec ille tamen iuvenis diutius vitam tenuerat, sed inter fictas mentitasque lacrimas uxoris pari casu mortis fuerat extinctus. Iamque eo sepulto, paucis interiectis diebus, quis feralia mortuis Utantur obsequia, uxor medici pretium geminae mortis petens aderat. Sed mulier usquequaque sui similis, fidei supprimens faciem, praetendens imaginem, blandicule respondit et omnia prolixe accumulateque pollicetur et statutum praemium sine mora se reddituram constituit, modo pauxillum de ea potione largiri sibi vellet ob incepti negotii persecutionem. Quid pluribus? Laqueis fraudium pessimarum uxor inducta medici facile consensit, et quo se gratiorem locupleti feminae faceret, properiter domo petitam totam prorsus veneni pyxidem mulieri tradidit: quae grandem scelerum nancta materiam longe lateque cruentas suas manus porrigit. [¶9] So knowing that mothers succeed their children after such a crime, and receive all their goods after their death, she purposed to shew herself a like parent to her child as she was a wife to her husband. Whereupon at a convenient season she prepared a dinner with her own hands, and poisoned both the wife of the physician and her own daughter. The child, being young and tender, died incontinently by the deadly force of the drink; but the physician's wife, being stout and of strong complexion, feeling the strong poison creep down into her body and wander through her vitals, at first doubted the matter; and then, by her labouring breath knowing of certainty that she had received her bane, ran forthwith to the judged house, and what with her cries as she called upon him and all her exclamations, she raised up the people of the town, and promising them to reveal and shew divers wicked and mischievous acts, caused that both the doors and ears of the judge were opened. When she came in, she declared from the beginning to the end the abomination of this woman; but she had scarce ended her tale, when a whirling cloud and giddiness seized upon her mind in a fit, and shutting fast her falling lips, and grinding her teeth together, she fell down dead before the face of the judge. He, that was a ready and prudent man, incontinently would try the truth of the matter, and would not suffer the crime of this wicked woman, more venomous than any serpent, by long delays to remain hidden and unpunished, but caused the cursed woman's servants to be pulled out of the house and enforced by pain of torment to confess the verity; which being known, this mischievous woman, far less than she deserved, but because there could be no more cruel death invented for the quality of her offence, was condemned by him to be eaten of wild beasts. Behold with this woman was I appointed to have to do in wedlock before the face of all the people; > Latin: Habebat filiam parvulam de marito quem nuper necaverat: huic infantulae quod leges necessariam patris successionem deferrent, sustinebat aegerrime, inhiansque toto filiae patrimonio imminebat et capiti. Ergo certa defunctorum liberorum matres sceleratas hereditates excipere, talem parentem praebuit qualem exhibuerat uxorem, prandioque commento pro tempore et uxorem medici simul et suam filiam veneno eodem percutit. Sed parvulae quidem tenuem spiritum et delicata ac tenera praecordia conficit protinus virus infestum; at uxor medici, dum noxiis ambagibus pulmones eius pererrat tempestas detestabilis potionis, primum suspicata quod res erat, mox urgente spiritu iam certo certior contendit ad ipsam praesidis domum, magnoque fidem eius protestata clamore et populi concitato tumultu, utpote tam immania detectura flagitia, efficit statim sibi simul et domus et aures praesidis patefierent. Iamque ab ipso exordio crudelissimae mulieris cunctis atrocitatibus diligenter expositis, repente mentis nubilo turbine correpta semihiantes adhuc compressit labias, et attritu dentium longo stridore reddito, ante ipsos praesidis pedes exanimis corruit. Nec ille, vir alioquin exercitus, tam multiforme facinus excetrae venenatae dilatione languida passus marcescere, confestim cubiculariis mulieris attractis vi tormentorum veritatem eruit, atque illam, minus quidem quam merebatur, sed quod dignus cruciatus alius excogitari non poterat, certe bestiis obiciendam pronuntiavit. [¶10] but I, being wrapped in great anguish, and fearing the day of the triumph, when we two should so abandon ourselves together, devised rather to slay myself than pollute my body with this mischievous harlot, and so be defamed as a public sight and spectacle. But it was impossible for me to do this, considering that I lacked human hands, I lacked fingers, and I was not able to draw a sword with my hoofs being round and short; howbeit I did console myself for this utter misfortune with a small ray of hope, for I rejoiced in myself that springtime was come and was now making all things bright with flourishing buds, and clothing the meadows very brightly, so that I was in good hope to find some roses now bursting through from their thorny coats and breathing forth their fragrant odours, to render me to my human shape that I had before as Lucius. When the day of the triumph came, I was led with great pomp and magnificence to the theatre, whither when I was brought, I first saw the preamble of the triumph, dedicated with dances and merry taunting jests. In the mean season I was placed before the gate of the theatre, where on the one side I saw the green and fresh grass growing before the entry thereof, whereon I did gladly feed; and sometimes I conceived a great delectation when I saw, when the theatre gates were opened, how all things were finely prepared and set forth; for there I might see young boys and maidens in the flower of their youth, of excellent beauty and attired gorgeously, dancing and moving in comely order, according to the disposition of the Grecian Pyrrhic dance; for sometime they would trip round together, sometime in length obliquely, sometime divide themselves in four parts, and sometime loose hands and group them on every side. But when the last sound of the trumpet gave warning that every man should retire to his place from those knots and circlings about, then was the curtain taken away and all the hangings rolled apart, and then began the triumph to appear. > Latin: Talis mulieris publicitus matrimonium confarreaturus ingentique angore oppido suspensus expectabant diem muneris, saepius quidem mortem mihimet volens consciscere, priusquam scelerosae mulieris contagio macularer vel infamia publici spectaculi depudescerem: sed privatus humana manu, privatus digitis, ungula rotunda atque mutila gladium stringere nequaquam poteram. Plane tenui specula solabar clades ultimas, quod ver in ipso ortu iam gemmulis floridis cuncta depingeret et iam purpureo nitore prata vestiret, et commodum dirupto spineo tegmine spirantes cinnameos odores promicarent rosae, quae me priori meo Lucio redderent. Dies ecce muneri destinatus aderat; ad consaeptum caveae prosequente populo pompatico favore deducor: ac dum ludicris scaenicorum choreis primitiae spectaculi dedicantur, tantisper ante portam constitutus pabulum laetissimi graminis, quod in ipso germinabat aditu, libens affectabam, subinde curiosos oculos patente porta spectaculi prospectu gratissimo reficiens. Nam puelli puellaeque virenti florentes aetatula, forma conspicui, veste nitidi, incessu gestuosi, Graecanicam saltaturi Pyrrhicam dispositis ordinationibus decoros ambitus inerrabant, nunc in orbem rotatum flexuosi, nunc in obliquam seriem connexi et in quadratum patorem cuneati et in catervae discidium separati. At ubi discursus reciproci multinodas ambages tubae terminalis cantus explicuit, aulaeo subducto et complicitis siparis scaena disponitur. [¶11] First there was a hill of wood, not much unlike that famous hill which the poet Homer called Ida, reared up exceeding high and garnished about with all sort of green verdures and lively trees, from the top whereof ran down a clear and fresh fountain, made by the skilful hands of the artificer, distilling out waters below. There were there a few young and tender goats, plucking and feeding daintily on the budding grass, and then came a young man, a shepherd representing Paris, richly arrayed with vestments of barbary,1 having a mitre of gold upon his head, and seeming as though he kept the goats. After him ensued another fair youth all naked, saving that his left shoulder was covered with a rich cloak such as young men do wear, and his head shining with golden hair, and as it hung down you might perceive through it two little wings of gold; and him the rod called Caduceus and the wand did shew to be Mercury. He bare in his right hand an apple of gold, and with a seemly and dancing gait went towards him that represented Paris, and after that he had delivered him the apple, he made a sign signifying that Jupiter had commanded him so to do, and when he had done his message, he departed very gracefully away. By and by behold there approached a fair and comely maiden, not much unlike to Juno; for she had a white diadem upon her head, and in her hand she bare a regal sceptre; then followed another resembling Minerva, for she had on her head a shining helmet, whereon was bound a garland made of olive-branches, having in one hand a target or shield, and in the other shaking a spear as when she would fight. > Latin: Erat mons ligneus ad instar incliti montis illius quem vates Homerus Idaeum cecinit, sublimi instructus fabrica, consitus virectis et vivis arboribus, summo cacumine de manibus fabri fonte manante, fluviales aquas eliquans. Capellae pauculae tondebant herbulas, et in modum Paridis Phrygii pastoris barbaricis amiculis humeris defluentibus pulchre indusiatus adolescens, aurea tiara confecto capite, pecuarium simulabat magisterium. Adest luculentus puer nudus, nisi quod ephebica chlamida sinistrum tegebat numerum, flavis crinibus usquequaque conspicuus, et inter comas eius aureae pinnulae cognatione simili sociatae prominebant, quem caduceum et virgula Mercurium indicabant. Is saltatorie procurrens malumque bracteis inauratum dextra gerens, ei qui Paris videbatur porrigit, quid mandaret Iuppiter nutu significans, et protinus gradum scitule referens e conspectu facessit. Insequitur puella vultu honesta in deae Iunonis speciem similis; nam et caput stringebat diadema candida, ferebat et sceptrum Irrupit alia quam putares Minervam, caput confecta fulgenti galea (et oleaginea corona tegebatur ipsa galea) clypeum attollens et hastam quatiens et qualis illa cum pugnat. [¶12] Then came another, which passed the others in beauty, and represented the goddess Venus with the colour of ambrosia: but Venus when she was a maiden, and to the end she would shew her perfect beauty, she appeared all naked, saving that her fine and comely middle was lightly covered with a thin silken smock, and this the wanton wind blew hither and thither, sometime lifting it to testify the youth and flower of her age, and sometime making it to cling close to her to shew clearly the form and figure of her members; her colour was of two sorts, for her body was white, as descended from heaven, and her smock was bluish, as returning to the sea. After every one of these virgins which seemed goddesses, followed certain waiting servants; Castor and Pollux played by boys of the theatre went behind Juno, having on their heads round pointed helmets covered with stars; this virgin Juno in the Ionian manner sounded a flute which she bare in her hand, and moved herself quickly and with unaffected gait towards the shepherd Paris, shewing by honest signs and tokens and promising that he should be Lord of all Asia if he would judge her the fairest of the three, and give her the apple of gold. The other maiden, which seemed by her armour to be Minerva, was accompanied with two young men, armed and brandishing their naked swords in their hands, whereof one was named Terror, and the other Fear; and behind them approached one sounding his flute in the Dorian manner, now with shrill notes and now with deep tones to provoke and stir the dancers as the trumpet stirreth men to battle: this maiden began to dance and shake her head, throwing her fierce and terrible eyes upon Paris, and promising that if it pleased him to give her the victory of beauty, she would make him by her protection the most strong and victorious man alive. > Latin: Super has introcessit alio visendo decore praepollens, gratia coloris ambrosei designans Venerem, qualis fuit Venus cum fuit virgo, nudo et intecto corpore perfectam formositatem professa, nisi quod tenui pallio bombycino inumbrabat spectabilem pubem: quam quidem laciniam curiosulus ventus satis amanter nunc lasciviens reflabat, ut dimota pateret flos aetatulae, nunc luxurians aspirabat, ut adhaerens pressule membrorum voluptatem graphice deliniaret. Ipse autem color deae diversus in speciem, corpus candidum quod caelo demeat, amictus caerulus quod mari remeat. Iam singulas virgines, quae deae putabantur, sui sequebantur Iastia concinente tibia procedens quieta et inaffectata gesticulatione nutibus honestis pastori pollicetur, si sibi praemium decoris addixisset, et sese regnum totius Asiae tributuram. At illam quam cultus armorum Minervam fecerat duo pueri muniebant, proeliaris deae comites armigeri, Terror et Metus, nudis insultantes gladiis: at pone tergum tibicen Donum canebat bellicosum et permiscens bombis gravibus tinnitus acutos in modum tubae saltationis agilis vigorem suscitabat: haec inquieto capite et oculis in aspectum minacibus, citato et intorto genere gesticulationis alacer demonstrabat Paridi, si sibi formae victoriam tradidisset, fortem tropaeisque bellorum inclitum suis adminiculis futurum. [¶13] Then came Venus and presented herself, smiling very sweetly, in the middle of the theatre, with much favour of all the people. She was accompanied with a great number of little boys, whereby you would have judged them to be all Cupids, so plump and fair were they, and either to have flown from heaven or else from the river of the sea, for they had little wings and little arrows, and the residue of their habit according in each point, and they bare in their hands torches lighted, as though it had been the day and feast of marriage of their lady. Then came in a great multitude of fair maidens: on the one side were the most comely Graces; on the other side the most beautiful Seasons, carrying garlands and loose flowers which they strewed before her; and they danced very nimbly therewith, making great honour to the goddess of pleasure with these flowers of the spring. The flutes and pipes with their many stops yielded out the sweet sound of the Lydian strain, whereby they pleased the minds of the standers-by exceedingly; but the more pleasing Venus moved smoothly forwards more and more with slow and lingering steps, gently bending her body and moving her head, answering by her motion and delicate gesture to the sound of the instruments: for sometimes her eyes would wink gently with soft motions to the music, sometimes threaten and look fiercely, and sometimes she seemed to dance only with her eyes. As soon as she was come before the judge, she made a sign and token that if he would prefer her above the residue of the goddesses, she would give him the fairest spouse of all the world and one like to herself in every part. Then the young Phrygian shepherd Paris with a willing mind delivered to Venus the golden apple, which was the victory of beauty. > Latin: Venus ecce cum magno favore caveae in ipso meditullio scaenae, circumfuso populo laetissimorum parvulorum, dulce surridens constitit amoene: illos teretes et lacteos puellos diceres tu Cupidines veros de caelo vel mari commodum involasse; nam et pinnulis en sagittulis et habitu cetero formae praeclare congruebant, et velut nuptiales epulas obiturae dominae coruscis praelucebant facibus. Et influunt innuptarum puellarum decorae suboles: hinc Gratiae gratissimae, inde Horae pulcherrimae, quae iaculis floris serti et soluti deam suam propitiantes scitissimum construxerant chorum, dominae voluptatum veris coma blandientes. Iam tibiae multiforabiles cantus Lydios dulciter consonant: quibus spectatorum pectora suave mulcentibus, longe suavior Venus placide commoveri cunctantique lente vestigio et leniter fluctuante spinula et sensim annutante capite coepit incedere, mollique tibiarum sono debeatis respondere gestibus et nunc mite conniventibus, nunc acre comminantibus gestire pupillis et nonnunquam saltare solis oculis. Haec ut primum ante iudicis conspectum facta est, nisu brachiorum polliceri videbatur, si fuisset deabus ceteris antelata, daturam se nuptam Paridi forma praecipuam suique similem: tunc animo volenti Phrygius iuvenis malum quod tenebat aureum, velut victoriae calculum, puellae tradidit. [¶14] Why then do ye marvel, if the lowest of the people, the lawyers, beasts of the courts, and advocates that are but vultures in gowns,1 nay, if all our judges nowadays sell their judgements for money, when as in the beginning of the world one only bribe and favour corrupted the sentence between gods and men, and that one rustical judge and shepherd, appointed by the counsel of the great Jupiter, sold his first judgement for a little pleasure, which was the cause afterwards of the ruin of all his kin? By like manner of mean was another sentence given between the noble Greeks; for the wise and excellently learned personage Palamedes was convicted and attainted of treason by false persuasion and accusation, and Ulysses, being but of moderate valour, was preferred above great Aiax of most martial prowess. What judgement was there likewise amongst the Athenian lawyers, sage and expert in all sciences? > Latin: Quid ergo miramini si praepotenti praefertur Ulixes modicus Aiaci maximo. Quale autem et illud iudicium apud legiferos Athenienses catos illos et omnis scientiae magistros? Nonne divinae prudentiae senex, quem sapientia praetulit cunctis mortalibus deus Delphicus, fraude et invidia nequissimae factionis circumventus velut corruptor adulescentiae, quam frenis cohercebat, herbae pestilentis succo noxio peremptus est, relinquens civibus ignominiae perpetuae maculam, cum nunc etiam egregii philosophi sectam eius sanctissimam praeoptent et summo beatitudinis studio iurent in ipsius nomen? Sed ne quis indignationis meae reprehendat impetum, secum sic reputans: “Ecce nunc patiemur philosophantem nobis asinum,” rursus unde decessi revertar ad fabulam. [¶15] Was not the old man Socrates of divine wisdom, who was preferred by the god of Delphi above all the wise men of the world, by envy and malice of wicked persons empoisoned with the herb hemlock, as one that corrupted the youth of the country, whom in truth always he bridled and kept under by correction? Thus did he leave to the men of Athens a stain and dishonour that shall never fade, for we see nowadays many excellent philosophers greatly desire to follow his sect, and for their perpetual study for happiness to swear by his name. But to the end I may not be reproved of indignation, by any one that might say: “What, shall we suffer an ass to play the philosopher to us?” I will return to my former purpose. After the judgement of Paris was ended, Juno and Pallas departed away sadly and angrily, shewing by their gesture that they were very wroth and would revenge themselves on Paris; but Venus, that was right pleased and glad in her heart, danced about the theatre with much joy, together with all her train. This done, from the top of the hill through a privy spout ran a flood of wine coloured with saffron, which fell upon the goats in a sweet-scented stream, and changed their white hair into yellow more fair: and then with a sweet odour to all them of the theatre, by certain engines the ground opened and swallowed up the hill of wood. Then behold there came a man of arms through the middle of the space, demanding by the commandment of the people the woman who for her manifold crimes was condemned to the beasts, and appointed for me to do in wedlock withal. Now was our bed finely and bravely prepared, shining with the tortoise-shell of Ind, rising with bolsters of feathers, and covered with silk and other things necessary; but I, beside the shame to commit publicly this horrible fact and to pollute my body with this wicked harlot, did greatly fear the danger of death; > Latin: Postquam finitum est illud Paridis iudicium, Iuno quidem cum Minerva tristes et iratis similes e scaena redeunt, indignationem repulsae gestibus professae; Venus vero gaudens et hilaris laetitiam suam saltando toto cum choro professa est. Tunc de summo montis cacumine per quandam latentem fistulam in excelsum prorumpit vino crocus diluta, sparsimque defluens pascentes circa capellas odoro perpluit imbre, donec in meliorem maculatae speciem canitiem propriam luteo colore mutarent: iamque tota suave fragrante cavea montem illum ligneum terrae vorago decepit. Ecce quidam miles per mediam plateam dirigit cursum petiturus, iam populo postulante, illam de publico carcere mulierem, quam dixi propter multiforme scelus bestiis esse damnatam meisque praeclaris nuptiis destinatam, et iam torus genialis scilicet noster futurus accuratissime disternebatur, lectus Indica testudine pellucidus, plumea congerie tumidus, veste serica floridus. At ego praeter pudorem obeundi publice concubitus, praeter contagium scelestae pollutaeque feminae, metu etiam mortis maxime cruciabar, sic ipse mecum reputans, quod in amplexu venerio scilicet nobis cohaerentibus quaecumque ad exitium mulieris bestia fuisset immissa, non adeo vel prudentia sollers vel artificio docta vel abstinentia frugi posset provenire, ut adiacentem lateri meo laceraret mulierem, mihi vero quasi indemnato et innoxio parceret. [¶16] for I thought in myself, that when she and I were together, the savage beast appointed to devour the woman was not so instructed and taught or would so temper his greediness as that he would tear her in pieces at my side and spare me with a regard of mine innocency. Wherefore I was more careful for the safeguard of my life than for the shame that I should abide; and in the mean season, while my master diligently made ready the bed, and all the residue did prepare themselves for the spectacle of hunting and delighted in the pleasantness of the triumph, I began to think and devise for myself; and when I perceived that no man had regard to me, that was so tame and gentle an ass, I stole secretly out of the gate that was next me, and then I ran away with all my force, and came after about six miles very swiftly passed to Cenchreae, which is the most famous town of all the Corinthians, bordering upon the seas called Aegean and Saronic. There is a great and mighty haven frequented with the ships of many a sundry nation, and there because I would avoid the multitude of people, I went to a secret place of the sea-coast, hard by the sprinklings of the waves, where I laid me down upon the bosom of the sand to ease and refresh myself; for now the day was past and the chariot of the sun gone down, and I lying in this sort on the ground did fall in a sweet and sound sleep. > Latin: Ergo igitur non de pudore iam sed de salute ipsa sollicitus, dum magister meus lectulo probe coaptando districtus inseruit et tota familia partim ministerio venationis occupata, partim voluptario spectaculo attonita meis cogitationibus liberum tribuebatur; arbitrium, nec magnopere quisquam custodiendum tam mansuetum putabat asinum, paulatim furtivum pedem proferens portam, quae proxuma est, potitus, iam cursu me celerrimo proripio, sexque totis passuum milibus perniciter confectis Cenchreas pervado, quod oppidum audit quidem nobilissimae coloniae Corinthiensium, alluitur autem Aegaeo et Saronico mari: inibi portus etiam tutissimum navium receptaculum magno frequentatur populo. Vitatis ergo turbulis et electo secreto litore prope ipsas fluctuum aspergines in quodam mollissimo harenae gremio lassum corpus porrectus refoveo: nam et ultimam diei metam curriculum solis deflexerat, et vespernae me quieti traditum dulcis somnus oppresserat.