---
title: "The Golden Ass · Metamorphoses"
author: "Apuleius"
translator: "William Adlington"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 4 of 21
url: https://scriptura.si/works/apuleius-golden-ass/4/
cite: "Apuleius, tr. William Adlington, The Golden Ass · Metamorphoses, section 4. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/apuleius-golden-ass/4/"
---

# 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.

## 4. Book III · chapter 3 · 3

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/apuleius-golden-ass/4/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/apuleius-golden-ass/4/#p-N

[¶0] 3. So soon as morning was come, and Aurora had lifted her rosy arm to drive her bright coursers through the shining heaven, and night tore me from peaceful sleep and gave me up to the day, my heart burned sore with remembrance of the murder which I had committed on the night before: and I rose and sat down on the bed with my legs across, and clasping my hands over my knees with fingers intertwined I wept bitterly. For I imagined with myself that I was brought before the judge in the judgement-place, and that he awarded sentence against me, and that the hangman was ready to lead me to the gallows. And further I imagined and said: “Alas, what judge is he that is so gentle or benign that he will think I am unguilty of the slaughter and murder of these three men, and will absolve me, stained with the innocent blood of so many of the city?

> Latin: 3. Aestus invadit animum vesperni recordatione facinoris; complicitis denique pedibus ac palmulis in alternas digitorum vicissitudines super genua connexis sic grabatum cossim insidens ubertim flebam, iam forum et iudicia, iam sententiam, ipsum denique carnificem imaginabundus. ‘An mihi quisquam tam mitis tamque benivolus iudex obtinget, qui me trinae caedis cruore perlitum et tot civium sanguine delibutum innocentem pronuntiare poterit? Hanc illam mihi gloriosam peregrinationem fore Chaldaeus Diophanes obstinate praedicabat.’

[¶1] Thus forsooth the Assyrian Diophanes did firmly assure unto me, that my peregrination and voyage hither should be prosperous.” But while I did thus again and again unfold my sorrows and greatly bewail my fortune, behold I heard a great noise and cry at the door; in a moment the gates were flung open, and in came the magistrates and officers, and all their retinue, that filled all the. place, and commanded two sergeants to lay hands on me and lead me to prison, whereunto I was willingly obedient; and as we came to the mouth of our lane all the city gathered together in a thick throng and followed me, and although I looked always on the ground, nay, even to the very pit of death for misery, yet sometimes 1 east my head aside, and marvelled greatly that amongst so many thousand people there was not one but laughed exceedingly. Finally, when they had brought me through all the streets of the city, and to every nook and corner, in manner of those as go in procession and do sacrifice to mitigate the ire of the gods, they placed me in the judgement-hall before the seat of the judges: and after that the magistrates had taken their seat on a high stage, and the crier had commanded all men to keep silence, the people instantly cried out with one voice and desired the judges to give sentence in the great theatre by reason of the great multitude that was there, whereby they were in danger of stifling. And behold they ran and very quickly filled the whole pit of the theatre, and the press of people increased still; some climbed to the top of the house, some got upon the beams, some hung from the images, and some thrust in their heads through the windows and ceilings, little regarding the dangers they were in, so they might see me. Then the officers brought me forth openly into the middle of the place like some victim, that every man might behold me, and made me to stand in the midst of the stage. And after that the crier had made an “Oyez” and willed all such as would bring any evidence against me should come forth, there stepped out an old man with an hour-glass of water in his hand, wherein, through a small hole like to a funnel, the water dropped softly, that he might have liberty to speak during the time of the continuance of the.water;

> Latin: Haec identidem mecum replicans fortunas meas eiulabam: quati fores interdum et frequenti clamore ianuae nostrae perstrepi; nec mora, eum magna inruptione patefactis aedibus magistratibus eorumque ministris et turbae miscellaneae cuneta completa statimque lictores duo de iussu magistratuum immissa manu trahere me sane non renitentem occipiunt. Ac dum primum angiportum insistimus, statim civitas omnis in publicum et ad dicendi spatium vasculo quodam in vicem coli graciliter fistulato ac per hoc guttatim defluo infusa aqua, populum sic adorat: ‘Neque parva res ac praecipue pacem civitatis cunctae respiciens et exemplo serio profutura tractatur Quirites sanctissimi. Quare magis congruit sedulo singulos atque universos vos pro dignitate publica providere, ne nefarius homicida tot caedium lanienam, quam cruenter exercuit, impune commiserit. Nec me putetis privatis simultatibus instinctum odio proprio saevire: sum namque nocturnae custodiae praefectus, nec in hodiernum credo quemquam pervigilem diligentiam meam culpare posse. Rem denique ipsam et quae nocte gesta, sunt cum fide proferam: nam cum fere iam tertia vigilia scrupulosa diligentia cunctae civitatis ostiatim singula considerans circumirem, conspicio istum crudelissimum iuvenem mucrone destricto passim caedibus operantem, iamque tres numero saevitia eius interemptos ante pedes ipsius spirantibus itaque reum tot caedibus impiatum, reum coram deprensum, reum peregrinum: constanter itaque in hominem alienum ferte sententias de eo crimine, quodetiam in vestrum civem severiter vindicaretis.’

[¶2] and he began his oration to the people in this sort: “ O most reverend and just judges, the thing which I purpose to declare unto you is no small matter, but toucheth the estate and tranquillity of this whole city, and the punishment thereof may be a right good example to others. Wherefore I pray you, most venerable fathers, to whom and to every of whom it doth appertain to provide for the dignity and safety of the common weal, that you would in no wise suffer this wicked homicide embrued with the blood of so many murders to escape unpunished. And think you not that I am moved by private envy or hatred, but by reason of mine office, in that I am captain of the night watch, and I think that until this day no man alive can accuse me to be remiss in the same. Now I will declare all the whole matter, orderly, as it was done this last night.

> Latin: Sic profatus accusator acerrimus immanem vocem repressit, ac me statim praeco, si quid ad ea responderi vellem, iubebat incipere. At ego nihil tunc tempori amplius quam flere poteram, non. tam Herculi truculentam accusationem intuens quam meam miseram conscientiam; sed tamen oborta divinitus audacia sic ad illa: ‘Nec ipse ignoro, quam sit arduum, trinis civium corporibus expositis eum qui caedis arguatur, quamvis vera dicat et de facto confiteatur ultro, tamen tantae multitudini, quod sit innocens, persuadere. Sed si paulisper audientiam publica mihi tribuerit humanitas, facile vos edocebo me discrimen capitis non meo merito, sed rationabilis indignationis eventu fortuito tantam criminis invidiam frustra sustinere.’

[¶3] For when at I about the third watch of this night past I diligently I searched every part of the city, spying everything close from one door to another, behold I fortuned to espy this cruel young man, sword drawn out for murder, and already three by his fierce onslaught dead at his feet, their bodies still breathing, in a welter of blood. Now this when he had done (moved in his conscience at so great a crime) he ran away and I aided by reason of darkness slipped into a house and there lay hidden all night; but, by the providence of the gods, which suffereth no heinous offences to remain unpunished, he was taken up this morning before he escaped any further by secret ways, and so I have brought him hither to your honourable presence to receive his desert accordingly. So have you here a culpable homicide, one caught in the very act, and an accused stranger;.wherefore pronounce the judgement against this man being an alien, even as you would most severely and sharply revenge such an offence found in a known citizen.” In this sort the cruel accuser finished and ended his terrible tale: then the crier commanded me to speak if I had anything to say for myself, but I could in no wise utter any word at all for weeping: yet verily I esteemed not so much his rigorous accusation, as I did consider mine own miserable conscience. Howbeit (being inspired by divine audacity) at length I began to say: “ Verily I know that it is a hard thing for him that is accused to have slain three persons, to persuade you, being so many, that he is innocent, although he should declare the whole truth, and confess the matter how it was in deed; but if your Honours kill vouchsafe to give me audience, I will shew you that if I be condemned to die, I have not deserved it by mine own desert, but that I was moved by the fortune of reasonable anger to do that deed.

> Latin: ‘Nam cum a cena me serius aliquanto reciperem potulentus alioquin, quod plane verum crimen meum non diffitebor, ante ipsas fores hospitii (ad bonum autem Milonem civem vestrum devorto) video quosdam saevissimos latrones aditum temptantes et domus ianuas cardinibus obtortis evellere gestientes claustrisque omnibus, quae accuratissime affixa fuerant, violenter evulsis secum iam de inhabitant tium exitio deliberantes. Unus denique et manu promptior et corpore vastior his affatibus et cetero incitabat: “heus pueri, quam maribus animis et viribus alacribus dormientes aggrediamur. Omnis cunctatio, ignavia omnis facessat e pectore; stricto mucrone per totam domum caedes ambulet: qui sopitus iacebit, trucidetur; qui repugnare temptaverit, feriatur. Sic salvi recedemus, si salvum in domo neminem reliquerimus.” Fateor, Quirites, extremos latrones (boni civis officium arbitratus, simul et eximie metuens et hospitibus meis et mihi) gladiolo, qui me propter huiusmodi pericula comitantur, armatus fugare atque proterrere eos aggressus sum: at illi barbari prorsus et immanes homines neque fugam capessunt et, cum me viderent in ferro, tamen audaciter resistunt.’

[¶4] For returning somewhat late from supper yesternight (being well tippled with wine, which I will not deny) and approaching nigh unto my lodging, which was in the house of good Milo, a citizen of this city, I fortuned to espy three great thieves attempting to Break down his walls and gates, and to open the locks to enter in, by tearing away all the doors from the posts and by dragging out the bolts, which were most firmly fixed; and they consulted amongst themselves how they would cruelly handle such as they found in the house. And one of them being of more courage and of greater stature than the rest, spoke unto his fellows, urging them on, and said: 'Come, boys, take men's hearts unto you, and let us enter into every part of the house, and attack them that slumber therein. No delay, no cowardice in hour hearts; let murder with drawn sword go throughout the dwelling. Such as we find asleep let us slay, and such likewise as resist let us kill, and so by that means we shall escape without danger if we leave none alive therein.' Verily, ye judges, I confess that I drew out my sword, which I bore for phis manner of danger, against those three abandoned Jobbers, willing to terrify and drive them away;

> Latin: ‘Dirigitur proeliaris acies: ipse denique dux et signifer ceterorum validis mi viribus aggressus illico manibus ambabus capilli arreptum ac retro reflexum effligere lapide gestit; quem dum sibi porrigi flagitat, certa manu percussum feliciter prosterno. Ac mox alium pedibus meis mordicus inhaerentem per scapulas ictu temperato tertiumque improvide occurrentem pectore offenso peremo. Sic pace vindicata, domoque hospitum ac salute communi protecta, non tantum probe spectatus apud meos, semper innocentiam commodis cunctis antetuleram. Nec possum repperire cur iustae ultionis, qua contra latronse deterrimos commotus sum, nunc istum reatum sustineam, cum nemo possit monstrare vel proprias inter nos inimicitias praecessisse ac ne omnino mihi notos illos latrones usquam fuisse; vel certe ulla praeda monstretur, cuius cupidine tantum flagitium credatur admissum.’

[¶5] for I thought that it was the office and duty of one that beareth good will to this common weal so to do, especially since they put me in great fear, both for myself and for mine host. But when those cruel and terrible men would in no case run away, nor fear my naked sword, but boldly resisted against me, I ran upon them and fought valiantly. One of them which was the captain and leader of the rest invaded me strongly and drew me by the hair with both his hands, and would have beaten me with a great stone, but while he groped therefor, I proved the hardier man, and threw him down at my feet and killed him. I took likewise the second that clasped about my legs and bit me, and slew him also, thrusting him through the shoulder. And the third that came (running carelessly upon me, after that I had struck him full in the stomach, fell down dead. Thus when I had restored peace and delivered myself, the house, mine host, and all his family from this present danger, I thought that I should not only.escape unpunished, but also have some great reward of the city for my pains.

> Latin: Haec profatus rursum lacrimis obortis, porrectisque in preces manibus, per publicam misericordiam, per pignorum caritatem maestus tunc hos, tunc illos deprecabar. Cumque iam humanitate commotos misericordia fletuum affectos omnes satis crederem solis et Iustitiae testatus oculum casumque praesentem meum commendans deum providentiae, paulo altius aspectu relato conspicio prorsus totum populum (risu cachinnabili diffluebant) nec secus illum bonum hospitem parentemque meum Milonem risu maximo dissolutum. At tunc sic tacitus mecum ‘En fides ’ inquam ‘En conscientia: ego quidem pro hospitii salute et homicida sum et reus capitis inducor, at ille non contentus quod mihi nec assistendi solacium perhibuit, insuper exitium meum cachinnat.’

[¶6] Moreover I that have always been clear and unspotted of crime and well hooked upon in mine own country, and that have esteemed mine innocency above all the treasure of the world, can find no reasonable cause why, having justly punished these evil robbers, I should now be accused and condemned to die; since there is none that can affirm that there has been at any time either grudge or hatred between us, or that we were aught But men mere strangers and of no acquaintance: and last of all, no man can prove that I committed that deed for any lucre or gain.” When I had ended my words in this sort, behold I wept again piteously, and holding up my hands, I prayed all the people by their common mercy and for the love of their poor infants and children to shew me some pity and favour. And when I believed their hearts somewhat relented and moved by my lamentable tears, I called upon the eyes of the sun and of Justice to witness that I was not guilty of the crime, and so to the divine providence I committed may present estate; but lifting up somewhat mine eyes again, I perceived that all the people laughed with exceeding laughter, and especially my good friend and host Milo. Then thought I with myself: “Alas! where is faith, where is conscience? Behold for the safeguard of mine host and his family I am a slayer of men, and brought to the bar as a murderer. Yet is he not contented with coming not to comfort and help me, but likewise laugheth with all his heart at my destruction.” When this was a-doing, out came a woman weeping into the middle of the theatre arrayed in mourning vesture, and bearing a child in her arms.

> Latin: Inter haec quaedam mulier per medium theatrum lacrimosa et flebilis, atra veste confecta, parvulum quendam sinu tolerans decurrit, ac pone eam anus alia pannis horridis obsita paribusque maesta fletibus ramos oleagineos utraeque quatientes, quae circum fusae lectulum, quo peremptorum cadavera contecta fuerant, plangore sublato se lugubriter eiulantes, ‘Per publicam misericordiam, per commune ius humanitatis’ aiunt ‘Miseremini indigne caesorum iuvenum nostraeque viduitati ac solitudini de vindicta solacium date. Certe parvuli huius in primis annis destituti fortunis succurrite et de latronis huius sanguine legibus vestris et disciplinae publicae litate.’ Post haec magistratus qui natu maior assurgit et ad populum talia: ‘De scelere quidem, quod serio vindicandum est, nec ipse qui commisit potest diffiteri, sed una tantum subseciva sollicitudo nobis relicta est, ut ceteros socios tanti facinoris requiramus: nec enim verisimile est hominem solitarium tres tam validos enecasse iuvenes. prohinc tormentis veritas eruenda, nam et qui comitabatur cum puer clanculo profugit, et res ad hoc deducta est, ut per quaestionem sceleris sui participes indicet, ut tam dirae factionis funditus formido perematur.’

[¶7] And after her came an old woman in ragged robes ¦Tying and howling likewise: and these brought with them olive-boughs, and going about the bier whereon my the three slain bodies all covered up, with loud lamentation cried out miserably in this manner: “O right judges, we pray you by the public pity and the humanity which is due to all, to have mercy upon these persons so foully slain, and succour our widowhood and loss of our dear husband and solace us with vengeance; and especially help this poor infant, who is now an orphan and deprived of all good fortune, and execute your justice by order and law upon the blood of this thief who is the occasion of all our sorrows.” When they had spoken these words, the most ancient of the judges did rise and say to the people: “Touching this murder which deserve th great punishment, this malefactor himself cannot deny it: but one duty further is left us, to enquire and try out.whether he had no coadjutors to help him in this great crime. For it is not likely that one man alone could kill three such great and valiant persons: wherefore the truth must be tried out by the rack, for the slave that was with him fled secretly away, and so we must needs put him to the question, that we may learn what other companions he had, and I root out the nest of these mischievous murderers.” And there was no long delay, for, according to the custom of Greece, the fire, the wheel, and many other torments were brought in: then straightway my sorrow increased or rather doubled, in that I could not at least end my life with whole and unperished members. But by and by the old woman, who had troubled all the court with her howling, implored the judges, saying: “Before ye send to the gallows this thief that hath destroyed my wretched children, let him uncover the bodies which he hath slain, that every man may see their comely shape and youthful beauty and be the more enraged thereat, and that he may receive condign and worthy punishment, according to the quality of the offence.” Therewithal they were delighted at her words, and the judge commanded me forthwith to discover the bodies of the slain that lay upon the bier, with my town hand;

> Latin: Nec mora, cum ritu Graeciensi ignis et rota, tum omne flagrorum genus inferuntur Augetur oppido, immo duplicatur mihi maestitia quod integro saltem mori non licuerit. Sed anus illa, quae fletibus cuncta turbaverat, ‘Prius ’ inquit ‘Optimi cives, quam latronem, istum miserorum pignorum meorum peremptorem cruci affigatis, permittite corpora necatorum revelari, ut et formae! simul et aetatis contemplatione magis magisque ad iustam indignationem arrecti pro modo facinoris saeviatis.’ His dictis applauditur, et illico me magistratus ipsum iubet corpora, quae lectulo fuerant posita, mea manu detegere. Luctantem me ac diu renuentem praecedens facinus instaurare nova ostensione lictores iussu magistratuum quam instantissime compellunt manum denique ipsam e regione lateris fundentes in exitium suum super ipsa cadavera porrigunt. Evictus tandem necessitate succumbo, et ingratis licet arrepta pallio retexi corpora. Di boni, quae facies rei! Quod monstrum! Quae fortunarum mearum repentina! mutatio! Quamquam enim iam in peculio Proserpinae et Orci familia numeratus, subito in contrariam faciem obstupefactus haesi nec possum novae illius imaginis rationem idoneis verbis expedire: nam cadavera illa iugulatorum hominum erant tres utres inflati variisque secti foraminibus et, ut vespertinum proelium meum recordabar, his locis hiantes, quibus latrones illos vulneraveram.

[¶8] but when I refused a good space, by reason I would not anew make my deed apparent to the eyes of all men, the sergeants charged me by commandment of the judges, and thrust me forward Ito do the same, and forced my hand, to its own undoing, from my side over the bier. I then (being enforced by necessity) though it were against my will, drew away the pall and uncovered their bodies: nut, O good Lord, what a strange sight did I see! What a monster! What sudden change of all my Borrows! For I, who had seemed as though I were already one of the house of Proserpina and of the family of death, could not sufficiently express the form of this new sight, so far was I amazed and astonished thereat; for why? The bodies of the three slain men were no bodies, but three blown bladders, mangled in divers places, and they seemed Ito be wounded in those parts where I remembered I mad wounded the thieves the night before. Then did that laughter, which they had before artfully concealed, break out exceedingly among the people.

> Latin: Tunc ille quorundam astu paulisper cohibitus risus libere iam exarsit in plebem: hi gaudii nimietate gratulari, illi dolorem ventris manuum compressione sedare, et certe laetitia delibuti meque respectantes cuncti theatro facessunt. At ego, ut primum illam laciniam prenderam, fixus in lapidem steti gelidus,nihil secus quam una de ceteris theatri statuis vel columnis: nec prius ab inferis emersi quam Milo hospes accessit et iniecta manu me renitentem lacrimisque rursum promicantibus crebra singultientem clementi violentia secum attraxit et observatis viae solitudinibus per quosdam anfractus domum suam perduxit, maestumque me atque etiam tunc trepidum variis solatur affatibus; nec tamen indignationem iniuriae,) quae inhaeserat altius meo pectori, ullo modo permulcere quivit.

[¶9] Some rejoiced marvellously with the remembrance thereof, some held their stomachs that ached with joy, but every man delighted at this passing sport, gazing on me, and so departed out of the theatre. But I, from the time that I uncovered the bodies, stood still as one turned to stone and cold as ice, no otherwise than as the other statues and pillars there, neither came I up from this hell of mine. until such time as Milo, mine host, came and took me by the hand and with civil violence led me away weeping and sobbing, whether I would or no; rand so that I might not be seen, he brought me 'through many blind ways and lanes to his house, where he went about to comfort me, that was sad and yet fearful, with gentle entreaty of talk; but he could in no wise mitigate my impatience of the injury which I conceived within my mind. And behold, by and by the very magistrates and judges, with their ensigns, entered into the house and endeavoured to pacify me in this sort, saying: “O Lucius, we are advertised of your dignity, and know the dignity of your ancient lineage, for the nobility of your kin do possess the greatest part of all this province. And think not that you have suffered the thing wherefore you weep to any reproach of yours or ignominy; put away then all sorrow out of your heart and banish this anguish of mind: for this day, which we celebrate once a year in honour of the god Laughter, is always renowned with some solemn novel prank, and the god doth everywhere graciously accompany with the Inventor and doer thereof, and he will not suffer that you should be sorrowful, but he will diligently make glad your countenance with serene beauty.

> Latin: Ecce illico etiam ipsi magistratus cum suis insignibus domum nostram ingressi talibus me monitis delenire gestiunt: ‘Neque tuae dignitatis vel etiam prosapiae tuorum ignari sumus, Luci domine; nam et provinciam totam inclitae vestrae familiae nobilitas complectitur. Ac ne istud quod vehementer ingemescis contumeliae causa perpessus es: omnem itaque de tuo pectore praesentem tristitudinem mitte, et angorem animi depelle, nam lusus iste quem publice gratissimo deo Risui per annua reverticula sollemniter celebramus, semper commenti novitate florescit: iste deus et auctorem suum propitius ubique comitabitur amanter neci unquam patietur ut ex animo doleas, sed frontem tuam serena venustate lactabit assidue. At tibi civitas omnis pro ista gratia honores egregios obtulit a nam et patronum scripsit et ut in aere stet imago tua decrevit.’ Ad haec dicta sermonis vicem refero a ‘Tibi quidem’ inquam ‘Splendidissima et unica Thessaliae civitas, honorum talium parem gratiam memini. Verum statuas et imagines dignioribus meique maioribus reservare suadeo.’

[¶10] And verily all the city, for the grace that is in you, hath rewarded you with great honours, and hath written you down their patron: and, further, that your statue or image shall be set up in copper for a perpetual remembrance.”

> Latin: Sic pudenter allocutus et paulisper hilare vultu renidens, quantumque poteram laetiorem me refingens, comiter abeuntes magistratus appello.

[¶11] To whom I answered: “As for such benefits as I have received already of this famous city of Thessaly, I yield and render most entire thanks, but as touching the setting up of any statues or images, I would wish that they should be reserved for such as are more worthy and greater than I.” When I had spoken these words somewhat modestly with a more cheerful countenance, and shewed myself more merry than I was before, the Judges and magistrates departed, and I reverently took my leave of them and bade them farewell. And behold, by and by there came one running to line in haste, and said: “Sir, your cousin Byrrhaena desireth you to take the pains, according to your promise yesternight, to come to supper; for it is ready.” But I, greatly fearing, and shrinking even afar at the very thought of her house, said unto the messenger: “My friend, I pray you to tell my cousin, your mistress, that I would willingly be at her commandment, but for breaking my troth and credit. For mine host Milo enforced me to assure him, and compelled me by the feast of this present day, that I should pledge me to his dinner and company, and he goeth not forth nor suffereth me to depart from him;

> Latin: Et ecce quidam intro currens famulus ‘Rogat te ’ ait ‘Tua parens Byrrhaena et convivii, cui te sero desponderas, iam appropinquantis admonet.’ Ad haec ego formidans et procul perhorrescens etiam ipsam domum eius, ‘Quam vellem’ inquam ‘Parens, iussis tuis obsequium commodare, si per fidem liceret id facere: hospes enim meus Milo per hodierni diei praesentissimum numen adiurans effecit, ut eius hodiernae cenae pignerarer, nec ipse discedit nec me digredi patitur. prohinc epulare vadimonium differamus.’ Haec adhuc me loquente manu firmiter iniecta Milo iussis balnearibus assequi producit ad lavacrum proximum: at ego vitans oculos omnium et quem ipse fabricaveram risum obviorum declinans lateri eius adambulabam obtectus, nec qui laverim, qui terserim, qui domum rursum reverterim prae rubore memini, sic omnium oculis nutibus ac denique manibus denotatus impos animi stupebam.

[¶12] wherefore I pray you to excuse me land to defer my promise until another time.” And while I was speaking these words, Milo took me by the hand and led me towards the next bath; but by the way I went crouching under him to hide myself from the sight of men, because I had ministered such Ian occasion of laughter. And when I had washed Land wiped myself and returned home again, I never remembered any such thing, so greatly was I ashamed at the nodding and pointing of every person. Then I went to supper with Milo, where God wot we fared but poorly: wherefore (feigning that my head did ache by reason of my sobbing and weeping tall the day) I desired license to depart to my chamber, land so I went to bed, and there I began to call to mind all the sorrows and griefs that I was in the relay before, until such time as my love Fotis (having brought her mistress to sleep) came into the chamber not as she was wont to do, for she seemed nothing pleasant neither in countenance nor talk, but with a sour face and frowning look, and began to speak slowly and fearfully in this sort: “Verily I confess that I have been the occasion of all thy trouble this day,” and therewithal she pulled out a whip from under her apron, and delivered it to me, saying: “Revenge thyself of me, mischievous harlot that I am, or rather slay me. Yet think not that I did willingly procure this anguish and sorrow unto you; I call the gods to witness.

> Latin: Raptim denique paupertina Milonis cenula perfunctus, causatusque capitis acrem dolorem, quem mihi lacrimarum assiduitas incusserat, concedo cubitum venia facile tributa, et abiectus in lectulo meo quae gesta fuerant singula maestus recordabar, quoad tandem Fotis mea, dominae suae cubitu procurato, sui longe dissimilis advenit: non enim laeta facie nec sermone dicaculo, sed vultuosam frontem rugis insurgentibus asseverabat. Cunctanter ad timide denique sermone prolato, ‘Ego’ inquit ‘Ipsa confiteor ultro, ego tibi huius molestiae fui,’ et cum dicto lorum quempiam sinu suo depromit mihique porrigens, ‘Cape,’ inquit ‘Oro te, et dei perfida muliere vindictam, immo vero licet maius quodvis supplicium sume. Nec tamen me putes, oro, sponte angorem istum tibi concinnasse: di mihi melius, quam ut mei causa vel tantillum scrupulum patiare, ac si quid adversi tuum caput respicit, id omne protinus meo luatur sanguine. Sed quod alterius rei causa facere iussa sum, mala quadam mea sorte in tuam recidit iniuriam.’

[¶13] For I had rather suffer mine own body to be punished than that you should receive or sustain any harm by my means, but that which I was bidden to do was wrought for some lather purpose, but behold the unlucky chance fortuned on you by mine evil occasion.” Then I, very envious and desirous to know the secret cause of the matter, answered: “In faith,” quoth I, “This most pestilent and evil-favoured whip (which thou hast wrought to scourge thyself withal) shall first be broken in a thousand pieces, than it should touch or hurt thy delicate and dainty skin; but I pray you tell me truly what deed of yours has been turned by the perversity of fortune to my trouble and sorrow.

> Latin: Tunc ego familiaris curiositatis admonitus factique causam delitescentem nudari gestiens suscipio: ‘Omnium quidem nequissimus audacissimusque lorus iste, quem tibi verberandae destinasti, prius a me concisus atque laceratus interibit ipse quam tuam plumeam lacteamque contingat cutem. Sed mihi cum fide memora, quod tuum factum fati oculos Fotidis meae udos ac tremulos et prona libidine marcidos iam iamque semiadopertulos adnixis et sorbillantibus saviis sitienter hauriebam.

[¶14] For I dare swear by the love that I bear unto you that I will not be persuaded (though you yourself endeavour the same) that ever you went about to trouble or harm me: and moreover no chance, though it be uncertain or even unlucky, can make a crime of harmless and innocent intentions.” When I had spoken these words, I perceived that Fotis's eyes were wet and trembling and dull with desire, and tow half closed, so that I embraced and kissed her sweetly, and greedily drank therefrom. Now when she was somewhat restored unto joy the desired me that she might shut the chamber Boor, lest by the intemperance of her tongue in littering any unfitting words there might grow further Inconvenience. Wherewithal she barred and propped the door and came to me again, and embracing me lovingly about the neck with both her arms, spoke with a whispering soft voice and said: “ I do greatly fear to discover the privities of this house, and to litter the secret mysteries of my dame, but I have such a confidence in you and in your wisdom, by reason that you are come of so noble a line and endued with so profound sapience, and further instructed in so many holy and divine things that you will faithfully keep silence, and that whatsoever I shall reveal or declare unto you, you would close them within the bottom of your heart, and never discover the same, but rather repay the simple tale that I shall tell you by keeping it utterly hidden and dark; for I ensure you the love that I bear you enforceth me, that alone of mortals know aught thereof, to utter it.

> Latin: Sic illa laetitia recreata “Patere” inquit “Oro, prius fores cubiculi diligenter occludam, ne sermonis elapsi profana petulantia committam grande flagitium”; et cum dicto pessulis iniectis et uncino firmiter immisso, sic ad me reversa colloque meo manibus ambabus implexa voce tenui et admodum diminuta, “Paveo ” inquit “Et formido solide domus huius operta detegere et arcana dominae meae revelare secreta: sed melius de te doctrinaque tua praesumo, qui praeter generosam natalium dignitatem, praeter sublime ingenium, sacris pluribus initiatus profecto nosti sanctam silentii fidem. Quaecumque itaque commisero huius religiosi pectoris tui penetralibus, semper haec intra consaeptum clausa custodias oro, et simplicitatem relationis meae tenacitate taciturnitatis tuae remunerare. Nam me, quae sola mortalium novi, amor is, quo tibi teneor, indicare compellit; iam scies omnem domus nostrae statum, iam scies herae meae miranda secreta, quibus obaudiunt manes, turbantur sidera, coguntur numina, serviunt elementa.