---
title: "The Golden Ass · Metamorphoses"
author: "Apuleius"
translator: "William Adlington"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 5 of 21
url: https://scriptura.si/works/apuleius-golden-ass/5/
cite: "Apuleius, tr. William Adlington, The Golden Ass · Metamorphoses, section 5. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/apuleius-golden-ass/5/"
---

# 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.

## 5. Book III · chapter 3 · 3

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/apuleius-golden-ass/5/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/apuleius-golden-ass/5/#p-N

[¶0] Now shall you know all the Estate of our house, now shall you know the hidden secrets of my mistress, unto which the powers of hell do obey, and by which the celestial planets are troubled, the gods made weak, and the elements subdued.

> Latin: Nec unquam magis artis huius violentia nititur, quam cum scitulae formulae iuvenem quempiam libenter aspexit, quod quidem ei solet crebriter evenire.

[¶1] Neither is the violence of her art in more strength and force than when she espieth some comely young man that pleaseth her fancy, as oftentimes happeneth. For now she loveth to distraction one young Boeotian, a fair and beautiful person, on whom she employeth all her sorcery and enchantment; and I heard her threaten with mine own ears yesternight, that because the sun had not then presently gone down and the night come to minister convenient time to work her magical enticement, she would veil the same sun with a thick shadow of cloud and bring perpetual darkness over all the world. And you shall know that when she saw yesternight this Boeotian sitting at the barber's, when she came prom the baths, she secretly commanded me to gather some of the hair of his head which lay dispersed upon the ground, and to bring it home;

> Latin: Nunc etiam adolescentem quendam Boeotium summe decorum efflictim deperit totasque artis manus, machinas omnes ardenter exercet: audivi vesperi, meis his, inquam, auribus audivi, quod non celerius sol caelo ruisset noctique ad exercendas inlecebras magiae maturius cessisset, ipsi soli nubilam caliginem et perpetuas tenebras comminantem. Hunc iuvenem, cum e balneis rediret ipsa, tonstrinae residentem hesterna die forte conspexit, ac me capillos eius, qui iam caede cultrorum desecti humi iacebant, clanculo praecepit illi Boeotio iuveni consimiles, plusculos aufero eosque dominae meae dissimulata veritate trado.

[¶2] which when I thought to have done, gathering it up secretly with care, the barber espied me, and by reason it was bruited throughout all the city that me were witches and enchantresses, he seized upon me and cried out, and chid me, saying: 'Will you never leave off stealing of handsome young men's hairs? In faith I assure you, unless you cease your pricked sorceries, I will complain to the justices.' Wherewithal he came angrily towards me and took away the hair which I had gathered out of mine apron, which grieved me very much. For I knew my mistress's manners, that she would not be contented, but beat me cruelly. Wherefore I intended to run away, but the remembrance of you put always that thought out of my mind, and so I came homeward very sorrowful; but because I would not seem to come in my mistress's sight pith empty hands, I saw a man shearing of blown goat-skins.

> Latin: Sic noctis initio, priusquam cena te reciperes, Pamphile mea iam vecors animi tectam scandulare conscendit, quod altrinsecus aedium patore perflabili nudatum ad omnes, orientales ceterosque, aspectus pervium, maxime his artibus suis commodatum secreto colit, priusque apparatu solito instruit feralem officinam, omne genus aromatis, et ignorabiliter laminis litteratis et infelicium avium durantibus damnis, defletorum sepultorum etiam cadaverum expositis multis admodum membris: hic nares em digiti, illic carnosi clavi pendentium, alibi trucidatorum servatus cruor et extorta dentibus ferarum trunca calvaria.

[¶3] Now these were well tied up and blown out, and were hanging up, and the hair he had shorn off was yellow, and much resembled the hair of the Boeotian: and I took a good deal thereof, and dissembling the truth I brought it to my mistress. And so when night came, before your return from supper, Pamphile my mistress, being now out of her wits, went up to a high gallery of her house, blown upon by all the winds of heaven, opening to the east and all other parts of the world; well prepared for these her practices, she gathered together all her accustomed substance for fumigations, she brought forth plates of metal carved with strange characters, she prepared the bones of birds of ill-omen, she made ready the members of dead men brought from their tombs. Here she set out their nostrils and fingers, there the nails with lumps of flesh of such as were hanged, the blood which she had reserved of such as were slain, and skulls snatched away from the jaws and teeth of wild beasts. Then she said certain charms over entrails still warm and breathing, and dipped them in divers waters, as in well water, cow milk, mountain honey and mead; which when she mad done she tied and lapped up the hair together, and with many perfumes and smells threw it into a mot fire to burn.

> Latin: Tunc, decantatis spirantibus fibris, litat vario latice, nunc rore fontano, nunc lacte vaccino, nunc melle montano, libat et mulsa. Sic illos capillos in mutuos nexus obditos atque nodatos cum multis odoribus dat vivis carbonibus adolendos tunc protinus inexpugnabili magicae disciplinae potestate et caeca numinum coactorum violentia ilia corpora, quorum fumabant stridentes capilli, spiritum mutuantur humanum et sentiunt et audiunt et ambulant, et qua nidor suarum ducebat exuviarum veniunt et pro illo iuvene Boeotio aditum gestientes fores insiliunt; cum ecce crapula madens et improvidae noctis deceptus caligine, audacter mucrone destricto in insani modum Aiacis armatus, non ut illi vivis pecoribus infestus tota laniavit armenta, sed longe fortius, qui tres inflatos caprinos utres exanimasti ut ego te prostratis hostibus sine macula sanguinis non homicidam nunc sed utricidam amplecterer.”

[¶4] Then by the strong force of this sorcery, and the invisible violence of the gods so compelled, those bodies, whose hair was burning in the fire, received human breath, and felt, heard, and walked, and, smelling the scent of their own hair, Same and rapped at our doors instead of the Boeotian. then came you being well tippled, and deceived by the obscurity of the night, and drew out your sword courageously, like furious Ajax, and killed, not as he did whole herds of living beasts, but three blown skins, a deed more brave than his, to the intent that I, after the slaughter of so many enemies without effusion of blood, might embrace and kiss not an homicide, but an utricide.” Thus pleasantly Fotis, but I again mocked and taunted her, saying: “Verily now may I for this first Achieved enterprise be numbered with Hercules, who my his valiant prowess performed the twelve notable labours, as Geryon with three bodies, and as Cerberus with three heads: for I have slain three blown goat-skins. But to the end I may pardon thee with all my heart of that which thou hast committed, bringing upon me so much grief and pain, perform the thing which I shall most earnestly desire of thee, that is, bring me that I may see and behold when thy mistress goes about any sorcery or enchantment, and when she prays unto her gods, but most of all when she changes her form, for I am very desirous of Knowing more closely that art of magic, and as it seems unto me, thou thyself hast some experience in the same.

> Latin: Et sic lepido sermone Fotis, at invicem cavillatus ego “Igitur iam et ipse possum” inquam “Mihi primam istam virtutis adoream ad exemplum duodeni laboris Herculei numerare, vel trigemino corpori Geryonis vel triplici formae Cerberi, totidem peremptos utres coaequando. Sed ut ex animo tibi volens omne delictum, quo me tantis angoribus implicasti, remittam, praesta quod summis votis expostulo et dominam tuam, cum aliquid huius divinae disciplinae molitur, ostende, cum deos invocat, certe cum reformatur, ut videam: sum namque coram magiae noscendae ardentissimus cupitor, quamquam mihi nec ipsa tu videare rerum rudis vel expers. Scio istud et plane sentio, cum semper alioquin spretorem matronalium amplexuum, sic tuis istis micantibus oculis et rubentibus bucculis et renidentibus crinibus et hiantibus osculis et fragrantibus papillis in servilem modum addictum atque mancipatum teneas volentem: iam denique nec Larem requiro nec domuitionem paro et nocte ista nihil antepono.”

[¶5] For this I know and plainly feel, that whereas I have always irked and loathed the embracings and love even of noble matrons) I am so stricken and subdued with thy shining eyes, ruddy cheeks, glittering hair, close kisses, and sweet-smelling breasts, that thou holdest me bound and tied to thee like a slave with my own goodwill, and I neither have mind to go home, nor to depart hence, but esteem the pleasure I shall have with thee this night above all the joys of the world.” “Then,” quoth she, “O my Lucius, how willing would I be to fulfil your desire, but besides that she is of a grudging and surly disposition, she gets herself into solitary places and out of the presence of every person when she mindeth to make her enchantments;

> Latin: “Quam vellem” respondit illa, “Praestare tibi, Luci, quod cupis, sed propter invidos mores in solitudinem semper abstrusa et omnium praesentia viduata solet huiusmodi secreta perficere. Sed tuum postulatum praeponam periculo meo idque observatis opportunis temporibus sedulo perficiam,modo, ut initio praefata sum, rei tantae fidem silentiumque tribue.” Sic nobis garrientibus libido mutua et animos simul et membra suscitat: omnibus abiectis amiculis ac tandem paulatini terra resultat, mox in altum sublimata forinsecus totis alis evolat.

[¶6] howbeit I retard more to gratify your request than I do esteem the danger of my life: and I will look for oppor- tunity and time for that which yon desire, but always upon this condition, that, as I bade you before, you secretly keep close such things as are done.” Thus as we reasoned together the courage of Venus assailed as well our desires as our members; and so she un-rayed herself and came to me, and we spent the might in pastime and dalliance, and Fotis giving me all that she might and more, at last drowsy and unlusty sleep came upon our eyes and we were constrained to lie still until it was now high day. Now when we had thus delightfully passed a few nights on this wise, on a day Fotis came running to me in great trembling and said that her mistress, for that she could not any the more gain towards that she loved, intended, the night following, to transform herself into a bird, and to fly to him she desired; wherefore she willed me privily to prepare myself to pee the same. And about the first watch of the night she led me, walking a-tiptoe and very softly, into that high chamber, and bade me look through the chink of a door.

> Latin: Et illa quidem magicis suis artibus volens reformatur, at ego, nullo decantatus carmine, praesentia tantum facti stupore defixus quidvis aliud magis videbar esse quam Lucius, sic exterminatus animi, attonitus in amentiam vigilans somniabar; defrictis adeo diu pupillis an vigilarem scire quaerebant. Tandem denique reversus ad sensum praesentium, arrepta manu Fotidis et admota meis luminibus, “Patere, oro te,” inquam “Dum dictat occasio, magno et singulari me affectionis tuae fructu perfrui et impertire nobis unctulum indidem, per istas tuas papillas, mea mellitula, tuumque mancipium irremunerabili beneficio sic tibi perpetuo pignera, ac iam perfice ut meae Veneri Cupido pinnatus assistam tibi.” “Ain?” inquit “Vulpinaris amasio, meque sponte asceam cruribus meis illidere compellis? Sic inermem vix a lupulis conservo Thessalis; hunc alitem factum ubi quaeram, videbo quando?”

[¶7] Where first I saw how Pamphile put off all her garments, and took out of a certain coffer sundry kind of boxes, of the which she opened one and tempered the ointment therein with her fingers, and then rubbed her body therewith from the sole of the foot to the crown of the head: and when she had spoken much privily with the lamp, she shaked all the parts of her body, and as they gently moved behold I perceived a plume of feathers did burgeon out upon them, strong wings did grow, her nose was more crooked and hard, her nails turned into claws, and so Pamphile became an owl: then she cried and screeched like a bird of that kind, and willing to prove her force, moved herself from the ground by little and little, till at last she leaped up and flew quite away. Thus by her sorcery she transformed her body Into what shape she would, which when I saw I was greatly astonished, and although I was enchanted my no kind of charm, yet I thought I seemed not to have the likeness of Lucius, for so was 1 vanished from my senses, amazed in madness, that I dreamed waking, and felt mine eyes to know whether I were asleep or no. But when I was come again to myself, I took Fotis by the hand, and moved it to mine Eyes, and said: “I pray thee, while occasion doth serve, that I may have the fruition of the fruits of thy love towards me, and grant me some of this ointment. O Fotis, my honey, I pray thee by thy sweet breasts, and I will ever hereafter be bound unto you my a mighty gift and obedient to our commandment, if you will but make that I may be turned into a bird, and stand, like Cupid with his wings, beside you my Venus.” Then said Fotis: “Will yon go about to deceive me now, my love, like a fox, and Enforce me to work mine own sorrow?1 Do I hardly now save you, that are without defence, from these she-wolves of Thessaly, and then if you be a bird where shall I seek you? And when shall I see you?”

> Latin: “At mihi scelus istud depellant caelites,” inquam “Ut ego quamvis ipsius aquilae sublimis volatibus toto caelo pervius et supremi Iovis certus nuntius vel laetus armiger, tamen non ad meum nidulum post illam pinnarum dignitatem subinde devolem! Adiuro per dulcem istum capilli tui nodulum, quo meum vinxisti spiritum, me nullam aliam meae Fotidi malle. Tunc etiam istud meis cogitationibus occurrit, cum semel avem talem perunctus induero, domus omnes procul me vitare debere: quam pulchro enim quamque festivo matronae perfruentur amatore bubone! Quid, quod istas nocturnas aves, cum penetraverint Larem quempiam, sollicite prehensas foribus videmus affigi ut, quod infaustis volatibus familiae minantur exitium, suis luant cruciatibus? Sed, quod sciscitari paene praeterivi, quo dicto factove rursum exutis pinnulis illis ad meum redibo Lucium?”“Bono animo es quod ad huius rei curam pertinet" ait " Nam mihi domina singula monstravit, quae possunt! rursus in facies hominum tales figuras reformare: neci istud factum putes ulla benivolentia, sed ut ei redeunti medela salubri possem subsistere. Specta denique quam parvis quamque futilibus tanta res procuretur herbulis: anethi modicum cum lauri foliis immissum rore fontano datur lavacrum et poculum.”

[¶8] Then answered I: “God forbid that I should commit such a crime, for though I could fly into the air as an eagle, or though I were the sure messenger or joyful armour-bearer of Jupiter, yet would I have recourse to nest with thee for all that glory of wings: Ind I swear by the knot of thy amiable hair, that wherewith you have fast bound my spirit, I love not any other person rather than Fotis. Moreover, this cometh to my mind, that if by virtue of the ointment I shall become a bird, I will take heed that I come nigh no man's house: for how prettily and wittily would these matrons handle their lovers if they were owls: for when they fly into any place by night and lire taken, they are nailed upon posts, and so they Ire worthily rewarded with torment because it is thought that they bring evil fortune to the house by their ill-omened fight. But I pray you (which I had almost forgotten) tell me by what means, when I am an owl, I shall return to my pristine shape and become Lucius again?” “Fear not for that,” quoth she, “For my mistress hath taught me the way to bring a11 to pass, and to turn again the figures of such as are transformed into the shapes of men. Neither think you the did it for any goodwill or favour to me, but to the end I might help her and minister this remedy to her when she returneth home.

> Latin: Haec identidem asseverans summa cum trepidatione irrepit cubiculum et pyxidem depromit arcula; quam ego amplexus ac deosculatus prius, utque mihi prosperis faveret volatibus deprecatus, abiectis propere laciniis totis, avide manus immersi et haurite plusculo uncto corporis mei membra perfricui. Iamque alternis conatibus libratis brachiis in avem similem gestiebam: nec ullae plumulae nec usquam pinnulae, sed plane pili mei crassantur in saetas, sed, cutis tenella duratur in corium et in extimis palmulis perdito numero toti digiti coguntur in singulas ungulas et de spinae meae termino grandis cauda procedit: iam facies enormis et os prolixum et nares hiantes et labiae pendulae, sic et aures immodicis horripilant auctibus; nec ullum miserae reformationis video solacium nisi quod mihi iam nequeunti tenere Fotidem natura crescebat.

[¶9] Consider, I pray you, with yourself, with what frivolous trifles and herbs so marvellous a thing is wrought, for I give her nothing else, save a little dill and laurel-leaves in well-water, the which she drinketh, and washeth herself withal.” Which when she had often spoken she went all trembling into the chamber, and took a box out of the coffer, which I first kissed and embraced, and prayed that I might have good success in my purpose to fly. And then I put off all my garments Ind greedily thrust my hand into the box and took out a good deal of ointment, and after that I had well rubbed every part and member of my body, I hovered with mine arms, and moved myself, looking still when I should be changed into a bird as Pamphile was; and behold neither feathers did burgeon out nor appearance of wings, but verily my hair did turn into ruggedness and my tender skin wore tough and hard; my fingers and toes leaving the number of five grew together into hooves, and from the end of my back grew a great tail, and now my face became monstrous and my mouth long and my nostrils wide, my lips hanging down, and mine ears exceedingly increased with bristles;

> Latin: Ac dum salutis inopia cuncta corporis mei considera, non avem mel sed asinum video, querens de facto Fotidis, sed iam humano gestu simul et voce privatus, quod solum poteram, postrema deiecta labia humidis tamen oculis obliquum respiciens ad illam tacitus expostulabam. Quae ubi primum me talem aspexit, percussit faciem suam manibus infestis, et “Occisa sum misera” clamavit: “Me trepidatio simul et festinatio fefellit et pyxidum similitudo decepit. Sed bene, quod facilior reformationis huius medela suppeditat; nam rosis tantum demorsitatis exibis asinum statimque in meum Lucium postliminio redibis. Atque utinam vesperi de more nobis parassem corollas aliquas, ne moram talem patereris vel noctis unius: sed primo diluculo remedium festinabitur tibi.”

[¶10] neither could I see any comfort of my transformation, save that the nature of my members was increasing likewise to the great discomfiture of Fotis, and so without all help (viewing every part of my poor body) I perceived that I was no bird, but a plain piss. Then I thought to blame Fotis, but being deprived as well of language as human gesture, I did all that I could, and looked upon her with hanging lips and watery eyes, as though to reproach her; but she (as soon as she espied me in such sort) smote her face angrily with her hands and cried out: “Alas, poor wretch that I am, I am utterly cast away. The fear that I was in and my haste hath beguiled me, but especially the mistaking of the box hath deceived me. But it matters not so much, since sooner a medicine may be gotten for this than for any other thing: for if thou couldst get roses and eat them, thou shouldst be delivered from the shape of an ass, and become my Lucius again. And would to God I had gathered some garlands this evening past according to my custom; then shouldst thou not have continued an ass one Bight's space: but in the morning I will seek thee this remedy.” Thus Fotis lamented in pitiful sort, but I that was low a perfect ass, and for Lucius a brute beast, did yet retain the sense and understanding of a man. And I did devise a good space with myself, whether it were best for me to kill this mischievous and wicked harlot by tearing her with my mouth and lucking her with my heels. But a better thought reduced me from so rash a purpose, for I feared lest by the death of Fotis I should be deprived of all remedy and help.

> Latin: Sic illa maerebat, ego vero quamquam perfectus asinus et pro Lucio iumentum sensum tamen retinebam humanum. Diu denique ac multum mecum ipse deliberavi an nequissimam facinerosissimamque feminam illam spissis calcibus feriens et mordicus appetens necare deberem: sed ab incepto temerario melior me sententia revocavit, ne morte multata Fotide salutares mihi suppetias rursus extinguerem. Deiecto itaque et quassanti capite ac demussata temporali contumelia durissimo casui meo serviens ad equum illum vectorem meum probissimum in stabulum concedo, ubi alium etiam Milonis quondam hospitis mei asinum stabulantem inveni; atque ego rebar, si quod inesset mutis animalibus tacitum ac naturale sacramentum, agnitione ac miseratione quadam inductum equum illum meum hospitium ac loca lautia mihi praebiturum: sed pro Iupiter hospitalis et Fidei secreta numina! Praeclarus ille vector mens cum asino capita conferunt in meamque perniciem illico consentiunt et, verentes scilicet cibariis suis, vix me praesepio videre proximantem; deiectis auribus iam furentes infestis calcibus insequuntur, et abigor quam procul ab hordeo quod apposueram vesperi meis manibus illi gratissimo famulo.

[¶11] Then drooping and shaking my head, and dissimulating my ire for the nonce, and Lending to my adversity, I went into the stable to my own good horse that once carried me, where I found another ass of Milo's sometime mine host, and I did verily think that my own horse (if there were any natural conscience or faithfulness in brute beasts) would know me and take pity upon me, and proffer me a good lodging for that night. But fie upon Jupiter that is the god of hospitality and the secret divinity of Faith! For see, my good horse and the ass as it were consented together to work my harm lest I should eat up their provender, and scarce did they lee me come nigh the manger, but they put down their ears and kicked me with their heels from their meat, which I myself had given that grateful servant If mine, the horse, the night before. Then I, being thus handled by them and driven away, got me into a corner of the stable, where (while I remembered the uncourtesy of my colleagues, and how on the morrow I should return to Lucius by the help of a rose, and then revenge myself on my own horse) I fortuned to espy, on the midmost pillar sustaining the rafters of the stable, the image of the goddess Epona,1 in the midst thereof in a small shrine which was prettily garnished and decked round about with fair fresh roses; then in hope of a present remedy I leaped up with my fore feet as high as I could, and Stretching out my neck and lengthening my lips, I coveted exceedingly to snatch some roses. But in an evil hour did I go about that enterprise, for behold, the boy to whom I gave always charge of my horse suddenly spied me and ran in great anger towards me, and said: “How long shall we suffer this vile ass, that doth not only eat up his fellows' meat, but also would spoil the images of the gods? Why do I not make lame and weak this wretch?”

> Latin: Sic affectus atque in solitudinem relegatus angulo stabuli concesseram, dumque de insolentia collegarum meorum mecum cogito atque in alterum diem auxilio rosario Lucius denuo futurus equi perfidi vindictam meditor, respicio pilae mediae, quae stabuli trabes sustinebat, in ipso fere meditullio Eponae deae simulacrum residens acdiculae, quod accurate corollis roseis equidem recentibus fuerat ornatum. Denique agnito salutari praesidio, pronus spei, quantum extensis prioribus pedibus anniti poteram, insurgo valida et cervice prolixa nimiumque porrectis labiis, quanto maxime nisu poteram corollas appetebam. Quod me pessima scilicet sorte conantem servulus meus, cum semper equi cura mandata fuerat, repente conspiciens, indignatus exsurgit, et “Quousque tandem” inquit, “Cantherium patiemur istum paulo ante cibariis iumentorum, nunc etiam simulacris deorum infestum? Quin iam ego istum sacrilegum debilem claudumque reddam,” et statim telum aliquod quaeritans temere fascem lignorum positum offendit, rimatusque frondosum fustem cunctis vastiorem non prius miserum me tundere desiit, quam sonitu vehementi et largo strepitu percussis ianuis, trepido etiam rumore viciniae conclamatis latronibus profugit territus.

[¶12] Therewithal looking about for some cudgel, he espied where lay a faggot of wood, and choosing out a crabbed truncheon of the biggest he could find, did never cease beating of me, poor wretch, until such time as my great noise and rumbling, he heard the doors of the house burst open, and the neighbours crying “Thieves” in lamentable sort, so that, being stricken in fear, he fled away. And by and by the doors were broken down and a troop of thieves entered in, and kept every part and corner of the house with weapons. And as men resorted to aid and help them which were within the doors, the thieves resisted and kept them back, for each one was armed with his sword and a torch in his hand, the glimpses whereof did yield out such light bas if it had been day. Then they broke open with their axes a great chest shut and sealed with double locks, wherein was laid in the middle of the house all the treasures of Milo, and ransacked the same; which when they had done, they packed it up and gave every one a portion to carry; but when they pad more bags to bear away than men to carry them, they were at their wits end for the abundance of all this exceeding wealth, and so they came into the stable hind took us two poor asses and my horse and loaded us with the greatest trusses that we were able to bear. I And when we were out of the house, they followed and threatened us with greet staves, and willed one of their fellows to tarry behind and bring them tidings what was done concerning the robbery, and so they beat us forward over great hills out of the high way.

> Latin: Nec mora, cum vi patefactis aedibus globus latronum invadit omnia, et singula domus membra cingit armata factio, et auxiliis hinc inde convolantibus obsistit discursus hostilis: cuncti gladiis et facibus instructi noctem illuminant; coruscat in modum ortivi solis ignis et mucro. Tunc horreum quoddam satis validis claustris obsaeptum obseratumque, quod mediis aedibus constitutum gazis Milonis fuerat refertum, securibus validis aggressi diffindunt, quo passim recluso totas opes vehunt raptimque constrictis sarcinis singuli partiuntur. Sed gestaminum modus numerum gerulorum excedit: tunc opulentiae nimiae nimio ad extremas incitas deducti, nos duos asinos et equum meum productos e stabulo quantum potest gravioribus sarcinis onerant et domo iam vacua minantes baculis exigunt, unoque de sociis ad speculi landum, qui de facinoris inquisitione nuntiaret, relicto, nos crebra fundentes per avia montium ducunt concitos. Iamque rerum tantarum pondere et montis ardui vertice et prolixo satis itinere nihil a mortuo differebam.

[¶13] But I, what with my heavy burden and the steep tide of the mountain, and my long journey, did nothing differ from a dead ass; wherefore I determined with myself, though late yet in good earnest, Ito seek some remedy of the civil power, and by invocation of the awful name of the Emperor to be delivered from so many miseries. And on a time when it was high day, as I passed through a village of much people, where was a great fair, I came amongst a multitude, and I thought to call upon the renowned name of the Emperor in that same Greek tongue, and I cried out cleverly and aloud, “O,” but “Caesar” I could in no wise pronounce: but the thieves, little regarding my unmusical crying, did lay on and beat my wretched skin in such sort, that after it was neither apt nor meet for leather nor sieves. Howbeit, at last Jupiter ministered unto me an unhoped remedy. For when we had passed by many farms and great houses, I fortuned to espy a pleasant garden, wherein, besides many other flowers of delectable hue, were new and fresh roses that dripped with the morning dew, and gaping on these (being very joyful and brisk to catch some as I passed by) I drew ¦Bearer and nearer. Now while my lips watered upon them, I thought of a better advice more profitable for Lie: lest if from being an ass I should become Lucius again, I might fall into the hands of the thieves, land either by suspicion that I were some witch, or for fear that I would utter their theft, I should be slain of a surety; wherefore I abstained for that time, for it I was needful, from eating of the roses, and (enduring my present adversity) I ate hay as other asses did.

> Latin: Sed mihi sero quidem, serio tamen subvenit ad auxilium civile decurrere et interposito venerabilis principis nomine tot aerumnis me liberare: cum denique iam luce clarissima vicum quempiam frequentem et nundinis celebrem praeteriremus, inter ipsas turbelas, Graecorum genuino sermone nomen augustum Caesaris invocare temptavi, et " O " quidem tantum disertum ac validum clamitavi, reliquum autem Caesaris nomen enuntiare non potui: aspernati latrones clamorem absonum meum, caedentes hinc inde miserum corium nec cribris iam idoneum relinquunt. Sed tandem mihi inopinatam salutem Iupiter ille tribuit: nam cum multas villulas et casas amplas praeteriremus, hortulum quendam prospexi satis amoenum, in quo praeter ceteras gratas herbulas rosae virgines matutino rore florebant. His inhians et spe salutis alacer ac laetus propius accessi, dumque iam labiis undantibus affecto, consilium me subiti longe salubrius, ne si rursum asino remoto prodirem in Lucium, evidens exitium inter manus latronum offenderem vel artis magicae suspectione vel indicii futuri criminatione. Tunc igitur a rosis, et quidem necessario, temperavi, et casum praesentem tolerans in asini faciem faena rodebam.