APULAEUS

Lucius Apuleius (around 123 - around 170)

The Golden Ass or the Metamorphoses

Translated from the Latin by M. Nisard
"Petronius, Apuleius, Aulu-Gelle"
Complete Works, Paris, 1860, p. 266-414
(Collection of Latin authors under the direction of M. Nisard),


Contents
1. On the way to Hypata (I, 1, 1 - I, 20, 5)
2. To Hypata (I, 21, 1 - II, 27, 7)
3. Among the brigands (III, 28, 1 - VII, 13, 7)
The Tale of Cupid and Psyche (IV, 28, 1 - VI, 24, 4)
The Tale of Cupid and Psyche (IV, 28, 1 - VI, 24, 4)
4. Lucius in the fields - Various tribulations (VII, 14, 1 - VII, 28, 4)
5. Continuation and end of the story of Charity: Thrasyllus (VIII, 1, 1 - VIII, 15, 1)
6. The perilous journey with the slaves (VIII, 15, 1 - VIII, 22, 7)
7. With the priests of the Syrian goddess (VIII, 23, 1 - IX, 10, 4)
8. At the baker's: stories of unfaithful wives (IX, 10, 5 - X, 31, 1)
9. At the gardener: prodigies and fight between owners (IX, 31, 3 - IX, 42, 4)
10. In the service of the soldier. The poisonous mother-in-law and the wise doctor (X, 1, 1 - X, 13, 1)
11. The slave-brothers and Thiasus. The learned donkey and the woman condemned to beasts (X, 13, 1-X, 29.1)
12. At the theater - The escape of the donkey (X, 29, 1 - X, 35, 4)
13. The Book of Isis (XI, 1, 1 - XI, 30, 5)

*


1. ON THE WAY TO HYPATA (I, 1, 1 - I, 20, 5)



Prologue

(I, 1, 1) Here I want to sew together various stories of the genre of Milesian fables. It is a rather sweet music, and which will pleasantly tickle your ears, provided that they are benevolent, and that your taste is not repugnant to the kindnesses of Egyptian literature, to the spirit of the banks of the Nile. (2) You will see my characters, oh wonder! alternately losing and regaining, through the effect of opposite charms, the human form and figure. (3) I begin; but, first, a few words about the author. The slopes of Hymettus, the Isthmus of Ephyre, Tenare, are in common the cradle of my ancient lineage. Happy regions, so rich in the gifts of the earth, richer still in the immortal gifts of genius! (4) There, my studious youth cut its teeth by conquering the Greek language. Transported later on to Latin soil, a stranger in the midst of Roman society, I had to work, without a guide and with infinite difficulty, to master the national idiom. (5) Also I ask thanks in advance for all that a novice can carry of attacks and with the use and the taste. (6) My subject is the science of metamorphoses. Is it not entering into it properly, to first transform my language? For the rest, everything is Greek in this fable. Attention, reader! the pleasure is over. (6) My subject is the science of metamorphoses. Is it not entering into it properly, to first transform my language? For the rest, everything is Greek in this fable. Attention, reader! the pleasure is over. (6) My subject is the science of metamorphoses. Is it not entering into it properly, to first transform my language? For the rest, everything is Greek in this fable. Attention, reader! the pleasure is over.

On the way to Hypata: an interesting encounter

(I, 2, 1) Some business called me to Thessaly, where you will know that I also came from; for I boast of a maternal descent, whose stock is nothing less than the illustrious Plutarch and his nephew the philosopher Sextus. I thus reached Thessaly, (2) sometimes climbing the mountains, sometimes plunging into the valleys, and trampling in turn the grass of the meadows and the furrows of the guerets. I rode a country horse, with spotless white hair; (3) and, as the poor animal was gone, as I myself was not tired of keeping myself in the saddle, I dismounted for a moment to stretch my legs while walking. I begin by carefully corking my horse with a handful of leaves, to quench the sweat that covered it. I pass my hand over his ears over and over again; I unleash it.
(4) Now, while stretching out his neck and twisting his mouth, my courier takes his lunch on the way on the right and left meadows, imperceptibly I find myself in third place with two traveling companions who, at first, had had some advance on me. (5) Listening to their speeches, I heard one of them exclaim with a burst of laughter: Let's go! enough nonsense! enough of these absurd tales!
(6) On this subject, I, always hungry for what is new: Tell me about your interview, I tell them. Without being curious, I like to know everything, or almost. Here is a rather rough coast; the interest of the story will make it easier for us to climb.
(I, 3, 1) Blatant lies! resumed the one I had just heard. It would be as well to maintain that it suffices to mutter two or three magic words, to make the rivers ebb, to chain, to fix the waves of the sea, to paralyze the breath of the winds, to stop the sun in its course, to make the moon foam, to detach the stars from their vault, and to substitute night for day.
(2) Then mingling completely with the conversation: Friend, I said, you who were telling the story, please resume the thread of your story, if that is not asking too much of your kindness. Then, turning to the other: You who are turning a deaf ear here, who knows if this is not the truth itself? (3) Oh! you hardly know how blind prevention. If a fact is new, badly observed, beyond our reach, that is enough for it to be deemed false. Examined more closely, the thing becomes obvious, and, what is more, very simple.
(I, 4, 1) Yesterday, I was having supper in company, and the guests gave their all over a cheese pie. I didn't want to be behind, and I dazedly swallowed a rather large mouthful of this sticky paste, which, clinging to the lower walls of my throat, intercepted my breathing. A little more, I gasped. (2) Now, not long ago in Athens, in front of the portico of the Pécile, I had seen, with the two eyes here, an operator swallowing by the point a very sharp cavalry swordfish. (3) The next moment, the same man, for a penny, was introduced into the intestines, by the dangerous end, a real hunting spear: (4) so ​​that one saw the iron shaft of the weapon, emerging from the bottom of the entrails of this unfortunate, dominating above his head. Suspended from this extremity, a child with graceful and suave forms executed a thousand aerial evolutions, folding back on itself with an undulating suppleness, to make one doubt that it was of flesh and bone. We other assistants were dumbfounded. (5) It looked like the caduceus of the god of medicine, with this beautiful serpent whose flexible body coils so well around its knots and its sections of branches. (6) But let's see; pick up the thread of your story. Me, I promise you to believe for two, and, at the first lodging, you will have half of my supper. Is the market right for you? we were dumbfounded. (5) It looked like the caduceus of the god of medicine, with this beautiful serpent whose flexible body coils so well around its knots and its sections of branches. (6) But let's see; pick up the thread of your story. Me, I promise you to believe for two, and, at the first lodging, you will have half of my supper. Is the market right for you? we were dumbfounded. (5) It looked like the caduceus of the god of medicine, with this beautiful serpent whose flexible body coils so well around its knots and its sections of branches. (6) But let's see; pick up the thread of your story. Me, I promise you to believe for two, and, at the first lodging, you will have half of my supper. Is the market right for you?
(I, 5, 1) Couldn't be better, resumed my man; but you will have to start all over again. First of all, I swear, by this divine sun which enlightens us, that I will not say anything whose accuracy I cannot prove; (2) and you will get to the bottom of the first city of Thessaly that we are going to meet. It is the subject of all the talks; the facts are public knowledge.

The story of Aristomenes: the fantastic story of Socrates

(3) But it is also good that you know who I am, what is my country and my profession. I am from Aegina. I trade in Etna honey, cheeses and other foodstuffs which form the habitual consumption of inns. Thessaly, Aetolia, Boeotia, are the circle of my rounds; I walk them in all directions. (4) Having thus learned that at Hypate, the capital city of all Thessaly, there was a great market to be made on new cheeses of an exquisite taste, I went there in all haste, firmly resolved to buy all the part. (5) But I had set off with my left foot, and, of course, I missed this bargain. The day before, a big speculator, named Lupus, had monopolized everything. Night was beginning to fall, and tired of being in such a hurry for nothing, I went to the public baths.
(I, 6, 1) Suddenly, I see Socrates, one of my compatriots, sitting on the ground, half covered with the remains of a nasty coat, and become unrecognizable by dint of thinness and dirtiness. He had all the air of one of those scum of fortune who go begging through the streets. (2) He was a friend, an old acquaintance, and yet I approached him without being sure of my facts. Hey ! my poor Socrates, I said to him, what does this mean? what a miserable exterior! what abjection! you were thought to be dead at home; we cried, we shouted in the forms. Guardianship of your children has been provided by act of provincial authority. (3) Your wife, after having rendered you the last duties, after having consumed herself for a long time in tears, to the point that by dint of crying his eyes almost lost the light; your wife, I say, finally yields to the entreaties of her parents; your house will see, after the lugubrious apparatus of mourning, the celebration of a new marriage. And you, I find you here (I blush myself) under the guise of a ghost rather than an inhabitant of this world.
(4) Aristomenes, he said to me, do you know what fortune is, and its inexplicable whims, and its sudden, unexpected ups and downs? As he said these words, and to hide the redness of his forehead, he pulled a fold of his patched rags over his face, leaving the rest of his body bare, from the waist down. (5) I could not stand this spectacle of misery. I held out my hand to him, and tried to make him rise; but he persisted in remaining seated and hiding his face.
(I, 7, 1) No, he said, let fortune enjoy its triumph to the end. (2) Finally, however, I decide him to follow me; and stripping off my outer robe, I hasten to put it on, or rather to veil her nudity. Then I put him in the bath. (3) Anointings, frictions, I administer everything myself, and I manage, not without difficulty, to remove the enormous layer of filth with which it was as if coated. This toilet completed, overwhelmed as I was with fatigue, I took him to my inn, supporting his tottering steps as best I could. There, I get him into a very warm bed; and good dinner, good wine, sweet words, I do everything to comfort him. (4) Insensibly, my man indulges in conversation and laughter. The interview comes alive, and even becomes quite noisy; but suddenly a heartrending sigh escapes his chest, and strikes his forehead pitilessly: (5) Wretch! he exclaimed, “yet it was my cursed curiosity for a spectacle of gladiators, which made a great noise, which reduced me to this deplorable situation. (6) I had gone, as you know, to Macedonia for my business: my business kept me there ten months, after which I returned with a well-stocked purse. A little above Larisse, I took the crossbar to get to the sight in question more quickly; but now, in a deep and wide gorge, several bandits, real colossi, throw themselves on me, and I only get out of their hands, leaving behind everything I possessed. (7) In this extremity, I came here to stay with a hostess, named Meroe, already old, but still very engaging, to whom I related in detail the motives of my prolonged excursion, my alarms on my return, and my catastrophe in broad daylight: the whole in a lamentable tone, and collecting my memories as best they could. (8) This one gave me the most gracious welcome. I had a good supper for free; then, in a fit of temper, she shared her bed with me. (9) Whew! once I had tasted her couch and her caresses, it was impossible to extricate myself from this accursed old woman! (10) The poor things these honest thieves had left on my back have become his property. Everything went through it, down to the meager profits I was able to make by working as a thrift store, as long as I had the strength. Anyway, you saw what I was doing just now.
(I, 8, 1) In truth, I resumed, you deserve even worse, if there is worse than what happens to you. What odious licentiousness! Leave children and penates, to run after an old skin of prostitute! (2) Hush, hush, he said, hurriedly raising his index finger to his mouth and casting his eyes around him, as if to see if there was not some danger in speaking. There is something more than human in this woman. Hold your reckless tongue, or you're going to land yourself in some nasty business. (3) Yes, I exclaimed, is this cabaret queen a power? (4) She is a magician, he says; she knows everything: she can, at will, lower the heavens, move the globe of the earth, petrify the rivers, liquefy the mountains, evoke the spirits from below upwards, the gods from above downwards, extinguish the stars, illuminate Tartarus. (5) Come on then, I said to him, lower the curtain, pack up all this theatrical baggage for me, and talk a bit like everyone else. (6) Would you like, he said, a sample or two of what she can do? Do you want more? To tell you that she can inflame for her, not only the people of this country, but the inhabitants of India, but those of the two Ethiopias; trifles! these are games of his art. Here, listen to what she did right here, and in front of a thousand witnesses. not only the people of this country, but the inhabitants of the Indies, but those of the two Ethiopias; trifles! these are games of his art. Here, listen to what she did right here, and in front of a thousand witnesses. not only the people of this country, but the inhabitants of the Indies, but those of the two Ethiopias; trifles! these are games of his art. Here, listen to what she did right here, and in front of a thousand witnesses.
(I, 9, 1) One of his lovers had taken it into his head to do violence to another woman. With one word she changed him into a beaver. (2) This animal, which cannot stand captivity, frees itself from the pursuit of hunters by cutting off its genitalia: she wanted the same to happen to her unfaithful, to teach him to use his strength elsewhere. (3) Her neighbor was an old innkeeper who competed with her: She transformed him into a frog; and it is while croaking from the bottom of his barrel, where he dabbles in his dregs, that the poor man today calls the barges. (4) She made a ramming of a lawyer who had once argued against her; now he only moans with horns. (5) Finally, the wife of one of her lovers one day lets slip against her I don't know what piquant remark. The unfortunate woman was pregnant: in her suddenly the paths of childbirth are closed; her fetus becomes stationary; and here she is condemned to the torture of an endless gestation. (6) She has been carrying her burden for eight years; her belly is tense as if she were to give birth to an elephant.
(I, 10, 1) But this last feature and many others ended up attracting general indignation on Meroe. It is agreed one fine day that the next day they will go and stone her en masse, to satisfy public vindictiveness; (2) but she foiled the plan with her art. Like the sorceress of Colchos, to whom a single day of respite obtained from Creon sufficed to reduce both the palace and the daughter and the father to ashes, (3) this other Medea (she was the one who told it to me lately, being in the vineyards) only needed to carry out certain sepulchral practices around a pit, and suddenly each inhabitant found himself locked in his house by the sheer force of the charm; and that, without it being possible for anyone to force a lock, break in a door, pierce a wall. So that after two days of confinement, (4) it was who would offer to surrender; and all crying out in unison, pledged themselves under the most sacred oaths to undertake nothing against her, even to protect her against all violence. (5) Then she relented, and lifted the arrests of the city. As for the author of the plot, still kept in prison at home, one fine night, he and his house, soil, foundations and all, were transported a hundred miles away to a sheer mountain, where there was a lack of water. (6) And as there was a city there whose hurried buildings left no room for the newcomer within their walls, she planted him there outside the gates. to protect it even against all violence. (5) Then she relented, and lifted the arrests of the city. As for the author of the plot, still kept in prison at home, one fine night, he and his house, soil, foundations and all, were transported a hundred miles away to a sheer mountain, where there was a lack of water. (6) And as there was a city there whose hurried buildings left no room for the newcomer within their walls, she planted him there outside the gates. to protect it even against all violence. (5) Then she relented, and lifted the arrests of the city. As for the author of the plot, still kept in prison at home, one fine night, he and his house, soil, foundations and all, were transported a hundred miles away to a sheer mountain, where there was a lack of water. (6) And as there was a city there whose hurried buildings left no room for the newcomer within their walls, she planted him there outside the gates.
(I, 11, 1) My dear Socrates, I continued then, that is marvelous, and not so gay. (2) Fear overtakes me in turn, and a fear that counts. Really I'm in a trance. If your old woman, by her supernatural intelligence, were to learn of our words! (3) Hey quick, let's hurry to sleep; and as soon as sleep has restored our strength, let us get away from here without waiting for daylight, and as soon as we can. (4) I was still talking, that the good Socrates was already snoring his best, under the double influence of fatigue and wine, of which he had lost the habit. I immediately close the door, secure the bolts, then throw myself on my pallet, having taken the precaution of leaning it against the doors like a barricade.
(7) I had just dozed off. Suddenly, with a crash that did not announce thieves, the door opens, or rather it is forced open by an external force which breaks or tears off the hinges, (8) tumbles my little lame and worm-eaten bunk, and makes me roll on the floor. There, I remain flat on my stomach, imprisoned under my bed which falls on me and hides me entirely.
(I, 12, 1) I then understood that there can be a contrast between the feeling and its external manifestation. Often joy brings tears. As for me, in spite of the terror which had seized me, I could not restrain a burst of laughter at this grotesque metamorphosis of Aristomenes into a tortoise. (2) Crouched however under this improvised hiding place, I watched all worried, and by looking sideways the continuation of this adventure. I see two elderly women enter, (3) one of whom is holding a lamp and the other a sponge and a drawn sword. In this arrangement, they are placed on both sides of Socrates' bed, who continued to sleep soundly; (4) and the woman with the sword speaks thus: Panthia, my sister, here is this beautiful Endymion, this sweet darling who day and night has used and abused me, poor thing, (5) and which now makes my tenderness so cheap. It is little to defame me, he wants to flee me; (6) and I, new Calypso, will only have to weep in eternal widowhood for the perfidy and abandonment of this other Ulysses. Then, pointing to me with his finger to his sister Panthia: (7) And this excellent adviser, this Aristomenes, who plotted this escape, and who, more dead than alive at this moment, is there spying on us, crawling under this pallet, does he think he has offended me with impunity? (8) Shortly, in a moment, presently, I will get the better of his sarcasm of yesterday and his curiosity of today. Pointing to me with his finger to his sister Panthia: (7) And this excellent adviser, this Aristomenes, who plotted this escape, and who, more dead than alive at this moment, is there spying on us, crawling under this pallet, does he think he has offended me with impunity? (8) Shortly, in a moment, presently, I will get the better of his sarcasm of yesterday and his curiosity of today. Pointing to me with his finger to his sister Panthia: (7) And this excellent adviser, this Aristomenes, who plotted this escape, and who, more dead than alive at this moment, is there spying on us, crawling under this pallet, does he think he has offended me with impunity? (8) Shortly, in a moment, presently, I will get the better of his sarcasm of yesterday and his curiosity of today.
(I, 13, 1) At these words I feel a cold sweat circulating all over my body, a convulsive tremor stirs me to the insides, and prints such shocks to all my limbs, that the bed shakes and seems to dance on my back.
(2) Sweet Panthia then said: Why don't we begin, my sister, by tearing this one to pieces like bacchantes? Or else, we can still bind him tightly, and castrate him at our ease. (3) No, said Meroe (because I could not miss the heroine of the story of Socrates), let him live, so that he throws a little earth on the body of this other wretch. (4) Then, tilting Socrates' head over his left shoulder, she plunges the sword she was holding into his neck on the other side, up to the hilt. (5) As the blood gushed out, she received it carefully in a small skin and without spilling a single drop. This is what I saw with my own eyes. (6) That's not all. So as not to omit anything, no doubt, of the rites of a sacrifice, the tender Meroe plunges her hand into the wound, and, searching to the viscera of the victim, withdraws the heart of my unfortunate comrade. The blow had slit his throat, and his voice, or rather an inarticulate rattle, came through, with the air of the lungs, through the horrible wound. (7) Panthia plugged the orifice with the sponge: Sponge, my dear, she said, child of the sea, beware of fresh water. (8) That done, she raises my pallet, and, leg here, leg there, they squat on me one after the other, and, letting go of their locks, spray me at will with water that was not scented. or rather an inarticulate rattle, was emerging, with the air of the lungs, through the horrible wound. (7) Panthia plugged the orifice with the sponge: Sponge, my dear, she said, child of the sea, beware of fresh water. (8) That done, she raises my pallet, and, leg here, leg there, they squat on me one after the other, and, letting go of their locks, spray me at will with water that was not scented. or rather an inarticulate rattle, was emerging, with the air of the lungs, through the horrible wound. (7) Panthia plugged the orifice with the sponge: Sponge, my dear, she said, child of the sea, beware of fresh water. (8) That done, she raises my pallet, and, leg here, leg there, they squat on me one after the other, and, letting go of their locks, spray me at will with water that was not scented.
(I, 14, 1) No sooner have they crossed the threshold than the leaves of the door meet, the hinges are replaced, the bars are closer, the bolts are closed. (2) As for me, I was lying on the ground, all panting, all soaked with this disgusting spray, naked and chilled like a child emerging from its mother's womb; or rather I was half-dead, surviving, in a way, to myself, only to feel that I belonged to the gallows. (3) What will become of me, when tomorrow we go to see this poor boy with his throat slit? When I say what it is, will no one believe me? A fellow like you can't stand up to a woman? (4) At least you had the strength to cry out for help. A man has his throat slit, there before your eyes, and you don't breathe! (5) Why weren't you the victim of the same attack? And the authors of this atrocious cruelty would have let the witness live, expressly to reveal it! Ah! you escaped death this time! well ! it will be the last. (6) This is what was going over and over in my head. And yet the night was drawing to a close. In this perplexity, I judged that I had nothing better to do than to steal away before daybreak, and to gain on foot as quickly as one can feel it. (7) So I took my light luggage, and, pulling the bolts, I introduced the key into the lock. But twenty times I turn and return in all directions, before this honest, this excellent closure which, during the night, had been able to open itself so well, finally wanted to let me through.
(I, 15, 1) Whoa! someone, I cried; let's get the door open, I want to leave before it's day. The doorman, who was lying on the ground across the entrance, half wakes up. (2) Hey! don't you know, he said, that the roads are infested with brigands, you who talk of leaving at this hour of the night? If some crime weighs on your conscience, if you have had enough of your life, we don't have any spare to risk for love of you. (3) But, I tell him, in a moment the day will appear. And besides, I am so poor! what could thieves take from me? Don't you know, fool, that ten to one, were they so many athletes, cannot strip a naked man? (4) The porter had only turned to the other side, and was already half asleep. Good ! he said; and do I know if you haven't dispatched your comrade, the one you brought yesterday to sleep with you; and if you do not seek to decamp at night for greater safety? (5) At these words (I still shiver) I thought I saw the earth split open, showing me the abyss of Tartarus and the mouth of Cerberus already gaping to seize me. (6) I saw then that it was not out of kindness that Meroe had spared my neck; the lovely creature reserved me for the cross. showing me the abyss of Tartarus and the jaws of Cerberus already gaping to seize me. (6) I saw then that it was not out of kindness that Meroe had spared my neck; the lovely creature reserved me for the cross. showing me the abyss of Tartarus and the jaws of Cerberus already gaping to seize me. (6) I saw then that it was not out of kindness that Meroe had spared my neck; the lovely creature reserved me for the cross.
(I, 16.1) Back in my room, I hastily looked for some way to end my life. (2) But the only thing I had on hand was my pallet for an instrument of suicide. Bed, I said to him, my dear bed, companion of my misfortunes, witness with me of the scenes of this night, (3) only witness, alas! so that I can cite my innocence before my judges, lend me your help to descend more quickly into hell. (4) While speaking, I dismantle the bottom strap, I fashion it in the manner of a hart, I fasten it at one end to the end of a rafter which formed a projection above my window, and I make a slip knot at the other end. Then hoisting myself up on my bed, to take the fatal leap from higher, I stick my head in the knot; (5) but at the moment when I pushed back the fulcrum with my foot, so that, by the weight of the body and the tension of the bond, the strangulation took place of itself, (6) the strap, which was old and moldy, suddenly broke. I fall heavily on Socrates, whose bed was below; I drag it down in my fall, and here we are both rolling on the floor
(I, 17, 1) Thereupon the porter enters abruptly, shouting at the top of his voice: Where are you now, man in such a hurry who wants to leave, day or night? You snore under the blanket. (2) I don't know if it was the commotion, or the effect of this discordant voice, but here is Socrates waking up; and, the first on foot: How right travelers are, he said, to curse these inn valets! (3) I slept so well! and this fellow, who only comes in here to steal, I bet, has to come and make a fuss and wake me up with a start. (4) O unexpected happiness! How joyful and alert I arose! Honest porter, I cried effusively, there he is, my good comrade, my good father, my good brother, whom you accused me last night, drunkard that you are, of having murdered! Then hugging Socrates in my arms, I covered him with kisses. (5) But the infamous ablution with which those harpies had infected me suddenly grabbed him in the nose: (6) Back, he said, pushing me away; you don't smell like balm. And jokes follow one another on the origin of this perfume. (7) I was tortured, while trying to retaliate with some joke in the same tone. Suddenly, breaking the dogs, I tap him on the shoulder: (8) Come on, I say, let's take advantage of this cool morning to start the journey. I pick up my little packet, and, our cost paid, we set off. (7) I was tortured, while trying to retaliate with some joke in the same tone. Suddenly, breaking the dogs, I tap him on the shoulder: (8) Come on, I say, let's take advantage of this cool morning to start the journey. I pick up my little packet, and, our cost paid, we set off. (7) I was tortured, while trying to retaliate with some joke in the same tone. Suddenly, breaking the dogs, I tap him on the shoulder: (8) Come on, I say, let's take advantage of this cool morning to start the journey. I pick up my little packet, and, our cost paid, we set off.
(I, 18, 1) We had already come a long way when the dawn came; and everything lights up around us. Then, with a keen eye, I search on my comrade's neck for the place where I had seen the sword plunge. (2) Strange hallucination! Did sleep and wine alone create these dreadful images? (3) Here is Socrates, healthy, fit, without a scratch; no more wounds, no more sponges, not the slightest trace of that wound which shone so horribly just now. (4) Then, addressing myself to him: Really the doctors are quite right when they claim that it is to overeating that we must attribute bad dreams. (5) I had raised my elbow too much yesterday evening. Also the night was not sweet to me, I had the most abominable nightmare... At this hour still, I think I see myself soiled, drenched in blood. (6) Not blood, he continued in a sneering tone, but something else. (7) Moreover, I also dreamed, myself, and dreamed that my neck was cut off. A terrible pain seized me in the throat; I felt like my heart was being ripped out. Here, I'm still barely breathing; my knees tremble, I stagger as I walk. I would need, I believe, something to eat to recover. (8) Your lunch is all ready, I tell him, taking my wallet off my shoulder, and hastening to spread bread and cheese in front of him. Let's sit under this plane tree. A terrible pain seized me in the throat; I felt like my heart was being ripped out. Here, I'm still barely breathing; my knees tremble, I stagger as I walk. I would need, I believe, something to eat to recover. (8) Your lunch is all ready, I tell him, taking my wallet off my shoulder, and hastening to spread bread and cheese in front of him. Let's sit under this plane tree. A terrible pain seized me in the throat; I felt like my heart was being ripped out. Here, I'm still barely breathing; my knees tremble, I stagger as I walk. I would need, I believe, something to eat to recover. (8) Your lunch is all ready, I tell him, taking my wallet off my shoulder, and hastening to spread bread and cheese in front of him. Let's sit under this plane tree.
(I, 19, 1) For my part, I prepare to take my share of the meal, while watching my guest, who eagerly hurries the pieces. Suddenly I see it turning pale, yellowing, and about to fail. (2) The alteration of his face was such that, my imagination already painting the Furies of the day before on our heels, (3) dread seized me as I swallowed the first mouthful, and the morsel, although most modest, stopped in my throat without being able to descend or ascend. (4) The place was very busy; which terrified me. (5) Two men walk together; one of them dies murdered: the way to believe in the innocence of the other? (6) However Socrates having given reasonably on the feed, began to cry the thirst. (7) Note that a good half of an excellent cheese had gone through it. A stone's throw from the plane tree flowed a river; a beautiful sheet of water, peaceful to the eye like a lake, shining like silver, clear like glass. (8) See this wave, I tell him, it's as appetizing as milk: who prevents you from feasting on it? My man gets up; and, after looking for a comfortable place on the edge, kneels down and leans forward, very eager to put this liquid in contact with his lips. (9) But no sooner have they touched the tip than I suddenly see his throat open up again. The horrible wound is widening there again. The sponge escapes from it, and with it two or three drops of blood. (10) Socrates was no more than a corpse which was going to fall, head first, into the river, if I hadn't held him back by one foot and dragged him back to the bank with great effort. (11) There, after a few hastily given tears to my poor comrade, I cover his body with sand, and I entrust it, forever, to the deposit near the river. (12) Then, trembling for myself, I fled hastily by the most distant, most solitary passes. Finally, with a conscience as troubled as that of a murderer, I said goodbye to my home, to my country, and I came, a voluntary exile, to settle in Aetolia, where I remarried. trembling for myself, I fled hastily through the widest, most solitary passes. Finally, with a conscience as troubled as that of a murderer, I said goodbye to my home, to my country, and I came, a voluntary exile, to settle in Aetolia, where I remarried. trembling for myself, I fled hastily through the widest, most solitary passes. Finally, with a conscience as troubled as that of a murderer, I said goodbye to my home, to my country, and I came, a voluntary exile, to settle in Aetolia, where I remarried.
(I, 20, 1) Such was the story of Aristomenes. But his companion persisting in his initial incredulity: (2) Fables, archifables as all that, he says. This is the most absurd invention! Then, turning to my side: What! you, well-bred man, judging by your appearance and your manners, would you believe this nonsense? (3) Me, I continued, I believe that nothing is impossible, and that everything is done here below by predestination. (4) There is no one, take you, me, the first comer, to whom strange things do not happen daily, these things without example, and which we do not want to believe, if we ourselves have not been there. (5) As for me, I have complete confidence in your comrade's account, and I am, moreover, very grateful for the kind diversion he has undertaken to make from the fatigues and troubles of the journey. Look, I think my mount is happy about it too; for here I am at the gates of the city, without having exercised my ears, and sparing the backbone of the poor beast.

2. TO HYPATA (I, 21, 1 - II, 27, 7)

Arrival in Hypata: accommodation at Milon's

(I, 21, 1) Here we stopped talking and traveling together. A few houses could be seen from there on the left, and my two companions turned in that direction.
(2) As for me, I stopped at the first inn I found on entering the city; and addressing myself to the hostess, who was not the youngest, I asked her a few questions: Is it really Hypate here? &emdash; Yes. &emdash; (3) Do you know Milo, one of the first in town? She burst out laughing. The first without a doubt, she resumed; for he dwells in the Pomerium, quite outside the walls. &emdash; (4) Mockery aside, my good wife, tell me, please, what man he is, and where he lives. &emdash; Do you see those windows over there that face the street? We enter on the other side by a dead end. (5) This is the house of your man, a rich man if ever there was one, all sewn in gold, but a arrogant wretch, and universally decried for his villainies. (6) He earns big by lending to usury, and on good pledges of gold or silver. He lives shut up in his hovel, with his wife who looks like him in every way. (7) A servant, a youth make up his entire servant. When he goes out, you'd take him for a beggar.
(8) The portrait made me laugh. My friend Déméas had a really delicate attention in giving me, a traveler, such a recommendation. Here is a house where I will not be inconvenienced either by smoke or by the smell of cooking.
(I, 22, 1) The house was only two steps away; I go there, and I knock, calling aloud. The door was carefully locked. (2) Finally, a young girl introduces herself. You're not going easy, she said. Hey! on what pledge, please, do you claim to be lent to you? It is only you who do not know that only good gold or good silver enter our country. (3) Come, I said to him, give us another welcome: is your master at home? Yes, she replied; but what do you want from him? (4) I have a letter for him from Demeas, duumvir at Corinth. &emdash; I will warn him; wait for me there. (5) She pulls the locks on her, and goes into the house. She was not long in returning, and, reopening the door: My master wishes to see you, she said to me. (6) I follow her, and I find my man lying on a very cramped bed, and at supper time. (7) His wife sat at his feet. My host, showing me that there was nothing on the table: Here, he said, is all I have to offer you. (8) That's the best, I answered; and I immediately handed him Demeas's letter. He takes a quick look at it, and says to me: Demeas is very kind to procure me a guest of your importance.
(I, 23, 1) He then makes his wife get up, and invites me to take her place. As I politely defended myself: Sit down. you there, he said to me; we miss the seats. (2) I am very afraid of thieves, and my furniture suffers. I obey him. (3) From this elegant bearing, he continued, from this virginal modesty, I should have guessed that you were a decent young man, (4) even if the letter from my friend Déméas would not have told me so. Don't ignore my poor home, please. (5) You see this coin here next; it is a very suitable accommodation, deign to make it your apartment. (6) It will be a great relief for my house, and for you the opportunity to follow a glorious example. Your virtue will rise to the level of that of Theseus, whose name your father bears. This great man did not disdain old Hécale's meager hospitality. (7) Then calling the young girl: Photis, he said, take away our guest's luggage, and deposit it carefully in this room. (8) Take in the pantry, and put at his disposal what he needs of oil to rub himself, of linen to wipe himself. Then lead him to the nearest bath. He has had a long and difficult journey: he must be tired.
(I, 24, 1) At these words, desiring to enter into the parsimonious views of Milo and gain his good graces by the same amount: Thank you very much, I resumed; I never fail to take everything I need with me when I travel. (2) As for the baths, with my tongue, I will know how to find them. But I want above all that my horse, which has been of excellent service to me, lacks neither fodder nor grain. Here, Photis, here is some money to buy some.
(3) That done, and my luggage being put away in my room, I went out to go to the baths. But I first went to the market, in order to provide myself with a supper. (4) It was splendidly stocked with fish. I haggled; and what they gave me a hundred crowns, I got for twenty denarii. (5) I was leaving this place, when I met a certain Pythias who had been my classmate in Athens. He took some time to recognize me; then jumping on my neck, he kissed me tenderly. (6) It's been a long time since we've seen each other, my dear Lucius! on my word, not since we left the pews and the city of Minerva. (7) And what motive brings you here? Tomorrow you will know, I replied. But what do I see? I must congratulate you. One train, beams! the whole apparatus of the magistracy! (8) I am aedile, says Pythias; I have control over supplies. Do you have someone to treat? we can be of help to you. I thanked him for his advances, having enough for my supper of the fish which I had already bought. (9) But Pythias noticing my basket, began to shake the fish to examine them better: How much did you pay for this drug? &emdash; Twenty denarii. It was all I could do to snatch them at this price. How much did you pay for this drug? &emdash; Twenty denarii. It was all I could do to snatch them at this price. How much did you pay for this drug? &emdash; Twenty denarii. It was all I could do to snatch them at this price.
(I, 25, 1) At these words, he suddenly takes me by the hand; and bringing me back to the market: And from which of these people did you buy this fine merchandise? (2) I pointed to a little old man sitting in a corner. My man then apostrophizing them from the top of his aedility: (3) Is it thus, you others, that you hold our friends to ransom? And strangers again! Sell ​​such fry at this price! By dint of overdoing it, you will starve this city which is the flower of all Thessaly, and you will make it deserted for us like a rock. (4) But be careful. And you, I will teach you how the rascals are led under my administration. Then scattering my fish on the pavement, he orders the officer who was following him to step on it, and to crush the whole thing under his feet. (5) After this act of vigor, my Pythias turns to me, and says to me: He is an old man; he is punished enough by the public affront I gave him.
(6) Stunned by this scene, and without money or supper, thanks to the unofficial intervention of my skilful friend, I resign myself to going to the bath. From there, more washed than restored, I return to Milo's lodgings, and finally my room.
(I, 26, 1) Photis came to tell me that the boss wanted me. I, well acquainted with the abstinence habits of the house, made a polite excuse: I was only tired from the journey, and I needed food less than rest. (2) But he was not satisfied with this, he came in person; and apprehending me in the body with gentle violence, he tries to drag me away. I resisted, I pretended: I'm not leaving here without you, he said, (3) supporting this protest with an oath. We had to surrender and follow him, willy-nilly, to his wicked bed, where he made me sit down. How is our dear Demeas, he said to me? And his wife? and his children? and the whole household? (4) Every question has an answer. He then inquires in detail about the reasons for my trip. (5) I infer them throughout. Then there he is, making detailed inquiries about everything concerning my native town, its notable inhabitants, its chief magistrate, etc., etc.; (6) until finally he noticed that, exhausted from such a hard journey, and no less harassed by this succession of questions, I was falling asleep before the end of each sentence, not even being able to cross certain articulations. He then allowed me to go to my bed. (7) I thus escaped from the famished supper of this old wretch; heavy in the head, but light in the stomach; having tasted his babble for all soup. And, back in my room, I finally tasted the rest so ardently desired. and no less harassed by this string of questions, I fell asleep before the end of each sentence, unable even to cross certain articulations. He then allowed me to go to my bed. (7) I thus escaped from the famished supper of this old wretch; heavy in the head, but light in the stomach; having tasted his babble for all soup. And, back in my room, I finally tasted the rest so ardently desired. and no less harassed by this string of questions, I fell asleep before the end of each sentence, unable even to cross certain articulations. He then allowed me to go to my bed. (7) I thus escaped from the famished supper of this old wretch; heavy in the head, but light in the stomach; having tasted his babble for all soup. And, back in my room, I finally tasted the rest so ardently desired.

The first morning in Hypata

(II, 1, 1) As soon as the night had dissipated and a new sun had brought back the day, I said goodbye to sleep and to bed, with that feverish curiosity of a lover of the marvellous. (2) Finally, I said to myself, here I am in this Thessaly, native land of the magic art, and which makes so much noise in the world by its prodigies. So this is where everything that good Aristomenes told us on the way happened! I felt I don't know what vague and worried desire, and I cast my scrutinizing eyes everywhere. (3) No object presented itself to my sight, that I did not take it for other than what it was. Everything seemed like a metamorphosis to me. (4) In the stones, the birds, the trees of the Pomerium, the fountains of the city, I saw so many human creatures, transmuted by the virtue of the fatal words. The charm had petrified some, feathered others, ordered some to grow leaves, others to cause water to gush out from the depths of their veins. (5) It seemed to me that statues were going to walk, walls to talk, cattle to predict, and that, from the vault of the heavens, the sun itself was going to pronounce oracles.

Meeting with Byrrhene: her warnings

(II, 2, 1) I came and went, stupefied, tortured by waiting; without noticing even a beginning of realization of all this phantasmagoria. (2) Finally, while wandering from door to door, waddling like an idler and walking zigzag like a drunken man, (3) I found myself imperceptibly in the middle of the market. A lady was passing, with a large procession of servants. I hurried to reach her. (4) The luxury of her jewels, and the gold that shone on her clothes, here in fabric, there in embroidery, announced a lady of high parity. (5) She had at her side an old man, who cried out when he saw me: Hey! yes, it is Lucius! (6) Thereupon he kisses me; and muttering I don't know what in the lady's ear: “Come near, he said to me, and salute your mother. &emdash; (7) Who? Me? I answered; I don't know this lady. And, the blush rising in my face, I threw my head back and took a few steps back. (8) The lady then fixes her gaze on me: He is in the family, she says; here are traits in which the beautiful soul of his virtuous mother Salvia breathes entirely. And then, what marvelous proportions in his whole person! (9) Reasonable height, slender without being frail, slightly rosy complexion, blonde hair, naturally curly; blue eye, but lively; an eagle gaze, softened by an ever happy expression; charming posture, easy gait. she says; here are traits in which the beautiful soul of his virtuous mother Salvia breathes entirely. And then, what marvelous proportions in his whole person! (9) Reasonable height, slender without being frail, slightly rosy complexion, blonde hair, naturally curly; blue eye, but lively; an eagle gaze, softened by an ever happy expression; charming posture, easy gait. she says; here are traits in which the beautiful soul of his virtuous mother Salvia breathes entirely. And then, what marvelous proportions in his whole person! (9) Reasonable height, slender without being frail, slightly rosy complexion, blonde hair, naturally curly; blue eye, but lively; an eagle gaze, softened by an ever happy expression; charming posture, easy gait.
(II, 3, 1) It is I, my dear Lucius, she added, who raised you with my own hands. And the thing is quite simple: I am a relative, and, moreover, your mother's foster-sister. (2) Both from Plutarch's family, fed from the same breast, we grew up like two sisters in the intimacy of each other. The only difference between us is that of rank. She has contracted a high covenant; and I married into the bourgeoisie. (3) I am this Byrrhene whose name, often pronounced by those who brought you up, must be familiar to your young ears. (4) Unscrupulously accept hospitality in my house, or rather regard my house as your own. (5) While she was talking to me, my blushes had dissipated, and I finally answered: God forbid, my mother, how wrong I do myself towards my host Milon, of whom I have no reason to complain! But you will see me as assiduous near you as I can be, without failing in what I owe him. And in the future, if I make this trip again, for sure I won't be going anywhere other than ours. (6) We take a few steps during this exchange of compliments, and we arrive at Byrrhene's house.
(II, 4, 1) A vestibule of the utmost magnificence offers us at the four corners a column, surmounted by a globe bearing a Victory raising palms. (3) These figures soar with outstretched wings, each towards a point on the horizon. From the tips of their feet, from which dew drops escape, they push back, with a hasty movement, the point of support, which slips away while turning without moving. The foot no longer rests there, but it still touches it; and the illusion goes so far as to make you see these statues in full flight. (3) A Diana in Parian marble, of the most exquisite workmanship, occupies the central point of the building. The goddess walks, and, in her animated action, her draperies flutter, her bust projects forward; she seems to come your way, and respect seizes you at the divine majesty which surrounds it. (4) Several dogs escort him from right and left. These animals are also marble. Their eyes threaten, their ears prick up, their nostrils swell, they show their terrible teeth. If, from the neighborhood, a barking was heard, everyone would believe that it came from these stone throats. (5) The skilful sculptor has done a real tour de force here. The dogs are on the run, and their whole front part seems to be in the air, while it is in fact resting on the hind feet which have not left the ground. (6) Behind this group rises a cave lined with moss, grass, climbing vines and vine branches, interspersed here and there with these shrubs that like the rocks. (7) The entire interior of the cave is illuminated by the reflection of the marble, of which nothing equals the whiteness and polish. On the outside and on the sides hang grapes and other fruits, which art, emulating nature, has expressed with perfect truth. (8) It is as if they are only waiting, to be picked and eaten, for their coloring to come to them from the ripening breath of the autumn wind. (9) Bend down, and see them reflected in the mirror of these fountains which gush in various directions from the feet of the statue; they tremble in this agitated wave like the branches of the vine itself, and to the already so perfect imitation is added the prestige of movement. (10) Through the foliage, we can see the figure of Actaeon, already half a deer. He throws, turning his head,
(II, 5, 1) While my charmed eye wanders over these beautiful things, constantly returning from one to the other: All that you see is yours, says Byrrhène to me; and wishing to talk to me privately, she ordered everyone to withdraw. (2) When we were alone: ​​I tremble for you as for a son, my beloved Lucius, she said to me; I take Diane to witness. Ah! how I wish I could ward off the dangers that threaten this dear head! (3) Beware, but beware seriously of the fatal practices and detestable seductions of this Pamphile, Milo's wife, whom you say is your guest. (4) She is said to be a witch of the first order, expert to the highest degree in the matter of sepulchral evocations. She can, just by blowing on a stone, a wand or some other equally insignificant object, to hurl the stars from the height of the ethereal vault into the depths of Tartarus, and plunge nature back into the old chaos. (5) She does not see a good-looking young man without immediately becoming passionate. From then on, neither her eyes nor her heart could detach from him. (6) She surrounds him with baits, seizes his spirit, entwines him forever in the chains of her inexorable love. (7) At the slightest resistance, she becomes indignant; and the recalcitrant are sometimes turned into stones or animals, sometimes completely annihilated. Ah! I tremble for your safety. Beware of burning for her; his ardor is inextinguishable, and your age and your appearance only expose you too much to the conflagration. Thus Byrrhene expressed his fears. to precipitate the stars from the height of the ethereal vault into the depths of Tartarus, and to plunge nature back into the old chaos. (5) She does not see a good-looking young man without immediately becoming passionate. From then on, neither her eyes nor her heart could detach from him. (6) She surrounds him with baits, seizes his spirit, entwines him forever in the chains of her inexorable love. (7) At the slightest resistance, she becomes indignant; and the recalcitrant are sometimes turned into stones or animals, sometimes completely annihilated. Ah! I tremble for your safety. Beware of burning for her; his ardor is inextinguishable, and your age and your appearance only expose you too much to the conflagration. Thus Byrrhene expressed his fears. to precipitate the stars from the height of the ethereal vault into the depths of Tartarus, and to plunge nature back into the old chaos. (5) She does not see a good-looking young man without immediately becoming passionate. From then on, neither her eyes nor her heart could detach from him. (6) She surrounds him with baits, seizes his spirit, entwines him forever in the chains of her inexorable love. (7) At the slightest resistance, she becomes indignant; and the recalcitrant are sometimes turned into stones or animals, sometimes completely annihilated. Ah! I tremble for your safety. Beware of burning for her; his ardor is inextinguishable, and your age and your appearance only expose you too much to the conflagration. Thus Byrrhene expressed his fears. (5) She does not see a good-looking young man without immediately becoming passionate. From then on, neither her eyes nor her heart could detach from him. (6) She surrounds him with baits, seizes his spirit, entwines him forever in the chains of her inexorable love. (7) At the slightest resistance, she becomes indignant; and the recalcitrant are sometimes turned into stones or animals, sometimes completely annihilated. Ah! I tremble for your safety. Beware of burning for her; his ardor is inextinguishable, and your age and your appearance only expose you too much to the conflagration. Thus Byrrhene expressed his fears. (5) She does not see a good-looking young man without immediately becoming passionate. From then on, neither her eyes nor her heart could detach from him. (6) She surrounds him with baits, seizes his spirit, entwines him forever in the chains of her inexorable love. (7) At the slightest resistance, she becomes indignant; and the recalcitrant are sometimes turned into stones or animals, sometimes completely annihilated. Ah! I tremble for your safety. Beware of burning for her; his ardor is inextinguishable, and your age and your appearance only expose you too much to the conflagration. Thus Byrrhene expressed his fears. entwine him forever in the chains of his inexorable love. (7) At the slightest resistance, she becomes indignant; and the recalcitrant are sometimes turned into stones or animals, sometimes completely annihilated. Ah! I tremble for your safety. Beware of burning for her; his ardor is inextinguishable, and your age and your appearance only expose you too much to the conflagration. Thus Byrrhene expressed his fears. entwine him forever in the chains of his inexorable love. (7) At the slightest resistance, she becomes indignant; and the recalcitrant are sometimes turned into stones or animals, sometimes completely annihilated. Ah! I tremble for your safety. Beware of burning for her; his ardor is inextinguishable, and your age and your appearance only expose you too much to the conflagration. Thus Byrrhene expressed his fears.

The Maid Photis: The Teases

(II, 6, 1) But, power of curiosity! At the mere word magic, that goal of all my thoughts, far from feeling estranged from Pamphile, (2) I felt a violent desire arise to be initiated by her at all costs into the secrets of her art. I longed to go headlong into that abyss. (3) My impatience was delirious; to such an extent that, tearing myself from Byrrhene's hands, as from a chain that weighed me down, I abruptly bade him farewell, and flew to Milo's lodgings. (4) Come on, Lucius, I said to myself, while running like a madman, courage and presence of mind; (5) here is the much-desired opportunity. You're going to give yourself this marvelous thing you're so hungry for. (6) Don't be childish; it is a matter of dealing with the matter roundly. No romantic intrigue with your hostess. Honest Milo's couch must be sacred to you: but there is Photis, the young chambermaid, whom you must win with a struggle. (7) The rascal is hot; she likes to laugh; she sparkles with spirit. Last night, when you were thinking only of sleeping, didn't she take you very informally to your room? And what eagerness! delicate to undress you, to cover you in your bed! That kiss on your forehead, that expression in his eyes betrayed his regret at leaving you. Many times, before leaving, she paused, and looked back. (8) Come on, I accept the omen. Come what may, I shall have foot or wing of this Photis. (7) The rascal is hot; she likes to laugh; she sparkles with spirit. Last night, when you were thinking only of sleeping, didn't she take you very informally to your room? And what eagerness! delicate to undress you, to cover you in your bed! That kiss on your forehead, that expression in his eyes betrayed his regret at leaving you. Many times, before leaving, she paused, and looked back. (8) Come on, I accept the omen. Come what may, I shall have foot or wing of this Photis. (7) The rascal is hot; she likes to laugh; she sparkles with spirit. Last night, when you were thinking only of sleeping, didn't she take you very informally to your room? And what eagerness! delicate to undress you, to cover you in your bed! That kiss on your forehead, that expression in his eyes betrayed his regret at leaving you. Many times, before leaving, she paused, and looked back. (8) Come on, I accept the omen. Come what may, I shall have foot or wing of this Photis. that expression in his eyes betrayed enough his regret to leave you. Many times, before leaving, she paused, and looked back. (8) Come on, I accept the omen. Come what may, I shall have foot or wing of this Photis. that expression in his eyes betrayed enough his regret to leave you. Many times, before leaving, she paused, and looked back. (8) Come on, I accept the omen. Come what may, I shall have foot or wing of this Photis.
(II, 7, 1) While deliberating thus, and, as they say, nodding with my legs, I find myself at the door of Milo. Neither the boss nor his wife were at home. But I found there Photis, my loves. (2) She was occupied in preparing for her masters a dish composed of minced meat and other ingredients; everything was simmering in a casserole dish; and, although at a distance, promising emanations reached my nose. (3) Photis was dressed in a white linen dress, which a bright red sash, set a little high, tightened just below the breast buttons. Her cute hands were shaking the contents of the culinary vase in a circle, not without giving it frequent shakes. A voluptuous motion was thus communicated to his whole person. I saw his loins bend, her hips swaying, and her whole waist rippling in the most annoying way. (4) I stood there silent with admiration and as if in ecstasy. Here are my senses, from dead calm, which pass into a state of revolt. (5) My Photis, I tell her, what graces! what a pleasure to see you stir together this pan and this divine rump! (6) The delicious stew you are making! happy, a hundred times happy who can feel it, if only with the tip of the finger! (7) The rascal then, as jolly as she was nice: Watch out, watch out, poor fellow, she said to me; it burns, it only takes a particle of it to set you ablaze to the marrow of your bones. And then, who else but me to put out the fire! yes, than me; because I am not only an expert in cooking; I can hear another service just as well. and his whole waist rippling in the most annoying way. (4) I stood there silent with admiration and as if in ecstasy. Here are my senses, from dead calm, which pass into a state of revolt. (5) My Photis, I tell her, what graces! what a pleasure to see you stir together this pan and this divine rump! (6) The delicious stew you are making! happy, a hundred times happy who can feel it, if only with the tip of the finger! (7) The rascal then, as jolly as she was nice: Watch out, watch out, poor fellow, she said to me; it burns, it only takes a particle of it to set you ablaze to the marrow of your bones. And then, who else but me to put out the fire! yes, than me; because I am not only an expert in cooking; I can hear another service just as well. and his whole waist rippling in the most annoying way. (4) I stood there silent with admiration and as if in ecstasy. Here are my senses, from dead calm, which pass into a state of revolt. (5) My Photis, I tell her, what graces! what a pleasure to see you stir together this pan and this divine rump! (6) The delicious stew you are making! happy, a hundred times happy who can feel it, if only with the tip of the finger! (7) The rascal then, as jolly as she was nice: Watch out, watch out, poor fellow, she said to me; it burns, it only takes a particle of it to set you ablaze to the marrow of your bones. And then, who else but me to put out the fire! yes, than me; because I am not only an expert in cooking; I can hear another service just as well. (4) I stood there silent with admiration and as if in ecstasy. Here are my senses, from dead calm, which pass into a state of revolt. (5) My Photis, I tell her, what graces! what a pleasure to see you stir together this pan and this divine rump! (6) The delicious stew you are making! happy, a hundred times happy who can feel it, if only with the tip of the finger! (7) The rascal then, as jolly as she was nice: Watch out, watch out, poor fellow, she said to me; it burns, it only takes a particle of it to set you ablaze to the marrow of your bones. And then, who else but me to put out the fire! yes, than me; because I am not only an expert in cooking; I can hear another service just as well. (4) I stood there silent with admiration and as if in ecstasy. Here are my senses, from dead calm, which pass into a state of revolt. (5) My Photis, I tell her, what graces! what a pleasure to see you stir together this pan and this divine rump! (6) The delicious stew you are making! happy, a hundred times happy who can feel it, if only with the tip of the finger! (7) The rascal then, as jolly as she was nice: Watch out, watch out, poor fellow, she said to me; it burns, it only takes a particle of it to set you ablaze to the marrow of your bones. And then, who else but me to put out the fire! yes, than me; because I am not only an expert in cooking; I can hear another service just as well. what a pleasure to see you stir together this pan and this divine rump! (6) The delicious stew you are making! happy, a hundred times happy who can feel it, if only with the tip of the finger! (7) The rascal then, as jolly as she was nice: Watch out, watch out, poor fellow, she said to me; it burns, it only takes a particle of it to set you ablaze to the marrow of your bones. And then, who else but me to put out the fire! yes, than me; because I am not only an expert in cooking; I can hear another service just as well. what a pleasure to see you stir together this pan and this divine rump! (6) The delicious stew you are making! happy, a hundred times happy who can feel it, if only with the tip of the finger! (7) The rascal then, as jolly as she was nice: Watch out, watch out, poor fellow, she said to me; it burns, it only takes a particle of it to set you ablaze to the marrow of your bones. And then, who else but me to put out the fire! yes, than me; because I am not only an expert in cooking; I can hear another service just as well. she said to me; it burns, it only takes a particle of it to set you ablaze to the marrow of your bones. And then, who else but me to put out the fire! yes, than me; because I am not only an expert in cooking; I can hear another service just as well. she said to me; it burns, it only takes a particle of it to set you ablaze to the marrow of your bones. And then, who else but me to put out the fire! yes, than me; because I am not only an expert in cooking; I can hear another service just as well.
(II, 8, 1) Speaking thus, she turns her head and looks at me laughing. Me, before obeying him, I review his whole person. (2) But what is the use of describing it to you in detail? In a woman, I take nothing so much as the head and the hair. It is my keenest admiration in public, my sweetest pleasure in private. (3) And, to justify this predilection, isn't it the main part of the human body, the one that is most prominent, that strikes the eye first? Isn't this natural appendage to the head what a dazzling adornment is to the rest of the body? (4) I go further: often beauty, to better experience the power of its charms, strips itself of all ornament, drops all the veils, and does not hesitate to show itself naked, hoping more for the brilliance of vermilion skin than for the gold of the richest finery. (5) But of some charms that you supposed her to be endowed with, if you take away from her, (awful thing to say! save us the sky from reality!) if you take away from her, I say, the honor of her hair, if her forehead is uncrowned, (6) well! this daughter of heaven, born of the foam of the seas, cradled by the waves, she may well be called Venus, have for companions the Graces, and the whole people of the Cupids in her retinue; in vain does she arm herself with her belt, exhale the cinnamon and distil the myrrh, a bald Venus cannot please anyone; no, not even to his Vulcan. save us the sky from reality!) if you take away from him, I say, the honor of his hair, if his forehead is uncrowned, (6) well! this daughter of heaven, born of the foam of the seas, cradled by the waves, she may well be called Venus, have for companions the Graces, and the whole people of the Cupids in her retinue; in vain does she arm herself with her belt, exhale the cinnamon and distil the myrrh, a bald Venus cannot please anyone; no, not even to his Vulcan. save us the sky from reality!) if you take away from him, I say, the honor of his hair, if his forehead is uncrowned, (6) well! this daughter of heaven, born of the foam of the seas, cradled by the waves, she may well be called Venus, have for companions the Graces, and the whole people of the Cupids in her retinue; in vain does she arm herself with her belt, exhale the cinnamon and distil the myrrh, a bald Venus cannot please anyone; no, not even to his Vulcan. a bald Venus cannot please anyone; no, not even to his Vulcan. a bald Venus cannot please anyone; no, not even to his Vulcan.
(II, 9, 1) What will it be if nature has given the hair an advantageous color or a luster which enhances its brilliance; of those vigorous tints which radiate in the sun, or (2) of those tender shades, whose soft reflection is played on the various aspects of the light? Sometimes it is a blond hair, all golden on the surface, and which takes on the honey brown in the cell towards the root; sometimes it is jet black, the enamel of which rivals the azure of a pigeon's throat. (3) When, gleaming with the essences of Arabia, and smoothed by ivory with tight teeth, the hair is brought back behind the head, it is a mirror in which the eyes of a lover are reflected with delight: (4) here they simulate a crown plaited in tight and thick mats; there, free from all constraint, they descend in waves behind the waist. (5) Such is the importance of the hairstyle, that a woman had implemented the gold, the jewels, the rich fabrics, all the seductions of the toilet; if she has not taken equal care of her hair, she will not appear adorned. (6) This arrangement at my Photis had cost neither time nor trouble; a lucky negligee bore the brunt of it. (7) Gathered in a knot at the top of the head, her hair fell, gracefully parted, on both sides of her ivory neck, and their curly ends reached the upper border of her garment. (6) This arrangement at my Photis had cost neither time nor trouble; a lucky negligee bore the brunt of it. (7) Gathered in a knot at the top of the head, her hair fell, gracefully parted, on both sides of her ivory neck, and their curly ends reached the upper border of her garment. (6) This arrangement at my Photis had cost neither time nor trouble; a lucky negligee bore the brunt of it. (7) Gathered in a knot at the top of the head, her hair fell, gracefully parted, on both sides of her ivory neck, and their curly ends reached the upper border of her garment.
(II, 10, 1) Pleasure in me became torture; I couldn't stand it any longer; and leaning greedily on the beautiful neck of Photis, at the place where the hair begins, I imprinted a long and delicious kiss there. (2) She turned her head, and giving me a murderous look aside: Ah! young schoolboy, you take a liking to this nanan; all is not honey; take care. In the long run, too much sweetness sours the bile. (3) I run the risk, my dear soul, I cried; to savor a single one of your kisses, I am a man to allow myself to be grilled at full length on this brazier. I say; and holding her in my arms, I added effects to words. (4) My fire wins over her, she makes me hug for hug, caress for caress. Her half-open mouth gives me the scent of her breath; our languages ​​meet spurred on by our common desires. Drunk with this sweet nectar, (5) I die, I cried, I'm dead, if you don't answer me. (6) But she, embracing me again, said to me: Be reassured; your desires are mine: I am yours, and our pleasures will not be long in coming. At torchlight hour, I'll be in your room. Go gather your strength; for I want to give you battle all night long, and I will go with all my heart. Go gather your strength; for I want to give you battle all night long, and I will go with all my heart. Go gather your strength; for I want to give you battle all night long, and I will go with all my heart.
(II, 11, 1) The conversation lasted some time in this tone, then we separated. Around noon, I receive a fat pig, five pullets and a barrel of excellent old wine, which Byrrhène sent me as a welcome. (2) I immediately call Photis. Here, I said to her, here is reinforcement for Venus: Bacchus, her squire, brings her his arms. This very day we must put this barrel dry. Let us drown cold modesty in wine, and draw from its waves an indefatigable ardor. (4) Oil in full lamp (because this time goodbye to sleep), and wine in full cups, that's all you need for the trip to Cythera. (5) I immediately went to the bath, where I passed the time until supper, my dear host Milon having invited me to share his very meager meal. I had not forgotten Byrrhene's advice; so I took great care to encounter the gaze of the mistress of the house as little as possible. I only cast my eyes in his direction with dread, as if I were going to see Lake Avernus. (6) By way of compensation, Photis was there to serve us. Not one of his movements escaped me, and the sight rejoiced my soul. Night came. Suddenly Pamphile exclaimed, looking at the lamp: What a downpour for tomorrow! Her husband asked her how she knew. It's the lamp that announces it to me, she resumed. (6) Milo laughed. Admirable sibyl we have there, he said, acquainted with all the affairs of heaven. From the top of this stem which carries her, there is doubtless not a movement of the sun which she does not observe.

The story of Diophane and Cerdon

(II, 12, 1) Here I spoke in my turn: This is indeed one of the first notions of the art of divination; (2) and the thing is quite simple. This little flame kindled by a mortal hand is nothing less than a spark of celestial fire; a secret correspondence exists between her and her divine origin. She knows what's going to happen up there: why couldn't she predict it? (3) On this subject, we now have in Corinth a Chaldean who makes marvelous consultations, and who puts the whole city in turmoil. He will invite the first comer, for his money, to the secret of destinies. (4) He knows which day to choose to contract marriage, to lay the first stone, to undertake a business deal, to travel without bad encounters, or to embark under good auspices. (5) Myself, I consulted him about my trip, he told me a lot. The marvelous is there, and so is the variety. It's quite a story; a marvelous story indeed, and which, according to him, will provide material for more than one book.
(II, 13, 1) And this Chaldean, said Milo sneeringly, give us his description and his name. He is, I answered, a tall man, verging on black; his name is Diophanes. (2) It's him, it's our man. We also had it in this city. He received many visits there, recounted many prophecies. He made money there, and better than that; he made a fortune there: but, alas! fate reserved for him a return, or, if you will, a cruel trick. (3) One day when surrounded by a large crowd, he was going, drawing to each his horoscope and prophesying around, a merchant, named Cerdon, came to consult him on the day he was to take for a trip. (4) Diophanes tells him so. The purse was drawn, the cash counted; thousand denarii, just as he was about to snatch up as the oracle's prize, when a good-looking young man, who had slipped behind the seer, pulls him by his cloak, and hugs him tightly, just as he turns around. (5) Diophane hugs him back and makes him sit down beside him. This sudden recognition causing him to lose sight of the business that was in progress, he strikes up a conversation with the newcomer. (6) How I have desired your arrival! And you, my dear friend, said the other, since your impromptu departure from the island of Euboea, how did you get out of the sea and the roads? (5) Diophane hugs him back and makes him sit down beside him. This sudden recognition causing him to lose sight of the business that was in progress, he strikes up a conversation with the newcomer. (6) How I have desired your arrival! And you, my dear friend, said the other, since your impromptu departure from the island of Euboea, how did you get out of the sea and the roads? (5) Diophane hugs him back and makes him sit down beside him. This sudden recognition causing him to lose sight of the business that was in progress, he strikes up a conversation with the newcomer. (6) How I have desired your arrival! And you, my dear friend, said the other, since your impromptu departure from the island of Euboea, how did you get out of the sea and the roads?
(II, 14, 1) To this question, our brave Chaldean, completely forgetting his role, answers with the most ingenuous distraction: May our enemies, public or private, be in the position to make such a trip! it's another Odyssey. (2) Our ship, beaten by all the winds, stripped of its two rudders, came, after the most difficult navigation, to sink in sight of the continent. We only had time to swim away, abandoning everything we owned. (3) The zeal of our friends, and public charity, then created some resources for us, but everything fell prey to a band of brigands. My brother Arignotus (I only had that one) wanted to resist; they ruthlessly slaughtered him before my eyes. (4) He had not finished his lamentable tale, that the merchant Cerdon had already pocketed his specie, and retreated, taking the calculated price of the prediction. (5) We all then burst into a loud burst of laughter; and Diophane, awakened as if with a start, then realized his fault at the same time as his discomfiture; (6) but you will see, Lord Lucius, that the Chaldean will have been truthful about you once in his life. Good luck then, and may your trip be the happiest!

The Maid Photis: Love Games

(II, 15, 1) While Milo held forth thus quite at his ease, I moaned to myself, and was mortally angry with myself for having suggested this subject of conversation to him so inappropriately. It was as much taken from the evening, and from the sweet employment that I had promised myself. (2) Finally, overcoming my shyness: Let Diophane come to terms with fate, I said to Milo; let him go, as long as he pleases, to risk again by land or by sea the tributes he levied on the credulity of the people: (3) I, as I still feel the fatigue of yesterday, I ask your permission to retire early. (4) No sooner said than done. I had soon reached my room, where I found all the arrangements for a fairly well-organized supper. (5) Care had been taken to make the servants sleep as far as possible from my door, no doubt in order to ward off any indiscreet ears from our nocturnal antics. Near the bed was a small table, where the dinner service figured to advantage. (6) Photis had placed there two glasses of honest size, which, half filled with wine, left room only for as much water; finally, one of those bottles with a long flared neck, which are so easily emptied, completed this arsenal of the fencing lover.
(II, 16, 1) No sooner was I in bed than my Photis, who had just put her mistress to bed, ran up to me, swinging in her hands roses woven into garlands. A detached rose bloomed between the lovely contours of her breast. (2) His mouth unites tightly with mine; she entwines me in her garlands, and covers me with flowers. Then seizing one of the glasses, and mixing the wine with lukewarm water, offers it to me to drink, (3) gently takes it from my hands before I have drunk it all, and, eyes fixed on me, inhales the rest drop by drop, with a gentle quivering of the lips. (4) A second glass, a third, and more, pass from one mouth to another. Finally, the fumes of the wine go to my head, and disturb my senses. The sixth especially rebels, and sets the whole region it inhabits on fire. I pull back the blanket, and, displaying to Photis's eyes all the turbulence of my passion: (5) Please, I say to him, come quickly to my rescue. You see, I present myself firmly enough to this fight that you offer me, without the Fecial getting involved. (6) The traitor Cupid pierced me with one of his arrows to the bottom of my heart. I have drawn my bow back, and so hard that there is danger the string will break. (7) Come, and, to make me completely happy, stop imprisoning your hair; may it float freely on your shoulders: your embraces will seem sweeter to me. You see, I present myself firmly enough to this fight that you offer me, without the Fecial getting involved. (6) The traitor Cupid pierced me with one of his arrows to the bottom of my heart. I have drawn my bow back, and so hard that there is danger the string will break. (7) Come, and, to make me completely happy, stop imprisoning your hair; may it float freely on your shoulders: your embraces will seem sweeter to me. You see, I present myself firmly enough to this fight that you offer me, without the Fecial getting involved. (6) The traitor Cupid pierced me with one of his arrows to the bottom of my heart. I have drawn my bow back, and so hard that there is danger the string will break. (7) Come, and, to make me completely happy, stop imprisoning your hair; may it float freely on your shoulders: your embraces will seem sweeter to me. stop imprisoning your hair; may it float freely on your shoulders: your embraces will seem sweeter to me. stop imprisoning your hair; may it float freely on your shoulders: your embraces will seem sweeter to me.
(II, 17, 1) In the blink of an eye she made the cover disappear. Then she bares all her charms; and, letting her hair wave in the most voluptuous disorder, there she comes, a living image of Venus gliding on the waves. (2) With her rosy hand, the coquette pretended to veil a charming retreat that no natural shade concealed from my sight. (3) Close! she said, hold on, brave warrior! You have an adversary who neither gives in nor turns his back. Face to face, if you are a man; and blow for blow, strike and die. No neighborhood today. (4) She says, and, getting on the bunk, arranges so that we are on top of her and I below. Then deploying the elastic firmness of her loins by repeated jerks, and always more lively and more erotic, she made me savor in long drafts all that the favors of Venus incubus have of the most intoxicating voluptuousness, so long as finally a soft languor circulates in our limbs and seizes our senses; in us all strength expires, and we let ourselves go panting in each other's arms. (5) The first rays of day came to surprise us in our amorous frolics, without our having closed our eyelids; we resorted to libations from time to time. Then our strength was reborn, desire revived, the struggle began again. It was a drunken night; we took great care that it had more than one rehearsal. and we let ourselves go panting in each other's arms. (5) The first rays of day came to surprise us in our amorous frolics, without our having closed our eyelids; we resorted to libations from time to time. Then our strength was reborn, desire revived, the struggle began again. It was a drunken night; we took great care that it had more than one rehearsal. and we let ourselves go panting in each other's arms. (5) The first rays of day came to surprise us in our amorous frolics, without our having closed our eyelids; we resorted to libations from time to time. Then our strength was reborn, desire revived, the struggle began again. It was a drunken night; we took great care that it had more than one rehearsal.

Dinner at Byrrhene. History of Telyphron

(II, 18, 1) One day Byrrhene invited me most urgently to come and have supper with her. In vain I tried to defend myself; she ignored my apologies. (2) I therefore had to present a request to Photis, obtain his leave, take his auspices. Anything that took me away from her side, even a step, was not to her liking. However, she consented with good grace to this short armistice. (3) At least, she said, be careful to leave the table early; for there is in our young nobility an unbridled party, sworn enemy of public peace: and you will meet men with their throats cut in the middle of the street. The governor's troops are too far from us to prevent these massacres. (4) Your high position makes you a target; and, as a stranger, you have less than another protection to expect. (5) Don't worry, my dear Photis, I replied; I value our pleasures more than all the feasts in the world; and your anxiety is enough to make me hasten my return. Besides, I don't walk alone. And then I'll have my sword by my side. It's a backup that never leaves me. Armed with this precaution, I go to this supper.
(II, 19, 1) I found a large gathering there, and, as I expected, from the rank of the lady of the house, the best company in town. The beds, of extreme magnificence, were of lemon wood with ornaments of ivory, and covered with stuffs embroidered with gold. On the table are large cups, all different in shape and beauty, all priceless. (2) Here the artistically chiseled glass, there the faceted cut crystal. The silver shone, the gold shone. There were even pieces of crystallized amber, which art had hollowed out to serve as drinking vessels; finally an unimaginable luxury. (3) Several sharp squires, magnificently dressed, cut the innumerable dishes that young girls served with all possible grace. Young boys, who had been curled with irons and elegantly draped, kept pouring old wine to the guests in vases made of precious stones. (4) Soon the arrival of the torches gives rise to table talk; laughter spreads, good words circulate, and, sometimes, the epigram sparkles. (5) Byrrhene then spoke to me: What do you say of our country? No city that I know of has anything comparable to our temples, our baths, our public buildings in general. And we are no less well provided with useful things: (6) among us the man of pleasure finds the same facilities, the man of trade the same outlets as in Rome itself; and the man with quiet tastes can here enjoy the contemplation of the countryside.
(II, 20, 1) Nothing is more true, I resumed; nowhere did I feel more at ease. But there is magic, whose dark pitfalls and inevitable traps I particularly dread. (2) The tomb itself, it is said, does not protect against its attacks. It disputes at the stakes, at the sepulchres, the remains of the dead; and shreds, torn from the corpses, become the instruments of his disastrous practices against the living. (3) We are talking about old witches who, even in the middle of a funeral, know how to evade a dead person and defraud the burial. (4) Bah! then said someone from the company, we don't even do thanks to the living here. To whom, then, has it happened lately to find himself mutilated, disfigured to the point of being unrecognizable? (5) Immediately an immoderate laughter seizes the assembly. All eyes turn to a guest who was standing aside in a corner, (6) and who, quite confused at seeing himself the object of such marked attention, murmurs a few words of annoyance, and pretends to get up from the table. Byrrhene then said to him: (7) Come, my dear Telyphron, sit down again; and, look, you who are so complacent, tell us your story once again. I would be delighted to give my son Lucius, here, the pleasure of hearing it from your mouth. (8) Madam, replied Telyphron, you are goodness itself; but there are people of an impertinence... (9) He seemed outraged. But Byrrhène, by dint of entreaties, ends up deciding it for the love of her. quite confused at seeing himself the object of such marked attention, murmurs a few words of annoyance, and pretends to get up from the table. Byrrhene then said to him: (7) Come, my dear Telyphron, sit down again; and, look, you who are so complacent, tell us your story once again. I would be delighted to give my son Lucius, here, the pleasure of hearing it from your mouth. (8) Madam, replied Telyphron, you are goodness itself; but there are people of an impertinence... (9) He seemed outraged. But Byrrhène, by dint of entreaties, ends up deciding it for the love of her. quite confused at seeing himself the object of such marked attention, murmurs a few words of annoyance, and pretends to get up from the table. Byrrhene then said to him: (7) Come, my dear Telyphron, sit down again; and, look, you who are so complacent, tell us your story once again. I would be delighted to give my son Lucius, here, the pleasure of hearing it from your mouth. (8) Madam, replied Telyphron, you are goodness itself; but there are people of an impertinence... (9) He seemed outraged. But Byrrhène, by dint of entreaties, ends up deciding it for the love of her. I would be delighted to give my son Lucius, here, the pleasure of hearing it from your mouth. (8) Madam, replied Telyphron, you are goodness itself; but there are people of an impertinence... (9) He seemed outraged. But Byrrhène, by dint of entreaties, ends up deciding it for the love of her. I would be delighted to give my son Lucius, here, the pleasure of hearing it from your mouth. (8) Madam, replied Telyphron, you are goodness itself; but there are people of an impertinence... (9) He seemed outraged. But Byrrhène, by dint of entreaties, ends up deciding it for the love of her.
(II, 21, 1) Then bringing the cover of the bed into a heap, as a support for his elbow, he projects his right arm forward, (2) and arranges his fingers in the manner of orators, that is to say, closing the last two, and holding the others extended, with the thumb protruding. After this preliminary, our man begins as follows: (3) I was still under tutelage at Miletus, when the idea occurred to me to go to the Olympic Games. I was curious to the last degree to visit this famous province. After having traversed all Thessalie, for my misfortune I arrive at Larisse. (4) The trip had put me in worse cash, and I wandered through the city dreaming of expedients. In the middle of a square, I see a tall old man, (5) who had climbed onto a milestone, and was shouting at the top of his voice: Who wants to keep a dead? Make your price. (6) What does this proclamation mean? I say to the first passerby. Are you afraid your dead will run away? (7) Peace! he replies, you speak like a child and a stranger. Know that you are in Thessaly. There are magicians here always ready to tear the faces of the dead; it is the principal element of their conjurations.
(II, 22, 1) And, please, I resumed, for this lugubrious faction what is the order? (2) Keep watch all night, he said, his eyes wide open and fixed on the corpse; and there is no need to blink, still less to look right or left: for these accursed female chameleons suddenly creep in, in some form or other; the eye of the Sun or of Justice would itself be deceived there. (3) They change into a dog, a mouse, even a fly, if necessary. Then quickly an enchantment; and the guards fall asleep. (4) We could not finish describing all the surprises imagined by these infernal creatures to achieve their ends. (5) Note that, for wages, one hardly offers more than four to six pieces of gold to who is in charge of this perilous service. (6) Ah! I forgot:
(II, 23, 1) Thus informed, I take my courage in both hands; I go straight to the crier, and say to him: (2) Take care of your lungs; here is the guardian all found; see the price. You will be given a thousand crowns, he said; (3) but, fellow, think about it, the dead man is the son of one of the first in town. At least be on your guard against those detestable harpies. (4) Trifle! useless recommendation! I answered; I am a body of iron, and, for vigilance, a Lynceus, an Argus; eyes everywhere. (5) I had barely finished when he led me to a house whose main exits were closed. We enter through a small back door, and I arrive at an apartment where every intercepted day excludes the light from outside, and where, however, I manage to see a woman in tears, and in mourning from head to foot. (6) Behold, said my guide, approaching, a resolute man who promises to keep your husband's body. (7) At these words, the lady parted her hair on both sides of her face, the beauty of which struck me in the midst of her tears; and fixing her gaze on me: You know, she said, what your task requires of supervision. (8) Don't worry, I continued, provided I have a reasonable supplement.
(II, 24, 1) She agrees, and, getting up immediately, leads me into another room. (2) There was the body of the deceased, covered with a bright shroud. She discovers it in the presence of seven people called as witnesses; and, at this sight, her tears begin to flow again. Then, after a moment of silence, adjuring the assistants, she proceeds under their eyes to an exact review of all the members; the inventory is drawn up on a tablet. (3) See, she said, the nose is whole, the eyes in good condition, the ears complete, the lips intact; nothing is missing from the chin. Citizens, bear me good and faithful testimony. She said, and the seals being affixed to the tablets, she was about to retire; but I hold her back. (4) Madame, I said to her, please give me what is necessary. (5) What do you mean by that, she says? One of your biggest lamps, I went on, enough oil to keep it going until daybreak, hot water, wine, a glass, and a tray with the leftovers of your supper. (6) So, with a gesture of contempt: Are you losing your senses? she says; a dinner! leftovers! in a house of death, where, for so many days already, the hearth has not even had smoke! (7) Do you think you came here to feast? Come on; think instead of sympathizing with your tears with the mourning that you see around you. (8) Turning then to her maid: Myrrhine, immediately give a lamp and oil to this man, lock him in the room, and withdraw. and a tray filled with leftovers from your dinner. (6) So, with a gesture of contempt: Are you losing your senses? she says; a dinner! leftovers! in a house of death, where, for so many days already, the hearth has not even had smoke! (7) Do you think you came here to feast? Come on; think instead of sympathizing with your tears with the mourning that you see around you. (8) Turning then to her maid: Myrrhine, immediately give a lamp and oil to this man, lock him in the room, and withdraw. and a tray filled with leftovers from your dinner. (6) So, with a gesture of contempt: Are you losing your senses? she says; a dinner! leftovers! in a house of death, where, for so many days already, the hearth has not even had smoke! (7) Do you think you came here to feast? Come on; think instead of sympathizing with your tears with the mourning that you see around you. (8) Turning then to her maid: Myrrhine, immediately give a lamp and oil to this man, lock him in the room, and withdraw. (7) Do you think you came here to feast? Come on; think instead of sympathizing with your tears with the mourning that you see around you. (8) Turning then to her maid: Myrrhine, immediately give a lamp and oil to this man, lock him in the room, and withdraw. (7) Do you think you came here to feast? Come on; think instead of sympathizing with your tears with the mourning that you see around you. (8) Turning then to her maid: Myrrhine, immediately give a lamp and oil to this man, lock him in the room, and withdraw.
(II, 25, 1) So here I am left to myself, with the company of a corpse for pastime. I rub my eyes to ward off sleep, and from time to time I hum a song to cheer me up. (2) Comes dusk, then night; the thick, deep night; the night in all its horror. (3) My fear grew with the darkness: suddenly, a weasel slips into the room, comes to rest in front of me, and begins to look me in the face with the utmost assurance. So much audacity in this little animal troubled me not a little. (4) I finally dare to address these words to him: Do you want to go away, filthy beast? Go and hide with the rats, the only society that suits you; or you will feel what my arm weighs. (5) Zest, she scurries away, and disappears from the room; but at the same moment I sink into a deep sleep; so much so that the god of Delphi himself, seeing two bodies lying there, would have had difficulty in distinguishing the living from the dead. (6) I was indeed there, as if I had not been deprived of all feeling there, in a state to be kept, rather than to be kept myself.
(II, 26, 1) The retreat of the night had already been sounded by all the roosters in the neighborhood. (2) I wake up with a start, and, in the last fright, I run to the corpse; I approach the light, and I examine in detail if the deposit of which I had taken charge was found in its integrity. (3) Soon the unfortunate wife, followed by the witnesses of the day before, suddenly enters. With tears in her eyes and completely frightened, she rushes on the body, which she covers for a long time with her kisses; then, lamp in hand, she makes a complete verification of it. Then she turns around, calls her steward Philodespotus, (4) and orders him to pay the excellent watchman immediately. Young man, she said to me afterwards, I have the greatest obligations to you. And certainly, after the vigilance you have shown in discharging this duty, I must now count you as a friend of mine. (5) I, in the ecstasy of this unexpected gain, and all dazzled by the gold that I was ringing in my hand: Say your servant, madam, I cried: at the first opportunity, I am at your command. Just talk. (6) No sooner had I uttered these words than all the widow's friends burst into execration, and swooped down on me, arming themselves with everything. (7) It is who will break my jaws and shoulders with his fists or his elbows, who will bruise my ribs or kick me. My hair is torn, my clothes torn to shreds. (8) Finally bruised and mistreated, as much as ever was the handsome hunter Adonis or the disdainful son of Calliope, I see myself pitilessly thrown out of the house.
(II, 27, 1) While, in a nearby square, I was trying to collect myself, I realized a little late the sinister impropriety of my words, and agreed that I had not yet been thrashed as I deserved. (2) During this time, the ceremonial of weeping and shouting had been its train, and the procession, in an order conforming to the usage of the country, advanced in the middle of the square, with the pomp suitable to the quality of the deceased. (3) Suddenly an old man runs up, his eyes wet with tears, and tearing the hair from his hoary head; he spreads both hands hastily on the funeral bed: (4) Citizens, he exclaims with all the force of his voice broken by sobs, by all that you hold most sacred, in the name of public piety, avenge the murder of one of your brothers! (5) This wretch, this infamous creature, has soiled itself with the greatest of crimes; I call upon his head all the severities of justice. It was his hand, and his hand alone, that poisoned this unfortunate young man, my sister's son. An adulterous love and the lure of his inheritance drove a wife to this crime. (6) The old man went from one to the other, not ceasing to make his lamentable complaints heard. Already the spirits are irritated; the crime seems probable; we believe in. (7) Stones! a bonfire! people cry out from all sides. And here are the children who are incited against this unfortunate woman. She, her face bathed in tears of command, and simulating as best she could the horror of such an attack, called all the gods to witness to her innocence. defiled herself with the greatest of crimes; I call upon his head all the severities of justice. It was his hand, and his hand alone, that poisoned this unfortunate young man, my sister's son. An adulterous love and the lure of his inheritance drove a wife to this crime. (6) The old man went from one to the other, not ceasing to make his lamentable complaints heard. Already the spirits are irritated; the crime seems probable; we believe in. (7) Stones! a bonfire! people cry out from all sides. And here are the children who are incited against this unfortunate woman. She, her face bathed in tears of command, and simulating as best she could the horror of such an attack, called all the gods to witness to her innocence. defiled herself with the greatest of crimes; I call upon his head all the severities of justice. It was his hand, and his hand alone, that poisoned this unfortunate young man, my sister's son. An adulterous love and the lure of his inheritance drove a wife to this crime. (6) The old man went from one to the other, not ceasing to make his lamentable complaints heard. Already the spirits are irritated; the crime seems probable; we believe in. (7) Stones! a bonfire! people cry out from all sides. And here are the children who are incited against this unfortunate woman. She, her face bathed in tears of command, and simulating as best she could the horror of such an attack, called all the gods to witness to her innocence. and his hand alone, which killed by poison this unfortunate young man, my sister's son. An adulterous love and the lure of his inheritance drove a wife to this crime. (6) The old man went from one to the other, not ceasing to make his lamentable complaints heard. Already the spirits are irritated; the crime seems probable; we believe in. (7) Stones! a bonfire! people cry out from all sides. And here are the children who are incited against this unfortunate woman. She, her face bathed in tears of command, and simulating as best she could the horror of such an attack, called all the gods to witness to her innocence. and his hand alone, which killed by poison this unfortunate young man, my sister's son. An adulterous love and the lure of his inheritance drove a wife to this crime. (6) The old man went from one to the other, not ceasing to make his lamentable complaints heard. Already the spirits are irritated; the crime seems probable; we believe in. (7) Stones! a bonfire! people cry out from all sides. And here are the children who are incited against this unfortunate woman. She, her face bathed in tears of command, and simulating as best she could the horror of such an attack, called all the gods to witness to her innocence. (6) The old man went from one to the other, not ceasing to make his lamentable complaints heard. Already the spirits are irritated; the crime seems probable; we believe in. (7) Stones! a bonfire! people cry out from all sides. And here are the children who are incited against this unfortunate woman. She, her face bathed in tears of command, and simulating as best she could the horror of such an attack, called all the gods to witness to her innocence. (6) The old man went from one to the other, not ceasing to make his lamentable complaints heard. Already the spirits are irritated; the crime seems probable; we believe in. (7) Stones! a bonfire! people cry out from all sides. And here are the children who are incited against this unfortunate woman. She, her face bathed in tears of command, and simulating as best she could the horror of such an attack, called all the gods to witness to her innocence.
(II, 28, 1) Well! said the old man, let us rely on divine providence to manifest the truth. There is an Egyptian here named Zatchlas, prophet of the first order. For a long time he has undertaken with me, at the cost of a considerable sum, to temporarily evoke a soul from the depths of hell, and to make it animate again the body which it would have left. (2) He says, and brings forward in the middle of the assembly a young man covered with a linen robe, shod with palm bark, his hair completely shaved; (3) and, after having long kissed his hands and even kissed his knees, he addressed these words to him: O pontiff! have mercy on us; I conjure you by the celestial torches, by the infernal divinities, by all the elements of this universe, and the silence of the nights, and the mysteries of Coptos, and the floods of the Nile, and the mysteries of Memphis, and the sistrums of Pharos. (4) May these eyes closed for eternity be able to reopen for a moment in the sun, and recapture the light of the heavens! (5) We do not want to disturb the natural order, nor dispute with the earth what belongs to it. It is in order that justice be rendered to the dead, that we ask for this return to existence for a moment. (6) This speech had its effect on the prophet. He applied a certain herb three times to the mouth of the deceased, then another herb as many times to his chest. (7) Turning then towards the east, he addressed a tacit prayer to the sun, which rose majestically above the horizon. This imposing preliminary moves and worries the spectators,
(II, 29, 1) I mingled with the crowd, and, climbing on a bollard, behind the funeral bed, I watched with all my eyes. (2) A slight heaving is manifested towards the chest of the dead, his pulse begins to beat again, his lungs to play; the corpse sits up; the young man's voice is heard: (3) I had already drunk the water of Lethe, he said, and almost crossed the marshes of the Styx. Why commit myself to the sad duties of this ephemeral life? Cease, cease, please, and restore me to my rest. (4) Thus spake the corpse. But the prophet said to him in an imperative tone: Everything must be revealed; the secret of the tomb must be brought to light. Don't you know that my accents have the power to evoke the Eumenides, and to deliver your limbs to the tortures they know how to inflict? (5) The dead, then uttering a deep groan, turns to the people and says: The woman whom I had married has caused my death. I perished by poison; and my couch was not cold, that adultery was already coming to defile it. (6) To this accusation, the wife, arming herself with an unparalleled effrontery, opposes a denied sacrilege. The crowd is agitated, the spirits are divided, Some want that, without further delay, this villainous woman is buried alive with her husband. Others cry prestige, and maintain that the corpse lied. arming himself with an unparalleled effrontery, opposes a denied sacrilege. The crowd is agitated, the spirits are divided, Some want that, without further delay, this villainous woman is buried alive with her husband. Others cry prestige, and maintain that the corpse lied. arming himself with an unparalleled effrontery, opposes a denied sacrilege. The crowd is agitated, the spirits are divided, Some want that, without further delay, this villainous woman is buried alive with her husband. Others cry prestige, and maintain that the corpse lied.
(II, 30, 1) But soon the question is settled by an incidental revelation of the deceased, heaving a new and deeper sigh: I am going, he says, I am going to prove to the evidence that I have spoken only the truth; and that by a circumstance known to me alone. (2) While this faithful overseer (pointing to me) was keeping such good guard over my body, witches, who had set their sights on my remains, tried in vain, in various forms, to put his vigilance at fault. (3) Finally, they spread over him the vapors of sleep; and, having plunged him into a sort of lethargy, they did not stop calling me by my name, until at last my numbed limbs and my already frozen body began to exert themselves to respond to the magic summons. (4) This one, who was alive, who had only the appearance of a dead man, hearing his name pronounced (for we bear the same one), gets up without knowing why, (5) advances like a ghost, and mechanically goes against the door; it was well closed; but there was an opening through which they successively cut off first his nose, then his ears; amputation which he only underwent in my absence. (6) The witches then devised a fitting to disguise their larceny. With wax, they shaped him a pair of ears which they applied to him very neatly, and even adapted him a nose just like his. That's where the poor guy is. He was paid, not with his pain, but with his mutilations. (6) Stunned by such a discovery, and wanting to make sure of the fact, I pinch my nose; my nose sticks out: I feel my ears, they follow the hand. (8) In the twinkling of an eye: I see all the eyes directed, all the fingers trained on my person; laughter was about to break out. A cold sweat seizes me; I slip between the legs of the assistants, and manage to retreat; (9) but disfigured in this way, and henceforth doomed to ridicule, I no longer dared to reappear in my family, nor to see my country again. With my hair that I fold on the sides, I managed to hide the place of my ears; and this piece of linen which I stuck to my face conceals quite well the accident of my nose. A cold sweat seizes me; I slip between the legs of the assistants, and manage to retreat; (9) but disfigured in this way, and henceforth doomed to ridicule, I no longer dared to reappear in my family, nor to see my country again. With my hair that I fold on the sides, I managed to hide the place of my ears; and this piece of linen which I stuck to my face conceals quite well the accident of my nose. A cold sweat seizes me; I slip between the legs of the assistants, and manage to retreat; (9) but disfigured in this way, and henceforth doomed to ridicule, I no longer dared to reappear in my family, nor to see my country again. With my hair that I fold on the sides, I managed to hide the place of my ears; and this piece of linen which I stuck to my face conceals quite well the accident of my nose.
(II, 31, 1) At this story by Telyphron, the guests, who had been cheered up by the wine, burst out laughing all the more. And, while a few bon vivants claim the usual libations from the god of Laughter, Byrrhène turns to me: (2) Tomorrow, she says, is the anniversary of the founding of our city, a day consecrated to the august god of Laughter. It is a worship observed by us alone on earth, and which we celebrate with the most joyful ceremonies. Your presence would be an added pleasure; (3) and may some happy fruit of your imagination still add to the celebration, and contribute to render the homage more worthy of the divinity! Very willingly, madam, I replied; your orders are my law; and I hope that the inspiration will serve me well enough so that the omnipotence of the god manifests itself in my work.

The return to Milon. The attack by three robbers

(II, 31, 4) Thereupon, my valet came to warn me that the night was advancing. I get up, dazzled by the fumes of the wine; I hastily take my leave of Byrrhene, and with unsteady feet I make my way home.
(II, 32, 1) But suddenly, at the first turn in the street, a gust of wind extinguished our only torch, and suddenly plunged us into darkness. We had a thousand difficulties in extricating ourselves from this embarrassment; and it was only exhausted with fatigue, and after bruising our feet against every stone in the way, that we were able to go home. (2) We were getting there, however, arm in arm, when three large and vigorous fellows launched themselves with force against our door. Our presence, far from disconcerting them, (3) seems to pique them with emulation; it's who will strike the hardest: we took them, especially me, for arrogant brigands, and of the worst kind. (4) Quickly I seized under my cloak the sword which I had taken care of for such encounters; (5) and, without haggling, I rush into the midst of these bandits. As one falls to my hand, I plunge my sword into it up to the hilt, (6) and I lay them one after the other at my feet, riddled with blows, and giving up the ghost with large wounds. (7) After this feat, panting and bathed in sweat, I entered the door that Photis had just opened, awakened by the din; a struggle with the triple Geryon would not have exhausted me more. I quickly went to my bed, and soon fell asleep. awakened by din; a struggle with the triple Geryon would not have exhausted me more. I quickly went to my bed, and soon fell asleep. awakened by din; a struggle with the triple Geryon would not have exhausted me more. I quickly went to my bed, and soon fell asleep.

[THIRD BOOK]

The Laughter Party

(III, 1, 1) Already the Aurora, with her rosy fingers, shaking the crimson reins, launched her chariot into the career of the heavens. Farewell sweet rest; night gave way to day. (2) A violent agitation seizes me at the memory of the events of the previous day. I sat down on my bed, my feet crossed, and, leaning my intertwined hands on my knees, I began to weep hot tears. My alarmed imagination was already depicting the tribunal, the sentence, and even the executioner who was ready to lay his hands on me. (3) How to suppose a judge benign enough, good-natured enough, to acquit the man stained with a triple murder, dyed with the blood of so many citizens? (4) Was this then the glorious journey that the Chaldean Diophanes had so intrepidly promised me? (5) However, a loud noise and repeated knocks are heard at the outer door.
(III, 2, 1) The house opens violently, and magistrates, officers, a flood of people of all kinds suddenly burst in. On the orders of the magistrates, lictors seized me and dragged me away. Any idea of ​​resistance was far from me. (2) We were not out of the impasse when the population, already on their feet, followed us in droves, and what a crowd! (3) Now, while walking sadly, my head bowed to the ground (I would have liked to be lower), I happened to look aside, and I was struck by a strange circumstance. (4) Of so many thousands of individuals who surrounded us, there was not one who did not seem to burst out laughing. (5) After I was taken around all the squares in the city, like those victims who are carried along in a lustral procession to ward off some scourge, we finally arrive at the place where justice was dispensed, and I find myself facing the tribunal. (6) The magistrates had already taken their places on the dais, and the usher commanded silence, when, all with one voice, the assembly cried out against the dangers of such a considerable agglomeration in such a narrow space; and it is requested that, because of its importance, the case be judged in the theatre. (7) The crowd immediately takes the lead, and, in the blink of an eye, the enclosure of the theater is crowded. (8) The corridors, even the attic are invaded. Some spectators kiss the pillars, others hang on to the statues. Even at the windows and at the skylights, some onlooker does not appear up to the waist. The interest of the scene drowned out any sense of danger. (9) I always advance at the pace of a victim, surrounded by my guards, who make me cross the Proscenium, and place me in the middle of the orchestra.
(III, 3, 1) Again the voice of Stentor of the usher is heard. An old man gets up; it was the accuser: he takes a small vase whose bottom lengthens into a funnel, he fills it with water which flows out drop by drop, and pronounces the following speech: (2) Honorable citizens, this matter is most serious. The security of the whole city is in question, and calls for a great example. (3) The general interest, individual well-being, public vindictiveness, also want that the atrocious murderer whose pitiless hand bathed in the blood of so many victims, cannot obtain impunity here. (4) And don't think that right now I'm listening to any personal resentment. It is I who command the watch; and I believe that no one accuses me of lacking vigilance or zeal. (5) Here is the detail of the event of this night; I will be exact. Around the third watch, as I was making my rounds from door to door with the most scrupulous surveillance, (6) I saw this young scoundrel, sword in hand, sowing carnage all around him. Already his cruelty had immolated three victims. The bodies were at his feet, still throbbing, and drowned in streams of blood. (7) Rightly frightened by the enormity of his crime, he suddenly fled and slipped into a house, under cover of darkness; he hid there all night; (8) but heavenly Providence does not allow a culprit to escape. Very early in the morning I posted myself to prevent any clandestine escape, and I succeeded in having him appear before your august tribunal. (9) The man in front of you is a triple homicide; he was caught red-handed; he is not from this country. Will you spare an attack on a foreigner, the reparation of which would require the blood of a fellow-citizen?
(III, 4, 1) After this formidable speech, my redoubtable accuser was silent. The bailiff then told me that, if I had anything to say in my defense, I could speak: (2) but for a few moments I could only find tears; less overwhelmed, alas! by the terrible accusation than by the cry of my conscience. Finally an inspiration from above gave me courage, and I replied: (3) In the presence of the corpses of three citizens, I feel how difficult is the position of the man who is accused of their death. Although he speaks the truth, although he spontaneously confesses the murder, (4) how will he persuade the numerous assembly listening to him of his innocence? However, if your humanity pays a moment's attention to my defense, I will easily demonstrate that it is not a voluntary crime which today makes me run the risk of a capital condemnation; but that the very fortuitous result of a movement of legitimate indignation is the sole basis of the odious prejudice which brings me before you:
(III, 5, 1) I had had supper in town, and I was coming home quite late, having drunk more than necessary; I do not hesitate to agree. Arriving in front of the house where I am staying, that of the honorable Milo, your fellow citizen, (2) I see determined brigands trying to get in, blowing off the hinges and forcing the front door. Already the whole closure, although most solid, had yielded to their efforts, and there was no longer any question for them but to put the inhabitants to death. (3) The most desperate of the band, a gigantic man, urged his comrades thus: (4) Alert, children! let's fall vigorously on these sleepers. No softness, no quarter! Quickly, sword in hand, let's spread the carnage everywhere in this house. (5) Kill in their bed those who sleep, knock out those who will resist; let no one escape, if we want to escape it ourselves. (6) I will admit it, citizens, in the presence of such madmen I saw only my duty as an honest man, only the extreme danger which threatened the family of my host, only my own peril. (7) I draw a small sword which I carry with me for these sorts of encounters, and swoop down on the brigands, hoping that this demonstration would put them to flight; (8) but I was dealing with savages, ferocious beasts. Instead of fleeing on seeing me armed, they turn resolutely against me. (7) I draw a small sword which I carry with me for these sorts of encounters, and swoop down on the brigands, hoping that this demonstration would put them to flight; (8) but I was dealing with savages, ferocious beasts. Instead of fleeing on seeing me armed, they turn resolutely against me. (7) I draw a small sword which I carry with me for these sorts of encounters, and swoop down on the brigands, hoping that this demonstration would put them to flight; (8) but I was dealing with savages, ferocious beasts. Instead of fleeing on seeing me armed, they turn resolutely against me.
(III, 6, 1) A real fight begins. One of them, the leader and orator of the troop, springs up and, with his two hands grabbing my hair, makes me throw my head back. (2) He is going to crush it for me with a cobblestone which he demands loudly, when I strike him myself with a sure hand, and throw him at my feet. The second had attached itself to my legs, and was biting them with rage; I take my time and plunge my sword between his shoulders. As for the third, just as he was throwing himself headlong into me, I offered the iron, and my blade went through his chest. (3) I had fought for good order, protected my host's house, the lives of your fellow citizens. I thought myself not only safe from all reproach, but entitled to expect a testimony of public recognition. I add that never even the slightest prejudice was raised against me, and that I enjoy in my country the consideration that one deserves when one puts a pure conscience above all goods. (4) Finally, I cannot understand that, for having used the right of self-defense against brigands, such an accusation comes to weigh on my head, (5) when no one can argue against me, nor any precedent of enmity, what am I saying? of any relations whatsoever with these wretches, any more than of any instinct of cupidity which could have impelled me to dip my hands in their blood. for having used the right of self-defense against brigands, such an accusation comes to weigh on my head, (5) when no one can argue against me, nor any precedent of enmity, what am I saying? of any relations whatsoever with these wretches, any more than of any instinct of cupidity which could have impelled me to dip my hands in their blood. for having used the right of self-defense against brigands, such an accusation comes to weigh on my head, (5) when no one can argue against me, nor any precedent of enmity, what am I saying? of any relations whatsoever with these wretches, any more than of any instinct of cupidity which could have impelled me to dip my hands in their blood.
(III, 7, 1) Having thus spoken, again I burst into tears, and, joining my imploring hands, I go from one to the other imploring their mercy, in the name of humanity and all that they hold most dear in the world. (2) I thought I saw them moved with pity, softened by my tears; and already I was bringing in the eye of the Sun and of Justice, and already I was placing my cause under the safeguard of heavenly providence, (3) when, raising my head a little and casting my gaze over the assembly, I saw them give themselves up entirely to a fit of laughter. There was not even this excellent Milo, a host, a father, who did not give himself to his heart's content. (4) O good faith! O conscience! I said to myself: what! for the love of him I make myself a murderer, I expose my head, and this ungrateful,
(III, 8, 1) At this moment, a woman crying her heart out ran into the middle of the theatre, dressed in black and holding a child in her bosom. An old woman followed her, all in rags, and also in tears. Both, waving olive branches, (2) go around the bed where the three corpses lay covered with a cloak; and here are these newcomers who begin to utter lamentable cries. (3) In the name of public pity, they cried, by the sacred rights of humanity, be touched by the fate of these unfortunate young people so unworthily slaughtered; and do not refuse to a widow, to a mother, henceforth without support, the consolation of revenge! (4) Help at least, help this weak creature doomed from birth to misery, and let the blood of this monster be offered in expiation to outraged morals and laws. (5) On this incident, the president rises, and addresses the people in these terms: The crime is confessed by the culprit, exemplary justice will be done. But we have a prior duty to fulfill, which is to discover the accomplices of such a crime: (6) because it is not likely that a single man could have taken the life of three young men so vigorous. Torture will bring the truth to light. (7) The slave who accompanied him having fled, it only remains for us to apply the question to the master, so that he reveals his adherents. In this way we will reassure the city, by radically eradicating this formidable association. The crime is confessed by the culprit, and exemplary justice will be done. But we have a prior duty to fulfill, which is to discover the accomplices of such a crime: (6) because it is not likely that a single man could have taken the life of three young men so vigorous. Torture will bring the truth to light. (7) The slave who accompanied him having fled, it only remains for us to apply the question to the master, so that he reveals his adherents. In this way we will reassure the city, by radically eradicating this formidable association. The crime is confessed by the culprit, and exemplary justice will be done. But we have a prior duty to fulfill, which is to discover the accomplices of such a crime: (6) because it is not likely that a single man could have taken the life of three young men so vigorous. Torture will bring the truth to light. (7) The slave who accompanied him having fled, it only remains for us to apply the question to the master, so that he reveals his adherents. In this way we will reassure the city, by radically eradicating this formidable association. Torture will bring the truth to light. (7) The slave who accompanied him having fled, it only remains for us to apply the question to the master, so that he reveals his adherents. In this way we will reassure the city, by radically eradicating this formidable association. Torture will bring the truth to light. (7) The slave who accompanied him having fled, it only remains for us to apply the question to the master, so that he reveals his adherents. In this way we will reassure the city, by radically eradicating this formidable association.
(III, 9, 1) He says; and the preparations are already being made, according to the custom of Greece. Fire, a wheel, and whips of all shapes and sizes are brought. (2) To add to my disgrace (and my pain was doubled), I was not even allowed to die entirely. (3) But the old woman, who had made so much noise with her lamentations, then spoke: Citizens, she said, before this abominable murderer of my unfortunate children expiates his crime on the cross, order him to discover their corpses, (4) so ​​that at the sight of so much beauty, so much youth, your indignation measures the severity of the torture to the atrocity of the crime. (5) This motion was applauded, and the magistrate immediately ordered me to discover with my own hand the corpses placed on the bed. (6) I revolt at the idea of ​​a repetition of the horrible spectacle of the day before. I struggled for a long time against the lictors, who, at a sign from the magistrates, tried to compel me to obey. Finally they seize my arm, force it away from my body, and stretch it over the corpses. (7) Overwhelmed, exhausted, I give in, and I take, certainly, in spite of myself, a corner of the mantle that covers them. I raise it... Great gods, what do I see? O prodigy! what an adventure! (8) When I was already looking at myself as a guest of Proserpina, as a commensal from the underworld, suddenly the scene changes, and I remain stupefied: words cannot express such a metamorphosis. (9) My three victims were no more than three skins inflated with air. Their sides bore puncture marks that matched exactly,
(III, 10, 1) The hilarity, which the ringleaders of this mystification had until then somewhat contained, then exploded. It was a frenzied overflow, convulsions of laughter to hold the ribs with both hands. Finally, after giving it their all, the crowd evacuated the room; but everyone, before going out, still turned to look at me.
(2) As for me, from the moment when I had lifted the shroud, I had remained motionless and frozen like marble, and I only moved one of the columns or one of the statues of the theatre. (3) I only emerged from this lethargy when my host Milon came to seize me to bring me back. I resisted; the tears came out again, and I burst into tears. It was only by doing me gentle violence that he managed to get me out. (4) To return home, he chose the less frequented streets, and took several detours. He told me everything he thought best to calm my nerves and combat my grief; (5) but nothing helped. I was sickened to have seen myself flouted so unworthily.
(III, 11, 1) Suddenly the magistrates themselves present themselves, and here they are addressing me a reparation in these terms: Lord Lucius, we know your personal merit and your noble house. The illustration of your family is notorious in the province. (2) Believe that no thought of insult presided over the scene just now; let your heart hold no resentment: (3) today we celebrate the feast of the God of Laughter; and it is among us who will contrive to rejuvenate this anniversary. (4) The god, who has been so indebted to you on this day, wants his auspicious influence to accompany you everywhere, and that your happy countenance be everywhere a signal of hilarity. (5) The city, moreover, has awarded you the highest honors by acclamation. She wants your name to be inscribed among her great personages, and that the bronze preserves the memory of your features for her. (6) To this speech, I answered: I recognize, as I must, the immense honor which a city, the flower and the pearl of Thessaly, does to me. But as for images, for statues, reserve such a testimony for who deserves them better than me.
(III, 12, 1) After this modest reply, my brow beginning to wrinkle, I did my best to look agreeable; and the magistrates, on taking their leave, found in me nothing but politeness and amenity. (2) A valet then comes running, and says to me: You have promised your relative Byrrhène to be at her supper today. The hour draws near; please do not miss it. (3) At these words, a shiver seizes me. I would very much like, I replied, to obey my mother's orders; but a sacred commitment opposes it. (4) My host Milo made me swear, by the god whose feast it is today, to sup with him this evening. He remains at home, and will not allow me to leave. It will therefore be postponed. (5) I had not finished speaking, that already Milon apprehended me in the body, and dragged me to the nearest baths, giving the order to bring us there all we needed. I pressed myself against him, to conceal myself as much as possible, avoiding the gaze of passers-by, and very little jealous of enjoying the gaiety my presence inspired. (6) In my confusion, I let myself be bathed, wiped and brought home without knowing how: so much the memory of all those eyes, of all those fingers pointing together on my person, had me in a way stunned.

Magic Scenes: Pamphile

(III, 13, 1) I hurried Milo's meager supper, and, on the pretext of a violent headache that I had given myself from crying, I easily obtained permission to go to bed. I was ruminating sadly in my bed on my adventure of the day, (2) when Photis came to see me after his mistress had gone to bed. I found her completely changed: it was no longer her alert face, her bawdy talk. (3) His tongue hesitated, his speech was timid. I am, she said, I confess, the cause of all the inconvenience you have been made to endure. (4) Thereupon she draws a thong from her bosom, and presents it to me: Take revenge, she added, take revenge on such a guilty woman, or rather inflict on me some still harsher punishment: (5) but do not think that I have voluntarily brought about this cruel scene. Heaven preserve me from causing you the slightest pain; (6) may I even, if some misfortune threatens you, redeem it at the price of my blood! What I had hatched by order and in view of another, my fatal star has turned against you.
(III, 14, 1) My natural curiosity is awakened in this connection; and desiring to penetrate this mystery: (2) Me, to strike you with this odious and horrible strap! I exclaimed; Rather tear it to pieces a thousand times than even touch the delicate tissue of this alabaster skin! (3) But tell me, I beg you, what have you done that has been so fatal to me? I swear by this dear head, I'll never suppose you capable of a plot against me; you would affirm it, that I would not believe it; (4) and when the intention is innocent, a chance, even if fatal, cannot make it criminal. (5) While I was speaking, Photis looked at me timidly with a moist and half-veiled eye, where a thousand kisses went immediately to gather greedily and savor her sweet tears.
(III, 15, 1) My caresses restored her joy. First of all, she said, let me shut the door tightly: a word heard outside would be the most fatal of indiscretions on my part. (2) Saying these words, she will push the locks and close the hook. Then coming back to me, she throws her two arms round my neck, and in a low and singularly weakened voice: (3) I am trembling, she says, my heart fails me. Should I reveal the secret of the house, the great arcane of my mistress? (4) Come on, I rely on you, on your principles. With the sentiments of honor transmitted to you by your noble ancestors, with a spirit as lofty as yours, initiated as you are into sacred mysteries, you are assuredly faithful to the religion of secrecy. (5) May my confidences thus remain forever walled up in the sanctuary of your conscience; and pay with unfailing discretion the candor of my outpourings. (6) It is love that forces me to reveal what no one other than me knows to the world. Yes, you will know everything that happens in these places. (7) I will tell you by what enchantments my mistress knows how to make the spirits obey, disturb the course of the stars, subject the gods, subdue the elements. (8) It is especially when she has cast a look of complacency on some handsome young man (which often happens to her), that we see her deploying the terrible power of her art. you will know everything that happens in these places. (7) I will tell you by what enchantments my mistress knows how to make the spirits obey, disturb the course of the stars, subject the gods, subdue the elements. (8) It is especially when she has cast a look of complacency on some handsome young man (which often happens to her), that we see her deploying the terrible power of her art. you will know everything that happens in these places. (7) I will tell you by what enchantments my mistress knows how to make the spirits obey, disturb the course of the stars, subject the gods, subdue the elements. (8) It is especially when she has cast a look of complacency on some handsome young man (which often happens to her), that we see her deploying the terrible power of her art.
(III, 16, 1) At this very moment, madly in love with a young Boeotian as beautiful as the day, there is no sort of artifice and machination that she does not put into play. his race to leave the field open to his conspiracies. (3) Coming out of the bath, she had seen her young lover sitting in a barber's shop; and quickly she ordered me to furtively seize the hair which the scissors had knocked out of her head. (4) The barber surprised me in the middle of the operation; and, as this traffic in evil spells has given us a detestable reputation, he seizes me, and apostrophizing me with brutality: (5) So you will not cease, said he, to steal the hair of all the handsome young men in this way? Let me take you back there, and, without haggling, I'll hand you over to the magistrates. (6) Action follows words; he sticks his hand in my throat, and angrily tears out the hair I had hidden there. (7) Very disconcerted by my misadventure, and thinking of the mood of my mistress, whom such an annoyance can put out of herself, and who then beats me excessively, I was on the point of taking flight; but I thought of you, and I couldn't make up my mind. (7) Very disconcerted by my misadventure, and thinking of the mood of my mistress, whom such an annoyance can put out of herself, and who then beats me excessively, I was on the point of taking flight; but I thought of you, and I couldn't make up my mind. (7) Very disconcerted by my misadventure, and thinking of the mood of my mistress, whom such an annoyance can put out of herself, and who then beats me excessively, I was on the point of taking flight; but I thought of you, and I couldn't make up my mind.
(III, 17, 1) I was coming back, however, with great difficulty at showing up empty-handed, when I saw a man busy shearing goatskin skins with scissors. (2) After he puffed them up, I saw him bind them tightly and hang them up. I picked up several tufts of their fleece from the ground; it was blond, and in this respect rather resembled the hair of the young Boeotian. I brought this body to my mistress, without telling her where I got it from. (3) Also, as soon as the night had come, and before your return from supper, Pamphile, whom desire pursues, goes up to the roof, in a recess open to all the winds, having a view of the east and the other points of the horizon. This is the place she has chosen as the most conducive to her enchantments. (4) Locked away in this magical laboratory, there she proceeds to her accustomed manipulations, the elements of which are aromatics of all kinds, blades of brass covered with indecipherable characters, the fittings of shipwrecked ships, (5) a number of human remains removed from corpses before or after burial. Here are fragments of nose, fingers; there nails torn with the flesh from sinister crosses; farther on the blood of a slain man, and pieces of human skulls fought over by the teeth of ferocious beasts. fingers; there nails torn with the flesh from sinister crosses; farther on the blood of a slain man, and pieces of human skulls fought over by the teeth of ferocious beasts. fingers; there nails torn with the flesh from sinister crosses; farther on the blood of a slain man, and pieces of human skulls fought over by the teeth of ferocious beasts.
(III, 18, 1) Before her are entrails still throbbing. After a few magic words, she successively sprinkles them with fountain water, cow's milk and mountain honey; she adds libations of mead. (2) Then she intertwines the so-called hair, knots it, and burns it on hot coals, with strong perfumes. (3) Suddenly the irresistible charm works, and, by the mysterious power of the evoked powers, the wineskins, whose fleece smoked and roasted on the embers, come to life like human creatures, (4) smell, hear, walk, and, attracted by the odor that exalts their remains, here they are, arriving at the default of the Boeotian, and throwing themselves against our door. (5) It was then that, stunned by copious libations, and deluded by darkness, you bravely put your sword to the wind; and, new Ajax, in a similar transport of madness, (6) but much more heroic, (for he rushed like a butcher on living animals) you, you, gave up the ghost of three swollen skins. (7) So that after this innocent exploit, where not a drop of blood has flowed, it is a winner, not homicidal, but outricidal, that I receive in my arms.
(III, 19, 1) At this trait of Photis, my gaiety comes alive, and I retort: ​​Yes, my first trophy can be compared to the twelve labors of Hercules. (2) This victory over three waterskins will go hand in hand with his triumph over the triple Geryon or the three-headed Cerberus. (3) But do you want me to forgive you for your thoughtlessness and all the embarrassment it has caused me? There is one thing I desire with passion; Do it. (4) Show me your mistress operating according to science in the heat of evocation; let me see her at least in one of her metamorphoses. I'm dying to learn the secrets of magic art. (5) But you, if I am not mistaken, no, you are not a novice; I know it, and moreover I feel it. I, so indifferent to the caresses of our beautiful ladies, those shining eyes, those fresh cheeks, the gold of that hair, those open-lip kisses, that intoxicating throat, I am a slave to it all, and a willing slave. (6) Farewell home, farewell homecoming. A night like this is what I put above everything.
(III, 20, 1) How happy I would be to satisfy you, my dear Lucius, she answered; but these practices are seen with such a bad eye that my mistress never indulges in them except by surrounding herself in solitude, keeping all eyes away. (2) However, at my own risk and peril, I will do what you wish, I will spy on the favorable moment; your curiosity will be satisfied. (3) As we gossip, desire awakens, and the senses join in. (4) Quickly put down all jealous veils! both bare as hands, we embrace each other furiously. The loving struggle lasted a long time; I was giving up when I was weary when Photis revived me with a piquant diversion, offered with more than feminine complaisance. But at last sleep overcame us, and our languid eyelids closed until morning.

Lucius turned into a donkey

(III, 21, 1) We had too few rehearsals of this charming night. One day I see Photis running up all moved; she tells me that her mistress, having failed in her previous attempts, had resolved to change herself the following night into a bird, and to go in this form to find the object of her passion; (2) that I therefore had to keep myself ready, and that she would have me assist, a discreet witness, at this marvelous scene. (3) Indeed, around the first watch, she does not fail to come and take me; she leads me on tiptoe to the aerial recess, then she places me at a crack in the door through which I could see everything. (4) Pamphile began by stripping himself of all his clothes; then she opened a small casket and took out several boxes, took the lid off one, took out a certain ointment, rubbed the palms of his hands with them for a long time, and, passing them over all his limbs, smeared them all over his body, from the soles of his feet to the roots of his hair. Came after a long colloquy in a low voice with his lantern; (5) Suddenly she gives a jolt to her whole person, and there her limbs soften and disappear, first under a fine down, then under a thick plumage. His nose bends and hardens, his fingernails lengthen and become crooked. (6) Pamphile is changed into an owl; it utters a little plaintive cry, and, after a few attempts at flying low to the ground, there it is taking flight at a wing-stroke. Came after a long colloquy in a low voice with his lantern; (5) Suddenly she gives a jolt to her whole person, and there her limbs soften and disappear, first under a fine down, then under a thick plumage. His nose bends and hardens, his fingernails lengthen and become crooked. (6) Pamphile is changed into an owl; it utters a little plaintive cry, and, after a few attempts at flying low to the ground, there it is taking flight at a wing-stroke. Came after a long colloquy in a low voice with his lantern; (5) Suddenly she gives a jolt to her whole person, and there her limbs soften and disappear, first under a fine down, then under a thick plumage. His nose bends and hardens, his fingernails lengthen and become crooked. (6) Pamphile is changed into an owl; it utters a little plaintive cry, and, after a few attempts at flying low to the ground, there it is taking flight at a wing-stroke.
(III, 22, 1) His transformation was voluntary, and the effect of his powerful spells. I, who had only been a simple witness to it, outside the influence of the charm, remained struck with amazement, and looked like nothing less than myself: (2) struck as if with imbecility, I was in a state bordering on dementia, dreaming while awake, rubbing my eyes, and wondering if it was not a dream. (3) Finally, coming to myself, I seize the hand of Photis, I press it against my eyes: (4) The moment favors us, I tell him; grant me, I beg you, a shining pledge of your love: (5) give me a little of this ointment. By the charming globes of your breast, it is I who conjure you, and that such a benefit, which no price can pay, chains me forever under your laws; that, thanks to you, I may, new Cupid, hover around my Venus! (6) Yes! fox, my friend; but that's just telling me to go get the rods myself! Nice way to no longer fear these Thessalian cats! And this beautiful bird, tell me, where shall I run after it? when will I see it?
(III, 23, 1) Heaven preserve me from committing such infamy! I exclaimed. When I could, like the eagle, soar over the whole expanse of the heavens, make the messages of Jupiter or proudly carry his thunderbolt; that with joy they would see me, from the heights of the empyrean, fly back to the little nest that I love so much! (2) Yes, I swear by this knot in your hair, a charming knot that binds me; I prefer my Photis to everything. (3) And, moreover, when I think about it, once, by virtue of this friction, I will have decked myself out in such plumage, will I not have to avoid all habitation? The handsome, the amiable gallant that an owl! how the ladies must be tempted! (4) Sad bird of darkness, as soon as he shows himself in a house, it is up to who will catch him to nail him to the door, and make him expiate by a thousand torments his aspect of sinister omen. (5) But, really, I was forgetting: what words to say, what practices to observe, to get rid of all these feathers and become Lucius again? (6) In this regard, she said, you can rest easy. I learned from my mistress what to do to leave these borrowed forms and return to the human figure: (7) and will not believe that she instructed me out of the goodness of her soul; it is only to ensure on my part effective assistance on his return. (8) Besides, you see, it is with the most common herbs that such great effects take place: all you need is a little dill and a few bay leaves infused in spring water. She uses it in bath and drink.
(III, 24, 1) After repeating this instruction to me, she slips into the closet, not without trembling in all her limbs. She takes a small box (2) from the box, which I seize and kiss, begging her to allow me to fly. In the blink of an eye I get naked, and I plunge my two hands into the box. I fill them with ointment, and I rub myself from head to toe. (3) Then here I am beating the air with my arms, to imitate the movements of a bird; but no down, no more feathers; (6) what I have of hair thickens, and covers my whole body. My soft skin becomes leather. At my feet, in my hands, the five fingers merge and lock into a hoof; from the bottom of my spine a long tail comes out of me, (5) my face lengthens, my mouth splits, my nostrils open, and my lips become hanging; my ears prick up inordinately. (6) No more way to kiss my Photis; but a certain part (and this was all my consolation) had singularly gained by the exchange.
(III, 25, 1) It is all over; In vain do I consider my person, I see myself as an ass; and bird, no news. I wanted to complain to Photis; but already deprived of human action and speech, I could only stretch out my lower lip and look at her sideways, my eyes wet, addressing her a mute prayer. (2) No sooner had she seen me in this state than, bruising her face with both hands, she exclaimed: Unfortunate, I am lost! I was in such a hurry, I was so troubled... The resemblance of the boxes... I made a mistake; (3) but, fortunately, there is a very simple way to return from this metamorphosis. You have only to chew some roses, and you will quit this donkey face, and my Lucius will be restored to me. (4) Why must I not have prepared some garland of it as usual yesterday evening! you would not even have to bear the delay of this night. But be patient! at daybreak, I will be near you with the remedy.
(III, 26, 1) Such were his lamentations. I found myself a donkey indeed, and of Lucius become a beast of burden. But none the less I continued to reason like a human being: (2) I deliberated for a long time, on my own, whether I should not kill this execrable woman, by knocking her down with her feet or by tearing her with beautiful teeth. (3) A reflection stopped me: Photis dead, any chance of salvation for me was destroyed with her. (4) With downcast ears and shaking my head, I decided to devour my affront for a while; and, conforming to my present situation, I went to take my place in the stable beside my own horse. I also found there another donkey belonging to my former host Milon; (5) I said to myself: If there is a religion of instinct in beings deprived of speech, this horse must recognize me, and feel moved with sympathy; he's going to offer me a place, do me the honors of the rack and the feed. (6) But O Hospitaller Jupiter! O holy divinities, protectors of good faith! this noble steed, who had carried me, talks to himself with the other donkey; both agree against me, (7) dread me as a trimmer of their portion. They lower their ears in a sign of fury, and throw twenty kicks at me as I approach. (8) I see myself pushed away from the barley that with my own hands, I had spread the day before in front of this monster of domestic ingratitude. who had carried me, gives himself the word with the other donkey; both agree against me, (7) dread me as a trimmer of their portion. They lower their ears in a sign of fury, and throw twenty kicks at me as I approach. (8) I see myself pushed away from the barley that with my own hands, I had spread the day before in front of this monster of domestic ingratitude. who had carried me, gives himself the word with the other donkey; both agree against me, (7) dread me as a trimmer of their portion. They lower their ears in a sign of fury, and throw twenty kicks at me as I approach. (8) I see myself pushed away from the barley that with my own hands, I had spread the day before in front of this monster of domestic ingratitude.
(III, 27, 1) Thus ill-treated, I was forced to stand apart, and I retired to a corner of the stable. While I was reflecting on the insolence of my two comrades, promising myself to take good revenge on my rascal the next day, as soon as, by virtue of the roses, I should have become Lucius again, (2) I saw, halfway up the height of the pillar which supported the vault of the stable, a niche which had been dug there, and where was the image of the goddess Épone, because with garlands of roses still fresh. (3) Seeing the remedy for my ills, I surrender to hope. I stand up, raising my front feet as high as possible, and, neck outstretched, lips outstretched, I make every effort to reach as far as the garlands. (4) O fatality! while I strive like this, the valet charged by me to groom my horse every day notices my maneuver, and, getting up in anger: (5) There's no end to this cabbage rack, he says; just now he was angry with the food of our animals, now he is attacking the images of the gods! (6) Wait, animal sacrilege, I'm going to smash you the right way; at least you will only come out lame from my hands. As he spoke, he searched for something to fulfill his threat; (7) and, finding a fagot left there by chance, he chooses the biggest facing, still covered with its leaves, and begins to plow my poor spine with it. The game would not have ceased anytime soon; but suddenly there is a great noise in the neighborhood. A thousand knocks thunder against the door of your house; we shout to thieves! from all sides; my executioner is frightened and flees.

3A. AMONG THE BRIGANDS (III, 28, 1 - VII, 13, 7)
[except the Tale of Cupid and Psyche]


The departure with the brigands

(III, 28, 1) Soon we force our way in; a body of bandits invaded the whole interior, while another party, armed to the teeth, guarded all the exits. From various sides, neighbors come to help; but the brigands face them and push them back. (2) The torches reflecting on the naked swords illuminate the darkness, and the double glare of the iron and the flame produces the effect of the rising sun. (3) In the center of the house was a kind of store, well defended by any kind of closing and containing the treasures of Milo. (4) They break down the door with great blows of the axe, seize all the booty, pack it up hastily, and distribute the load among themselves. (5) But there are more burdens than carriers: in the embarrassment of so much wealth and reduced to expedients, they drag me from the stable with the other donkey and my horse, (6) pitilessly load us with what is heaviest in the luggage, and, the stick raised, push us out of the house, after having made a clean house there. One of them, however, remained alone behind, with the task of observing and reporting what would happen on the spot. The others, by dint of blows, make us win in style a pass away from the mountain. and to report what happened at the scene. The others, by dint of blows, make us win in style a pass away from the mountain. and to report what happened at the scene. The others, by dint of blows, make us win in style a pass away from the mountain.
(III, 29, 1) The enormity of my load, the steepness of the hill, the length of the road, had more than half killed me. The idea then occurred to me, a little late, but in earnest, to have recourse to public protection, to have the sacred name of the Emperor intervene for my deliverance. (2) It was broad daylight when we arrived in a town of some importance, where a market was held, and where consequently the crowd was considerable. I therefore wanted, finding myself in the midst of this Greek population, to certify the august name of Caesar in my mother tongue. (3) Oh! I exclaimed in the most expressive and articulate accent. But it was impossible for me to pronounce the word Caesar. (4) The thieves, impatient of this discordant dress, endlessly rain down a hail of blows on my poor skin, and put it out of a condition to serve even as a sieve. For a moment, however, Jupiter offered me a chance of salvation that I hardly expected. (5) Crossing several hamlets where there were some considerable dwellings, I see a pretty little garden, and there, among other flowers, roses in bud, still damp from the morning dew: (6) I approach it quivering with hope; and my outstretched lips were already near reaching it, when a wise reflection stopped me. (7) If I suddenly leave my donkey figure to become Lucius again, I say to myself, I expose myself to certain death; these thieves will take me for a magician, or fear revelations from me. (8) I therefore made a virtue of necessity; I passed in front of the roses without touching them, and, taking my troubles patiently, I walked on, chomping at the bit.

The oleander
(IV, 1, 1) It was near noon, and the sun was getting very hot. We stopped in a hamlet, with old people known to the thieves, and apparently their friends. (2) This is what I foretold at first, donkey that I was, of their long talks and their embraces. (3) Indeed, they took on my back various objects that were offered to them; and, as far as I could understand, they were whispered to them that it was on their part. (4) We are then completely unloaded, to let us graze freely in a nearby meadow. But I gave way to the other donkey and my horse during their meal: a dinner of hay was not yet to my liking. (5) However, as I was starving, I casually entered a small garden which I saw behind the stable: I found raw vegetables there for the ordinary, with which I never failed to fill my stomach. This meal done, I began to look everywhere, while invoking the gods, if in the adjoining gardens there would not appear somewhere a beautiful flowering rosebush because, the remedy found, (6) I hoped, thanks to solitude and with the help of some bush, to be able to leave incognito my humble figure of a quadruped, and straighten myself in human form.
(IV, 2, 1) While I lost myself in an ocean of reflections, I thought I saw at some distance a wooded valley, forming a thick shade. From a distance, my eyes were delighted by a delicious greenery, enamelled with a thousand flowers, among which the incarnate rose stood out vividly. (2) My imagination was not yet stupefied: so it suddenly depicted the favorite bocage of Venus and the Graces, and, under its mysterious foliage, the flower consecrated to the goddess blooming in all its royal brilliance. (3) So invoking the god of success, I set off at a gallop, with the speed, no longer of a donkey, but of a racehorse launched at full speed. (4) Vain effort! nothing served against my misfortune. (5) I approach; goodbye roses! farewell to these tender and delicate flowers, sprinkled with nectar and ambrosia! farewell to the divine bush and its mystical thorns! farewell even the valley! (6) I can only see the bank of a small river, bordered by a row of bushy trees, (7) of these trees with oblong leaves, imitating those of the laurel, and whose flower with an elongated calyx, of a pale red, (8) and completely odorless, has nonetheless usurped the name of oleander in the rustic vocabulary. It is deadly food for any animal. nevertheless usurped the name of oleander in the rustic vocabulary. It is deadly food for any animal. nevertheless usurped the name of oleander in the rustic vocabulary. It is deadly food for any animal.
(IV, 3, 1) But, in this fatal situation, determined to die, I persisted in wanting to eat these poisonous roses, (2) and I approached them, without too much haste however, when a young boy, apparently the gardener of the enclosure where I had made such a great ravage of vegetables, ran up, (3) exasperated by this damage, a long stick in his hand. The rogue thrashed me, and would have left me there, if I hadn't rescued myself at the right time. (4) I suddenly lifted my rump, and, unfastening it with forceful kicks, I threw it in rather bad condition against the escarpment of the bank. Then I took my race immediately. (5) But a woman (his own, no doubt), who from above had seen him knocked down and motionless, rushes towards him with lamentable howls, and imploring with loud cries, for her, a pity that the gaillarde wanted to turn to my detriment. (6) His grievances, in fact, stirred up the whole population of the village. That's what we call dogs; and each to stir up their rage to tear me to pieces. (7) This time, I thought I was at my last hour: to see a bunch of dogs, and what dogs! (all of strength fighting lions and bears!) unleashed together against me! (8) I take my side. I stop fleeing, and, retracing my steps, I return as quickly as possible to the stable where we had first entered. (9) The peasants, after having stopped their dogs with great difficulty, seize me, and attach me with a strong strap to a ring sealed in the wall; and then they start beating me again. Infallibly, I was going to be knocked out, (10) when my intestines,

The robbers' lair

(IV, 4, 1) It was past noon, and the sun was already setting. The thieves hastily reload us, greatly increasing my burden, and drive us out of the stable. (2) After a fairly long milking, I felt exhausted. I was crushed under the load, and all broken from the blows of the stick that I had received; the horns of my feet were worn; I limped and stumbled with every step. (3) Finding myself at the edge of a peacefully meandering stream, an idea occurred to me which I believed to be a happy one. I wanted, dexterously bending my knees, to let myself fall to the ground, (4) and not to budge despite all the blows in the world, even if they had to tear me to pieces, even if they had to cut me into pieces. (5) Invalid as I was, and close to giving up the ghost, it was the least that I could obtain my leave. Infallibly, I said to myself,
(IV, 5, 1) But a stroke of fate disturbed this beautiful combination. The other donkey, as if it had divined my thoughts, took the lead on me: there it is, simulating an excess of weariness, which throws itself down with all its baggage, (2) and remains on the ground stretched out as if dead. Blows with a stick, blows with a sting, nothing helped. They pull him in all directions, by the tail, by the legs, by the ears, to try to put him back on his feet: no sign of life. (3) Seeing at last that they were wasting their time, the thieves, after consulting among themselves, decide that there is no need to worry more about a dead donkey, if it is not made of stone. (4) His load is immediately shared between the horse and me. This done, they cut off his hocks with their swords, and, dragging him out of the way, do so, still breathing, rolling up and down a nearby precipice. (5) The fate of my unfortunate companion gave me food for thought. I made up my mind to renounce all fraudulent maneuvers and to behave with my masters like a donkey of probity. (6) I had also understood, by their speeches, that we would not be long in stopping definitively, and that their dwelling was not far. (7) We indeed arrived there, after having crossed a fairly gentle hill. We got rid of all our bundles to put them away; and, finally free from all burdens, I rolled around in the dust as a bath, to relax. (6) I had also understood, by their speeches, that we would not be long in stopping definitively, and that their dwelling was not far. (7) We indeed arrived there, after having crossed a fairly gentle hill. We got rid of all our bundles to put them away; and, finally free from all burdens, I rolled around in the dust as a bath, to relax. (6) I had also understood, by their speeches, that we would not be long in stopping definitively, and that their dwelling was not far. (7) We indeed arrived there, after having crossed a fairly gentle hill. We got rid of all our bundles to put them away; and, finally free from all burdens, I rolled around in the dust as a bath, to relax.
(IV, 6, 1) This is the place to describe the stay or rather the cave where the thieves lived. (2) Nice opportunity, moreover, to slip in a sample of my know-how, and to put my readers in a position to judge whether my mind and my taste are of an ass, as well as my face.
Imagine a mountain of the wildest aspect, with a crest bristling with a dark forest, and rising to a prodigious height. (3) Suppose at the bottom of its slopes an impenetrable belt of steep rocks, which, reinforced by a continuous trench of deep ravines, and cut by thorny bushes, form a double line of natural defence. (4) That from the summit springs an abundant spring, the wave of which vomited in great bubbles first pours in a series of silvery cascades, then divides into a multitude of small streams which end up collecting themselves in the ravines, where their united mass presents the appearance of a circular lake, or vast ditch of stagnant water. (5) That in front of the cave, which opens at the foot of the mountain, rise, to protect the entrance, a formidable tower; the intermediate space, closed on both sides by a strong palisade of trellises, will offer in its enclosure a convenient park for the cattle: the whole accessible only by a kind of narrow lane between two moles, straight as masonry walls. (6) Here, you will say, on my word, a den of thieves of the best conditioned. Besides, there was no dwelling in the whole vicinity, except a crude hut of reeds, where, as I have since learned, the sentry appointed by lot was posted every night to watch. a den of the best-conditioned thieves. Besides, there was no dwelling in the whole vicinity, except a crude hut of reeds, where, as I have since learned, the sentry appointed by lot was posted every night to watch. a den of the best-conditioned thieves. Besides, there was no dwelling in the whole vicinity, except a crude hut of reeds, where, as I have since learned, the sentry appointed by lot was posted every night to watch.
(IV, 7, 1) The thieves thread the narrow avenue one by one, and the arms tightened against the body. Arrived in front of the door, they attach us with strong belts; then there they are, shouting at a decrepit old woman, and, it seemed, the sole housekeeper of this band of scoundrels. (2) Let's go! Hey! scrap carcass, which hell does not want, which the earth no longer wants, are you kidding us for standing there with our arms crossed? Haven't we earned our supper well by so many perils and fatigues? Come on, aren't you going to give us anything, (3) you who day and night do nothing but swallow up our good wine in your abyss of belly? (4) The terrified old woman hastens to reply, in a broken and trembling voice: Hey! my good lords, my gentle masters, everything is ready. Excellent stews cooked to perfection, bread at will, wine to mouth what do you want, well rinsed glasses; and the hot water is there for your bath, as usual. (5) Thereupon, my people, putting on their clothes, expose their naked bodies to the steam: thus relaxed, and after having rubbed themselves well with oil, they prepare to do honor to the copious banquet.
(IV, 8, 1) No sooner were they at table than reinforcements came; they were other fellows composing a much more numerous troop, and that it was not difficult to recognize for what they were; (2) for they arrived laden with booty of all kinds, gold and silver coins, flatware, silk stuffs brocaded with gold, etc. (3) The bathing ceremony is repeated, and the newcomers take their places next to their comrades. The service is done by those designated by fate. (4) They all start eating and drinking outside of any rule, out of any measure; we stuff ourselves with food, we gobble up bread, we gobble up wine. (5) We do not talk, we vociferate; we don't sing, we shout; we throw, by way of good words, big insults in the head. It is the whole scene of the Centaurs and the Lapiths. (6) In the midst of the tumult, one of them, who surpassed all the others in strength, suddenly exclaims: We gallantly entered Milo of Hypate by force; we bravely took considerable booty there. Well! here we are back, all on our feet; and even, if it is worth saying, eight feet longer. (7) You others, who went to work in the cities of Boeotia, you bring back to us a lesser troop, and, what is worse, weakened by its intrepid leader Lamachus. I would give all the booty you have made, so that he was still here among us. (8) It was his courage that was his downfall; but he will be celebrated among the greatest kings and the most illustrious captains. (9) You, you are one of those discreet thieves good for domestic trickery,
(IV, 9, 1) Come on then, resumes one of the latest comers, don't you know that it's the big houses that give us the least trouble? (2) These thousands of servants, scattered in a vast and opulent residence, have only one thought, it is to guarantee each one his skin; they are very concerned about the riches of their master! (3) Quite the contrary, these little people, who scrape by in their corner, always fiercely defend their little hoard, sometimes very plump, and always well hidden. We would rather take their lives.

Chryseros and Lamachus

(4) Once in Thebes at the seven gates, our first care was to take, as people of the trade, our information on the fortune of each other. (5) It was not long before we learned that a certain banker, named Chryseros, had considerable funds at home. This man, in order to evade public functions and responsibilities, took the greatest care to conceal his great fortune. (6) He lived alone in his house, a meager retreat, but well closed; badly dressed, badly groomed, always brooding over his heaps of gold. (7) We agreed to exploit this one first, believing we had the bargain of a single man, and peacefully lay hands on his treasures.
(IV, 10, 1) Immediately at work. We will, at nightfall, keep watch in front of the door of Chryseros. To remove it from the hinges, to pick it, to force it, so many means which we gave up. It was double-sided; the noise could have drawn the whole neighborhood onto our arms. (2) Finally, Lamachus, our intrepid leader, with that determination you know from him, ventures to insert his hand through the hole in the key, trying to break the lock: (3) but of all the most perverse two-footed animals, Chryseros, who was watching us and following our every move, creeps closer, without the slightest sound; and, arming himself with an enormous nail, fixes with a sudden effort the hand of our leader to the wood of the door; (4) then leaving him to this traitorous gibbet, he climbs to the roof of his hut, starts shouting at the top of his voice to stir up the neighborhood: he calls everyone by name, and tries to spread the alarm by saying that his house has just caught fire. It is a danger to which the neighbors sympathize; also everyone to run to help.
(IV, 11, 1) Here we are in the alternative of perishing all there, or of abandoning a comrade. The situation was violent. We made an energetic decision: the patient himself demanded it. (2) With a precisely aimed blow to the knuckle, we separated the shoulder from the arm, abandoning the stump. Then, applying force cloth to the wound, so that no drop of blood would reveal our trace, we quickly drag away the rest of Lamachus. (3) The whole neighborhood was upside down. The danger was pressing; we only see salvation in a quick flight. (4) Lamachus feels that he could not keep pace with us, nor stay behind with impunity. It was then that this great soul, this heroic virtue showed itself entirely. He begs us, conjures us by the right arm of Mars, by the faith of the oath, to deliver him suddenly both from his present tortures and from the captivity which threatens him. (5) Dismembered from the arm that plunders and kills, can a brave thief desire to live? He would be only too happy to die by a friendly hand and of his own free will. (6) Finally seeing that he begged in vain, that no one offers to commit this parricide, with the hand that remains to him he seizes his sword, and, after having kissed it for a long time, resolutely passes it through his body. (7) We, filled with veneration for this act of sublime energy, we wrap with a cloth what remains to us of our magnanimous chief, and we entrust the deposit to the sea. There rests our Lamachus, with a whole element for a tomb; end generous and great like him. (5) Dismembered from the arm that plunders and kills, can a brave thief desire to live? He would be only too happy to die by a friendly hand and of his own free will. (6) Finally seeing that he begged in vain, that no one offers to commit this parricide, with the hand that remains to him he seizes his sword, and, after having kissed it for a long time, resolutely passes it through his body. (7) We, filled with veneration for this act of sublime energy, we wrap with a cloth what remains to us of our magnanimous chief, and we entrust the deposit to the sea. There rests our Lamachus, with a whole element for a tomb; end generous and great like him. (5) Dismembered from the arm that plunders and kills, can a brave thief desire to live? He would be only too happy to die by a friendly hand and of his own free will. (6) Finally seeing that he begged in vain, that no one offers to commit this parricide, with the hand that remains to him he seizes his sword, and, after having kissed it for a long time, resolutely passes it through his body. (7) We, filled with veneration for this act of sublime energy, we wrap with a cloth what remains to us of our magnanimous chief, and we entrust the deposit to the sea. There rests our Lamachus, with a whole element for a tomb; end generous and great like him. (6) Finally seeing that he begged in vain, that no one offers to commit this parricide, with the hand that remains to him he seizes his sword, and, after having kissed it for a long time, resolutely passes it through his body. (7) We, filled with veneration for this act of sublime energy, we wrap with a cloth what remains to us of our magnanimous leader, and we entrust the deposit to the sea. There rests our Lamachus, with a whole element for a tomb; end generous and great like him. (6) Finally seeing that he begged in vain, that no one offers to commit this parricide, with the hand that remains to him he seizes his sword, and, after having kissed it for a long time, resolutely passes it through his body. (7) We, filled with veneration for this act of sublime energy, we wrap with a cloth what remains to us of our magnanimous leader, and we entrust the deposit to the sea. There rests our Lamachus, with a whole element for a tomb; end generous and great like him. and we entrust its deposit to the sea. There rests our Lamachus, with an entire element for a tomb; end generous and great like him. and we entrust its deposit to the sea. There rests our Lamachus, with an entire element for a tomb; end generous and great like him.

Alcimus and the old woman

(IV, 12, 1) As for our comrade Alcime, who had maneuvered more subtly, his circumspection did not turn out better for him. (2) He had managed to break into the den of an old woman, and had gained the upper floor without waking her. He had to wring his neck first. But he amused himself by making us pass the furniture piece by piece through the window, which was wide enough to lend itself to the move; also he had dispatched it in the twinkling of an eye: (3) but not wanting to spare even the bunk, he rolled my old sleeper down the bed, and seized the blanket to make her take the same path. (4) The scoundrel immediately throws herself on her knees, and in a pleading voice: Hey what! my son, you strip a wretched old woman of all her poor clothes; and for whom? for rich people who give this window! (5) The rascal was lying; but Alcime let himself be taken in by it. He was afraid that he had only worked for the benefit of the neighbours. (6) So wanting to ensure the direction of what remained, he leans halfway up the window, casts his scrutinizing gaze around, concentrating above all on getting to know the chances of loot that this neighboring house of which he has been told about can offer. (7) While he proceeds to this recognition with more ardor than precaution, the old beggar pushes him unexpectedly, with a weak hand to tell the truth, but whose effort is enough, in the contemplative attitude where he remained as if suspended, to precipitate him from top to bottom. (8) The height was appalling; and the misfortune also wanted that, overlooking an enormous hewn stone that was there, he broke his vertebrae and his ribs. His agony was not long; he only had time to tell us what had happened, in a voice that barely came out. We gave him the same burial as Lamachus, who thus found himself in good company.

Demochares and Thrasyleon

(IV, 13, 1) Weakened by this double loss, we had to give up doing anything on Thebes. Platée touches it; we turned our steps in that direction. (2) There was much talk there, at the time of our arrival, of a spectacle of gladiators which a citizen named Demochares was going to give, of an illustrious birth and of a liberality equal to his fortune. The splendor of his festivals corresponded to his high position. (3) Indeed, there is neither talent nor eloquence that can give even an idea of ​​his immense preparations. (4) Its gladiators were chosen among the most renowned for their prowess, its hunters among the keenest runners. We saw there criminals doomed to the last torment, who were kept to fatten the ferocious beasts. (5) A house had been built of tenements, with multi-storey wooden towers; mobile building, decorated with fresh paintings, from where one could give oneself the spectacle of hunting. (6) And what a gathering of animals! what a variety of species! Demochares loved to amuse himself on a grand scale with the condemned delivered to the beasts, and knew how to put even the most distant countries to contribution. (7) But the most remarkable element of this magnificent set of theatrical representation was a rich collection of enormous bears, which the master spared nothing to procure. (8) He recruited her by his own hunts, by purchases at great expense, and also by the gifts of his friends, who showered him with gifts of this kind. His concern for his bears had constituted their upkeep on the grandest scale. adorned with fresh paintings, from which one could give oneself the spectacle of the hunt. (6) And what a gathering of animals! what a variety of species! Demochares loved to amuse himself on a grand scale with the condemned delivered to the beasts, and knew how to put even the most distant countries to contribution. (7) But the most remarkable element of this magnificent set of theatrical representation was a rich collection of enormous bears, which the master spared nothing to procure. (8) He recruited her by his own hunts, by purchases at great expense, and also by the gifts of his friends, who showered him with gifts of this kind. His concern for his bears had constituted their upkeep on the grandest scale. adorned with fresh paintings, from which one could give oneself the spectacle of the hunt. (6) And what a gathering of animals! what a variety of species! Demochares loved to amuse himself on a grand scale with the condemned delivered to the beasts, and knew how to put even the most distant countries to contribution. (7) But the most remarkable element of this magnificent set of theatrical representation was a rich collection of enormous bears, which the master spared nothing to procure. (8) He recruited her by his own hunts, by purchases at great expense, and also by the gifts of his friends, who showered him with gifts of this kind. His concern for his bears had constituted their upkeep on the grandest scale. (6) And what a gathering of animals! what a variety of species! Demochares loved to amuse himself on a grand scale with the condemned delivered to the beasts, and knew how to put even the most distant countries to contribution. (7) But the most remarkable element of this magnificent set of theatrical representation was a rich collection of enormous bears, which the master spared nothing to procure. (8) He recruited her by his own hunts, by purchases at great expense, and also by the gifts of his friends, who showered him with gifts of this kind. His concern for his bears had constituted their upkeep on the grandest scale. (6) And what a gathering of animals! what a variety of species! Demochares loved to amuse himself on a grand scale with the condemned delivered to the beasts, and knew how to put even the most distant countries to contribution. (7) But the most remarkable element of this magnificent set of theatrical representation was a rich collection of enormous bears, which the master spared nothing to procure. (8) He recruited her by his own hunts, by purchases at great expense, and also by the gifts of his friends, who showered him with gifts of this kind. His concern for his bears had constituted their upkeep on the grandest scale. and knew how to involve even the most distant countries. (7) But the most remarkable element of this magnificent set of theatrical representation was a rich collection of enormous bears, which the master spared nothing to procure. (8) He recruited her by his own hunts, by purchases at great expense, and also by the gifts of his friends, who showered him with gifts of this kind. His concern for his bears had constituted their upkeep on the grandest scale. and knew how to involve even the most distant countries. (7) But the most remarkable element of this magnificent set of theatrical representation was a rich collection of enormous bears, which the master spared nothing to procure. (8) He recruited her by his own hunts, by purchases at great expense, and also by the gifts of his friends, who showered him with gifts of this kind. His concern for his bears had constituted their upkeep on the grandest scale. and also by the generosity of his friends, who overwhelmed him with gifts of this kind. His concern for his bears had constituted their upkeep on the grandest scale. and also by the generosity of his friends, who overwhelmed him with gifts of this kind. His concern for his bears had constituted their upkeep on the grandest scale.
(IV, 14, 1) But fate saw with a jealous eye these splendid preparations, and the joys that the public promised itself. (2) The boredom of captivity, the heat of the heat wave, the deprivation of movement, affected the health of the bears; they were seen to suffer, to languish, to waste away: a contagious disease broke out, and swept them away almost to the last. (3) These large dying bodies cluttered the public places, as one sees the debris piling up on the coast after a shipwreck. And the poor people, to whom misery does not allow them to show themselves disgusted in the matter of food, who make their stomachs out of everything, especially when it costs nothing, flocked from all sides to this crossroads quarry. (4) We built on it, me and this good subject of Babulus, the ingenious conception here. (5) Among the dead was a bear that exceeded all the others in size. We took it to the place of our retreat, as if to make our meals out of it. (6) There we artistically remove the skin from above the flesh, taking great care to preserve the claws, and even leaving the muzzle intact from its junction with the neck. All this skin was carefully scraped inside, sprinkled with sieved ash, and then laid out in the sun to dry. (7) We, while this desiccation took place in the celestial fire, we bravely feasted with the meat of the animal. After which, we opened the campaign by the oath of which here is the content: (8) One of us, not so much the most robust as the most determined, was going, of his own free will of course, to lock himself in this skin and counterfeit the bear.
(IV, 15, 1) The role was new enough to find more than one amateur in the braves of our troop. Thrasyleon was chosen by a plurality of votes, and accepted the lucky disguise. So there he is, cheerfully decked out in this skin, which the preparation had made supple and manageable. (2) The two edges are then joined by a seam with tight stitches, the trace of which, already almost imperceptible, is completely concealed under the folded down hairs of the thick fur. (3) The head of Thrasyleon is lodged, with a little force, immediately below the opening of the mouth, at the place where the neck of the beast had been cut. Small holes are drilled in its eyes and nose so that it can see and breathe. Finally we get a cheap cage, and our intrepid comrade preludes to his role of bear, by plunging into it resolutely on all fours. (4) Our stratagem thus prepared, here is how we go about it to ensure its success.
(IV, 16, 1) We had unearthed the name of a certain Nicanor, a Thracian by nation, with whom Demochares was, it was said, in intimate relation. We fabricated a letter for him in which his good friend Nicanor offered him the first fruits of his hunt, to contribute to the ornament of his games. (2) And when the evening seemed fairly advanced to us, we took advantage of its shadow to present to Demochares our Thrasyleon in his cage, with the epistle of our way. (3) Our man showed himself as amazed at the size of the beast as he was delighted with the present which he was so appropriately given. He immediately makes us count ten pieces of gold. It was the bottom of his purse at the moment. (4) Anything new attracts a crowd. Our bear soon had a circle of admirers. But, by skilful displays of ferocity, he was careful to keep the curious at a distance. (5) The only talk in the city was of the happy star of Demochares, whom this good windfall compensated for the disaster of his menagerie, and enabled him to face up to anything. But here is Demochares who suddenly gives the order to take the bear to one of his lands, recommending the greatest care in transport.
(IV, 17, 1) There was no reason to quibble. Sir, I said to him very quickly, this beast is already tired from the heat and the long journey it has just made; I don't advise everyone to put her in contact with other bears, who are said to be in rather bad health. (2) Why don't you assign it here some fairly large, well-ventilated site, near woods and water, if possible? (3) These animals, as you know, prefer to haunt thickets and damp caves. They need the fresh air of the hills and pure waters. (4) Demochares was frightened, he recapitulated his losses, was docile to the advice, and allowed us to place the cage as we pleased. (5) Dispose of us all, I added, to spend the night in front of the cage. The animal suffered from heat and strain; with us who know his needs, he would more surely have his food at the right time, and to drink at his time. (6) It is useless for you to take this trouble, replied Demochares; the people in this house are all trained in the service of the bears.
(IV, 18, 1) Thereupon we bow, and off we go. We came out of the city gates, and quite far from the road, we saw a cemetery in a remote position and out of sight. (2) There were a number of coffins undermined by time, and whose decrepitude left almost uncovered bones which were already only ashes and dust. We opened a few at random, which we intended to conceal our future loot. (3) There we waited, according to the rule, for the good moment of the night, the hour when there is no moon, and when everyone sleeps from the first sleep, usually so strong and so deep. Our troop, arms in hand, is already guarding the door of Demochares. No one misses the call of looting. (4) For his part, Thrasyleon, no less vigilant, comes out of his cage, stabs his half-asleep guards one after the other, also dispatches the doorman, (5) seizes the key and opens the two doors. They were careful not to amuse themselves at the door; here we are in the house. He shows us an attic where his observant eye had discovered the deposit of a considerable treasure that evening. (6) In an instant the door is broken down by our united efforts. I order our companions to each take their entire load of gold or silver, to quickly go and hide it in the abode of the dead, to come back at full speed, and to begin again. (7) Me, during this time, I had to remain alone in front of the door, and keep watch in the common interest. Besides, the appearance of a bear walking up and down seemed to me a marvelous scarecrow to hold in respect those who would come to wake up. (8) There is neither courage nor intrepidity that comes from such an encounter, especially at night: everyone had to flee, and snuggle up all trembling behind good bolts.
(IV, 19, 1) Never were better measures taken. A mishap caused everything to fail: while I was listening intently for the return of my comrades, fate would have it that a page woke up at the noise. The little fellow, arriving on the sly, (2) sees the animal coming and going from top to bottom quite at ease. Quickly, without breathing, he retraces his steps and tells everyone what he has seen. (3) The house had a large servant. Everyone is on their feet: torches, lanterns, torches with candles or candles, etc., instantly chase away the darkness. (4) Everyone is armed with sticks, spears, naked swords. All passages are guarded. (5) The big-eared, bristly-haired pack is detached; it is launched against the beast.
(IV, 20, 1) In the midst of the uproar which increased from moment to moment, I decided to retreat. But, hidden behind the door, I could clearly see Thrasyleon facing the dogs with the best countenance possible. (2) Reduced to the bare bones, he continued, already in the teeth of Cerberus, to show himself worthy of him, of us, of his ancient prowess, (3) supporting until death the role he had voluntarily taken on. Thrasyleon sometimes fled, sometimes faced the enemy. He did so well by dint of cunning and agility that he managed to reach the door. He was free at last; but his retreat was cut off. (4) Now all the neighborhood dogs, emerging from the first street corner, come, as numerous as they are relentless, to bring reinforcements to the pack. (5) The awful, the cruel spectacle that I had then! poor Thrasyleon assailed on all sides by this enraged band, which was tearing him to pieces! (6) My heart was sorry. In the end, I couldn't stand it; I mingled with the surrounding groups; (7) and, addressing myself to the main hunters of this hunt, the only means I had of intervening, without compromising myself, in favor of our brave comrade: What a murder! I exclaimed; sacrifice this beautiful animal! a beast of such great price! I exclaimed; sacrifice this beautiful animal! a beast of such great price! I exclaimed; sacrifice this beautiful animal! a beast of such great price!
(IV, 21, 1) But the unfortunate man gained nothing from all my eloquence. A tall, sturdy fellow runs out of the house and, without hesitating, drives a spear through the middle of his bear chest. Another does the same, and soon, all recovering from their fright, charging at will with great swings of his sword. (2) Thrasyleon, honor of the troop, they were able to take away your life, this life which was to be immortal, but not to triumph over your constancy, but not to snatch from you a cry, or even a howl, which betrays the sworn faith! (3) Torn by the teeth, mutilated by iron, you have not for a moment denied your role; it was still the growl, the quivering of the bear at bay. Your devotion costs you your existence but, in spite of the fate, the glory remains with you. (4) However he had caused so much fear, so much terror in all this crowd, that until broad daylight, and even a long time afterwards, no one had dared to touch, even with the tip of the finger, the monster lying lifeless. (5) Finally after much hesitation, a butcher, bolder than the rest, opened the belly of the beast, and the body of the heroic brigand then appeared under this remains. (6) This is how Thrasyleon is lost to his friends; but his memory is imperishable. As for us, after having collected all our bundles, of which the excellent dead proved to be faithful depositaries, we quickly left the territory of Plataea, not without more than once reflecting that it was quite simple that one no longer found good faith in the commerce of life, since in hatred of the perversity of the living, it had taken refuge among the dead. (7) In summary, we arrive very tired from having carried heavy loads and walked hard. Three of us are missing, and here is our spoils.
(IV, 22, 1) This story ended, they take golden cups, and make libations of pure wine in memory of their deceased comrades. We then sing hymns in honor of the god Mars, and then we take some rest. (2) As for us, the old woman brought us new barley, at discretion and without measuring it. My horse had never been at such a party; it was for him a real meal of Saliens. (3) Note that I left him my share. I'm quite a barley lover; but I must have it well pounded and cooked while simmering in the broth. (5) Now, while searching from corner to corner, I ended up finding the one where we put the leftover bread from supper. Immediately I began to play valiantly with my jaws. Since the time that I was fasting, my throat could well have lined with cobwebs.

Charity's debut

(IV, 22, 6) As the night advances, the thieves wake up, and decamp variously dressed: some armed, others disguised as ghosts. Soon the whole gang was away. However, I continued to eat strong and steady, despite the desire to sleep that was beginning to overtake me. When I was Lucius, a loaf or two sufficed my appetite, but since then I had come across a belly of a much different magnitude to fill; and I was already brooding over the third basket when, to my shame, daylight caught me in this occupation.
(IV, 23, 1) So as not to depart from the proverbial sobriety of the species, I then took a break, to my great regret, and went to quench my thirst in a nearby stream. The thieves were not long in returning, looking worried and troubled, (2) bringing back no booty, not the slightest herd. But they were returning en masse, all swords in hand, and leading with enough respect (3) a young girl of high status, judging by her appearance, and such that an ass of my kind could not see her with impunity, I assure you. The unfortunate woman was in despair; she was tearing her hair and tearing her clothes. (4) Once in the cave, the thieves tried in their own way to calm his mind. Your life and your honour, they said, are here in safety. A bit of patience; just let us play our cards right. It's misery that has reduced us to the job we do. (5) Your parents are rolling in gold, and, although hard to loosen up, they will not go to their ears to put a suitable ransom on their blood.
(IV, 24, 1) In vain they said, the young girl was not less distressed: she let her head fall on her knees, and began to cry more bitterly than ever. (2) The thieves then call the old woman, order her to sit with the prisoner, and do her best to indoctrinate her: (3) but whatever the latter might say, the tears did not stop going their way; they even repeated. (4) Unhappy that I am! she cried; I, born of such blood! so beautifully combined! surrounded by such devoted servants! so dear to the venerable authors of my days! to see me unworthily ravished, reduced to the worst slavery, imprisoned like the last of creatures under this horrible rock! (5) Where are all these delights I was born to, nurtured into? Ah! if I were left alive, if I had to spend it in this den of carnage, in the midst of this horde of frightful brigands, of atrocious murderers, how could one not shed tears of blood? how to endure existence? (6) These lamentations lasted for some time. Finally, overwhelmed by her pain, exhausted by her cries and broken in all her limbs, she drops her heavy eyelids and falls asleep for a moment.
(IV, 25, 1) It was not for long: barely dozed off, she woke up with a start, and, in a frenzied transport, gave herself up to an even more violent paroxysm of pain. She bruised her chest and did not spare her charming face. (2) And as the old woman asked earnestly what brought back these signs of despair: (3) Ah! she said with a deep moan, I'm lost, lost helplessly! Farewell to all hope. It only remains for me to hang myself, to pierce my breast, or to throw myself into a precipice. (4) The old woman then got angry. She said to him, frowning: What does this overflow of grief mean, after having slept so well? (5) Would you have any intention, beautiful, of defrauding these brave people of the price of your ransom? (6) Carry on, and you will have to deal with me, and all your tears will not prevent you from burning alive. This kind of music, you see, hardly succeeds here.
(IV, 26, 1) The threat frightened the poor girl; she covered the old woman's hand with kisses: Grace! my mother, she said to him; I am so unhappy! (2) No, the age that has matured you has not, under your venerable white hair, extinguished all compassion in your heart. Let me unroll before you the picture of my misfortune.
(3) I was engaged to a handsome young man distinguished among all those of his age, and whom the city had all with one voice adopted as its son. He was my cousin, and barely three years older than me. (4) Nourished by the same care, we had grown up close to each other under the same roof, in the same room, sharing the same bed. Later, united in the holy knots of the tenderest affection, (5) we mutually pledged our faith to each other by a promise of marriage. Already the title of my husband had been conferred on him by the consent of my family and by public acts. Surrounded by a large procession of relatives and allies, he preluded our union by offering sacrifices to the gods in all the temples. Our house, carpeted with laurel, shone with fires, resounded with hymn songs. (6) My poor mother, holding her daughter on her knees, adjusted my nuptial finery, covered my forehead with kisses, and already, according to her ardent wishes, saw herself reborn in hope in a numerous posterity; (7) when the sudden irruption of a troop of armed people suddenly makes naked swords shine in our eyes, and frightens the whole house with the most threatening demonstrations. They refrain, however, from killing or looting; but, formed in close columns, they rush into our apartment. (8) None of ours thinks of repelling them, or even putting themselves in defense. Distraught and trembling, I fainted on my mother's breast. They came to take me away. Thus, like those of Athrax and Protesilaus, our wedding changed into a scene of trouble and desolation. holding her daughter on her knees, adjusted my nuptial finery, covered my forehead with kisses, and already, according to her ardent wishes, saw herself reborn in hope in a numerous posterity; (7) when the sudden irruption of a troop of armed people suddenly makes naked swords shine in our eyes, and frightens the whole house with the most threatening demonstrations. They refrain, however, from killing or looting; but, formed in close columns, they rush into our apartment. (8) None of ours thinks of repelling them, or even putting themselves in defense. Distraught and trembling, I fainted on my mother's breast. They came to take me away. Thus, like those of Athrax and Protesilaus, our wedding changed into a scene of trouble and desolation. holding her daughter on her knees, adjusted my nuptial finery, covered my forehead with kisses, and already, according to her ardent wishes, saw herself reborn in hope in a numerous posterity; (7) when the sudden irruption of a troop of armed people suddenly makes naked swords shine in our eyes, and frightens the whole house with the most threatening demonstrations. They refrain, however, from killing or looting; but, formed in close columns, they rush into our apartment. (8) None of ours thinks of repelling them, or even putting themselves in defense. Distraught and trembling, I fainted on my mother's breast. They came to take me away. Thus, like those of Athrax and Protesilaus, our wedding changed into a scene of trouble and desolation. adjusted my nuptial finery, covered my forehead with kisses, and already, according to her ardent wishes, saw herself reborn in hope in a numerous posterity; (7) when the sudden irruption of a troop of armed people suddenly makes naked swords shine in our eyes, and frightens the whole house with the most threatening demonstrations. They refrain, however, from killing or looting; but, formed in close columns, they rush into our apartment. (8) None of ours thinks of repelling them, or even putting themselves in defense. Distraught and trembling, I fainted on my mother's breast. They came to take me away. Thus, like those of Athrax and Protesilaus, our wedding changed into a scene of trouble and desolation. adjusted my nuptial finery, covered my forehead with kisses, and already, according to her ardent wishes, saw herself reborn in hope in a numerous posterity; (7) when the sudden irruption of a troop of armed people suddenly makes naked swords shine in our eyes, and frightens the whole house with the most threatening demonstrations. They refrain, however, from killing or looting; but, formed in close columns, they rush into our apartment. (8) None of ours thinks of repelling them, or even putting themselves in defense. Distraught and trembling, I fainted on my mother's breast. They came to take me away. Thus, like those of Athrax and Protesilaus, our wedding changed into a scene of trouble and desolation. according to his ardent wishes, saw himself reborn in hope in a numerous posterity; (7) when the sudden irruption of a troop of armed people suddenly makes naked swords shine in our eyes, and frightens the whole house with the most threatening demonstrations. They refrain, however, from killing or looting; but, formed in close columns, they rush into our apartment. (8) None of ours thinks of repelling them, or even putting themselves in defense. Distraught and trembling, I fainted on my mother's breast. They came to take me away. Thus, like those of Athrax and Protesilaus, our wedding changed into a scene of trouble and desolation. according to his ardent wishes, saw himself reborn in hope in a numerous posterity; (7) when the sudden irruption of a troop of armed people suddenly makes naked swords shine in our eyes, and frightens the whole house with the most threatening demonstrations. They refrain, however, from killing or looting; but, formed in close columns, they rush into our apartment. (8) None of ours thinks of repelling them, or even putting themselves in defense. Distraught and trembling, I fainted on my mother's breast. They came to take me away. Thus, like those of Athrax and Protesilaus, our wedding changed into a scene of trouble and desolation. saw himself reborn in hope in a numerous posterity; (7) when the sudden irruption of a troop of armed people suddenly makes naked swords shine in our eyes, and frightens the whole house with the most threatening demonstrations. They refrain, however, from killing or looting; but, formed in close columns, they rush into our apartment. (8) None of ours thinks of repelling them, or even putting themselves in defense. Distraught and trembling, I fainted on my mother's breast. They came to take me away. Thus, like those of Athrax and Protesilaus, our wedding changed into a scene of trouble and desolation. saw himself reborn in hope in a numerous posterity; (7) when the sudden irruption of a troop of armed people suddenly makes naked swords shine in our eyes, and frightens the whole house with the most threatening demonstrations. They refrain, however, from killing or looting; but, formed in close columns, they rush into our apartment. (8) None of ours thinks of repelling them, or even putting themselves in defense. Distraught and trembling, I fainted on my mother's breast. They came to take me away. Thus, like those of Athrax and Protesilaus, our wedding changed into a scene of trouble and desolation. They refrain, however, from killing or looting; but, formed in close columns, they rush into our apartment. (8) None of ours thinks of repelling them, or even putting themselves in defense. Distraught and trembling, I fainted on my mother's breast. They came to take me away. Thus, like those of Athrax and Protesilaus, our wedding changed into a scene of trouble and desolation. They refrain, however, from killing or looting; but, formed in close columns, they rush into our apartment. (8) None of ours thinks of repelling them, or even putting themselves in defense. Distraught and trembling, I fainted on my mother's breast. They came to take me away. Thus, like those of Athrax and Protesilaus, our wedding changed into a scene of trouble and desolation.
(IV, 27, 1) Just now a frightful dream renewed for me these cruel images, and put the climax to my disaster. (2) I saw myself violently torn from the house, from the bedroom and even from the nuptial bed. I was dragged into a dreadful desert, and I implored loudly the name of my unfortunate husband. (3) No sooner does he notice my abduction than, all covered in perfumes, and the crown of flowers still on his head, he starts running after me who was being taken away. (4) Desperate for the abduction of his wife, he implored with loud cries the help of the public force, when one of the kidnappers, outraged by this stubborn pursuit, picked up an enormous stone, and mortally struck my young and unfortunate husband. The shock caused by this dreadful dream put an end to my fatal sleep.
(5) The old woman then, entering into her grief, speaks to her thus: Courage, mistress! do not allow us to go to the vain terrors of a dream. The images produced by daytime sleep are said to be quite insignificant; and most often, dreams that we have at night, it is the opposite course that we must take. (6) To cry, to be beaten and sometimes to be murdered is an omen of gain and success; (7) While laughing, stuffing oneself with sweets, enjoying the pleasure of love, are all signs of grief, illness, or some other misadventure. (8) Here, let me distract you with some interesting story: I know more than one old woman's tale. And it begins like this:

[THE TALE OF LOVE AND PSYCHE]
Lucius and Charity's failed escape attempt

(VI, 25, 1) This is what this doting old lady told between two wines to the beautiful captive. And I, who was listening a few steps away, bitterly regretted not having a stylus or tablets to write down this charming fiction. (2) At this time, the thieves are returning laden with booty. They seemed to have fought a hard fight; which did not prevent some of the most resolute from being impatient to set out again. They had to bring back, they said, a remnant of their catch which had remained hidden in a cave. The wounded could stay at home and dress their wounds. (3) Thereupon they hastily devour their dinner, and off they go, taking my horse and me with us, and not sparing us the stick. (4) After having turned, turned, ascended, descended a hundred and a hundred times, towards evening we arrive at a cave. They loaded us with a number of parcels, and, without letting us breathe, they made us retrace our steps in great haste. Their haste was such that, by dint of beating me, (5) they made me stumble against a stone placed along the way, and I fell down. A hail of blows made me get up with great difficulty, all crippled in my right leg and left hoof.
(VI, 26, 1) One of them began to say: What good is it to feed this exhausted donkey any longer, and who is lame on top of that? On my word, said another, since that unfortunate thug set foot in our house, nothing has worked for us. We have gained strength and lost the best in our world. (2) What I can answer, adds a third, is that as soon as he has somehow brought his luggage back to our mountain, I will make him tumble down head first, to make the vultures happy. (3) My gentle masters were still talking about the kind of death they had in store for me, when we had already arrived at the cave; because fear had given me wings. (4) In the twinkling of an eye the burdens are laid down, and, no longer caring whether I live or die, they join their wounded comrades and complete the transport by hand, bored, they said, by the slowness of their beasts of burden. (5) However my concern was not small when thinking of the threats of which I had been the object. Well! Lucius, I said to myself, what are you waiting for? these robbers have decided upon your death, a dreadful death, (6) and the preparations for it will soon be made. You see these salient angles, these points of rocks. Your limbs will be in pieces before they hit the ground; (7) because, with all your magic, you knew how to take from the donkey its form and its miseries, but not its thick leather; your skin is still as thin as a leech's. Why don't you take some energetic part for your deliverance, while it is possible? (8) The occasion is most beautiful. This old woman is breathless: is it a supervisor like her who stops you? A kick of your lame foot will make you right. But where to flee? where to find asylum? (9) Stupid apprehension! that's good reasoning like a donkey. Won't the first passer-by be happy to have you as a mount?
(VI, 27, 1) That said, with a vigorous effort I break off my halter, and I begin to play with all four legs. But my movement had not escaped the hawk's eyes of the accursed old woman. With a resolution that one would not have expected from her sex or her age, she grabbed my halter as soon as she saw me at large, and tried to hold me back and retie me. (2) The prospect of the treatment the thieves were keeping me made me ruthless. I gave him a kick that laid him on the floor; (3) but the unfortunate woman, upset as she was, stubbornly clings to the lanyard, and has herself dragged a few steps while screaming, to get a hand; (4) but she shouted to no purpose: no one was within reach, except the young prisoner. (5) She comes running to the noise, and sees (memorable spectacle) a Dircé with white hair, pulled by a donkey in the guise of a bull. With a very virile energy, she immediately tries the most daring blow. (6) She snatches the belt from the hands of the old woman, flatters me with her voice to make me stop, jumps nimbly on my back, and makes me bolt at full speed.
(VI, 28, 1) I, who only aspired to escape, who was burning to save the young girl, and who, moreover, received from her some manual warning from time to time, I set off at a gallop like a real racehorse, not without trying to give of my throat to answer her soft voice. (2) Sometimes even turning my head, as if to scratch my back, I ventured to kiss her charming feet. Finally, heaving a deep sigh, and addressing heaven with the most fervent expression: (3) Great gods! she cried, help me in this frightful peril. And you, cruel Fortune, finally stop persecuting me! Isn't it enough for your altars of the torments that I have suffered? (4) And you, my liberator, my saviour, if by your help I can return to my father's hearth, if you return me to my father, to my mother, to the charming young man to whom I was promised, what thanks shall I not owe you? How I will pamper you! what dear I will make you do! (5) This mane will be combed, adorned with my hands; I will divide in beautiful tufts the bouquet of your forehead; the bristles of your tail, which I see so tangled and so rough because they are never washed, I want, by dint of care, to make them clean and shiny: (6) you will have gold collars, a harness raised in gold dimples; you will shine with all the fires of the firmament; you will only march in triumph, in the midst of public acclamations; every day you will fatten yourself on almonds and sweets, offered by my own hand in a silk apron. (5) This mane will be combed, adorned with my hands; I will divide in beautiful tufts the bouquet of your forehead; the bristles of your tail, which I see so tangled and so rough because they are never washed, I want, by dint of care, to make them clean and shiny: (6) you will have gold collars, a harness raised in gold dimples; you will shine with all the fires of the firmament; you will only march in triumph, in the midst of public acclamations; every day you will fatten yourself on almonds and sweets, offered by my own hand in a silk apron. (5) This mane will be combed, adorned with my hands; I will divide in beautiful tufts the bouquet of your forehead; the bristles of your tail, which I see so tangled and so rough because they are never washed, I want, by dint of care, to make them clean and shiny: (6) you will have gold collars, a harness raised in gold dimples; you will shine with all the fires of the firmament; you will only march in triumph, in the midst of public acclamations; every day you will fatten yourself on almonds and sweets, offered by my own hand in a silk apron. a harness raised in gold dimples; you will shine with all the fires of the firmament; you will only march in triumph, in the midst of public acclamations; every day you will fatten yourself on almonds and sweets, offered by my own hand in a silk apron. a harness raised in gold dimples; you will shine with all the fires of the firmament; you will only march in triumph, in the midst of public acclamations; every day you will fatten yourself on almonds and sweets, offered by my own hand in a silk apron.
(VI, 29, 1) It is little of exquisite food, of complete rest, of all the sweetnesses of the existence: I want that your life is still embellished by the honors and the glory. (2) I want, by a lasting monument, to perpetuate the memory of this adventure, and of my gratitude for the goodness of the gods. In the vestibule of my home, a votive painting will retrace the image of our escape. (3) We will see figured, we will hear told, we will read in fine books, down to the most remote posterity, the naive story of The young princess delivered from captivity by a donkey. (4) Antiquity will count you among its marvels; your example will make believable, and the transport of Phryxus on the back of a ram, and the dolphin disciplined by Arion, and the bull offering himself for mount to Europa. (5) Jupiter could well have moaned in the form of an ox: who knows if under this figure of a donkey are not hiding the features of a man, of a god perhaps? (6) While the young girl was thus expressing wishes interspersed with frequent sighs, we come to a crossroads. There, seizing the bridle, she tries to make me turn to the right, because that was the path that led to her parents' house. (7) I who knew that it was in this direction that the thieves had gone to seek the rest of their booty, I resisted with all my strength, addressing to him this mute supplication: What are you doing, unhappy child? what are you doing ? it is throwing you into an abyss. Where do you want to take me? You will consume your loss and mine at the same time. (8) While we were there, each one pulling at his own, as in a question of property or demarcation, although it was basically only a question of going to the right or to the left, here we were suddenly face to face with the thieves who were returning loaded with their booty. They had recognized us from afar in the moonlight, and greeted us with their laughter. here we are suddenly face to face with the thieves who were returning loaded with their booty. They had recognized us from afar in the moonlight, and greeted us with their laughter. here we are suddenly face to face with the thieves who were returning loaded with their booty. They had recognized us from afar in the moonlight, and greeted us with their laughter.
(VI, 30, 1) One of them addresses us in these terms: Where are you going so fast at this hour? Are you not afraid of the Larvae or the Manes in your nocturnal excursions? (2) The honest girl is probably going to see her dear parents in secret? Well! we will give him good company, show him the shortest way. (3) The gesture follows; and, with one hand grabbing my halter, the thief forces me to turn back, not without making me renew my acquaintance with the gnarled stick he was holding with the other. (4) So pitifully back to the prospect of certain death, I suddenly remember my foot pain, and I start limping again, shaking my head. (5) Ah! Oh! said the one who had just made me turn around, there you are hobbling and chopping again. These rotten feet, which know how to flee so well, wouldn't know how to walk, You would have defied the wings of Pegasus a little while ago. (6) During this pleasant joke, accompanied by the game of his stick, we arrive at the outer palisade of the cave. There we saw the old woman hanging from the high branch of a high cypress. (7) They untie her, and, without taking the trouble to remove the rope that was squeezing her neck, throw her to the bottom of a precipice. Then, after garrotting the young girl, they throw themselves like hungry wolves on the meal that the posthumous zeal of the unfortunate old woman had prepared for them. There we saw the old woman hanging from the high branch of a high cypress. (7) They untie her, and, without taking the trouble to remove the rope that was squeezing her neck, throw her to the bottom of a precipice. Then, after garrotting the young girl, they throw themselves like hungry wolves on the meal that the posthumous zeal of the unfortunate old woman had prepared for them. There we saw the old woman hanging from the high branch of a high cypress. (7) They untie her, and, without taking the trouble to remove the rope that was squeezing her neck, throw her to the bottom of a precipice. Then, after garrotting the young girl, they throw themselves like hungry wolves on the meal that the posthumous zeal of the unfortunate old woman had prepared for them.
(VI, 31, 1) While devouring it, my gluttons begin to deliberate on our punishment and their revenge. As in any turbulent assembly, everyone had their opinion. This one opined that the patient should be burned alive, that one advised that she be handed over to the ferocious beasts, a third wanted her to be put on the cross. A fourth proposed to dismember her by torture. (2) Moreover, the ballot was unanimous for the death penalty. Then one of the band requests silence, and expresses himself calmly as follows: (3) Our principles, our common leniency, my personal moderation, are repugnant to cruelty, to the exaggeration of tortures. No ferocious beasts, no gallows, no stake, no pincers. I wouldn't even want any of those violent means that hasten death. (4) If you believe me, you will let this young girl live, but with the life she deserves. You have doubtless not forgotten your firm resolution with regard to this donkey, so lazy at work, so diligent at the rack, who now plays the cripple, after having been the agent and accomplice of this unfortunate woman. (5) That tomorrow, therefore, without further delay, we cut off his neck, that we open his belly, and that after having removed the entrails, we enclose there this creature that he preferred to us; let it be sewn there as in a sack, (6) so as to imprison it entirely, and to allow only the head to pass. Then show me this donkey, stuffed in this way and well stitched up, on some point of rock, to the rays of a burning sun. You have doubtless not forgotten your firm resolution with regard to this donkey, so lazy at work, so diligent at the rack, who now plays the cripple, after having been the agent and accomplice of this unfortunate woman. (5) That tomorrow, therefore, without further delay, we cut off his neck, that we open his belly, and that after having removed the entrails, we enclose there this creature that he preferred to us; let it be sewn there as in a sack, (6) so as to imprison it entirely, and to allow only the head to pass. Then show me this donkey, stuffed in this way and well stitched up, on some point of rock, to the rays of a burning sun. You have doubtless not forgotten your firm resolution with regard to this donkey, so lazy at work, so diligent at the rack, who now plays the cripple, after having been the agent and accomplice of this unfortunate woman. (5) That tomorrow, therefore, without further delay, we cut off his neck, that we open his belly, and that after having removed the entrails, we enclose there this creature that he preferred to us; let it be sewn there as in a sack, (6) so as to imprison it entirely, and to allow only the head to pass. Then show me this donkey, stuffed in this way and well stitched up, on some point of rock, to the rays of a burning sun. after having been the agent and accomplice of this unfortunate woman. (5) That tomorrow, therefore, without further delay, we cut off his neck, that we open his belly, and that after having removed the entrails, we enclose there this creature that he preferred to us; let it be sewn there as in a sack, (6) so as to imprison it entirely, and to allow only the head to pass. Then show me this donkey, stuffed in this way and well stitched up, on some point of rock, to the rays of a burning sun. after having been the agent and accomplice of this unfortunate woman. (5) That tomorrow, therefore, without further delay, we cut off his neck, that we open his belly, and that after having removed the entrails, we enclose there this creature that he preferred to us; let it be sewn there as in a sack, (6) so as to imprison it entirely, and to allow only the head to pass. Then show me this donkey, stuffed in this way and well stitched up, on some point of rock, to the rays of a burning sun. and let only the head pass. Then show me this donkey, stuffed in this way and well stitched up, on some point of rock, to the rays of a burning sun. and let only the head pass. Then show me this donkey, stuffed in this way and well stitched up, on some point of rock, to the rays of a burning sun.
(VI, 32, 1) This procedure unites in substance all the judicious propositions which have been made against the two culprits. The donkey finds there a long-deserved death; the girl will in fact be delivered to the beasts, when the worms gnaw her limbs: she will suffer the torture of fire, when the ardor of the sun has heated the animal's leather; the tortures of the gibbet, when the dogs and the vultures come to tear out his entrails. (2) But let us enumerate a little what she will have to suffer in addition. Alive, living in the belly of a dead animal, being suffocated by this cadaverous infection, feeling undermined by hunger, and unable to use one's arms to kill oneself. (3) At these words, all, without moving anyone, but with a common voice, accede with transport to this proposal.

[SEVENTH BOOK]
The arrival of Hemus the Thracian brigand
(VII, 1, 1) Dawn had dissipated the darkness, and already the sparkling chariot of the sun was beginning to illuminate the face of the earth, when I saw a man of the band coming; which I easily recognized by the way we approached each other. (2) The newcomer sat down at the entrance to the cavern, and, after catching his breath, communicated the following details to his comrades: (3) All is well with regard to Milon, that bourgeois of Hypate whom we lately robbed. You know, brave companions, that I stayed behind when you returned to our fortress, after making a clean house with him. So I mingled with the agitated groups that were forming on the spot, (4) pretending sometimes to feel sorry for myself, sometimes to be indignant at the adventure. I wanted to know how we would inform about our exploit and what direction the research would take, all in order to make my report to you, as you had prescribed. (5) Numerous indications, and which had all the characteristics of evidence, had brought together suspicions on a certain Lucius; and it was he who was universally designated as having directed the blow. This individual, who, a few days before, had presented himself to Milo as a good man, with the help of forged letters of recommendation, had, it was said, succeeded in introducing himself far into his good graces. (6) He had been treated as a guest, admitted into the intimacy of the family and detained for several days; what the fellow had taken advantage of to play the lover near the servant and seduce her, examine the locks closely,
(VII, 2, 1) A significant particularity was cited. The very night of the robbery, this Lucius had decamped, and he had not been seen again. Moreover, and no doubt to secure his retreat and put himself out of the reach of prosecution sooner, he had brought along a white horse, his ordinary mount. (2) They had indeed seized his servant, whom he had left at home; and, in the hope of some revelation, the magistrates had him thrown into the prisons of the city; but the next day they had applied to the question and tortured this man almost to death, (3) without drawing any confession from him. Several emissaries had been dispatched to the country of Lucius to seek out the culprit and deliver him to justice.
(4) During this story, I groaned in the depths of my soul, comparing my previous condition to my present abjection, the brilliant Lucius of the past to the poor donkey of today. I realized then, for the first time, how right there is in that allegory of the old moralists, Fortune deprived of eyes. (5) Do we not always see her, in fact, lavishing her goods on the wicked and the unworthy? Is reason ever consulted in its choices? And who does she prefer to visit? Precisely those from whom, clairvoyant, she would keep the furthest away. (6) By it, finally, what diversity or rather what aberration in the judgments of men! It surrounds the pervert with a halo of probity, and puts innocence itself at the mercy of the most culpable mouths.
(VII, 3, 1) I, of whom, by a cruel game, she had made a beast, a quadruped, which she had treated in such a way as to make me an object of pity for the most hardened hearts, I saw myself as the height of the accused of theft, to the detriment of a guest whom I cherished. (2) What am I saying? worse still, parricide. And I couldn't relax, or even open my mouth to say, No. (3) It was not possible for me, however, to acquiesce completely by my silence to this horrible accusation, and, in the excess of my irritation, I tried to shout: No, I did not do so. (4) I am good at braying the first word several times; but there was no way, whatever I did, to articulate the second. So I stuck to that first syllable, well and duly vociferated: No, no. All with a desperate jaw opening, and a no less disproportionate parting of my hanging lips. (5) But what is the use of moaning in particular about each of my disgraces, when Fortune had been able to reduce me to condition and associate me with the work of the animal which served as my mount?
(VII, 4, 1) However, in the middle of the agitation of my mind, one thought always took over. The decree of the thieves who sacrificed me to the ghosts of the young girl came back to me, and I looked pitifully below me, as if my poor belly was already undergoing this fatal pregnancy. (2) However the bandit who had just debited so many calumnies on my account drew a thousand gold crowns, hidden in the lining of his clothes. It was the product of contributions levied on various travellers, and which his honesty, he said, made it his duty to pay into the common savings. He then inquired with interest about the health of his comrades. (3) Learning that a certain number of them, and the bravest, had variously succumbed, all as people of heart, he gave notice to temporarily leave the highways alone, and, all expedition adjourned, to occupy himself only with filling the gaps by enlistment or constraint, in order to put the warlike company back on its old footing. (4) It is necessary, he said, to act on the recalcitrant by terror, on men of good will by the lure of rewards. For how many people, slaves or poor wretches, is our condition not preferable to the regime imposed on them by despotism or want? (5) For my part, I have already made a recruit. He is a tall, strong young man who knows how to play with his hands. I showed him again, and ended up convincing him of it, that he grew rusty in idleness; that, enjoying such good health, he must hasten to turn it to account by some honest occupation; (6) that with such a strong arm one does not stretch out one's hand to receive alms, but actively uses it to lay up treasure.
(VII, 5, 1) Unanimous approval greeted these words. One decides the admission beforehand of a candidate who seems so deserving, and subsidiarily the addition of new recruits to complete the troop. (2) My man goes out for a moment and returns, introducing a young fellow of truly colossal proportions, and with whom I believe no man of our time could compare; for, not to mention the extraordinary development of his muscles, he passed the assistants with his whole head: and yet a wily hair was just beginning to take shape on his face. (3) He was only half-dressed in rags full of pieces and pieces; and the rather badly sewn whole seemed to cramp the bony frame of his vast chest and the massive contours of his sides. (4) The candidate being introduced into this crew: Hail, he said, O ye companions of the valiant god of war, and, from this day forth, my faithful comrades! Receive in your ranks a man of courage and action, more eager to take his share of the blows than of the spoils; a man to whom the presence of death, so dreaded by others, only gives heart. (5) Don't take me for a beggar, for a nobody, nor judge my worth by the rags I wear. As you see me, I commanded a most intrepid troop, and put the whole Macedonia to fire and sword. (6) In a word, I am the famous Hemus of Thrace, whose name alone makes the provinces shudder. My father is the illustrious Théron who fed me with human blood, and raised me in the ranks of his troop. He bequeathed his bravery to me,
(VII, 6, 1) But this noble association of ancient prowess, and, with it, all that I possessed of fortune, all that perished in a moment. In a nocturnal attack on a now disgraced Imperial finance steward... But it's good to take things a little higher.

Plotina's story

(2) There was at the court of Caesar a personage eminent by his services, and of whom the emperor personally valued the greatest. (3) He had envious people, and their maneuvers succeeded in raising an accusation against him which ended in exile. His wife Plotina, a woman of rare merit, of exemplary fidelity, and whose happy fertility had swelled her family with a tenth pledge of their union, took the heroic resolution to renounce the sumptuous delights of Roman life, to follow a banished husband and associate herself with his misfortune. (4) She shaved her hair, put on a man's coat, gathered all the money she had in mint, and put it with her most precious jewels in her belt. We saw her at the head of the escort, intrepid in the midst of arms, to share all the perils of her husband, and to bear, for love of him, the vigils and the fatigues with a strength and a constancy above her sex. (5) Finally, after overcoming the innumerable difficulties of a journey by land and the terrors of a sea crossing, they headed for the island of Zacinthus, which the fatal decree had assigned to them for temporary residence.
(VII, 7, 1) They touched at Actium at the time when our troop, which, then, exploited Macedonia, beat the country in the surroundings. The night was far advanced, and the crew, in order not to sleep on board, had established themselves in a little inn on the shore, near the ship. We took advantage of the opportunity to pounce on them; and, after having seized what they possessed, we disappeared, not without running great danger ourselves; (2) for the lady, at the first noise she heard at the door, began to run into her room, endeavoring by repeated cries to give the alarm. Soldiers and servants, she called each by name, and at the same time called for help from the whole neighborhood. Luckily everyone remained huddled in his corner, fearing for his skin: otherwise we would not have effected our retreat with impunity. (3) However this admirable (for it must be said the truth), this incomparable wife, taking advantage of the interest aroused by her noble conduct, obtained from the emperor by her solicitations that her husband should be recalled, and that justice should be done for our aggression. (4) Caesar, one fine day, wanted there to be no more band of the robber Hemus, and the band was destroyed. A great prince has only to want. Surrounded by a superior force, my troops were overwhelmed and cut to pieces. Alone I escaped the gulfs of Erebus, and this is how. obtained from the Emperor by his solicitations that her husband should be recalled, and that justice should be done for our aggression. (4) Caesar, one fine day, wanted there to be no more band of the robber Hemus, and the band was destroyed. A great prince has only to want. Surrounded by a superior force, my troops were overwhelmed and cut to pieces. Alone I escaped the gulfs of Erebus, and this is how. obtained from the Emperor by his solicitations that her husband should be recalled, and that justice should be done for our aggression. (4) Caesar, one fine day, wanted there to be no more band of the robber Hemus, and the band was destroyed. A great prince has only to want. Surrounded by a superior force, my troops were overwhelmed and cut to pieces. Alone I escaped the gulfs of Erebus, and this is how.
(VII, 8, 1) I decked myself out in a woman's dress with large ramage, with flowing pleats; and, wearing a cloth hat, my feet in fine white mules, such as women wear, I perched on an ass carrying sheaves of barley, and, thanks to my feminine garb, I passed without hindrance in the midst of the enemies. I was taken for the wife of some donkey-driver, and the ranks opened to make way for me. You will know that my cheeks, then beardless, still retained the radiance and polish of a child's complexion. (2) Despite this failure, it will not be said that I derogated from the glory of my family, or failed in my own reputation. Although under the knife of the enemy so to speak, and little reassured by such proximity, I knew how, thanks to my disguise, to exploit many farms, and pick up a travel satchel, as you can see, quite plump. Then unbuttoning his rags, he shines before their eyes a sum of two thousand pieces of gold. (3) Here, said he, is my welcome, or, if you prefer, my dowry. I pay homage to you; and, if you want me as your leader, I offer myself to you with a good heart. Leave it to me, and I won't be long turning every stone in this house into gold.

Hemus saves the day

(VII, 9, 1) It was not long to elect him: a unanimous vote awarded him the command. We brought some cleaner clothes, which we invited him to put on. Rid of his sock that hid so much wealth, the new chef in costume gives everyone a hug, and, taking a seat on a bed higher than the rest, inaugurates his installation with a generously watered feast. (2) Much was said about the young girl's attempted escape, and the chief learned what monstrous torture was in store for us. He then asked where the prisoner was being kept, had himself taken there; and when he saw her laden with chains, his face took on a marked expression of displeasure. I do not want, he said on his return, to intervene brutally and thoughtlessly to prevent the execution of your decree: however, my conscience would reproach me for not letting you hear what I believe to be a useful truth. (3) Above all, be persuaded that my concern alone for your interests makes me open my mouth. You will, moreover, be in control of coming back to your ass later on; (4) but I think that thieves who know their trade think of profit above all, even before revenge; it often costs to indulge in it. When you have given this young girl a donkey for a tomb, you will have satisfied your hatred in vain. (5) My opinion is therefore that we must take our prisoner to some town and sell her there. Daughter at this age is of good defeat. (6) I myself have among the agents of this trade such an old acquaintance who, if I am not mistaken, would buy at a very high price, to praise her to amateurs, such a good brood pullet. Once put in a cage, she will have to give up taking her flight again; and, in the trade she will make, your just anger will find satisfaction. This, according to my way of seeing, is the most useful part; but you have the right to judge in your affairs and to dispose of what belongs to you.
(VII, 10, 1) This is how, by constituting himself the tax lawyer for thieves, this worthy man pleaded our case, and saved at the same time daughter and donkey. (2) Long was the deliberation; and I languished and died slowly, waiting for the outcome of the debate. Finally the council agrees with the opinion of the newcomer. Immediately the captive is freed from her bonds; (3) but the latter, at the first glance cast on the young chief, and at the mere mention of agents and places of prostitution, indulged in the liveliest demonstrations of joy; and I draw from it a text of accusation against her sex in general: Hey what! a young girl, once inconsolable at the loss of a chaste love, of a legitimate marriage, to show this scandalous transport in the sole name of vice and its filthy haunts!
The young man then spoke again: Let us go, he said, to offer a sacrifice to the god Mars; ask him for the sale of the young girl as well as the recruits; but, as far as I can see, we have not a single beast here to sacrifice, nor even enough wine to drink at will: (5) entrust me with ten of our men; I don't need more to come across the first town I meet, and I'll bring you something to make a Saliens meal. Soon they are on the campaign trail, while the rest light a vast brazier in the house and build an altar on the lawn to the god of war.
(VIII, 11, 1) The expedition soon returned with a load of skins full of wine, and chasing ahead a herd of cattle. They choose a goat, the oldest and the most bearded that they could find, and they sacrifice it to Mars, a good Guide and a good Companion. A hearty feast is preparing: (2) You will see, said the stranger, if I can only be your leader in terms of expeditions and capture, and if I go with a dead hand when it comes to your pleasures. Here is my man immediately at work, and who rushes it with marvelous ease: (3) in less than no time one sees the ground swept and strewn, the dishes roasted or stewed by the hand of a master, dressed with taste and served to the point; but above all he takes care to multiply the shots and to water his people generously. While coming and going, under the pretext of attending to the service, he frequently visited the young girl, and secretly slipped to her some scrap of feast; or, with an eye shining with pleasure, he offered her a drink from a cup in which his lips had first dipped. (4) All these kindnesses were received with a passionate air. A caressing mouth anticipated the kiss intended for her, and returned it with wear. These privacies displeased me very much. (5) Ah! young girl, I said, have you forgotten the promised faith and this mutual ardor! To this husband whom I don't know, but whom your parents have chosen, can you prefer a long-distance runner, a cutthroat? (6) What! without remorse, trampling on all sentiment, you thus playfully prostitute yourself amid spears and swords? What if the rest of the troop had the slightest suspicion of your intelligence...? again we would have recourse to the poor donkey, at the risk of what may come back to him. Ah! it's playing too much with my skin. A caressing mouth anticipated the kiss intended for her, and returned it with wear. These privacies displeased me very much. (5) Ah! young girl, I said, have you forgotten the promised faith and this mutual ardor! To this husband whom I don't know, but whom your parents have chosen, can you prefer a long-distance runner, a cutthroat? (6) What! without remorse, trampling on all sentiment, you thus playfully prostitute yourself amid spears and swords? What if the rest of the troop had the slightest suspicion of your intelligence...? again we would have recourse to the poor donkey, at the risk of what may come back to him. Ah! it's playing too much with my skin. A caressing mouth anticipated the kiss intended for her, and returned it with wear. These privacies displeased me very much. (5) Ah! young girl, I said, have you forgotten the promised faith and this mutual ardor! To this husband whom I don't know, but whom your parents have chosen, can you prefer a long-distance runner, a cutthroat? (6) What! without remorse, trampling on all sentiment, you thus playfully prostitute yourself amid spears and swords? What if the rest of the troop had the slightest suspicion of your intelligence...? again we would have recourse to the poor donkey, at the risk of what may come back to him. Ah! it's playing too much with my skin. have you forgotten the promised faith and this mutual ardor! To this husband whom I don't know, but whom your parents have chosen, can you prefer a long-distance runner, a cutthroat? (6) What! without remorse, trampling on all sentiment, you thus playfully prostitute yourself amid spears and swords? What if the rest of the troop had the slightest suspicion of your intelligence...? again we would have recourse to the poor donkey, at the risk of what may come back to him. Ah! it's playing too much with my skin. have you forgotten the promised faith and this mutual ardor! To this husband whom I don't know, but whom your parents have chosen, can you prefer a long-distance runner, a cutthroat? (6) What! without remorse, trampling on all sentiment, you thus playfully prostitute yourself amid spears and swords? What if the rest of the troop had the slightest suspicion of your intelligence...? again we would have recourse to the poor donkey, at the risk of what may come back to him. Ah! it's playing too much with my skin. you prostitute yourself thus with joy of heart in the midst of spears and swords? What if the rest of the troop had the slightest suspicion of your intelligence...? again we would have recourse to the poor donkey, at the risk of what may come back to him. Ah! it's playing too much with my skin. you prostitute yourself thus with joy of heart in the midst of spears and swords? What if the rest of the troop had the slightest suspicion of your intelligence...? again we would have recourse to the poor donkey, at the risk of what may come back to him. Ah! it's playing too much with my skin.
(VII, 12, 1) While a feeling of indignation thus led me to the most unjust suppositions, a few half-words, easy to interpret for such an intelligent ass, soon brought me to the point. I understood that the pretended brigand Hémus was none other than Tlépolemus, the young girl's own fiancé. (2) In fact, from word to word, he ends up saying to her rather loudly, without worrying more about my presence than if I had been deceased: Courage! my beloved Charity! your enemies soon will be in your power. (3) And he always returned more urgently to his guests, pouring them the wine one after the other, without mixing a drop of water, and after having cooled it down. Their heads are already spinning; he, always on the reserve, does not stop watering their drunkenness. (4) Actually, I had a suspicion that he mixed some soporific drug with the liquor he was drinking them. At the end, from the first to the last, all lay dead drunk at the disposal of anyone who wanted to get rid of them. (5) Then, without the slightest difficulty, my man began to bind them tightly one after the other. And when they were all accommodated to his fancy, he placed his mistress on my back, and took with her the road to the town where they were staying.
(VII, 13, 1) As we approached, the whole population went outside to enjoy this impatiently awaited spectacle. Relatives, allies, clients, valets, servants, rushed in at will. Contentment is in all eyes, joy in all hearts. (2) The procession was of all sexes, all ages; but what a view too! the triumph of a virgin by the help of a donkey. (3) I too wanted, in my own way, to contribute to the performance, and clearly see the part I was taking in it. I pricked up my ears, dilated my nostrils, and began to bray intrepidly, in a tone that rivaled the thunder. (4) Here is the young girl returned to her homes and to the caresses of the authors of her days. Tlépolemus immediately turned me around, with a great reinforcement of beasts of burden and followed by a multitude of his fellow-citizens. I didn't ask for better. (5) For a curious what an opportunity! they were going to get their hands on all these brigands. We find our captives, whose movements were chained by drunkenness even more than by bonds. (6) The cave was excavated and emptied of all that it contained; we were loaded with gold, silver and precious objects. As for the thieves, some were rolled up, all garrotted, to the edge of the neighboring precipices, from which they were made to jump; the others, beheaded on the spot with their own swords. (7) After this execution, we returned in triumph to the city. The recovered wealth was deposited in the public treasury, and the marriage placed Tlepolemus in the legitimate possession of his conquest. We find our captives, whose movements were chained by drunkenness even more than by bonds. (6) The cave was excavated and emptied of all that it contained; we were loaded with gold, silver and precious objects. As for the thieves, some were rolled, all garrotted, to the edge of the neighboring precipices, from which they were made to jump; the others, beheaded on the spot with their own swords. (7) After this execution, we returned in triumph to the city. The recovered wealth was deposited in the public treasury, and the marriage placed Tlepolemus in the legitimate possession of his conquest. We find our captives, whose movements were chained by drunkenness even more than by bonds. (6) The cave was excavated and emptied of all that it contained; we were loaded with gold, silver and precious objects. As for the thieves, some were rolled up, all garrotted, to the edge of the neighboring precipices, from which they were made to jump; the others, beheaded on the spot with their own swords. (7) After this execution, we returned in triumph to the city. The recovered wealth was deposited in the public treasury, and the marriage placed Tlepolemus in the legitimate possession of his conquest. money and valuables. As for the thieves, some were rolled, all garrotted, to the edge of the neighboring precipices, from which they were made to jump; the others, beheaded on the spot with their own swords. (7) After this execution, we returned in triumph to the city. The recovered wealth was deposited in the public treasury, and the marriage placed Tlepolemus in the legitimate possession of his conquest. money and valuables. As for the thieves, some were rolled up, all garrotted, to the edge of the neighboring precipices, from which they were made to jump; the others, beheaded on the spot with their own swords. (7) After this execution, we returned in triumph to the city. The recovered wealth was deposited in the public treasury, and the marriage placed Tlepolemus in the legitimate possession of his conquest.

The Tale of Cupid and Psyche
(IV, 28, 1 - VI, 24, 4)
3b. Among the brigands

A princess whose beauty provokes the jealousy of Venus (IV, 28, 1 - 32, 4)
(IV, 28, 1) There was once a king and a queen who had three daughters, all three very beautiful. But for the beauty of the two eldest, however charming they were, there was no difficulty in finding formulas of praise; (2) while that of the youngest was so rare, so marvelous, that there was in human language dearth of terms to express it, or even to praise it worthily. (3) Inhabitants of the country or foreigners, whom the curiosity of this prodigy attracted in crowds, lost their minds as soon as they had contemplated this incomparable beauty; they raised the right hand to the mouth, crossing the index finger with the thumb, absolutely in the form of the sacramental adoration of the cult of Venus herself. (4) Already in the surrounding towns and countries a rumor is spreading that the goddess born from the bosom of the deep sea, and who one day was seen emerging from the foam of the bubbling waves, deigned to derogate from her divinity to the point of mixing herself in the life of mortals. The earth, according to others, and no longer the sea, fertilized by I don't know what generative influence of the stars, had brought forth a new Venus, a Venus still possessing the flower of virginity.
(IV, 29, 1) This belief made incredible progress in an instant. From the islands it reached the continent, and from there, spreading from province to province, it became almost universal. (2) It was not so great a distance, nor such a deep sea, that the curious crossed, bringing from all sides their tribute of admiration to the marvel of the century. (3) We forget Paphos, we forget Cnidus; and Cythera herself no longer sees in her surroundings devout navigators, eager to enjoy the contemplation of the goddess. The sacrifices stop, the temples deteriorate, the grass grows in the sanctuaries. No more ceremonies, no more garlands on the statues: cold ashes dishonor the altars now empty of offerings. (4) It is to the maiden that the prayers are addressed, it is under his mortal features that a powerful divinity is adored. In the morning, when she leaves her palace, the same victims, the same feasts as in honor of Venus herself, whose name is no longer invoked except by sacrificing to another. If we see her pass through the streets, the people immediately throw her flowers and send her wishes.
(5) This impertinent attribution of divine honors to a mere mortal kindled the most violent spite in the heart of the true Venus. Unable to contain her indignation, she shook her head, quivering, and, in a tone of concentrated fury: (IV, 30, 1) What! she said to herself, to me, Venus, invigorating principle of all things, from which proceed the elements of this universe, to me, the soul of nature, a sovereignty shared with a daughter of men! My name, so great in the sky, there would be profaned by a human whim! (2) It would be nice to see me with this divinity in common, these second-hand honors! waiting for wishes that could be in the wrong address! A perishable creature would take the pretended image of Venus to the earth! (3) In vain therefore, by a sentence of which the great Jupiter himself recognized the justice, the famous shepherd of Ida will have proclaimed my pre-eminence in beauty over two of the first goddesses! and the usurper of my rights would enjoy her triumph in peace! No no; she will pay dearly for this insolent beauty.
(4) Immediately she calls her son, this winged rascal who respects neither morals nor police, who slips into people's homes like a night thief, with his features and his torch, looking everywhere for households to disturb, for evil to do, and never thinking of good. (5) The rascal is only too inclined to harm; his mother comes to excite him again. She takes him to the city in question, shows him Psyche (that was the name of the young princess) (IV, 31, 1) and gives him point by point the history of the odious competition that one dares to make to his mother. She groaned, she wept with rage: My son, she said, I beseech you, in the name of my tenderness, by the gentle wounds you inflict, by this penetrating flame with which you consume hearts, (2) avenge your mother; but avenge her fully, let this audacious beauty be punished. It is the grace that I ask of you and that you must grant me: (3) above all, that she be kindled with an unbridled passion for some reject being; a wretch who has neither honour, health, fire nor place, and whom fate lowers to the last degree of abjection possible on earth.
(4) Venus says, and with her half-closed lips ardently presses those of her son; then, gaining the shore, advances towards a wave which comes to meet her. With her rosy feet, she brushes the back of the waves, and sits on her chariot which rolls over the abyss. (5) Hardly does she form the wish, and already the damp court surrounds her, as if she had summoned it in advance to pay her homage. (6) It is the daughters of Nereus singing in chorus, it is Portune with the green and bristling beard, it is Salacia carrying her load of fish which struggle against her bosom, and the little god Palémon riding his docile dolphin. Troops of Tritons leap from all sides on the waves. (7) This one, blowing in a sonorous conch, extracts the most harmonious sounds from it; this one opposes a silk fabric to the heat of the sun. Another holds a mirror within reach of his sovereign's eyes. Others slip under his chariot, dragged by two steeds, and with their backs lift him to the surface. It was with this procession that Venus went to visit the old ocean.
(IV, 32, 1) Psyche, however, was no more advanced with her marvelous beauty. No one who is struck by it, no one who boasts of it; but also no one, king, prince or individual, who presents himself as husband. (2) We admire its divine forms as we admire the masterpiece of statuary art. (3) His two sisters, beauties by no means unusual, and who had not exhausted fame, find kings for parties, both make brilliant marriages. (4) Psyche remains unprovided for in her father's house, mourning the loneliness in which she is left: her health suffers, her mood sours; idol of the universe, her beauty becomes odious to her.

The oracle and the exposition (IV, 32, 5 - 35, 4)
(5) If the daughter is unfortunate, the father is in despair. He suspects some resentment from above; and, fearing the wrath of the gods on all things, he went to consult the ancient oracle of the temple of Miletus. (6) A hymen, a husband, that's all he asks for the abandoned virgin. Apollo, although Greek, and Greek of Ionia, because of him who founded his cult at Miletus, gives, in good Latin, the following answer:

(IV, 33, 1) That in her finest finery the virgin abandoned

Awaits on a rock a funeral marriage.
Her husband of a mortal did not receive the day:
He has cruelty, the wings of the vulture;
(2) It tears hearts, and everything that breathes
Suffers, moaning, its tyrannical empire.
The gods, in their Olympus, have all worn his irons,
And the Styx against him badly defends the underworld.
(3) When the oracle had thus spoken, the monarch, formerly a happy father, returned very sad on his steps, and with little eagerness to see his family again. However, he decides to inform the queen of the order of fate. For more than a day we moan, we cry, we lament; but you have to submit to the fatal decree. (4) Already the preparations for the lugubrious hymen are being made. The nuptial torch casts a blackish flame, and coalesces instead of shining; the Zygian flute gives only the dolent notes of the Lydian mode; we sing a song of hymen which ends in lamentable howls. The young girl wipes her tears with her wedding veil. (5) The fate that weighs on this house excites the sympathy of the whole town. A public mourning is proclaimed.
(IV, 34, 1) But the order of heaven calls the victim none the less to the inevitable torture; the lugubrious ceremony continues in the midst of tears, and the funeral procession of a living person proceeds, escorted by an entire people. Psyche no longer attends her wedding, but her funeral; (2) and while the despair of the authors of her days hesitate to consummate the dreadful sacrifice, she encourages them in these words: (3) Why drown in endless tears your unfortunate old age? Why exhaust by your sobs the breath which animates you, and which also belongs to me? Why these useless tears that distort your venerable features? your burning eyes are mine. Stop tearing out your white hair, stop bruising, you, your august chest, and you, those holy breasts that fed me. (4) Here, then, is all the fruit that you will have gathered from my beauty! Alas! struck to death by the resentment of a jealous divinity, too late you feel the blow. (5) When peoples and nations paid me divine honors, when a universal concert awarded me the name of second Venus; ah! it was then that you had to moan and cry over me, because from that moment your daughter was dead for you. Yes, I see it, I feel it, it is this name of Venus that has lost me. (6) Come on, lead me to this rock where my fate wants me to be exposed. I long to conclude this fortunate marriage, to see this noble husband to whom I am destined. Why defer? What is the good of avoiding the approach of the one who was born for the ruin of the whole universe? (4) Here, then, is all the fruit that you will have gathered from my beauty! Alas! struck to death by the resentment of a jealous divinity, too late you feel the blow. (5) When peoples and nations paid me divine honors, when a universal concert awarded me the name of second Venus; ah! it was then that you had to moan and cry over me, because from that moment your daughter was dead for you. Yes, I see it, I feel it, it is this name of Venus that has lost me. (6) Come on, lead me to this rock where my fate wants me to be exposed. I long to conclude this fortunate marriage, to see this noble husband to whom I am destined. Why defer? What is the good of avoiding the approach of the one who was born for the ruin of the whole universe? (4) Here, then, is all the fruit that you will have gathered from my beauty! Alas! struck to death by the resentment of a jealous divinity, too late you feel the blow. (5) When peoples and nations paid me divine honors, when a universal concert awarded me the name of second Venus; ah! it was then that you had to moan and cry over me, because from that moment your daughter was dead for you. Yes, I see it, I feel it, it is this name of Venus that has lost me. (6) Come on, lead me to this rock where my fate wants me to be exposed. I long to conclude this fortunate marriage, to see this noble husband to whom I am destined. Why defer? What is the good of avoiding the approach of the one who was born for the ruin of the whole universe? struck to death by the resentment of a jealous divinity, too late you feel the blow. (5) When peoples and nations paid me divine honors, when a universal concert awarded me the name of second Venus; ah! it was then that you had to moan and cry over me, because from that moment your daughter was dead for you. Yes, I see it, I feel it, it is this name of Venus that has lost me. (6) Come on, lead me to this rock where my fate wants me to be exposed. I long to conclude this fortunate marriage, to see this noble husband to whom I am destined. Why defer? What is the good of avoiding the approach of the one who was born for the ruin of the whole universe? struck to death by the resentment of a jealous divinity, too late you feel the blow. (5) When peoples and nations paid me divine honors, when a universal concert awarded me the name of second Venus; ah! it was then that you had to moan and cry over me, because from that moment your daughter was dead for you. Yes, I see it, I feel it, it is this name of Venus that has lost me. (6) Come on, lead me to this rock where my fate wants me to be exposed. I long to conclude this fortunate marriage, to see this noble husband to whom I am destined. Why defer? What is the good of avoiding the approach of the one who was born for the ruin of the whole universe? (5) When peoples and nations paid me divine honors, when a universal concert awarded me the name of second Venus; ah! it was then that you had to moan and cry over me, because from that moment your daughter was dead for you. Yes, I see it, I feel it, it is this name of Venus that has lost me. (6) Come on, lead me to this rock where my fate wants me to be exposed. I long to conclude this fortunate marriage, to see this noble husband to whom I am destined. Why defer? What is the good of avoiding the approach of the one who was born for the ruin of the whole universe? (5) When peoples and nations paid me divine honors, when a universal concert awarded me the name of second Venus; ah! it was then that you had to moan and cry over me, because from that moment your daughter was dead for you. Yes, I see it, I feel it, it is this name of Venus that has lost me. (6) Come on, lead me to this rock where my fate wants me to be exposed. I long to conclude this fortunate marriage, to see this noble husband to whom I am destined. Why defer? What is the good of avoiding the approach of the one who was born for the ruin of the whole universe? it is this name of Venus which has lost me. (6) Come on, lead me to this rock where my fate wants me to be exposed. I long to conclude this fortunate marriage, to see this noble husband to whom I am destined. Why defer? What is the good of avoiding the approach of the one who was born for the ruin of the whole universe? it is this name of Venus which has lost me. (6) Come on, lead me to this rock where my fate wants me to be exposed. I long to conclude this fortunate marriage, to see this noble husband to whom I am destined. Why defer? What is the good of avoiding the approach of the one who was born for the ruin of the whole universe?
(IV, 35, 1) Thus speaks the maiden. Then, without another word, she mingles firmly with the procession leading her. (2) You arrive at the top of the indicated rock, which rises above a steep mountain; they place Psyche there, and leave her there alone. The crowd withdraws, abandoning the nuptial torches, the flame of which they extinguish in floods of their tears. Thus ends the ceremony, and everyone, heads bowed, sadly returns to his home. (3) As for the unfortunate parents whom this misfortune overwhelms, they will shut themselves up in the depths of their palace, and condemn themselves never to see the light again.
(4) However, solitude restores all her fears to Psyche; her tears begin to flow again, when suddenly she feels caressed by the amorous breath of the Zephyr, which at first only makes the two sides of her dress undulate. The wind gradually swells the folds. Imperceptibly Psyche sees herself lifted into the air, and finally transported without shock from the top of a rock into a valley, where the beauty finds herself limply seated on a flowery lawn.

The enchanted palace and the invisible husband (V, 1, 1 - 4, 5)
(V, 1, 1) Placed carefully on a thick and tender lawn, Psyche stretches out voluptuously on this bed of fresh greenery. A delicious calm succeeds the disorder of her spirits, and soon she abandons herself to the charms of sleep. Rest restores his strength, and on awakening serenity returned to him. (2) She sees a wood planted with tall trees, thickly covered; she sees a fountain whose crystalline wave springs from the very center of the grove. Not far from its edges rises an edifice of royal appearance; construction in which the hand is revealed, not of a mortal, but of a divine architect. (3) From the peristyle, one recognizes there the pleasure stay of some divinity. Golden columns support a vault paneled in ivory and lemon wood, sculpted with infinite delicacy. The walls conceal themselves under a multitude of silver bas-reliefs, representing animals of all kinds, which seem to move and come to meet your steps. (4) What artist, what demi-god, what god rather, could throw so much life on all this inert metal? (5) The ground is a mosaic of precious stones, laden with the most varied paintings. O fate forever worthy of envy! walk on pearls and diamonds! (6) To right and left, long suites of apartments display a richness that defies estimation. The walls, clad in solid gold, sparkle with a thousand lights. Should the sun refuse, the edifice could secrete a day of its own, so much lightning flashes from the porticoes, the rooms and the very walls of the doors. (7) The furnishings respond to this magnificence: everything is celestial in this palace.
(V, 2, 1) Psyche approaches, attracted by the charm of these beautiful places, and soon she grows bold to cross the threshold. More and more delighted with what she sees, she walks her admiration from detail to detail, goes to the upper floors, and remains there in ecstasy at the sight of immense galleries where treasures are piled up on treasures. What you don't find there doesn't exist anywhere on earth. (2) But what is most marvelous is that in this collection of the riches of the whole world one does not see closure, defense, or any guardian whatsoever. (3) While Psyche cannot be satisfied with this contemplation, an invisible voice strikes her ear: Why this astonishment, beautiful princess? Everything you see is yours. Here are beds that invite you to rest, baths to choose from. (4) The voices you hear are your slaves: avail of our eager services. A royal banquet will be offered to you, after the first aid of the person, and will not be long in coming.
(V, 3, 1) Psyche clearly saw that she had become the object of an entirely divine solicitude. Docile to the advice of the invisible counselor, she goes to bed; then she went into a bath, the influence of which had soon dissipated all fatigue. (2) A semicircular table stands next to her. It's her dinner, no doubt, that we're going to serve: without ceremony, she takes her place there. (3) The most delicious wines, the most varied and succulent dishes follow one another in abundance. (4) No servant appears. Everything moves as if by a breath. Psyche sees no one; she only hears voices: these are the voices that serve her. (5) After a delectable meal, an invisible musician begins to sing, another plays the lyre: we see neither the instrument nor the artist. A concert of voices is heard; it is the performance of a choir without singers.
(V, 4, 1) Finally, in the midst of so much pleasure, evening comes; and Psyche, whom the hour invites to rest, retires to her apartment. Already the night was advancing; a slight noise strikes her ear: (2) the young virgin then worries about her loneliness. Her modesty is alarmed, she shudders, she fears all the more because she is unaware; (3) but already the mysterious husband has entered, he has taken his place, and Psyche has become his wife. At the first rays of the day he disappeared. (4) Immediately the voices are there to lend their ministry to the bride for the night and heal sweet wounds. Time flies though, and each night brings back the same scene. (5) By a natural effect, Psyche begins to get used to this singular existence; the habit seems sweet to him; and the mystery of these voices gives interest to his solitude.

The threat posed by the sisters. First warning (V, 4, 6 - 6, 10)
(6) However, the unfortunate parents spent their old days in endless pain. Psyche's adventure had made noise, and fame had brought it to the ears of her older sisters. Both, with heavy hearts and sorrow painted on their faces, had left their homes, eager to seek the presence and support of their aged parents.
(V, 5, 1) The very night of their arrival, the bridegroom had the following conversation with Psyche: (2) My Psyche, my adored companion, cruel Fortune is preparing for you the most perilous of trials. Your prudence, believe me, cannot be too careful. (3) You are believed to be dead, and your two sisters, saddened by your loss, are already on your trail. They will come to the foot of this rock. If their lamentations reach your ear, be careful not to answer them, not even to give them a glance. Otherwise, it will result for me the greatest sorrows, for you the greatest misfortunes. (4) Psyche seemed resigned, and promised obedience. But the husband had no sooner disappeared with the darkness than she laments, and the whole day passes in tears and groans. (5) It is now that she is lost, since these beautiful places are only a prison for her, since henceforth, cut off from all human intercourse, she cannot reassure her desolate sisters, and she does not even have the consolation of seeing them. (6) She neglects bathing, takes no food, and refuses all distractions. Her tears had not ceased to flow when she retired to bed.
(V, 6, 1) Her husband is at her side sooner than usual; and embracing her all in tears: (2) My Psyche, he said, is that what you promised me? Does your husband have nothing to expect, nothing to hope for from you? What ! always moan, and day and night, and even in my arms? (3) Well! satisfy your desire, satisfy a disastrous desire: but remember my advice, when the moment of repentance comes (too late, alas!). (4) Psyche urges him, Psyche implores him: his life is at stake, she says. Finally she wins. She will see her sisters, she will be able to console them, to pour out with them. The husband grants everything to the prayers of the young wife. (5) It goes further; he allows her to shower her sisters with gold and jewels at her discretion. (6) But he repeatedly forbade him, and under the most terrible consequences, never to seek to see his face, in case his sisters should give him pernicious advice. This sacrilegious curiosity would precipitate her from the pinnacle of happiness into an abyss of calamities, and would forever deprive her of her embraces.
(7) Psyche thanks her husband, and, in a transport of joy: Ah! she said, "rather die a hundred times than renounce this charming union!" because I love you, whoever you are; yes, I love you more than my life. Cupid himself would seem less amiable to me. (8) But, please, one more favour. Order your familiar Zephyr to bring my sisters here, as he brought me here. (9) She lavished at the same time on her husband kisses, tender words; and embracing her with the most caressing embraces: Sweet friend, she said, dear husband, soul of my life... (10) It is all over, Venus will be avenged. The husband yields, not without regret; everything is promised, and the approach of day drives him again from the arms of Psyche.

The first visit of the sisters (V, 7, 1 - 8, 5)
(V, 7, 1) The two sisters, however, were told the rock and the very place where Psyche was abandoned. They immediately run there. Tears flood their eyes; they strike their breasts, and the echo sends back their lamentations. (2) They call their unfortunate sister by name. From the top of the mountain, their heart-rending cries will ring out to Psyche's ears in the bottom of the valley. His heart throbs and is troubled; she leaves her palace distraught. Why this pain and these lamentations, she cried? There she is the one you mourn; (3) stop moaning, dry your tears. It's up to you to embrace the one causing them. (4) Then she calls Zephyr, and transmits her husband's order to him. Immediately, eager servant, Zephyr, with an almost imperceptible breath, kidnaps the two sisters, and transports them to Psyche. (5) We embrace with transport, a thousand impatient kisses are given and returned. Tears of pain are followed by tears of joy. (6) Come, she said, let us enter my dwelling: no more grief; you must rejoice, since your Psyche is found.
(V, 8, 1) She speaks, and takes pleasure in displaying to their eyes the splendours of her golden palace, in making them hear this people of voices by which she is obeyed. A sumptuous bath is offered to them, then a banquet which delights in everything human sensuality can imagine. (2) So much so that, while savoring in long drafts the intoxication of this supernatural hospitality, the two sisters begin to feel the jealousy which is germinating in the depths of their young hearts. (3) One of them at the end presses Psyche, and does not dry up questions about the possessor of so many marvels. Who is your husband? how is it made? (4) Faithful to the conjugal injunction, she is careful not to breach the promised secrecy. A fiction rescues her. Her husband is a handsome young man, whose chin is veiled in down that is still soft to the touch. Hunting is his usual occupation; he is always up and down hill. (5) And, to cut short a conversation where her discretion could in the long run be betrayed, she loads her two sisters with gold and jewels, calls Zéphyr, and orders him to take them back where he took them. No sooner said than done.

The envious and jealous sisters (V, 9, 1 - 11, 2)
(V, 9, 1) And here are these two good sisters who, while returning, their hearts already gnawed by the poison of envy, communicate their sour remarks to each other. One finally breaks out in these terms: (2) Here are your features, oh cruel Fortune! Unjust, blind goddess! born of the same father and the same mother, can it be that your caprice makes us so different? (3) We, his elders, are married off to strangers, or rather put at their service; they tear us away from the hearth, from our paternal soil, to send us to live in exile, far from the authors of our days; (4) and this youngest, after-fruit of an exhausted fecundity, swims in opulence, and she has a god for husband; she, who does not even know how to make proper use of such a fortune! (5) You have seen, my sister, how the jewels (and what jewels! ) make litter everywhere in his abode. Beautiful fabrics! jewels of a brilliance! gold everywhere! (6) And if it is true that her husband is as handsome as she boasts, is there a happier woman in the world? You will see that the attachment of this husband-god, strengthened by habit, will go so far as to make this creature a goddess! And certainly everything announces it: these airs, this outfit.... (7) One aspires to heaven; you no longer cling to the earth, when you already have voices to serve you, when the winds obey you. (8) And what is my lot? A husband older than my father, bald as a pumpkin, the smallest of midgets and who hides everything, keeps everything under lock and key. (6) And if it is true that her husband is as handsome as she boasts, is there a happier woman in the world? You will see that the attachment of this husband-god, strengthened by habit, will go so far as to make this creature a goddess! And certainly everything announces it: these airs, this outfit.... (7) One aspires to heaven; you no longer cling to the earth, when you already have voices to serve you, when the winds obey you. (8) And what is my lot? A husband older than my father, bald as a pumpkin, the smallest of midgets and who hides everything, keeps everything under lock and key. (6) And if it is true that her husband is as handsome as she boasts, is there a happier woman in the world? You will see that the attachment of this husband-god, strengthened by habit, will go so far as to make this creature a goddess! And certainly everything announces it: these airs, this outfit.... (7) One aspires to heaven; you no longer cling to the earth, when you already have voices to serve you, when the winds obey you. (8) And what is my lot? A husband older than my father, bald as a pumpkin, the smallest of midgets and who hides everything, keeps everything under lock and key. And certainly everything announces it: these airs, this outfit.... (7) One aspires to heaven; you no longer cling to the earth, when you already have voices to serve you, when the winds obey you. (8) And what is my lot? A husband older than my father, bald as a pumpkin, the smallest of midgets and who hides everything, keeps everything under lock and key. And certainly everything announces it: these airs, this outfit.... (7) One aspires to heaven; you no longer cling to the earth, when you already have voices to serve you, when the winds obey you. (8) And what is my lot? A husband older than my father, bald as a pumpkin, the smallest of midgets and who hides everything, keeps everything under lock and key.
(V, 10, 1) Me, resumed the other, I have on my arms a gouty husband, crippled and bent over, who is careful not to often celebrate my charms. (2) I have no other care, so to speak, than to rub his twisted and paralyzed fingers. And my hands, those delicate hands that you see, are chapped from handling filthy liniments, filthy compresses and fetid poultices. Is this the role of wife, or the job of nurse? (3) Finally, see, my sister, how far it suits you to push long-suffering or baseness; because you have to speak clearly. As for me, I cannot stand to see such high happiness fall into such hands. (4) Do you remember his haughtiness, his arrogance, and what pride pierced through this superb ostentation of all his wealth? (5) and as she threw some at us, as if with regret, a few snippets? and how she got rid of us? like, at a word from her, we were kicked out or rather blown out? (6) Ah! I will lose my sex and my life there, or I will throw her from this throne of splendour. Look, the insult is common to us; and if you feel like me, let's take a great party together. (7) First, let's not show our parents, or anyone else, the pretty gifts we are carrying there. There are better; let's not say a word about what we know of her. (8) It is quite enough mortification to have seen it, without going to tell it to our parents and to proclaim it throughout the earth. Ignored wealth is not contentment. (9) Let him see that we are his elders, not his servants. In the meantime, let's go and see our husbands and our families again: if they are poor, at least they are simple. We will meditate our revenge at leisure, and we will return well equipped to punish this proud woman.
(V, 11, 1) The odious pact was soon concluded between these two perverse creatures. They first hide their rich presents; and, tearing their hair, tearing their face (a treatment, moreover, too well deserved), there they are, bemoaning new charges, but this time in a show. (2) When they have succeeded in reopening the wounds of their unfortunate parents, they abruptly leave them, and return to their homes; and there, swollen with rage to the point that their heads are spinning, they hatch a detestable, let us say, a parricide plot against their innocent sister.

Psyche is expecting family. Second warning (V, 11, 3 - 13, 6)
(3) However, the mysterious husband of Psyche continues his nocturnal admonitions. You see, he said, Fortune is already skirmishing against you from afar, and will soon, if you don't keep your guard up, engage in hand-to-hand combat. (4) Two female monsters have pooled their infernal genius to destroy you. Their plan is to get you to surprise the secret of my face. Now, as I have often told you, you will see her only to never see her again. (5) If therefore these infamous hags came back armed with perfidious designs (they will come back, I know it), no talk with them; or if it's too much to ask of this heart so simple and so good, at least on what touches me, don't listen to anything, don't answer anything. (6) We will see our family increase. Child yourself, you carry a child in your womb,
(V, 12, 1) Great joy of Psyche at this news. A divine offspring! such a glorious pledge of their union! And that respectable mother's name! (2) In her impatience, she counts the days and recapitulates the months. She follows with surprise the incomprehensible progress of this little belly which is rounding out; prodigious effect of so slight a sting. (3) However the two abominable Furies whose mouth distills the poison, already hastened their return with the impatience of the crime. Another visit, another warning from the husband. (4) My Psyche, here is the decisive day; we are approaching the crisis. Your own sex, your own blood is armed against you. The enemy is on the march, he has taken up position; the signal is given. Already your dreadful sisters have the dagger raised on you. (5) O my Psyche! what calamities threaten us! have pity on you, have pity on us, and may your inviolable discretion avert the ruin of your house, of your husband, yours, that of our child. (6) These women, whom a homicidal hatred, and the rights of blood trampled on, no longer allow you to call your sisters, these sirens will reappear on the mountain, and send their perfidious call to the echo of the rocks. Do not receive them, do not listen to them.
(V, 13, 1) Psyche replies, in a voice broken by sobs and tears: I have shown you, I think, that I keep my word and that I know how to be silent; let me prove to you now that my perseverance is no less than my discretion. (2) Only order our Zephyr to lend me his ministry again; and, not being able to enjoy your divine image, may I at least have the consolation of seeing my sisters. (3) I conjure you by the flowing and perfumed curls of your hair, by those charming cheeks, no less delicate than mine; by this chest which burns with I don't know what mysterious heat. One day the features of this child will reveal to me those of his father; but that today I obtain from you to embrace my sisters. (4) Grant this favor to my authorities, and fill with sweet joy the heart of this Psyche as devoted as she is dear to you. (5) From now on, I will no longer speak to you about your face: the darkness no longer has anything that bothers me; you are my light, to me. (6) She says, and at the same time gives him the sweetest caresses. The charm operates. The bridegroom, with his own hair, wipes the tears of his Psyche, and again faints from his arms, before day has appeared.

Second visit of the sisters (V, 14, 1 - 15, 5)
(V, 14, 1) Barely landed, the conspiring couple, without visiting father or mother, goes straight to the rock, crosses its height in one go; and both, at the risk of finding no wind to carry them, launch themselves blindly into space: (2) but Zephyr is there, ready to carry out, albeit reluctantly, the orders of his master. His breath receives them, and lays them softly on the floor of the valley. (3) Immediately they hasten their steps towards the palace. They already embrace their prey, and brazenly greet it with the name of sister; they overwhelm her with cajoleries: (4) Psyche is not a little girl at this hour; soon she will be a mother. Do you know what this pretty little roundness promises us? What joy for our family! (5) Oh! how happy we will be to pamper this little treasure!
(V, 15, 1) Finally, they play tenderness so well that Psyche's heart imperceptibly lets herself be taken in by seduction. She makes them sit down, to rest their legs from the fatigue of the journey. Then, the steam of a hot bath having finished restoring them, she makes them serve on a magnificent table the most refined and exquisite dishes. (2) Psyche wants a lyre tune, and the strings vibrate; a flute tune, and the flute modulates; a choir of voices, and the voices of singing in part. No musician has appeared, and the ears are charmed by the sweetest harmony: (3) but the soul of the two shrews is proof against the tenderness of the music, and they still think of embracing their sister in their treacherous nets. With apparent indifference, they ask her how her husband looks? what is his origin and his family? (4) Poor Psyche had forgotten her previous answer; she made a new tale. Her husband was from a neighboring province; he made use of a considerable capital by trade; he was a man of middle age, and whose hair was beginning to turn gray. (5) Thereupon, cutting short all information, she overwhelms them again with the richest present, and makes them resume their aerial route.

The sisters' fatal project. Their third visit (V, 16, 1 - 21, 2)
(V, 16, 1) While the sweet breath of Zephyr carried them to their homes, the two sisters conversed thus, while traveling through the air: Well! my sister, has this imprudent woman told us rather crude lies? (2) The other day, it was a teenager, whose wisp barely shaded his chin; now he is a husband on his return, and who is already graying: can one conceive of a man changing like this visibly, and aging so quickly? (3) Here, my sister, there are only two ways to explain this contradiction: either the cheeky one is playing with us, or she has never seen her husband face to face. Either way, he must be expelled from this splendid position. (4) If she has never seen the features of her husband, it is because she has a god for husband, and it is a god that she is going to bring to light. Now, before she hears (God forbid!) a divine child call her mother, I will hang myself with my own hands. (5) Let us first of all see our parents; and to prepare ourselves for the language we must hold to Psyche, let us tell them some good tale along the same lines.
(V, 17, 1) Thereupon, their heads go up, they rush without ceremony their visit to the paternal manor: returning as quickly as possible and still exasperated by a night of trouble and insomnia, in the morning they fly back to the rock, and descend, as usual, on the wing of the wind. The hypocrites rub their eyes to make them come to tears, and here are the insidious words they address to Psyche: (2) You fall asleep, my child, in a sweet quietude, happy in your ignorance and without suspecting the frightful fate that threatens you, while our solicitude, awakened on your perils, is for us an hourly torment. (3) Listen to what we have learned from certain science, and what our deep sympathy does not allow us to hide from you. A horrible serpent whose body bends in innumerable folds, whose neck is swollen with venomous blood, whose mouth opens like an immense chasm, this is the spouse who comes stealthily every night to share your bed. (4) Remember the oracle of the Pythia, this fatal decree which delivers you to the embraces of a monster. There is more: a number of witnesses, peasants, hunters or bourgeois of this neighborhood, saw him come back from the pasture in the evening and swim across the river.
(V, 18, 1) No one doubts that he keeps you here as if in moult, in the midst of all these delights, and that he only waits, to devour you, for your more advanced pregnancy to offer him a more copious dear. (2) It's up to you to see if you want to listen to trembling sisters for a sister they love, and if you don't prefer to live quietly among us, than to have the entrails of a devouring monster for burial. (3) Do you find more charms in this solitude populated by voices, in these clandestine loves, in these nauseating and poisonous caresses, in this coupling with a reptile? Either. At least we will have done our duty as good sisters.
(4) Poor Psyche, in her candid inexperience, received this tremendous revelation like a thunderbolt. His head wandered; everything was forgotten, her husband's warnings, her own promises; (5) and she went headlong into the abyss opened under her feet. His knees bend, the pallor of death covers his face, and his trembling lips barely give way to these broken words:
(V, 19, 1) Dear sisters, I expected no less from your tender affection. Yes, I see only too much likelihood in the reports that have been made to you. (2) Indeed I have never seen my husband; I don't know where it comes from; his voice is heard only at night; he speaks only in my ear; he carefully shuns all light. It's some monster, you say? I do not hesitate to believe it; (3) because he is not afraid that he will make me out of his face and the terrible consequences of my curiosity, should I seek to see him. (4) If your assistance can ward off such danger, ah! don't refuse me. What's the use of protecting if you don't protect to the end?
(5) The two scoundrels see the breach open. They then unmask their attack, rush on the body of the place, and exploit with open force the terrors of the simple Psyche. (V, 20, 1) One of them speaks to him thus: It is a question of saving you. Blood ties force us to close our eyes to our own perils. Only one means presents itself; we have meditated on it for a long time. (2) Listening; take a very sharp dagger, give it the edge again, gently passing the blade over the palm of your hand; then go and hide it carefully in your bed, on the side where you usually lie down. Also bring a small well-stocked lamp, so that it throws more light. You will find a way to place it unnoticed behind the curtain. (3) All this in the greatest secrecy. It won't be long in coming, dragging her sinuous body across the floor, taking her accustomed place in bed. Wait until he is stretched out at his full length, and you hear him breathing heavily, as he comes in the numbness of the first sleep: (4) then slip out of bed, and go, without shoes, with small steps, and on tiptoe, draw your lamp from its hiding place. Its light will help you to take your measures well to put an end to the generous enterprise. (5) Then seize the two-edged sword, boldly raise your arm, strike the monster without hesitation at the joint of the neck and the head, and you will make its body two sections. (6) You will not miss our assistance. As soon as by his death you will have effected your deliverance, we will be at your side. We will take you with us, without forgetting all these riches, and, by a marriage of your choice,
(V, 21, 1) When they thought they had fanned enough the fire in Psyche's heart by this incendiary language, they hastened to slip away, greatly fearing for their persons the proximity of the theater of the catastrophe. (2) They make, as usual, the ascent of the rock on the wings of the wind. Then, running at top speed towards their vessel, they embark and leave the country.

The unveiling of Cupid (V, 21, 3 - 23, 5)
(3) Psyche remains on her own, that is, obsessed with the Furies. The turmoil of his heart is that of a stormy sea. Her plan is fixed, she persists in it; and his hands are already occupied with the sinister preparations, that his soul still doubts and floats. Emotions fight each other there: (4) Alternately she wants and doesn't want, threatens and trembles, loses her temper and weakens. To put it all in a word, in the same individual she hates a monster, she adores a husband. However evening has come; night will follow. She hastily takes care of the preliminaries of the package.
(V, 21, 5) It is night. The husband is at his post. He fights a first battle, a prelude to his nocturnal campaign, then falls into a deep sleep.
(V, 22, 1) Force then abandons Psyche; his heart fails him. But the spell has pronounced, the spell is ruthless, its energy returns. She moves the lamp forward, seizes her dagger. Farewell to the shyness of her sex. (2) But at the moment the layer lights up, and here are its mysteries in broad daylight. Psyche sees (what a sight!) the loveliest and most private of monsters, Cupid himself, that charming god, sleeping in the most seductive attitude. At the same moment the flame of the lamp expands and sparkles, and the sacrilegious iron shines with a new brilliance. (3) Psyche remains appalled at this sight, and as if deprived of her senses. She turns pale, she trembles, she falls to her knees. The better to hide her iron, she wishes to plunge it into her bosom; (4) and the effect would have followed the intention, if the dagger, as if afraid of making itself an accomplice in the attempt, would not have suddenly escaped from his misguided hand. She surrenders to despair; but she nevertheless looks, and still looks at the marvelous features of this divine figure, and feels like being reborn in this contemplation. (5) She admires this radiant head, this aureole of blond hair from which exhales a perfume of ambrosia, this milk-white neck, these purple cheeks framed by golden curls which are gracefully shared on this beautiful forehead, or are staged behind the head, and whose dazzling brilliance makes the light of the lamp pale. (6) At the shoulders of the fickle god seem to grow two small wings, of a nuanced whiteness of the incarnate of the heart of a rose. Even in inaction, we see their delicate extremities throbbing, which never rests. (7) All the rest of the body joins the happiest proportions to the most uniform white. The goddess of beauty can be proud of the fruit she has borne.
(V, 23, 1) At the foot of the bed lay the bow, the quiver and the arrows, insignia of the most powerful of the gods. The curious Psyche never tires of seeing, touching, ecstatically admiring the formidable weapons of her husband. She draws an arrow from the quiver, (2) and, to try its temper, she presses the end of it to her thumb; but his hand, which trembles while holding the line, impresses an involuntary impulse on the point. The sting cuts into the epidermis, and causes a few drops of pink blood to flow. (3) Thus, without suspecting it, Psyche fell in love with Cupid herself. More and more in love with the one by whom we fall in love, she bends over him with her mouth open, and devours him with her ardent kisses. She only fears one thing, that the sleeper wakes up too early. (4) But while intoxicated with her happiness, she forgets herself in these overly sweet transports, the lamp, either perfidious, or jealous, or (what do I know?) impatient to also touch this so beautiful body, to kiss it, if I dare say so, in its turn pours a drop of boiling oil on the god's right shoulder. (5) O clumsy and reckless lamp! O too unworthy minister of love! must the god who sets fire everywhere know about the burn through you! by you, who no doubt owed it to the genius of some jealous lover of darkness, and who wanted to dispute with them the presence of the adored object! pours from its luminous source a drop of boiling oil on the right shoulder of the god. (5) O clumsy and reckless lamp! O too unworthy minister of love! must the god who sets fire everywhere know about the burn through you! by you, who no doubt owed it to the genius of some jealous lover of darkness, and who wanted to dispute with them the presence of the adored object! pours from its luminous source a drop of boiling oil on the right shoulder of the god. (5) O clumsy and reckless lamp! O too unworthy minister of love! must the god who sets fire everywhere know about the burn through you! by you, who no doubt owed it to the genius of some jealous lover of darkness, and who wanted to dispute with them the presence of the adored object!

Cupid's flight (V, 23, 6 - 24, 5)
(6) The burnt god wakes up with a start. He sees the secret betrayed, the faith violated, and, without saying a single word, he will fly away from the looks and the embraces of his unfortunate wife.
(V, 24, 1) But at the moment when he gets up, Psyche grabs his right leg, clings to it, follows him in his flight, sadly suspended from him to the region of the clouds; and when fatigue finally makes her let go, she falls motionless to the ground. (2) Affected Cupid is reluctant to abandon him in this state: he flies onto a nearby cypress; and in a deeply moved voice: (3) Too credulous Psyche, he said, for you I broke my mother's orders. Instead of degrading you, as she wished, by an ignoble passion, by an unworthy marriage, I offered myself to you as a lover. (4) Reckless! I myself, so skilful archer, wounded by one of my arrows, I made you my wife. And all this, to see me taken for a monster, to offer my head to the homicidal iron, no doubt because there are two eyes too enamored of your charms. (5) I did everything to keep your caution awake. My tenderness lavished the warnings; but shortly I shall get the better of your admirable advisers and their fatal insinuations. As for you, it is by running away from you that I want to punish you. As he finishes these words, he launches himself like a bird into the air.

The intervention of the god Pan (V, 25, 1 - 25, 6)
(V, 25, 1) Psyche, prostrate on the ground, followed her husband's eyes for a long time in space, while calling him back with her lamentable cries; and when a rapid flight had lifted her as far as the eye could see, she arose, and ran to rush into a nearby river: (2) but the river had compassion on the unfortunate, and, out of respect for the god who even makes the waves inflame, out of fear perhaps, he lifted her up on his waves, and deposited her full of life on the flowering grass of its shores.
(3) The rustic god Pan was there by chance, sitting on the bank. He held in his hands those reeds which were once the nymph Canna, and made them resound in all tones; his capricious herd frolicked, browsing here and there on the grass of the shore. (4) The goat-foot god, seeing the afflicted beauty, whose adventure was not unknown to him, invites her to approach, and addresses a few words of consolation to her: (5) My beautiful child, I am only a herder of goats, a little boorish, it is true, but I have lived a lot and gained reasonable experience; now, if I know well how to form my conjectures (what the people of art call being a diviner), this wandering and staggering gait, this universal pallor, these continual sighs, and above all these eyes drowned in tears, all this tells me that you are suffering from lovesickness. (6) Believe my advice, give up seeking death in the waves or by any other means; dry your tears, get rid of that air of sorrow, offer your prayers fervently to the great god Cupid, and, as he is a spoiled child, know how to take him and flatter his whims.

The punishment of the two sisters (V, 26, 1 - 27, 5)
(V, 26, 1) Thus spoke the shepherd god. Psyche answered nothing; she bowed before the god, and started walking. After having long and painfully wandered at random, she finds herself on a sloping path, which leads her unexpectedly to the city where the husband of one of her sisters reigned. (2) As soon as she is informed, she has her arrival announced. She is introduced, and, after the usual kisses and courtesies, she is asked for her story. Psyche begins thus: (3) You remember the advice you gave me, in agreement with our other sister. Deceived, you said, by a monster who came, giving himself for husband, to spend the nights with me, it was necessary, under pain of serving as food for this voracious beast, to strike him with a two-edged dagger, and I was quite determined to do so; (4) but when, always by your council, I approached the lamp which was to reveal its features to me, which divine spectacle came to be offered to my charmed glances! he was the son of the goddess Venus, Cupid himself, asleep in a peaceful sleep. (5) Distraught, drunk with pleasure, I gave in to the delirium of my senses. (6) Suddenly, oh pain! a drop of burning oil falls on his shoulder; he wakes up with a start; and, seeing in my hands the iron and the flame: Go, said he to me, your crime is unpardonable. Get out of my bed forever; nothing more in common between us. (7) It is your sister (and he pronounced your name) that I now want as my wife. He says, and, at his command, Zephyr's breath carries me out of the palace. what a divine spectacle presented itself to my charmed gaze! he was the son of the goddess Venus, Cupid himself, asleep in a peaceful sleep. (5) Distraught, drunk with pleasure, I gave in to the delirium of my senses. (6) Suddenly, oh pain! a drop of burning oil falls on his shoulder; he wakes up with a start; and, seeing in my hands the iron and the flame: Go, said he to me, your crime is unpardonable. Get out of my bed forever; nothing more in common between us. (7) It is your sister (and he pronounced your name) that I now want as my wife. He says, and, at his command, Zephyr's breath carries me out of the palace. what a divine spectacle presented itself to my charmed gaze! he was the son of the goddess Venus, Cupid himself, asleep in a peaceful sleep. (5) Distraught, drunk with pleasure, I gave in to the delirium of my senses. (6) Suddenly, oh pain! a drop of burning oil falls on his shoulder; he wakes up with a start; and, seeing in my hands the iron and the flame: Go, said he to me, your crime is unpardonable. Get out of my bed forever; nothing more in common between us. (7) It is your sister (and he pronounced your name) that I now want as my wife. He says, and, at his command, Zephyr's breath carries me out of the palace. a drop of burning oil falls on his shoulder; he wakes up with a start; and, seeing in my hands the iron and the flame: Go, said he to me, your crime is unpardonable. Get out of my bed forever; nothing more in common between us. (7) It is your sister (and he pronounced your name) that I now want as my wife. He says, and, at his command, Zephyr's breath carries me out of the palace. a drop of burning oil falls on his shoulder; he wakes up with a start; and, seeing in my hands the iron and the flame: Go, said he to me, your crime is unpardonable. Get out of my bed forever; nothing more in common between us. (7) It is your sister (and he pronounced your name) that I now want as my wife. He says, and, at his command, Zephyr's breath carries me out of the palace.
(V, 27, 1) Psyche had not finished speaking, when, intoxicated by the success of her ruse, her sister burned to reap the culpable fruits. To deceive her husband, she pretends that she has just been told of the death of her parents, embarks in haste, and sails towards the rock. (2) Zephyr was not blowing then; but, in the hope that blinds her: Cupid, she says, receive a wife worthy of you; and you, Zephyr, support your sovereign! And suddenly she rushes forward. (3) But she cannot even arrive dead where she wanted to go; for the protrusions of the rocks threw back the remains of his limbs, and, by a too deserved fate, the scattered shreds of his body became halfway the food of ferocious beasts and birds of prey.
(4) The other punishment was not long in coming. Psyche, continuing her wandering course, arrived in the town where her second sister resided. (5) The latter, duped by the same fiction, and dreaming like her predecessor of the criminal honor of supplanting her younger sister, ran quickly to the rock and found the same end there.

Informed Venus attacks Cupid violently (V, 28, 1 - 30, 6)
(V, 28, 1) While Psyche thus traveled the world in search of Cupid, Cupid, ill with his burn, groaned lying on his mother's very bed. (2) Now, this white bird which skims the surface of the seas with its wing, plunging into the depths of the ocean, will find Venus, (3) who was bathing while playing in the middle of the waves. He announces to her, approaching her, that her son has suffered a severe burn, the recovery of which is uncertain. (4) He adds that the most annoying rumors spread about her and her family: The mother and the son, it was said, are no longer occupied, the one with an intrigue of love on a mountain, and the other with the pleasure of swimming at the bottom of the sea. (5) Farewell voluptuousness, farewell graces, farewell games and laughter. Everything gets ugly, rusts, darkens in nature; no more tender knots, trade in friendship, filial love. Disorder reigns; it is nothing more than a general dissolution, a dreadful disgust with everything that maintains union and makes the charm of life. (6) The talkative fowl forgot nothing in her report of what could irritate Venus against her son. (7) Oh! said the irritated goddess, my good subject of a son has made a mistress! Come on, you, only creature who shows me zeal, tell me the name of the woman daring enough to make the advances to a child of this age. Is it one of the Hours, a Nymph, a Muse, or one of the Graces of my retinue? (8) The chattering bird was careful not to be silent. Mistress, I don't really know, he answered; but there is a maiden in the world by the name of Psyche, if I am not mistaken, which he is said to be passionately in love with. (9) Who? exclaimed Venus, completely outraged, this Psyche who dares to be as beautiful as me? who bothers to bear my name? Is that the one he loves? This brat, apparently, used me as a matchmaker! it is I who put his finger on this damsel!
(V, 29, 1) While rumbling, she rushes out of the waves, and goes towards the layer of gold where the sick god rests. From the door, she shouts to him in her loudest voice: (2) Beautiful behavior, indeed, for a discreet and wise child! Is this the case that you make of the orders of a mother, of a sovereign? Instead of delivering my enemy to ignoble loves, (3) you dare, libertine child, lavish on her your precocious caresses, and seek in her arms pleasures forbidden at your age! You claim to impose on me as my daughter the woman I detest! (4) Ah, do you believe, little rogue, runt seducer, unbearable child, that only you are able to have lineage and that I am out of age? Oh good ! (5) Know that I want to have a son who will replace you, and who will be better than you. Hold, so that the affront is more sensible, I will adopt one of my servants, and I will endow him with these wings, this torch, this bow and these arrows, which I entrusted to you for a better use; for all this equipment belongs to me, (6) and not a piece of it comes to you from your father.
(V, 30, 1) You have been spoiled from childhood: your hands have never been able to do anything but scratch and beat those to whom you owe respect. Myself, I, your mother, denatured child, am I not daily robbed by you, and sometimes beaten? You wouldn't use it any other way with me if I were a widow; and your father-in-law, that great and formidable warrior, does not even impose on you. (2) I believe it well, moreover: to make me enraged, you set out to bring him good luck; but the game will cost you dearly, and this beautiful marriage will not be all roses for you, I promise you. (3) Am I bullied enough? What to do ? what to solve? how to get the better of this little scoundrel? Shall I go and beg the help of Wisdom, she who has seen me so often break in her visor, always for the pranks of this cute? (4) The creature, moreover, the most unkind and the most unkempt...! Ah! I shiver; but it is so good to take revenge, whatever the cost! (5) Come, I will go find Wisdom, yes, Wisdom. At least my rascal will be punished masterfully. She will empty her quiver, disarm her arrows, straighten her bow, extinguish her torch, and will not spare her little person either. (6) I will not be satisfied that she has not shaved this golden hair that I have so often combed with my own hands, and trimmed these wings, formerly sprinkled with the nectar of my bosom. I will go and find Wisdom, yes, Wisdom. At least my rascal will be punished masterfully. She will empty her quiver, disarm her arrows, straighten her bow, extinguish her torch, and will not spare her little person either. (6) I will not be satisfied that she has not shaved this golden hair that I have so often combed with my own hands, and trimmed these wings, formerly sprinkled with the nectar of my bosom. I will go and find Wisdom, yes, Wisdom. At least my rascal will be punished masterfully. She will empty her quiver, disarm her arrows, straighten her bow, extinguish her torch, and will not spare her little person either. (6) I will not be satisfied that she has not shaved this golden hair that I have so often combed with my own hands, and trimmed these wings, formerly sprinkled with the nectar of my bosom.

Juno and Ceres (V, 31, 1 - VI, 4, 5)
(V, 31, 1) She says, and goes out furious, while continuing to exhale her bile. She is accosted by Juno and Ceres, who, seeing her glowing complexion, ask her why that frowned eyebrow that obscures the shine in her eyes. (2) I meet you at the right time, she told them: anger could drive me to some excess; but, I conjure you, help me with all your efforts to find this Psyche who has fled, flown away I don't know where; for you have not come to learn of the scandal of my house, and the great deeds of him whom I no longer wish to call my son.
(3) The two goddesses, well informed of the adventure, try to appease the great anger of Venus. But, madam, what did your son do to motivate this fury against him, and this hostility so violent against the one he loves? (4) Where is the crime, please, of making eyes at a pretty girl? You are aware that he is no doubt a boy, and, moreover, a big boy? Have you forgotten the date of his birth? or, because he wears his years so nicely, do you persist in seeing him still a child? (5) You, his mother, you, woman of sense, you would go with a curious eye to spy on his amusements, make a crime of his little pranks, thwart his love affairs, and finally condemn, in this beautiful youth, (6) your own nice practices, and the sweet pastimes you do not deny yourself? Singular pretension, to sow love everywhere, and to prohibit it in your domains! to exclude your children from the common right of taking part in the weaknesses of the fair sex! Ah! it will not be passed on to you, neither in heaven nor on earth. (7) Thus the unofficial goddesses take up the defense of the absent, whose arrows they fear; but Venus, who hears no raillery over the wrongs of which she complains, turns her back on them, and hastens her steps towards the sea. (7) Thus the unofficial goddesses take up the defense of the absent, whose arrows they fear; but Venus, who hears no raillery over the wrongs of which she complains, turns her back on them, and hastens her steps towards the sea. (7) Thus the unofficial goddesses take up the defense of the absent, whose arrows they fear; but Venus, who hears no raillery over the wrongs of which she complains, turns her back on them, and hastens her steps towards the sea.
(VI, 1, 1) Psyche however went wandering at random. Day and night she seeks her husband; sleep flees her, and her passion is still exalted by it. For her, it is no longer a question of softening a husband, but of disarming a master. (2) At the top of a steep mountain, she sees a temple. Who knows ? said she, perhaps this is the abode of my sovereign lord: and there she is, forgetting her fatigues, running with a rapid step towards this goal of her hopes and her wishes. (3) She fearlessly climbs the height, and approaches the sanctuary. She sees piled up there ears of barley and wheat, part of which was braided into a crown. (4) There were also scythes and all the paraphernalia of the labors of the harvest; but all this pell-mell and thrown at random; as it happens when the excess of heat knocks the tool out of the hands of the tired worker. (5) Psyche immediately gets busy sorting out this confusion, and putting everything back in order and in place, persuaded that there is for her no detail of worship or observance to neglect, and that there is no god whose benevolence and pity she does not have to conciliate.
(VI, 2, 1) While she devotes herself to this care conscientiously and tirelessly, Ceres the nurse arrives, who finds her at work: Ah! unhappy Psyche, she exclaimed, with a prolonged sigh, (2) Venus in anger seeks throughout the universe the trace of your steps; she wants you dead; she will avenge herself with all her goddess power and you, I find you here solely occupied with my service, and thinking of nothing less than your own safety! (3) Psyche prostrates herself at the feet of Ceres, floods them with her tears, and, sweeping the floor with her hair, implores the goddess in every form of prayer.
(4) By this prodigal hand of the treasures of abundance, by the joyful rites of the harvest, by your winged team of obedient dragons, (5) by the fertile furrows of Sicily, by the ravishing chariot, by the concealing earth, by the descent of Proserpina into hell and her tenebrous marriage, by the triumphant illumination of your return after having found her, by all the mysteries finally that the sanctuary of the ant ique Eleusis encloses and protects with its sacred silence, take pity on the unfortunate Psyche who begs you; (6) Allow me to hide for a few days in this pile of ears. Either this time will suffice to calm the wrath of my formidable enemy, or I will at least be able to regain my strength, exhausted by so much fatigue.
(VI, 3, 1) Ceres answers him: I am touched by your prayers and your tears, and I would like to help you; but Venus is my relative; She's an old friend, a good woman by the way, whom I don't want to upset in any way. (2) You must therefore leave this temple at once; and be grateful to me for not keeping you prisoner there.
(3) Denied against her hope, Psyche walks away, carrying in her heart one more sorrow. She was retracing her steps sadly, when her eye plunging into the bottom of a valley, discovered another temple, whose elegant architecture stood out in the half-light of a sacred wood. Determined not to neglect any chance, even doubtful, of salvation, and to put herself under the protection of some deity, she advances towards the entrance of the building. (4) There are presented to his sight the richest offerings. From the sacred gates, as well as from the surrounding trees, hung magnificent robes; and on their cloth gratitude had embroidered in letters of gold, with the name of the goddess, the subject of each thanksgiving that was rendered to her. Psyche bends her knee, kisses the still warm altar, and,
(VI, 4, 1) Wife and sister of the great Jupiter, you who live in an ancient temple in this Samos, so proud to have heard your first moans and to have seen you pressing your nurse's breast; you whom lofty Carthage, with its opulent residences, honors under the features of a virgin traversing the airs with a lion for mount; (2) you who, on the banks that the Inachus waters, presides over the walls of the famous Argos which adores you; and you, the queen of the goddesses, the wife of the master of thunder; (3) you whom the East venerates under the name of Zygie, and whom the West invokes under that of Lucina; ah! show yourself protective Juno for me! Fatigue overwhelms me; deign to protect me from the dangers that threaten me. Never, I know, did you refuse your protection to women about to be mothers.
(4) During this invocation, Juno appears to him in all the radiance of celestial majesty. I wouldn't ask for anything better, she said, than to grant your request; (5) but put myself in opposition to Venus my daughter-in-law, whom I love like my daughter, can I really do so with propriety? And then there are laws which forbid the taking in of runaway slaves, and I won't interfere with them.

Venus has Mercury issue a search warrant and Psyche decides to give herself up
(VI, 5, 1 - 8, 4)
(VI, 5, 1) Discouraged by this new failure, and renouncing to follow a husband who has wings, Psyche devotes herself to cruel reflections. (2) Where to look for help, when even goddesses only show me a sterile goodwill? (3) Where should I take my steps, when so many traps surround me? What roof, what retreat dark enough to hide me from the inevitable eye of almighty Venus? Come, Psyche, an energetic resolution! no more frivolous illusions. Go, of your own accord, place yourself in the hands of your sovereign: your submission, though belated, can still disarm her. (4) Who knows? perhaps the one you are looking for will end up in his mother's palace. Thus decided on this risky submission, even if she were to find her ruin there, Psyche was already preparing her exordium.
(VI, 6, 1) However Venus, who has exhausted all means of investigation on earth, goes to ask heaven. She orders that her chariot of gold, a marvelous work of art by Vulcan, be hitched up, who had paid homage to her as a wedding present. The rich material has diminished under the action of the file; but, by losing its weight, it has doubled in price. (2) From the winged squadron cooing near the chamber of the goddess, four white doves stand out; they advance, engorged, and come with a joyful air of their own accord to pass their shimmering necks into a yoke shining with precious stones. (3) Their mistress rides; they take their flight cheerfully; a swarm of frolicking sparrows chirp around the chariot. Other cantors of the tunes, with sweet throats, announce, by their soft accents, the arrival of the goddess. (4) The clouds give way to him; Heaven opens its doors to its beloved daughter, and the Empyrean quivers with joy at her arrival. The harmonious procession marches by, without having to fear the encounter with the eagle or the voracious hawk.
(VI, 7, 1) Venus goes straight to the royal abode of Jupiter, and the proud solicitor boldly asks him to lend her the ministry of Mercury; because he needs the best chest in Olympus. (2) Nod of black eyebrows. Venus returns triumphant, and, while descending from the heavens with Mercury, says to him in an animated tone: (3) My brother the Arcadian, you know that your sister Venus never does anything without you; you are also aware that I am looking for a slave of mine who is hiding, and that I am wasting my time looking for her. I have only one resource left, and that is to have it proclaimed that I promise a reward to whoever finds it. (4) I am counting on you to render me this good office without delay. Especially that his report is clear and precise. If it is necessary later to prosecute some concealer in justice, that one cannot pretext because of ignorance. (5) Thereupon, she gives Mercury the name of Psyche in writing with the necessary indications, and returns to her palace.
(VI, 8, 1) Mercury, eager to carry out the commission, begins to travel the earth, proclaiming everywhere the following: "(2) It is announced that a king's daughter, named Psyche, a slave of Venus, has fled. Address the crier Mercury behind the Murcian Pyramids for the answer." (4) At this announcement, one can judge what excitement the hope of such a prize must have produced among mortals. This circumstance completed the destruction of all irresolution in Psyche's mind.

Venus welcomes Psyche very harshly (VI, 8, 5 - 9, 6)
(5) She was already approaching the gates of her mistress; Habit, one of Venus' servants, comes running up, shouting in the loudest tone of her voice: (6) So there you are, detestable servant! Finally you remember that you have a mistress! Aren't you going, with the effrontery you are endowed with, to pretend not to know what trouble we had to run after you? (7) Fortunately, it is in my hands that you fall; as much as the claws of hell would be worth to you. Ah! you will receive the price of your rebellion.
(VI, 9, 1) And, seizing her by the hair, she drags the poor girl away, who puts up no resistance. Seeing her victim in front of her, and as if offered to her blows, Venus let out a great burst of laughter; of that laughter often produced by excess of anger. (2) Finally, she said, shaking her head and rubbing her right ear, you deign to come and greet your mother-in-law. Isn't it to your husband, sick by your act, that the honor of your visit is addressed? Oh ! keep calm; you will be treated as deserves such an estimable daughter-in-law. Where are, she said, my two servants, Worry and Sadness? (3) They are introduced; and Venus delivers Psyche to their cruel hands. Following the order they received, they beat her with rods, torture her in a thousand ways,
(4) Venus laughed again. Oh ! here, she said, is a big belly well made to dispose me to commiseration. This beautiful offspring will make me such a happy grandmother! Grandmother ! (5) Isn't it very rejoicing to hear oneself given this name, and to have for a grandson the child of a vile servant? (6) But I am mad, indeed, to call this my son. This disproportionate marriage, consummated in the countryside, without witnesses, without the consent of the father, cannot be legitimate. The brat will be a bastard, assuming I give him time to be born.

First test: sorting the grains (VI, 10, 1 - 11, 2)
(VI, 10, 1) As she utters these words, she rushes on poor Psyche, tears her dress to pieces, tears her hair, and bruises her head with blows. Then she has wheat, barley, millet, poppy seed, peas, lentils and broad beans brought to her. She mixes and confuses everything, and addressing her victim: (2) A servant, such a disgraced creature must be a clever person to have known how to come so well. Well ! I want to try your skills. (3) Do you see this pile of confused seeds? you are going to sort everything for me, separate each species, and make as many heaps of them. I give you until tonight to send me this task. (4) And, after having done this beautiful job for him, the goddess goes out to go to a wedding meal.
Psyche does not even dream of putting her hand to this inextricable chaos. She remains motionless and amazed at such an extravagant demand. (5) Then the ant, a puny inhabitant of the fields, who could so well appreciate the difficulty of such a task, takes pity on the wife of a god, whom she sees pitilessly condemned there. Quite indignant at this stepmother's act, she runs to summon the ban of ants in her neighborhood. (6) Be compassionate, alert daughters of the earth; quickly to work! a lovely woman, the wife of The Love, needs your good offices. (7) Immediately the people with a thousand feet to rush, to jiggle by myriads. In the twinkling of an eye all this confused mass is divided, classified by species, distributed in as many distinct heaps; and zest, all the workers are gone.
(VI, 11, 1) Towards evening, Venus returns from the feast, warmed by the swigs, sprinkled with perfumes and covered with garlands of roses. She sees with what marvelous care the task has been carried out: (2) It is not you, rascal, she cried, who did this task. I recognize the hand of the one who liked you too much, for your misfortune and for his. Thereupon she throws Psyche a piece of bread, and goes to bed.

Second ordeal: the sheep with the golden fleece (VI, 11, 3 - 13, 1)
(3) However Cupid, confined to the back of the palace, underwent severe seclusion there. We fear that he will aggravate his wound by his turbulent agitation: above all, we want to sequester him from the one he loves. Thus separated, although under the same roof, the two lovers spent a cruel night. (4) The chariot of Dawn had hardly appeared when Venus summoned Psyche and said to her: Do you see this wood bordered along its entire length by a river (5) whose waters are already deep, although still near their source? A brilliant herd of sheep with golden fleece grazes there, without a guardian, at random: I need a flake of their precious wool just now. Go, and make sure to bring it back to me without delay.
(VI, 12, 1) Psyche runs, flies; not to fulfill the order of the goddess, but to put an end to her evils in the waters of the river. Now, behold, from its very bed, a green reed, sweet organ of harmony, suddenly inspired by the wind which agitates it and which murmurs, begins to prophesy in these terms: (2) Poor Psyche, already so severely tried, beware of sullying by your death the sanctity of my waves, and do not approach the formidable herd which grazes on this shore. (3) As long as the midday sun shines its rays, these sheep are possessed by a kind of rage. Every mortal then must dread the wounds of their sharp horns, the shock of their stony brows, and the bite of their poisonous teeth; (4) but once the meridian has tempered the ardor of the day star, that the breezes of the river will have refreshed the blood of these furious animals, you will be able without fear to reach this high plane tree nourished by the same waters as me, and find under its foliage a sure shelter. (5) Then you will only have, to get gold wool, to shake the branches of the neighboring trees, where it attaches by flakes.
(VI, 13, 1) Thus the good reed gave Psyche sound advice. She listened attentively, and had no reason to regret it; for, following his instructions, she had soon made her furtive collection, and returned to Venus, her bosom filled with that golden fleece softened.

Third test: water from the source of the Styx (VI, 13, 2 - 16, 1)
(2) Psyche did not find herself better received after the success of this second test. Venus, frowning, said with a bitter smile: (3) Always the same fraudulent protection! But I am going to make a decisive test of this courage so firm and of this conduct so prudent. (4) Do you see that rock standing on top of that steep mountain? There gushes a spring whose blackish waters, collected at first in the hollow of a neighboring valley, then spread into the marshes of the Styx, and go to swell the raucous waves of the Cocytus. (5) You will go to the very jet of the spring to draw its icy wave, and you will bring it back to me in this little bottle. She says, and hands him a bottle of polished crystal, accompanying the injunction with the most terrible threats.
(VI, 14, 1) Psyche hastens her pace to reach the summit of the mountain, believing this time to find the end of her miserable existence there. Arrived at the top, she sees all the extent and the deadly difficulty of her task, and what perils she must overcome. (2) Indeed, the rock rose to an appalling height, and it was through its abrupt sides, of an inaccessible escarpment, that the formidable wave found passage. It escaped through a host of crevasses, (3) from which it slid perpendicularly, and then sank into a narrow and deep channel, which led it unnoticed to the bottom of the valley. (4) From the hollow of the rocks which enclosed its two banks, one saw lying down from right and left frightful heads of dragons with motionless eyelids, with constantly open eyes; terrible guardians who neither fall asleep nor allow themselves to be won over. (5) Moreover, these waters were speaking and knew how to defend themselves: Back! What are you doing ? where are you going? Be careful ! flee! You will die! These were the warnings they kept sounding. (6) Psyche stood petrified on seeing the impossibility of her task. Present in body, she is absent in her senses.
(VI, 15, 1) Overwhelmed by the awareness of her danger, she does not even have the sad resource of tears; but a tutelary providence watched over this innocent soul. The royal bird of Jupiter, the eagle with ravishing claws, suddenly appeared, spreading its great wings. (2) He has not forgotten how much he once paid court to the sovereign of the gods by the abduction of this young Phrygian who served him drink, and that it was Cupid himself who inspired him. From the heights of Olympus, he comes to offer his assistance at the right time, jealous to make himself agreeable to the husband by helping his young wife. So here he is fluttering around Psyche, and says to her: (3) Hey what! poor innocent, do you believe that your novice hands can steal a single drop of water from this fountain? Do you flatter yourself that you only approach its sacred and terrible shores? (4) Don't you know that the gods, that Jupiter himself, only name them while trembling? that they swear by the majesty of the Styx, as you mortals swear by the power of the gods? (5) But give me this bottle. He says, seizes it, and does not take long to bring it back full, passing and repassing, majestically supported by the swinging of his powerful wings, between these two rows of gaping jaws, which can only show their terrible teeth and dart their triple tongue without effect. (6) The wave becomes irritated, and cries to him: Far from here, sacrilege! But he said: It is by the order of Venus; and this adroit lie served him also as a passport.
(VI, 16, 1) Psyche receives with joy the bottle so happily filled, and brings it back in all haste to Venus; but nothing appeases the implacable goddess.

Fourth ordeal: the expedition to Proserpina (VI, 16, 2 - 21, 4)
(2) With a sinister smile, and which portends new and more perilous requirements, she apostrophizes him in these words: you must be a magician, and a magician of the most expert, to have put such commissions so quickly to an end; (3) but here, my chick, what you still have to do for me. Take this box (she handed him one at the same time), and go straight to hell, to the dark household of Pluto. (4) You will present the box to Proserpina, and you will say to her: Venus asks for a little of your beauty, enough for one day only; (5) because all her provision was exhausted by the consumption that she made of it by serving as nurse to her son. Go, and return soon; because I want to use it before appearing at the Théâtre de l'Olympe.
(VI, 17, 1) Psyche thought she had received the coup de grace. This time the order was clear: it was simply to send him to his death. How can you doubt it? They wanted her to go down to Tartarus herself and visit the Manes. (2) Without further ado, she runs towards a high tower, intending to rush from the top. It was, according to her, the best and the shortest way to go to hell; (3) but suddenly a voice escapes from the tower: What is this idea, poor child, of throwing oneself headlong like this? Why shrink from this ordeal and sacrifice yourself aimlessly? (4) Your soul once separated from the body will indeed go to the bottom of Tartarus, but never to return. Listen to me :
(VI, 18, 1) Lacedaemon, that noble city of Achaia, is not far; it borders on Tenare, which is only reached by little-known paths; (2) it is a vent from the dark abode of Pluto. Dare to enter its gaping mouth: in front of you will open a road where no foot has left its mark, and which will lead you in a direct line to the palace of the Orcus; (3) but one must not venture into this darkness empty-handed. Have in each hand a cake of barley flour kneaded with honey, and in your mouth two small coins. (4) Halfway through the infernal path, you will come across a lame donkey, loaded with fagots. The donkey driver, also lame, will ask you to pick up a few bits of wood that have fallen from his load; pass on, and answer not a word. (5) Soon you will arrive at the Erebus River. Charon is there, exacting his toll; because it is only at the price of money that he passes the newcomers to the other bank. So avarice still lives among the dead! (6) Neither Charon, nor even Pluto, this so great god, does nothing for nothing. The poor when dying must save money for the trip: no one has the right to give up the ghost except with money in hand. (7) You will give this hideous old man, as a toll, one of your two coins. He has to take it from his hand to your mouth. (8) Crossing this stagnant wave, you will see the body of an old man floating, who will hold out his cadaverous hands to you, begging you to pull him towards you in the boat. Compassion is not permitted to you; don't do anything about it. demanding its toll; because it is only at the price of money that he passes the newcomers to the other bank. So avarice still lives among the dead! (6) Neither Charon, nor even Pluto, this so great god, does nothing for nothing. The poor when dying must save money for the trip: no one has the right to give up the ghost except with money in hand. (7) You will give this hideous old man, as a toll, one of your two coins. He has to take it from his hand to your mouth. (8) Crossing this stagnant wave, you will see the body of an old man floating, who will hold out his cadaverous hands to you, begging you to pull him towards you in the boat. Compassion is not permitted to you; don't do anything about it. demanding its toll; because it is only at the price of money that he passes the newcomers to the other bank. So avarice still lives among the dead! (6) Neither Charon, nor even Pluto, this so great god, does nothing for nothing. The poor when dying must save money for the trip: no one has the right to give up the ghost except with money in hand. (7) You will give this hideous old man, as a toll, one of your two coins. He has to take it from his hand to your mouth. (8) Crossing this stagnant wave, you will see the body of an old man floating, who will hold out his cadaverous hands to you, begging you to pull him towards you in the boat. Compassion is not permitted to you; don't do anything about it. So avarice still lives among the dead! (6) Neither Charon, nor even Pluto, this so great god, does nothing for nothing. The poor when dying must save money for the trip: no one has the right to give up the ghost except with money in hand. (7) You will give this hideous old man, as a toll, one of your two coins. He has to take it from his hand to your mouth. (8) Crossing this stagnant wave, you will see the body of an old man floating, who will hold out his cadaverous hands to you, begging you to pull him towards you in the boat. Compassion is not permitted to you; don't do anything about it. So avarice still lives among the dead! (6) Neither Charon, nor even Pluto, this so great god, does nothing for nothing. The poor when dying must save money for the trip: no one has the right to give up the ghost except with money in hand. (7) You will give this hideous old man, as a toll, one of your two coins. He has to take it from his hand to your mouth. (8) Crossing this stagnant wave, you will see the body of an old man floating, who will hold out his cadaverous hands to you, begging you to pull him towards you in the boat. Compassion is not permitted to you; don't do anything about it. no one has the right to give up the ghost except with money in hand. (7) You will give this hideous old man, as a toll, one of your two coins. He has to take it from his hand to your mouth. (8) Crossing this stagnant wave, you will see the body of an old man floating, who will hold out his cadaverous hands to you, begging you to pull him towards you in the boat. Compassion is not permitted to you; don't do anything about it. no one has the right to give up the ghost except with money in hand. (7) You will give this hideous old man, as a toll, one of your two coins. He has to take it from his hand to your mouth. (8) Crossing this stagnant wave, you will see the body of an old man floating, who will hold out his cadaverous hands to you, begging you to pull him towards you in the boat. Compassion is not permitted to you; don't do anything about it.
(VI, 19, 1) When you have crossed the river, you will meet old women a few steps away busy making linen, who will ask you to put your hand in it: don't you dare touch it, so many traps set by Venus, and she has many more in store for you to get you to part with at least one of your cakes: (2) don't believe the insignificant loss of it, it would cost you your life. (3) An enormous three-headed dog, a formidable, dreadful monster, ceaselessly barking at the ghosts which it frightens without their power to do any other harm, day and night stands sentry in the dark vestibule of Proserpina; it is the guardian of the infernal mansion. (4) You will silence him easily by throwing him one of your cakes, and you will pass on. You will thus penetrate as far as Proserpine, who will give you the warmest welcome, will entice you to sit down and take part in a sumptuous feast; (5) but only sit on the ground, and accept no other food than black bread. You will then expose the object of your mission, and you will take what it gives you. That done, retrace your steps. (6) You will redeem yourself again from the dog's mouth for the price of your second cake. You will recross the river, delivering your other coin to the miser boatman; you will take the path you will have followed when you came, and you will thus see the celestial vault again: (7) but, above all, do not dare to open the box which will have been entrusted to you, and to cast your eyes on what it contains. Point of curious gaze on this secret treasure of divine beauty.
(VI, 20, 1) Thus spoke this provident tower like a true oracle. Psyche immediately directs her steps towards Tenare. Armed with her two obols and her two cakes, she quickly descends the underground path; (2) passes, without saying a word, in front of the lame donkey driver; gives the toll to the driver, remains deaf to the entreaties of the floating dead; ignores the insidious call of the weavers; and, after having put to sleep, by abandoning her cake to him, the rage of the infernal guardian, she enters the dwelling of Proserpina. (3) In vain his hostess offers him a cozy seat, delicate dishes; she persists in sitting at his feet on the ground, and in accepting only a piece of coarse bread. It is in this posture that she fulfills the message of Venus. (4) The box with the mysterious contents is given to him hermetically sealed; And, after having closed the mouth of the barker again with the second cake, disinterestedly showering him with the second obol, she leaves hell more merrily than she had descended there, (5) and she sees again and adores the white light of the heavens; but, eager as she is to complete her mission, a reckless curiosity seizes her mind. (6) In truth, she said to herself, I would be very simple, I who wear the beauty of the goddesses, not to keep a little for my own use, when it might be the way to bring back the charming object that I adore. eager as she is to complete her mission, a reckless curiosity takes hold of her mind. (6) In truth, she said to herself, I would be very simple, I who wear the beauty of the goddesses, not to keep a little for my own use, when it might be the way to bring back the charming object that I adore. eager as she is to complete her mission, a reckless curiosity takes hold of her mind. (6) In truth, she said to herself, I would be very simple, I who wear the beauty of the goddesses, not to keep a little for my own use, when it might be the way to bring back the charming object that I adore.
(VI, 21, 1) Saying these words, she opens the box. From point of beauty; no object appears there: but scarcely has the lid been lifted, than a lethargic vapor, child of Erebus, seizes the senses of Psyche, spreads like a thick veil over all her limbs, and the terrace in the middle of the road, (2) where she remains stretched out in the immobility of sleep or rather of death.
However, Cupid's wound had healed. Strength had returned to him, and with it the impatience to see his Psyche again. He escapes through the narrow window of his prison. (3) His refreshed and rested wings transport him in the blink of an eye close to his lover. He carefully frees her from the sleep that oppresses her, and puts her back in her box. Then, with the tip of one of his arrows, he lightly touches Psyche and wakes her up: (4) What! unhappy child, again this curiosity which destroys you! Come, make haste to fulfill my mother's commission; I will take care of the rest. At these words, the winged lover resumes his flight, and Psyche hurries to bring Proserpina's present to Venus.

Jupiter intervenes in favor of Psyche and makes her an immortal (VI, 22, 1 - 23, 5)
(VI, 22, 1) However Cupid, devoured by his passion and who fears, with the wrathful air of his mother, that Wisdom comes to join the game, resolves to try drastic measures. With his rapid wing he pierces the vault of the heavens, goes to present a request to Jupiter, and pleads his cause before him. (2) The master of the gods gently pinches his little cheeks, draws them close to his lips, kisses them, and says to him: (3) Sir, my son, you have hardly respected in me the supremacy conferred by the consent of the gods: in me the regulator of the elements, the motor of celestial revolutions, you have made the ordinary focus of your arrows. You compromised me in I don't know how many amorous intrigues with mortals. (4) Notwithstanding any law, including Julia's Law, and any public morals, you have burdened my conscience, as well as my reputation, with rather scandalous adulteries. Flame, Serpent, Bird, Woodland Beast, Stable Beast; there is no ignoble metamorphosis in which you have not swallowed down the majesty of my features; (5) but I want to be good-natured, and just remember that you grew up in my arms. I accede to your request; but arrange so that it does not happen again. On the other hand, on the other hand, if he shows himself some out of line face there, remember that you owe me compensation. and just remember that you grew up in my arms. I accede to your request; but arrange so that it does not happen again. On the other hand, on the other hand, if he shows himself some out of line face there, remember that you owe me compensation. and just remember that you grew up in my arms. I accede to your request; but arrange so that it does not happen again. On the other hand, on the other hand, if he shows himself some out of line face there, remember that you owe me compensation.
(VI, 23, 1) He says, and orders Mercury to convene at once the whole council of the gods, under penalty for each absent immortal of a fine of ten thousand crowns. Thanks to the threat, we were punctual at the celestial conference. Then the great Jupiter, seated on an elevated throne, addressed this speech to the assembly: (2) Gods conscripted from the role of the Muses, you know that it was I myself who educated this youth. However, I decided to put a brake on the outbursts of his ardent youth. He has been talked about too much for adulteries and disorders of all kinds. (3) I want to remove all pretext from this ardor, and contain it with the chains of marriage. He chose a young girl, and stole her flower. She is his possession, let him keep her: happy in his embraces, may he enjoy it forever. (4) Turning then to the side of Venus: You, my daughter, he said, do not grieve; do not fear for your rank or for your house the insult of a misalliance. These are assorted, legitimate knots, contracted according to the forms of law.

The apotheosis of Psyche and the marriage (VI, 23, 5 - 24, 4)
(5) He immediately orders Mercury to kidnap Psyche and bring her before the gods. Jupiter presents the young girl with a cup of ambrosia: Take it, Psyche, he says to her, and be immortal. Cupid and you, may an indestructible knot unite you forever.
(VI, 24, 1) Suddenly the splendid wedding apparatus unfolds. On the bed of honor, one saw the husband holding in his arms his Psyche; and, in the same attitude, Jupiter with his Juno. Then came all the gods, each according to his rank. (2) The nectar circulates (it is the wine of the immortals); Jupiter has his young shepherd for cupbearer; Bacchus pours out the rest of the assembly. Vulcan had taken charge of the cooking. (3) The Hours sowed flowers and roses everywhere, the Graces spread perfumes, the Muses made their melodious voices heard. Apollo sang to the accompaniment of the lyre, and the pretty feet of Venus drew a graceful step, regulating it to these divine chords. She herself had thus completed her orchestra: the Muses sang in chorus, a Satyr played the flute, a Fauna of the blowtorch. (4) This is how Psyche was united to Cupid in forms. A daughter was born of their love: she is called Pleasure.

4. Lucius in the Fields - Various Tribulations
(VII, 14, 1 - VII, 28, 4)

Great hopes...

(VII, 14, 1) From that day on, the young bride called me only her saviour, and never ceased to show the most tender solicitude for my well-being. On the very day of her wedding, it was she who had my rack filled with barley; by his order I was given the ration of a Bactrian camel in hay. (2) But how heartily I cursed this Photis for not having changed me into a dog rather than an ass, when I saw the canine people of the house, half rapine, half generosity, stuffing themselves with the fare of a sumptuous dinner! (3) The young wife had no sooner given a first night to love, than her gratitude left neither husband nor parents any rest, than she had obtained the promise for me of the most honorable treatment. (4) A council of friends was convened, and gravely deliberated upon a means of worthily rewarding me. They made a motion to keep me closed, without doing anything, and to fatten me up on choice barley, vetches and field beans; (5) but another dissenter made his opinion prevail. He wanted me to be left free; that I could run and frolic in the meadows with the horses; the riding of mares by a stallion like me having to give my masters a generous breed of mules as a product. He wanted me to be left free; that I could run and frolic in the meadows with the horses; the riding of mares by a stallion like me having to give my masters a generous breed of mules as a product. He wanted me to be left free; that I could run and frolic in the meadows with the horses; the riding of mares by a stallion like me having to give my masters a generous breed of mules as a product.
(VII, 15, 1) Consequently, the steward of the stud farm was summoned, and I was handed over to his care, with recommendation upon recommendation. Joy made me run forward. No more burdens, no more drudgeries; freedom had been restored to me. Spring was beginning. In the middle of the flowered meadows, I could not fail to meet some rose. (2) I also made this reflection: if the donkey is the object of so much gratitude, what will not be done for the man, when he will have resumed his true form?

... which do not succeed

(3) But once this agent had taken me away from the city, there was no longer any question for me of delights, nor even of freedom. His wife, the most miserly, the nastiest of creatures, began by putting me under the yoke to serve as the engine of a mill. Relentlessly castigating me with a branch still covered with its leaves, she made the bread of her family and her own at the expense of my skin. (4) And it was little to provide by my sweats for her subsistence, I still had to grind for the neighbors, from whom she received the wheat for a salary. And after all this work, I could not (poor animal!) count even on the pittance of right: (4) my portion of barley passed with the rest of the grain under the millstone; and when, always turning, I had grown tired of grinding and bolting, the thief sold the whole thing in detail to the peasants of the neighborhood. Only, after having imposed this painful occupation on me for a whole day, towards evening she would gratify me with a measure of bran, unriddled, full of rubbish and stones, which remained in my throat.
(VII, 16, 1) Such were the miseries of my condition, when pitiless Fortune made me change my torture, doubtless so that the measure would be full, and that I might be, as they say, glorified without as well as within. In the end, the brave steward took it into his head, although a little late, to carry out the order of his masters, and gave me the key to the fields in the middle of the stud farm. (2) Here is master donkey free at last; I stamped with joy, and I was already making my choice of the croups most to my liking among the mares; but this sweet beginning still nearly ended in a final catastrophe. (3) All these stallions well sated and fattened for the struggles of Venus were terrible rivals in my loves. What donkey would have been strong enough to struggle against them? Here they are who take it into their heads to be jealous, do not want to suffer from adulterous misalliance, and, in defiance of the laws of Jupiter Hospitaller, rage furiously against the intruder usurper of their rights. (4) One, raising his broad chest, straight head and stiff neck, hammers me with his front feet; the other, turning a muscular and fleshy croup, skirmishing with his kicks against me ; another, with that whinnying which announces nothing good, comes up with his ear flat, and, showing two rows of white and formidable teeth, tears my whole body with them pitilessly. (5) I then remembered a certain king of Thrace whose story I had read, and who delivered his guests to the devouring rage of his furious couriers. Singular economy in this despot, who feeding his horses with human flesh, found there the means of sparing his barley!

The sadistic donkey driver

(VII, 17, 1) Thus bruised and lacerated by the assaults of these cursed quadrupeds, I was there to regret the revolving merry-go-round of the mill. But Fortune, which never tired of persecuting me, caused me a very different scourge. (2) There was wood to fetch on a mountain. They employed me in this transport, giving me as a driver a young boy, the worst rascal on earth. (3) It was little to have to climb painfully up to the steepest summit of the hills, to wear the horns of my feet to the quick on the stumps and the pebbles with which my road bristled; I still had to endure an incessant hail of stick blows, the funny thing of which tore at my spine, and the pain of which I felt to the marrow of my bones. (4) He had the wickedness to address his constantly to the right thigh; so that, always striking in the same place, he had ended up cutting into the leather. Then the pain had become a scratch wound, a wound hole, and a window hole. And yet the executioner kept knocking on the bleeding tear. Add that he was exaggerating my charge to believe that this mass of fagots was intended not for a donkey, but for an elephant. (5) Was excess weight on one side leaning the load? instead of diminishing it from what threatened ruin and relieving me by the same amount, or at least passing some piece over to the other side, he added stones to restore the balance. wound hole, and window hole. And yet the executioner kept knocking on the bleeding tear. Add that he was exaggerating my charge to believe that this mass of fagots was intended not for a donkey, but for an elephant. (5) Was excess weight on one side leaning the load? instead of diminishing it from what threatened ruin and relieving me by the same amount, or at least passing some piece over to the other side, he added stones to restore the balance. wound hole, and window hole. And yet the executioner kept knocking on the bleeding tear. Add that he was exaggerating my charge to believe that this mass of fagots was intended not for a donkey, but for an elephant. (5) Was excess weight on one side leaning the load? instead of diminishing it from what threatened ruin and relieving me by the same amount, or at least passing some piece over to the other side, he added stones to restore the balance. (5) Was excess weight on one side leaning the load? instead of diminishing it from what threatened ruin and relieving me by the same amount, or at least passing some piece over to the other side, he added stones to restore the balance. (5) Was excess weight on one side leaning the load? instead of diminishing it from what threatened ruin and relieving me by the same amount, or at least passing some piece over to the other side, he added stones to restore the balance.
(VII, 18, 1) That's not all: after having crushed me so mercilessly under the load, if we happened to have a stream to cross, the careful child was careful not to wet his gaiters; he was planted on my loins with full leap. Weak addition, you might say, given the enormity of the load. (2) Yes; but if, encountering on the other side a ramp that is a little steep, or made slippery by the silt, I should fall down while trying in vain to cross it with my burden, do you believe that my excellent guide would take the trouble to raise my head with the bridle, to lift me by the tail, or finally to relieve my back, to help me get back on my feet? (3) No; I had no help to wait for; but armed with a huge stick, he rounded me from head to tail, starting with the ears, so much so that no cordial would have revived me more quickly. (4) Here is another one of his tricks. He once procured some very prickly thorns with poisonous points, which he twisted into bundles in the shape of a ball; and he attached to my tail that spurring appendage, which each step set in motion for my torture.
(VIII, 19, 1) The mechanism was double-ended; for as soon as I started to run to escape my persecutor, this accelerated pace redoubled the energy of the stings, and as soon as I stopped to end my torment, the stick forced me to resume my run. (2) In short, this little scoundrel had no other idea than to kill me one way or another. He swore it to me more than once, and, (3) in one instance, his detestable malice went even further. One day when the persecution had triumphed over my patience, I unleashed a most vigorous kick on him. Now, here is what revenge he went to think of: then he enters the first farm, steals a coal, that he stuffs everything on in the middle of my load. (5) The fire smolders for some time in this combustible hearth, and soon the flame bursts out, and envelops me entirely in the most formidable conflagration. Where to flee? what chance of salvation? With such an enemy on his heels, do we have time for reflection?
(VII, 20, 1) In this extremity however, Fortune deigned to smile at me. Perhaps she had other trials in store for me: at least she lifted me this time from an imminent and calculated death in cold blood. (2) It had rained the day before in the surroundings, and a muddy pond had formed there. This immersion extinguished the fire and delivered me from my charge, as well as from a frightful death. (3) But, oh cheeky little monster! was he not going to turn his misdeed against me? He swore to his great gods, to his comrades in the service, that, passing close to a fire that neighbors had lit, I had voluntarily let myself fall, so as to put my load in contact with the coals. Then, bursting into laughter at my face, he added: It is very good to feed such a blaster at home! (4) A few days did not pass without him hatching a far more perfidious plot against me. He sold the wood I was carrying to the first cottage he came across, and, bringing me back empty, he began to shout, to anyone who would listen, that he could no longer overcome such a nasty animal, and that he would give up a job like that of driving me. Now, here is the turn he gave to his accusation. that he can no longer overcome such a nasty animal, and that he gives up a job like that of driving me. Now, here is the turn he gave to his accusation. that he can no longer overcome such a nasty animal, and that he gives up a job like that of driving me. Now, here is the turn he gave to his accusation.

Lucius fears for his manhood

(VII, 21, 1) You see this lazy beast, this cowardly jerk; I'm not talking about all the tricks he plays on me directly, but learn a little about the dangers he exposes me to. (2) From as far as he sees a well-turned woman, young girl or young boy, zest! the load is on the side, and sometimes the shoe. And here is this gallant in a new way who attacks human creatures all in heat, who knocks them down, and who, with gaping jaws, tries strange and monstrous pleasures on their persons. He takes a woman from you from behind, and brutally solicits her in spite of Venus. (3) This grotesque muzzle wants to parody kisses; he smears, he wounds with his big teeth. Quarrels will rain on us, and perhaps good lawsuits. Who knows? some criminal action perhaps. (4) Just now a young lady was passing. In the twinkling of an eye my madman throws down his wood, and scatters it in all directions. He rushes on the poor woman, rolls her in the mud, and wants, discreet lover, to climb on her body in the middle of the street. (5) Fortunately some passers-by, running to the tears and cries of the victim, tore him from the embraces of the monster; otherwise, it was all over with the unfortunate, she was suffocated, torn apart, she perished a terrible death, and we remained under the weight of a capital affair. hastened to the tears and cries of the victim, tore her from the embraces of the monster; otherwise, it was all over with the unfortunate, she was suffocated, torn apart, she perished a terrible death, and we remained under the weight of a capital affair. hastened to the tears and cries of the victim, tore her from the embraces of the monster; otherwise, it was all over with the unfortunate, she was suffocated, torn apart, she perished a terrible death, and we remained under the weight of a capital affair.
(VII, 22, 1) This signal calumny, seasoned with other remarks of the same kind which my modest silence made more damning, excited to the highest degree the animadversion of these good people against me. (2) One of them ends up exclaiming: What does that mean? shall we have here a husband of all our wives? ordinary adultery? Let him be immolated very quickly, in expiation of his monstrous loves. (3) Come, my boy, cut off his neck immediately, throw his entrails to the dogs; the rest of his flesh will be used to feed our workers. As for his skin, we will bring it back to our masters. We know how to put his death on the account of the wolves. (4) Immediately my pernicious accuser, delighted to be the executor of the sentence, made his arrangements with an air of insulting triumph. He has not forgotten this kick, alas!
(VII, 23, 1) But a member of the rustic assembly then takes the floor: It would be conscious, he says, to put such a beautiful donkey to death and to deprive us of his services, for a few amorous escapades. (2) Why not castrate him preferably? The temperament would then cease to speak so loudly to him, and henceforth no longer have these unfortunate consequences; add that it will gain in neckline. (3) In heat, the donkey is softer, and the horse more spirited. I have seen more than one become quite wayward and intractable. Well! in a jiffy you could make him skilful for transport on the back, and docile for all kinds of service. (4) Unless you decide otherwise, I will take care of the operation. Just give me time to take a trip to the neighboring fair; I'm coming home to pick up my instruments,

The death of the donkey boy saves Lucius
(VII, 24, 1) This proposal tore me from the kingdom of the Orcus, but to make me undergo the harshest treatment; and I lamented to perish in the noblest part of myself. (2) Already I was looking for some means of destruction, hunger or some precipice. It was still dying; but at least it was to die whole. (3) While I was deliberating on the choice of death, my childish tormentor came to take me on our daily trip to the mountains. (4) There, having tied me to the hanging branch of a large oak tree, he begins, a few steps forward, to cut with his ax the wood that he was to bring back, when from a neighboring cave suddenly lies a formidable bear's head. (5) I had no sooner seen the animal advancing slowly, than terrified by this apparition, I throw myself with all my weight on my hind hocks, and break, rearing up, the strap that held me. (6) Then I start to scamper belly down, galloping, tumbling through the steepest slopes. I was quickly at the bottom of the climb, equally eager to escape the claws of the bear and those of the child, who was no better.
(VII, 25, 1) A passer-by who saw me without a master seized me, and, having straddled me swiftly, made me take with a stick a cross-road which was unknown to me. (2) However, I was careful not to obstruct its progress, because it distanced me from the fatal place where the sacrifice of my masculinity was to be consummated. Besides, I was not very sensitive to the blows of my new owner, so well had I known how to get to know the stick; (3) but the relentlessness of Fortune suddenly turned this chance of escape so favorable: she still kept one of her tricks for me.
(4) The herdsmen of the house had lost a heifer, and were running in all directions to find her. By chance we met face to face. They soon recognized me and, seizing my halter, they tried to lead me away. (5) My horseman, bold and vigorous companion, opposed them a strong resistance, while calling heaven and earth to witness. Where does this aggression come from? why this violence? (6) What does this mean? answered my people; wait, we're going to do you a favor when we catch you stealing our donkey. You'd better tell us what you did with the child who was driving it, and who you probably killed and hid somewhere. (7) And thereupon, after unhorsing him, they knock him down, and overwhelm him with kicks and punches. The unfortunate, all bruised, swore to his great gods that he had not seen a living soul, and that, finding the donkey without a rider and without a guide, he had stopped it in its tracks, only to return it to whom it should be, in the hope of a reward. (8) Would to the gods, he exclaimed, that this donkey, which I would have done without meeting, had himself the gift of speech! it would attest to my innocence, and you would regret the treatment you made me endure.
(9) But in vain did he protest, these brutal people put a rope around his neck and brought us back together towards this wooded mountain where the child used to go to look for firewood.
(VII, 26, 1) For the rest, the searches that were made of his person only resulted in finding piece by piece the scattered shreds of his body. (2) For me, it was beyond doubt that it was the teeth of the bear which had done this task, and I would have said what I knew of it, if speaking had been possible for me; but I inwardly congratulated myself (it was all I could do) that, although a bit late, the time for revenge had finally come. (3) When the various shreds of the corpse had been brought together and readjusted with great difficulty, it was buried on the spot. As for my Bellerophon, convinced thief, presumed murderer, he was led to the house garrotted in the right way. Their intention was to hand him over to the magistrates the next day, who would know how, they said, to get him right.
(4) However the father and the mother of the young boy were sobbing, lamenting, when, faithful to his promise, the man arrives at the operation, insisting that it be carried out without further delay; (5) but one of them said to him: We have much else to do today. Tomorrow either; let this cursed donkey have its genitals cut off, and its head to boot: we ask for nothing better, and everyone here will lend you a hand.
(VII, 27, 1) My ordeal was therefore postponed to the next day, and I addressed thanksgiving to the honest fellow, who, at least by his death, delayed, if only for a day, my dissection. (2) But I was not even allowed to enjoy this short adjournment in peace; for the mother in despair at the disastrous death of her son, the groaning and weeping mother, dressed in mourning and tearing off her white hair covered with ashes with both hands, rushes towards my stable, and, bruising her breast with violence, she apostrophizes me in these words: (3) This glutton is coddling himself here in his litter; here he is stuffing himself with a full manger, and until he bursts. He is very concerned about my misery and the catastrophe of his young master! (4) No doubt he counts on my infirmities, on my old age, to escape the punishment due to him. One would say to see it that it is innocence itself; it's quite simple: crime always counts on impunity, despite conscience; (5) but, in the name of all the gods, execrable beast, what simpleton will you make believe that you have nothing to do with this horrible catastrophe? Couldn't you protect this unfortunate child with your kicks? ward off the enemy with your bites? (6) You, so quick to raise your rump against him, why didn't you show yourself so ready to defend yourself? (7) At least you could take it on your back, and remove it from bloody hands. You would not have fled alone, deserting your companion, your guide, your master. (8) Don't you know well that who denies help to a dying person, outrages morality and incurs public vindictiveness? (9) Infamous assassin, you will not have long to rejoice in my misfortune; you will feel what strength nature can give to the arm of a mother in despair.
(VII, 28, 1) She says; and, untying her belt, she ties my feet two by two, squeezing with all her strength, in order to paralyze my resistance. (2) Then seizing the bar that closed the stable, she struck me with it with redoubled blows, until her strength betrayed her and the instrument of torture escaped her hands by its own weight. (3) Then lamenting the weakness of her arm, which tires so quickly, she runs to her hearth, brings back a burning ember which she stuffs between my thighs. I then had recourse to the only means of defense which remained to me. I darted in the face and in the eyes of this shrew certain liquid dejection which put her to flight, (4) blinded and almost asphyxiated. It was time. Without this extreme resource, I perished, Meleager Baudet, victim of this new Althea.

5. CONTINUATION AND END OF THE STORY OF CHARITY: THRASYLLUS
(VIII, 1, 1 - VIII, 15, 1)

(VIII, 1, 1) The next day, at cockcrow, a young man arrived from town who seemed to me to be in the service of Charity, my young companion in misfortune in the cave of thieves. (2) His mistress was dead, and strange misfortunes had descended on this house. Here are the terms in which he told the story by the fireside, in front of a circle of his comrades. (3) Grooms, cowherds and herdsmen, he tells them, the unfortunate Charity is no more: her end was tragic, but she did not go down alone to the Manes. (4) In order to make myself better understood, I will go back to the origin of the facts: for someone more skilful and gifted with the talent to write, there would be a book to make of the adventure that I am going to tell you about.
(5) There was in the town a young man of very good family, of distinguished rank, and enjoying considerable fortune; but spoiled by the frequentation of taverns, the business of prostitutes and the immoderate use of wine. Led by these deplorable habits to socialize with thieves, he had taken part in their acts of violence, even dipping his hands in blood; it was called Thrasyllus. Such was the character of the man; his reputation was to match.
(VIII, 2, 1) At the time when Charité had become nubile, he was among the first to pretend to her hand, and he showed extreme ardor in his pursuit; but, although he eclipsed all his rivals by his advantages, and that he had sought by rich gifts to make well come from the parents, one was frightened by his manners, and he wiped the affront of a refusal: (2) our young mistress passed into the arms of the virtuous Tlépolemus; but Thrasylle's passion was only increased by the preference granted to another, and the vexation of seeing himself rejected inspired him with the thought of a crime. (3) His plan was long thought out; but he needed a pretext to reappear in the family. (4) The opportunity presented itself the day when the young girl, thanks to the skill and courage of her fiancé, saw herself rescued from the hands of brigands. Thrasyllus came to mingle with the joyous crowd, distinguished himself there by the eagerness of his congratulations; (5) he complimented the happy couple on their deliverance, and gave them the horoscope of a long line. Out of honor for his noble house, he was placed in the first rank of the people who were received by us: the traitor knew how to dissimulate his dreadful designs, and played the character of a devoted friend to perfection. (6) He multiplied his visits, took part in their discussions, their pleasures, and even their meals. Day by day the intimacy grew closer. It was blindly rushing into the abyss. (7) What do you want? such is the flame of love. At first sight it is only a gentle warmth, the sensation of which is delicious; but in the long run the fire becomes a furnace, and its devouring ardor consumes the whole man.
(VIII, 3, 1) Thrasyllus long sought the occasion of a tete-a-tete; but an army of overseers increasingly ruled out any chance of adulterous commerce. Could he successfully struggle against a recent ailment, which every day gained new strength? Besides, had he found Charité as willing as she was to defraud the conjugal duty, the young woman's inexperience would have sufficed to put him in the way. Thrasyllus sees clearly that he is lost; (2) but fate pushes him, despite himself, to take on the impossible. (3) The difficulty with which love is frightened at first, if the passion is growing, will soon seem like a small thing. Now, listen with all your ears; you will know to what excesses this delirious frenzy carried it.
(VIII, 4, 1) Tlépolemus one day led Thrasyllus with him to hunt the wild beast, that is to say the deer very innocent wild beast; Charity would not allow her husband to run any game with horns or armed with teeth. (2) The hunters arrive at a wooded mound, where the thickness of the thicket forms a curtain in front of them. (3) We then uncouple the dogs, all of good breed, to relaunch the animal in its fort. The well-trained pack is clever in dividing up quarters and closing all exits. She only let out a low growl at first. At the given signal, the air resounds with its wild barking: (4) what game will rise? deer? a shy deer? a deer, the sweetest of beasts? No, but indeed an enormous boar, which no hunter had ever launched, a formidable mass of flesh, with soiled and bristling leather, the bristles of which stand up on its ridge-like back. The monster leaves, foaming with rage, chattering its fearsome teeth; the eye on fire, terrible and swift as lightning. (5) To the right, to the left, he disembowels the dogs bold enough to join him, topples our helpless webs with the first shock, and pushes a breakthrough far away.
(VIII, 5, 1) We remained terrified; we had, all of us, seen nothing but innocent hunts, and none of us had any weapon or defence. So it was who would huddle in the thicket, or climb to the top of the trees. (2) The spell served Thrasyllus at will. He could finally trap his man. Here is what insidious language he used at Tlepolemus: (3) What fear has seized us? Are we also going to throw ourselves on our stomachs, following the example of this scoundrel? Will we allow such a beautiful prey to escape from our hands like real wimps? (4) Let's get on horseback, follow the trail. Arm yourself with a spear; I take a spear. (5) Without further ado, there they are in the saddle, and following the animal at the full speed of their mount. (6) This one, faithful to his instinct for ferocity, turns and heads; he seems by the movement of his tusks to question which enemy he will assault first. (7) Tlepolemus is the first to thrust his weapon into the monster's back; but Thrasyllus, leaving the boar aside, directs his blow at his friend's horse, and hamstrings it from behind. (8) The courier bends on his thighs losing all his blood, falls back, and, in spite of himself, unseats his rider. (9) The furious boar rushes at his fallen enemy, tears his clothes, and strikes him himself with a deep wound as he tries to get up. The good friend feels no remorse at this sight his fierce rage will not be satisfied so cheaply. (10) While the injured, calling his companion for help, strives to seal his large wounds, the traitor pierces his right thigh with his spear, all the more resolutely as he intends to attribute the blows of his hand to the boar's teeth. (11) In the meantime, he easily finishes off the animal.
(VIII, 6, 1) Thus expired our young master. We finally dare to leave our retreats, and we come running, death in our hearts. (2) The perfidious, at the height of his wishes and rid of a rival, however hides his triumph. He composes his features, plays despair; he kisses the corpse, sad work of his hands, and finally omits no sign of deep pain, except for tears that would not flow. (3) He succeeds, by his grimaces, in aping quite well our mourning, alas! too real, and to cast the hunter's crime on the boar.
(4) The crime barely accomplished, already the Fame is on the way. It strikes first at the house of Tlépolemus, and reaches the ears of his unfortunate widow. (5) Charity, at this news, of which nothing for her can equal the horror, falls into frenzied despair. Like a delirious bacchante, she rushes wildly into the public square, crosses the agitated crowd, runs in the middle of the fields, filling the air with complaints and inarticulate cries. (6) A huge crowd follows her, growing with everyone she meets. It's the whole city that shakes and wants to see. The corpse was brought back. Charity sees it; she runs up and falls motionless on her husband's body, exhaling, far from it, the soul she had devoted to him. (7) We pick it up, not without effort, and, in spite of it, we bring it back to life. The funeral procession, escorted by a whole people, moves towards the tomb.
(VIII, 7, 1) Thrasyllus uttered lamentable cries. The tears which he had not been able to control at the first outburst of his feigned pain then flowed from the excess of his joy. To make the comedy complete, (2) sometimes he pronounced the name of the deceased in a lugubrious voice, calling him his friend, his companion, his brother; sometimes he seized the hands of Charité, who bruised her breast. He sought to appease his pain, to calm his cries, took the most caressing inflections, (3) to oppose to this poignant affliction all the examples of misfortune that came to his memory. Under this mask of unofficial pity, he tried to insinuate himself into the heart of the widow, and these dangerous attentions more and more exalted his odious passion.
(4) The funeral duties accomplished, the young woman only thinks of rejoining her husband. She has vainly attempted various means of leaving life; only one remains to him: the means which operates without effort, without preparation, without tearing, and which brings about death like sleep. (5) She deprives herself of all food, abandons the care of her person, and sequesters herself in the depths of a dark recess, bidding farewell to the light of day: (6) but Thrasyllus, by a stubborn persistence, and bringing in friends, relatives, and even the father and mother of Charity, manages to tear her from this oblivion of her being. She agrees to allow herself to be bathed, then to take some food. (7) Little by little, filial respect triumphing over her resolution, the unfortunate woman made violence to herself out of duty, and resumed, as demanded, the flow of life. Serenity, if not peace, seemed to have returned to him; but black sorrow lived deep in her heart, and devoured her day and night; she was consumed in endless regrets. She had the deceased represented with the attributes of the god Bacchus. Devoted to the cult of this image, she spent days and nights rendering him divine honours; it was his consolation and his torment.
(VIII, 8, 1) However Thrasyllus, carried away by the presumptuous ardor that his name indicates, does not know how to wait until this despair has been sated with tears, collapsed under its own excess, worn down by its very violence. (2) Charité has not yet stopped crying, tearing his clothes, tearing his hair, that he has already risked a marriage proposal. (3) The traitor forgot himself, in the excess of his impudence, to the point of laying bare his heart, and letting there read what he should have kept silent forever. (4) At this single word, Charité, stricken with horror, falls backwards, like a person struck by a clap of thunder, overwhelmed by the influence of a star, or struck down by the hand of Jupiter himself. His eyes are covered with a thick cloud. (5) Coming to her senses, she roars like a wounded lioness. His eye pierced all the blackness of Thrasylle's soul; but she needs time for reflection: she is content to oppose delays to the impatience of the suitor.
(6) However the shade of the victim, of the unfortunate Tlépolemus appears livid and bloody, and addresses his wife during her modest sleep. (7) Dear half of me, he said, if my memory still lives in your heart, ah! don't give anyone the right to give you that name! but if you regard our goods as broken by my disastrous death, (8) form, I agree, a happier union; but, at least, do not deliver yourself to the sacrilegious hands of Thrasyllus: let it not be said that he could enjoy your conversation, share your table or your couch. (9) Let not your hand touch the homicidal hand of my murderer. No marriage under the auspices of parricide. Among these wounds, from which your tears have washed the blood, there are some that the boar's tooth did not make. The iron of Thrasyllus alone struck the blow that separates us. The phantom is not limited to these words, the horrible drama was unfolded in its entirety.
(VIII, 9, 1) Charité lay down with her face turned against her bed; and, while sleeping, she flooded her cheeks with tears. (2) The shock she received from this vision tears her from this painful sleep, and her cries, her lamentations redouble. She tears her clothes, and wears merciless hands on her beautiful arms. (3) However she silences the apparition, keeps within her bosom the bloody revelations of the night: her resolution is taken. She will punish the murderer, and then emerge from a now unbearable life. (4) However, blinded by his desires, the hateful lover comes back to the charge and never ceases to tire deaf ears forever for him. (5) With a tranquility that she knew how to play wonderfully, Charité confined herself to scolding him gently for her importunity. (6) I still see, she said, there before my eyes the noble figure of your brother, of my beloved husband. I still savor the perfume of ambrosia that his divine person exhaled. Finally, the charming Tlépomène is still alive in my heart. (7) It would be generous of you, it would be meritorious to grant my bitter pain a time of legitimate mourning. Let a few more months pass, let the year pass. (8) It is in the name of modesty, it is in your interest that I ask you this. Let us fear, by a premature marriage, to excite to your ruin the indignant ghosts of a husband. it would be meritorious to grant my bitter pain a time of legitimate mourning. Let a few more months pass, let the year pass. (8) It is in the name of modesty, it is in your interest that I ask you this. Let us fear, by a premature marriage, to excite to your ruin the indignant ghosts of a husband. it would be meritorious to grant my bitter pain a time of legitimate mourning. Let a few more months pass, let the year pass. (8) It is in the name of modesty, it is in your interest that I ask you this. Let us fear, by a premature marriage, to excite to your ruin the indignant ghosts of a husband.
(VIII, 10, 1) The impatient Thrasyllus takes no account of these words, nor of the assured prospect of his happiness: his profane tongue always besieges Charity's ear with culpable insinuations. (2) Charity pretends to surrender. Well, my dear Thrasyllus, she said to him, I only ask one favor of you. Let us shroud our privacies for a while in mystery: (3) that suspicion may not even come to any of my servants, until the year has seen its course accomplished. (4) Thrasyllus let himself be taken in by this insidious proposition: their loves will be furtive. He invokes the night, the night and its thick darkness. Let him hold Charité in his arms, the rest is nothing to him. (5) Listen, she said to him, take care to wrap yourself in such a way as to hide your features well, and, on the first watch, present yourself at my door without being accompanied by anyone. Whistle once, and wait. My nurse here will be there, posted as a sentry and watching for your arrival; (6) it is she who will open the door for you: she will introduce you without light, and will lead you to my bedroom.
(VIII, 11, 1) Thrasyllus smiles at this sinister wedding ceremony. No suspicion crossed his mind; waiting alone trouble. The day seems very long to him to pass the night very slow to come. (2) So the light has no sooner given way to darkness, than he arrives in disguise, following the instructions of Charity; finds the nurse at the rendezvous, and, in the footsteps of her insidious guide, slips, her heart beating, into the mysterious recess. (3) The old woman, faithful to her mistress's orders, shows great care. She brings, with a discreet air, an amphora and cups. A soporific drug had been mixed with the wine. While he drinks in long drafts, the cunning one speaks of the care given by her mistress to her sick father: it is the cause which holds her back. The security of Thrasyllus is complete, and soon he falls into a deep sleep. (4) Here is Thrasyllus lying motionless, and his person delivered to all enterprises. Informed Charity rushes. She is no longer a woman. She seizes her prey, quivering with rage. Standing near the assassin's body:
(VIII, 12, 1) Here he is, she says, this faithful friend! there he is, this honest hunter! there he is, this precious husband! this is the hand that shed my blood! this heart where so many plots were hatched for my ruin! These eyes that I had the misfortune to please, here they are getting acquainted with the darkness, a foretaste of what awaits them. (2) Sleep well, dream happy dreams; it is neither the sword nor the iron that will win me over you. Gods forbid that I assimilate you in any way to my husband, even by the kind of death! You will live, your eyes will die; you will see nothing more, except in a dream. Sweet will seem to you the death of your victim, next to the life that I will have made for you. (3) Say goodbye to the day. Not one more step for you without a guiding hand; no more Charity, no more marriage. Death minus rest; the life, without its enjoyments; here is your lot. Go wander, doubtful simulacrum, between the light of the sun and the night of Erebus. In vain will you seek the hand that destroyed your pupil; and, to make up for the measure of your ills, you will not know who to blame. (4) I, with the blood of your eyes, will make a libation on the tomb of my Tlepolemus, and I will offer them to his sacred spirits as an expiatory victim. (5) But each passing moment hurts me with one of your sufferings. And perhaps at this moment you are dreaming of pleasure in my arms: they are mortal, my favors! Come on, go from the night of sleep to the night of your punishment. (6) Raise your empty face of light, feel my vengeance, understand your misfortune, count your sufferings. Here are your eyes as my modesty likes them; they will be the torches of your nuptial bed.
(VIII, 13, 1) After this curse, she pulls a hairdressing needle from her hair, pierces Thrasylle's eyes with a thousand blows, and does not cease until she has annihilated them. An incomprehensible pain instantly dispels sleepiness and intoxication in him. (2) Charity then seizes and draws from the scabbard the sword that Tlepolemus usually carried, and rushes through the city in a furious race. No doubt she is still planning some bloody execution. She goes straight to her husband's tomb. (3) We leave the house to follow her, and the whole town does the same. They exhorted each other to wrest the iron from his frenzied hands. (4) Charity is standing near the coffin of Tlepolemus. With her gleaming sword she pushes everyone aside, and seeing the crowd weeping and lamenting: Enough, she said, of this misplaced mourning! my virtue has nothing to do with your tears. (5) I am avenged for the murderer of my husband; my hands have punished the detestable kidnapper of my domestic felicity. It is time to rejoin my Tlepolemus there, and this iron will open the way for me.
(VIII, 14, 1) She then recounts all that her husband had revealed to her in a dream, and into what trap Thrasyllus has just fallen. Then she plunges the iron under her right breast, falls back bathed in her blood, (2) and, still uttering a few inarticulate words, exhales her heroic soul. (3) Immediately the body of the unfortunate woman is carefully washed by her family, and religiously entrusted to the same tomb which joins these unfortunate spouses forever. (4) As for Thrasyllus, when he was informed of this tragic end, he understood that there was no punishment proportionate to the evil of which he was the cause, and that the sword could not sufficiently expiate his crime. He is carried to their tomb. (5) Manes irritated, he exclaimed several times, the victim offers himself to you. Then, closing the doors of the monument behind him,
(VIII, 15, 1) Such was the story of the young man, a story frequently interrupted by his sighs, and with which his rustic audience was very affected. Their hearts sink at this disaster of the family of their masters.

6. THE PERILOUS JOURNEY WITH THE SLAVES
(VIII, 15, 1 - VIII, 22,7)

The slaves recklessly decide to leave
(VIII, 15, 1) Such was the story of the young man, a story frequently interrupted by his sighs, and with which his rustic audience was very affected. Their hearts sink at this disaster of the family of their masters. But as the property is going to pass into other hands, and they fear for themselves the consequences of such a change, they prepare to flee. (2) The head of the stud farm, the honest man to whom I had been so recommended, was the most skilful. He rounded up everything that had any value in the house entrusted to his care, took charge of my back and that of the other beasts of burden, and moved without delay. (3) Women, children, hens, geese, kids, and even small dogs, in a word, everything that could have delayed the procession by a slow pace, traveled by the car of our legs. (4) As for me, although burdened beyond measure, I did not complain about it otherwise: I thought only of the happiness of leaving far behind me the executioner of my virility.
(5) After having climbed a wooded hill with a difficult passage, we crossed a level plain, and the twilight was already making the path very dark, when we reached a very rich and densely populated town. The inhabitants advised us not to go any further before daylight, and even to wait until it was very advanced. (6) A multitude of wolves of the great species, and not less formidable by their ferocity than by their size, beat the pace, carrying their ravages everywhere. The roads were infested with them, and they gathered together, like thieves, to swoop down on passers-by. It was even said that hunger had driven these furious animals to attacks by main force against outlying smallholdings. Their rage, first quenched on the timid herds, now sought human victims. (7) It was added that on the path that we had to follow we would only find the corpses of half-devoured men, and whose skeletons were already whitening the ground all around; that the greatest precautions had to be taken to get us back on the road; (8) that only in daylight, in broad daylight, when the sun shines brightly, beasts living on prey lose their ferocity; that we would even still have to beware of some ambush at every step, to take care to scatter ourselves, to march constantly in close column, until at last we had crossed the dangerous places. and whose skeletons were already whitening the ground all around; that the greatest precautions had to be taken to get us back on the road; (8) that only in daylight, in broad daylight, when the sun shines brightly, beasts living on prey lose their ferocity; that we would even still have to beware of some ambush at every step, to take care to scatter ourselves, to march constantly in close column, until at last we had crossed the dangerous places. and whose skeletons were already whitening the ground all around; that the greatest precautions had to be taken to get us back on the road; (8) that only in daylight, in broad daylight, when the sun shines brightly, beasts living on prey lose their ferocity; that we would even still have to beware of some ambush at every step, to take care to scatter ourselves, to march constantly in close column, until at last we had crossed the dangerous places.
(VIII, 16, 1) But these rascals of fugitives who made up the caravan, either blind haste, or fear of being pursued, which was hardly likely, took no account of this salutary advice. And, without waiting for the already approaching day, here they are, towards the third watch, recharging us and pushing us ahead of them. (2) I, who had lost nothing of the formidable warning, kept as much as possible in the center of the convoy, hiding as best I could in the bulk of my load companions, to cover my posterior parts from the aggression of the carnivorous teeth. People were amazed to see me take precedence over the whole cavalcade. (3) It wasn't out of levity, it was out of fear. On which I made this reflection: It could be that the famous Pegasus owed only to such a cause the attributes of a bird that have been attributed to him, and that the tradition of his wings, and of his prodigious rise up to the ethereal vault, expressed nothing but the fear of the fiery bites of the Chimera. (4) My leaders, moreover, had armed themselves, expecting a fight. One held a spear, another a sword, this one javelins, that one a staff. They had all stocked up with pebbles, which the stony path along which we were walking provided us with in abundance. (5) We saw in some hands pieces of wood pointed at one end; but they relied mainly on lighted torches, which had been provided to keep the wolves at a distance. (6) Finally, we were, within a trumpet, in full battle equipage. We got off with fear, however; but we avoided this danger only to fall into another much more formidable good. (7) The wolves, intimidated by this din of armed men, or pushed aside by the light of the torches, or perhaps occupied on another point, did not attempt an incursion against us. None showed up even from afar.

The Attack of the Villagers

(VIII, 17, 1) But as we passed in front of a big farm, the people who exploited it took us for a band of thieves. Worried for their property, and as little reassured for their persons, here they are launching against us, with the cries and excitements of use in such cases, a furious band of enormous dogs, trained by them to keep good watch, and much more fierce than wolves or bears ever were. (2) The outbursts of voices of their masters irritating their natural ferocity, they rush on us by leaping from all sides at the same time, tearing without distinction beasts and people, and end up bringing down a good part of our world. (3) It was really a curious and no less lamentable scene, to see these monstrous mastiffs, here snatching up a fugitive with fury,
(4) In the midst of this disarray, an even more terrible evil comes to swoop down on our heads. Climbing on their roofs or on the neighboring heights, the peasants suddenly overwhelm us with a hail of stones; so much so that there was for us only the alternative of being torn up close or stoned from afar. (5) One of these projectiles hit on the head a woman who was sitting on my back; it was precisely that of the leader of the caravan. To the cries and sobs wrung from her by the pain, her husband rushes to her aid.
(VIII, 18, 1) And here is this man who, while wiping the blood with which his wife is covered, takes all the gods to witnesses, and begins to shout louder than her. Why this barbarous aggression, this atrocious violence, against poor travelers overwhelmed with fatigue? (2) what depredations do you have to repel? What reprisals to exercise? You do not dwell in the lairs of wild beasts or the inhospitable rocks of savage tribes, thus to shed blood with joy of heart. (3) These few words suddenly stopped the hail of stones, and put an end to the frenzied incursions of the dogs, who were recalled. (4) One of the inhabitants spoke thus from the top of a cypress: We are not robbers, we do not want your remains. We thought only of repelling on your part the kind of aggression of which you complain. Peace is made; you can calmly continue your journey. (5) He says, and we set off again, some complaining of stone blows, others of bites; and all more or less crippled. (6) After walking for some time, we reached a wood of tall trees, interspersed with delightful clearings carpeted with grass. There our conductors thought fit to halt to take some rest and give the necessary care to their variously afflicted limbs. (7) Each, on his side, stretches out on the grass, and, having taken breath, hastily proceeds to various kinds of dressings. This one uses, to quench his blood, water from a nearby stream; that one bathes his bruises with wet compresses; another bands the lips of his gaping wounds. In a word, everyone makes himself his doctor.

The Dragon

(VIII, 19, 1) However, from the top of a nearby mound, an old man watched this scene. A herd of goats grazing around him was enough to indicate his profession. One of ours asks him if he had any milk or cheese to sell; (2) but this man begins to shake his head and says: Ah! you think about eating and drinking, the rest of you, and having a good time. So you don't know anyone about you; where are you? That said, he gathers his herd and hastens to decamp. This remark, this abrupt retreat, did not insignificantly worry our shepherds, (3) very eager to know what to expect, and finding there no one from whom to ask an explanation, when another old man appeared, burdened with years, and tall, but bent double on a stick, and seeming to drag himself with difficulty. He wept bitterly, and sobbed even more when he saw us. Touching the knees of each man in the troop in turn:
(VIII, 20, 1) In the name of helpful Fortune, he said to them, in the name of your good genius (and may you all arrive in health, as in joy, at the age when you see me!), help an old man in despair; snatch my child from death, and restore him to my white hair. (2) I was walking with my grandson, sweet companion of my old age. He saw a bird singing on a hedge, and trying to seize it, he suddenly disappeared into the ditch that borders it, and the brushwood hid our view. There is enough to kill him. (3) He is not dead however, for I heard him complaining, and shouting: Help, grandfather! but, weak and decrepit as you see me, what can I do for him? (4) To you who are young and vigorous, it is so easy to lend assistance to a poor old man! This child is an only child; it is the last hope of my family. Ah! give it to me.
(VIII, 21, 1) His earnest prayers, his white hair which he tore out, all this moved the troops with compassion. A bolder young fellow, more in good spirits than the rest, and who alone had come out unhurt from the assault we had just experienced, instantly leaps to his feet, asks where the child has fallen, and resolutely follows the old man towards a bush which he points out to him quite near there.
(2) In the meantime, animals and people had refreshed themselves, some grazing on the grass, some tending to their wounds: people think of reloading their luggage, they call the young man by his name; they shout louder: no news. This delay worries: they send him a express to warn him of the departure and bring him back. (3) The express does not take long to return all pale, all frightened, and it tells the most marvelous of stories about its comrade. He saw him lying on his back, more than half devoured by a huge dragon that was standing on his body, finishing his spree. As for the wretched old man, he had disappeared. (4) From this story, which they very quickly related to the language of the goatherd, our people understood, without a doubt, that this was the inhabitant of the place designated by this threatening allusion.

The slave, the honey and the ants

(VIII, 22, 1) In no time we had covered a considerable distance, and arrived at a town where we rested all night. She had just been the scene of a strange adventure, which I cannot resist telling you about.
(2) There was a slave in whom his master rested from the universal management of his goods, and who leased for his own account a considerable domain, where precisely we had just taken up our quarters. This individual had taken a wife among the servants of the family; but outside he had conceived a violent passion for a person of free status. (3) His wife, exasperated by this intrigue, in revenge burned her husband's registers, and set fire to his stores, all the contents of which fell prey to the flames. (4) But not considering that the outrage done to the nuptial bed was sufficiently punished by such a disaster, she attacks her own blood: passing a rope around her neck, she attaches to it a child she had had by this same man, and rushes into a very deep well, dragging the innocent creature with her. (5) The master, deeply touched by the catastrophe, seized the slave who had, by his behavior, pushed his wife to this horrible extremity. He ordered him to be tied naked to a fig tree, smeared with honey from head to foot. (6) The worm-eaten trunk of this tree was exploited by a whole population of ants who mined it above and below, and erupted from all sides. (7) The ants had no sooner smelled the smell of honey, than here they are, stalking the body of this unfortunate in myriads, and tearing it to pieces at will with imperceptible, but innumerable, but incessant bites. He felt himself thus, in a long agony, gnawing little by little to the bottom of his entrails. His flesh disappeared, his bones were laid bare; and finally of the man there remained only the skeleton, displaying its hideous whiteness at the foot of the fatal tree where it remained attached.

7. WITH THE PRIESTS OF THE SYRIAN GODDESS
(VIII, 23, 1 - IX, 10, 4)

Lucius is bought by Philebe

(VIII, 23, 1) We moved away as quickly as possible from this detestable stay, leaving the inhabitants plunged in deep sadness; and, after having traveled a whole day through a country of plains, we arrived, exhausted, at a notable and populous city: (2) it was there that our shepherds resolved to take up residence and settle their penates. They counted on finding safe retreats there, in case the search had been carried so far; and the abundance of provisions in this happy country was an additional attraction for them. (3) We beasts of burden were given three days of rest to recover from better defeat, after which we were taken to the market. On the auction opened by the auctioneer, the horses and the other donkeys were sold at a very high price: only I was generally put off; the first glance given, one passed with disdain. (4) Some, however, handled and remodeled my rack, to make sure of my age. This maneuver bored me, and just as a connoisseur, with dirty hands, was scratching my gums for the twentieth time with his infected fingers, I bit them until they were crushed under my teeth. (5) This sample of my ferocity contributed not a little to disgust the amateurs who witnessed it. However, the crier, tired of getting hoarse and shouting with so little luck, began to exercise his mind at my expense. (6) When will we finish looking for a merchant for such a thug, old enough not to stand on her legs, without horns on her feet, whose hair has lost color, who has strength only to rage,
(VIII, 24, 1) These jokes of the crier greatly amused the audience; but this pitiless Fortune, whom I could not avoid, wherever I went to flee her, nor to soften in my favor, although I had already suffered from her blows, again turned her blind eyes on me, and raised up for me a buyer of her choice. His malice really could not meet better. (2) Judge by this portrait. He was an infamous old man with a bald head, but who did not fail to caress a few hanging locks of graying hair; a breakaway from that rabble of the crossroads, whom we see running through the streets and the public squares, armed with citterns and cymbals, and carrying the Syrian goddess, whom they make beg for their profit. (3) This character seemed tempted by me to the last point. He asks the crier which country I came from. From Cappadocia, replied the other. Good little beast, on my word. Then came the question of age. The crier, always in the same tone: His birth chart, he says, was established by an astrologer, who gave him five years. As for the condition of the subject, the celestial man knows more about it than I do. (4) I know well that I risk having to deal with the Cornelia law, if I sell a Roman citizen as a slave; but, beat! always buy: it's sober, it's vigorous; in the city as in the field you will get good service from it. With this cursed buyer, one request always led to another. Is it very soft? he said, pressing the question. was established by an astrologer, who gave it five years. As for the condition of the subject, the celestial man knows more about it than I do. (4) I know well that I risk having to deal with the Cornelia law, if I sell a Roman citizen as a slave; but, beat! always buy: it's sober, it's vigorous; in the city as in the field you will get good service from it. With this cursed buyer, one request always led to another. Is it very soft? he said, pressing the question. was established by an astrologer, who gave it five years. As for the condition of the subject, the celestial man knows more about it than I do. (4) I know well that I risk having to deal with the Cornelia law, if I sell a Roman citizen as a slave; but, beat! always buy: it's sober, it's vigorous; in the city as in the field you will get good service from it. With this cursed buyer, one request always led to another. Is it very soft? he said, pressing the question. With this cursed buyer, one request always led to another. Is it very soft? he said, pressing the question. With this cursed buyer, one request always led to another. Is it very soft? he said, pressing the question.
(VIII, 25, 1) A real sheep rather than a donkey, replied the other. Never stubborn, bites or kicks; looks like a reasonable person hidden under this donkey skin: (2) do you want to try it? Put your head a little between his thighs, and you'll see how patient he is. (3) The crier continued his banter; but the old roquentin, perceiving that he was being ridiculed, felt his bile rise. Old carcass, he cried, cursed crier, may the omnipotent and omnicreative goddess of Syria, may the god Sheba, Bellona and Cybele, and Queen Venus with her Adonis, render you mute and blind, for the price of the foolish jokes with which you have been bewildering me for an hour! (4) Do you believe, bastard, that I will go and compromise the goddess with an unruly mount, to see this divine image tumble at the first moment, while I, a wretch, will have to run around with disheveled hair, looking everywhere for a doctor for the divine cripple? (5) Hearing these words, I prepared to do some very frantic romping, so that my man, on this test of my leniency, would abandon the acquisition. (6) But his impatience to close the deal didn't give me time. He paid cash for seventeen denarii, a price which my master, delighted to be rid of me, accepted on the spot. He puts around my neck a little rush cord, and delivers me to Philèbe (that was the name of my new master), who, seizing my person, hastens to conduct me to his lodgings. seeking everywhere a doctor for the divine cripple? (5) Hearing these words, I prepared to do some very frantic romping, so that my man, on this test of my leniency, would abandon the acquisition. (6) But his impatience to close the deal didn't give me time. He paid cash for seventeen denarii, a price which my master, delighted to be rid of me, accepted on the spot. He puts around my neck a little rush cord, and delivers me to Philèbe (that was the name of my new master), who, seizing my person, hastens to conduct me to his lodgings. seeking everywhere a doctor for the divine cripple? (5) Hearing these words, I prepared to do some very frantic romping, so that my man, on this test of my leniency, would abandon the acquisition. (6) But his impatience to close the deal didn't give me time. He paid cash for seventeen denarii, a price which my master, delighted to be rid of me, accepted on the spot. He puts around my neck a little rush cord, and delivers me to Philèbe (that was the name of my new master), who, seizing my person, hastens to conduct me to his lodgings. He paid cash for seventeen denarii, a price which my master, delighted to be rid of me, accepted on the spot. He puts around my neck a little rush cord, and delivers me to Philèbe (that was the name of my new master), who, seizing my person, hastens to conduct me to his lodgings. He paid cash for seventeen denarii, a price which my master, delighted to be rid of me, accepted on the spot. He puts around my neck a little rush cord, and delivers me to Philèbe (that was the name of my new master), who, seizing my person, hastens to conduct me to his lodgings.
(VIII, 26, 1) He had no sooner touched the threshold than he exclaimed: Ladies, I bring you a charming little subject which I have just bought. (2) The young ladies in question, who were none other than a troop of effeminates devoted to the most infamous licentiousness, begin to dance for joy, and make heard a charivari of broken, hoarse and discordant voices, believing to find in the newcomer some youth who would take over from them in their dirty ministry. (3) When they had seen that it was not a question of a deer in the guise of a girl, but of a donkey in the guise of a boy, all the noses are wrinkled in irony, and the sarcasms which rain down on the boss. He had, they said, procured that fellow, not for the service of the house, but for his personal use. (4) Ah! don't go and absorb it all by yourself, they added: your little doves must sometimes be able to taste it in their turn. (5) While spouting this nonsense, I was tied to a rack nearby. There was in this hovel a young fellow with a strong neck, an excellent flute player, whom the community had acquired from the proceeds of its quests. His office was to accompany the walks of the goddess with his instrument, and to serve a double purpose for the pleasures of the masters of the house. (6) The poor fellow cordially greeted my welcome, and putting a large provender in front of me: Finally, he said, you are going to replace me in my unfortunate service. May you live a long time, be to their liking for a long time, so that I, myself, find the time to rebuild myself a little! I can't take it anymore. Thus spoke this young man. And me,

The first outing

(VIII, 27, 1) The next day, here are all my people leaving the house in the most hideous disguise, decked out in all colors, their faces smeared with clay, and around their eyes painted with mitres, and yellow linen or silk robes. (2) Some wore white tunics, mottled with floating strips of red stuff, and fastened with a belt. All were shod in yellow mules. (3) I am instructed to carry the goddess, carefully wrapped in a silken veil; my people roll up their sleeves up to the shoulder, brandish cutlasses and axes, and leap forward, leaping, vociferating to the sound of the flute, which still exalts their frenzied stamping. (4) The band passes without stopping in front of some poor houses, and arrives in front of the country house of an opulent lord. As soon as they enter, they begin with an explosion of screams. (5) Then there are fanatical movements, reversals of the head, contortions of the neck, which imprint on their hair a movement of disordered rotation. Their teeth, at intervals, seek out their limbs, and with their two-edged knives they make many incisions in their arms. (6) One of them prevailed over all the rest by the extravagance of his transports. Drawing his breath with effort from the depths of his chest, like a man oppressed by the divine breath, he seemed to be prey to the attacks of a holy mania: as if the presence of a god should not strengthen man, instead of bringing him suffering and delirium! they begin with an explosion of screams. (5) Then there are fanatical movements, reversals of the head, contortions of the neck, which imprint on their hair a movement of disordered rotation. Their teeth, at intervals, seek out their limbs, and with their two-edged knives they make many incisions in their arms. (6) One of them prevailed over all the rest by the extravagance of his transports. Drawing his breath with effort from the depths of his chest, like a man oppressed by the divine breath, he seemed to be prey to the attacks of a holy mania: as if the presence of a god should not strengthen man, instead of bringing him suffering and delirium! they begin with an explosion of screams. (5) Then there are fanatical movements, reversals of the head, contortions of the neck, which imprint on their hair a movement of disordered rotation. Their teeth, at intervals, seek out their limbs, and with their two-edged knives they make many incisions in their arms. (6) One of them prevailed over all the rest by the extravagance of his transports. Drawing his breath with effort from the depths of his chest, like a man oppressed by the divine breath, he seemed to be prey to the attacks of a holy mania: as if the presence of a god should not strengthen man, instead of bringing him suffering and delirium! who give their hair a disorderly rotational movement. Their teeth, at intervals, seek out their limbs, and with their two-edged knives they make many incisions in their arms. (6) One of them prevailed over all the rest by the extravagance of his transports. Drawing his breath with effort from the depths of his chest, like a man oppressed by the divine breath, he seemed to be prey to the attacks of a holy mania: as if the presence of a god should not strengthen man, instead of bringing him suffering and delirium! who give their hair a disorderly rotational movement. Their teeth, at intervals, seek out their limbs, and with their two-edged knives they make many incisions in their arms. (6) One of them prevailed over all the rest by the extravagance of his transports. Drawing his breath with effort from the depths of his chest, like a man oppressed by the divine breath, he seemed to be prey to the attacks of a holy mania: as if the presence of a god should not strengthen man, instead of bringing him suffering and delirium! (6) One of them prevailed over all the rest by the extravagance of his transports. Drawing his breath with effort from the depths of his chest, like a man oppressed by the divine breath, he seemed to be prey to the attacks of a holy mania: as if the presence of a god should not strengthen man, instead of bringing him suffering and delirium! (6) One of them prevailed over all the rest by the extravagance of his transports. Drawing his breath with effort from the depths of his chest, like a man oppressed by the divine breath, he seemed to be prey to the attacks of a holy mania: as if the presence of a god should not strengthen man, instead of bringing him suffering and delirium!
(VIII, 28, 1) Now, see how heavenly Providence rewarded him. In the midst of his inspired role, he is accusing himself, he is inveighing against himself as guilty of a sacrilegious revelation, and wants, what is more, to punish the crime with his own hands. (2) He armed himself with a whip of a kind peculiar to this race of debauched equivocations, and which consisted of several cords of wool with multiplied knots. The end was lined with mutton bones. He strikes it with redoubled blows, armored against the pain of such harsh attacks by an incredible force of will. (3) You would have seen, under the edge of the knives and the flagellations of these wretches, the ground becoming soiled, soaked with their blood. (4) For me, witness of all this spilled blood, I felt a rather alarming supposition arise in my mind: if it were going to take a fancy to this foreign goddess to taste donkey's blood, as some people have a whim for donkey's milk? (5) Finally, either lassitude or satiety, they made a truce for a moment to this butchery, and held out the folds of their robes to copper and even silver coins, each of which hastened to give them largesse. To this was added a cask of wine, milk, cheeses, wheat and fine flour, and finally barley, given by some good souls for the goddess' mount. (6) The scoundrels snatched it all up, stuffed them into the bags they had provided for this bargain, and piled them on my back. Thanks to this extra load, I was both a temple and a traveling pantry.

Debauched priests
(VIII, 29, 1) This is how these vagabonds exploited the land around. Arrived at a certain hamlet, as such a copious collection had put them in a good mood, they prepared to have a feast. (2) They extort from an inhabitant, under I don't know what pretext of religious ceremony, the fattest of his rams. The Syrian goddess was hungry, they said; no less offering was needed to satisfy his appetite. Their preparations finished, my people go to the baths, (3) after which they return to supper, bringing with them, as a guest, a robust villager, stocky, and equipped from below as they needed. They've barely tasted a few vegetables before this bitch in heat abandons herself there in front of the table in all the frenzy of her monstrous desires. (4) We surround the peasant, we throw him naked on his back, and execrable mouths provoke her lust with their filthy caresses. (5) My eyes could not stand this spectacle of abomination. And I wanted to shout: O citizens! but the vowel O alone could pass my throat, leaving all its procession of letters and syllables behind. It was, in truth, one of the most sonorous and best-conditioned O's, which certainly sounded nothing but natural on the part of a donkey, but which could not be heard more inappropriately; (6) for the night before a donkey had been stolen from a neighboring hamlet; and several young villagers, to find him, scoured the country with extreme care. They hear braying in our house, and, persuaded that it hides in some corner the theft which one made to them, they want to put the hand on their property, and burst into the interior in numbers and unexpectedly. The detestable peat was thus caught in the act of infamy. The neighbors were called; this scene of turpitude is explained to them in detail; the whole seasoned with malicious compliments on the purity, the exemplary chastity of the worthy ministers of divine worship.
(VIII, 30, 1) Dismayed by such a scandal, the prompt repercussions of which would put them in horror and execration in the eyes of the entire population, my rascals hastened to gather their belongings, and around midnight decamped noiselessly from the village. (2) They were far before sunrise, and when it had appeared on the horizon, the troop had already reached a remote solitude. There, after conferring for a long time, they prepare to put me to death. They stripped me of all harness, tied me to a tree, and strapped me with their sheep-bone whips, almost to the point of leaving me in the square. (3) There was one who pretended to hack me without pity with his axe, in reparation, he said, for the scandal in which I had exposed his modesty; but the rest less out of respect for my skin than out of consideration for the image lying on the ground, preferred to let me live. (4) So we replace the image on my back, and, threatening me with the sword, we arrive at a certain city of renown. (5) One of its most notable inhabitants, a great devotee and zealous of the worship of the gods, warned of our approach by the sound of drums and the clang of cymbals, which contrasted with the softness of the Phrygian mode, hastened to meet us, and claimed the honor of hosting the goddess. It is, he says, the fulfillment of a wish. His house was very spacious; he hastens to install us there. And here he is lavishing adorations and fat offerings, to make the divinity propitious to himself. (4) So we replace the image on my back, and, threatening me with the sword, we arrive at a certain city of renown. (5) One of its most notable inhabitants, a great devotee and zealous of the worship of the gods, warned of our approach by the sound of drums and the clang of cymbals, which contrasted with the softness of the Phrygian mode, hastened to meet us, and claimed the honor of hosting the goddess. It is, he says, the fulfillment of a wish. His house was very spacious; he hastens to install us there. And here he is lavishing adorations and fat offerings, to make the divinity propitious to himself. (4) So we replace the image on my back, and, threatening me with the sword, we arrive at a certain city of renown. (5) One of its most notable inhabitants, a great devotee and zealous of the worship of the gods, warned of our approach by the sound of drums and the clang of cymbals, which contrasted with the softness of the Phrygian mode, hastened to meet us, and claimed the honor of hosting the goddess. It is, he says, the fulfillment of a wish. His house was very spacious; he hastens to install us there. And here he is lavishing adorations and fat offerings, to make the divinity propitious to himself. warned of our approach by the sound of drums and the clanking of cymbals, which contrasted with the softness of the Phrygian mode, hastened to meet us, and claimed the honor of harboring the goddess. It is, he says, the fulfillment of a wish. His house was very spacious; he hastens to install us there. And here he is lavishing adorations and fat offerings, to make the divinity propitious to himself. warned of our approach by the sound of drums and the clanking of cymbals, which contrasted with the softness of the Phrygian mode, hastened to meet us, and claimed the honor of harboring the goddess. It is, he says, the fulfillment of a wish. His house was very spacious; he hastens to install us there. And here he is lavishing adorations and fat offerings, to make the divinity propitious to himself.

Lucius narrowly escapes the pan

(VIII, 31, 1) In this house, as I remember, I ran the greatest danger that ever threatened my life. A farmer from our host had sent him, as a tribute from his hunt, a magnificent quarter of deer. This venison had been hung behind the kitchen door, but without taking the precaution of raising it out of reach. It happened that a dog, also a hunter by profession, seized it furtively and carried it away, to make a quarry far from the eyes of the supervisors. (2) When the cook noticed the subtraction, there were lamentations as interminable as they were superfluous. Already the boss had asked for his supper. O despair! O terror! The poor man kisses his son in the cradle, grabs a rope, and will end his days with a noose; (3) but his wife surprised the secret of his resolution. With both hands at the same time, she authoritatively stops the instrument of death. Oh what! she said, for such an accident, you are troubled to the point of losing your head, and you do not see that Providence is precisely sending you a means of remedying it. (4) Let's see: as long as this misfortune has left you with presence of mind, listen carefully to what I am going to say to you. Lead me this foreign donkey to some secluded corner, and cut off its neck. You will remove a thigh, which will easily pass for the one we are missing. All you have to do is stuff it, put a slightly spicy sauce on it, and serve it to the master as venison. (5) The jerk smiles at the idea of ​​saving his skin at the expense of mine; And,

[NINTH BOOK]
(IX, 1, 1) The executioner thus armed against me his pitiless hands. The danger was too great, too imminent, to deliberate: it was necessary to act. I resolved to escape dissection by flight. (2) In the blink of an eye my tether is broken, and I take to my heels, not without carefully straining my hind feet, to protect my retreat. I cross a portico, and, swift as lightning, I launch myself intrepidly into a room where the master of the house was feasting on the meats of a sacrifice with the priests of the goddess, knocking over by my sudden irruption part of the sideboard and the tables, and upsetting the whole economy of the service. (3) The boss, angry at this hideous debacle, handed me over to one of his people, with the injunction to keep an eye on the inconvenient and fiery animal, and to keep him locked up in such a way that he could not disturb meals in the future by similar pranks. (4) Thanks to this rather skilfully combined diversion, my limbs were saved from the knife, and I blessed a captivity which became my safeguard.

Where we believe Lucius enraged

(5) But it is too true, nothing turns out well for the man born under a bad star. Where divine Providence has disposed, there is no human prudence or dexterity that serves. (6) The very expedient which seemed to be my anchor of salvation compromised me in the most serious way, what am I saying! put me on the brink of my loss.
(IX, 2, 1) They were talking quietly in the hall of the feast, when a young slave entered hastily, with a look of bewilderment, features upset, and announced that a mad dog had entered from the street, like a dash, through the back door; (2) that his fury fell first on the hounds; that he gained from there the stable, where he also assaulted most of the beasts of burden; that finally the people themselves are not spared; (3) that Myrtile the muleteer, Hephestion the cook, Hypnophile the valet, Apollonius the physician, and other servants of the household, in trying to chase him away, were all more or less bitten; that the animal no doubt communicated its venom to several of the animals in the stable, in which one already notices symptoms of rabies. (4) This news strikes fear in everyone's mind. One persuades oneself that the contagion has won me over; and thus explains my recent ferocity. Immediately each one to arm himself with what is under his hand; and all, certainly, no less enraged than I, mutually exhort each other to lend a hand against the common peril. (5) With their spears, their spears, and especially with their axes, because the people of the house distributed them to all comers, these furious people were going to tear me to pieces, if, seeing the storm forming, I had not suddenly thrown myself into the very room where my masters were lodged. (6) Instantly the door is closed, barricaded; and a blockade was formed to allow the enemy to be consumed little by little, and to succumb without danger to the besiegers, by the sole effect of the incurable disease. I gained from this party a sort of liberty, and the precious advantage of being left to myself. So, finding a ready-made bed, I threw myself into it, and tasted the sweetness, for a long time unknown, of sleeping in the fashion of humans.
(IX, 3, 1) It was broad daylight when, well refreshed by this good night spent on the duvet, I got up fresh and refreshed. I then heard my people, who had been on duty all night, talking about me like this: Is this wretched animal still in his fits? Isn't the force of the venom rather exhausted by its very intensity? (2) One hesitates; we don't know what to believe. Finally we decide to verify the fact. Through a crack in the door I was seen limply stretched out, showing no sign of uneasiness or illness. We then open, to make sure more closely of my perfect tranquility. (3) At this moment, one of the curious, true saviors sent to me by heaven indicated an infallible means of verification; was to present me with a bucket of fresh water: if I approached it without hesitation, if I drank as usual, I was in good health, and had no attack from this disastrous disease. (4) If, on the contrary, the sight of water made me shiver, show horror, you had to beware of me; undoubtedly I was enraged. It was a practice recommended by ancient authors, and whose daily experience confirmed its effectiveness.
(IX, 4, 1) The opinion is considered good: a tub of fresh water is obtained from the nearby fountain, then it is placed in front of me. I advance eagerly, like a very thirsty donkey; and, plunging my whole head into the vase, I drink in long drafts of the salutary wave; healthy is the word. (2) They run their hands over my neck, over my ears, they pull me by my halter; I let myself be done: so that my people remain convinced by the evidence that their fright was absurd, and that there is no animal in the world more benign than me. (3) Escaped from this double peril, I had to the next day, the whole holy cast-off on my back, with bells and cymbals, to start my begging and wandering course again.

The farce of the vat
(4) After prowling well from cabin to cabin, from house to house, we came across a village built, according to local tradition, on the ruins of an opulent city. We took shelter at the first inn, where we were told a rather funny little story that happened in a small household. I want to let you know.
(IX, 5, 1) A poor wretch, a blacksmith by trade, and living on his meager salary, had taken a wife no less poor than himself, but whose gallantry soon made him a kind of celebrity. (2) One day when the husband had gone to work very early in the morning, a certain lover took his time to slip into his apartment: and the happy antics to go their way in complete safety. Suddenly the husband returns unexpectedly. Never suspicion had occurred to him, far from suspecting the thing. (3) Door closed, bolts drawn; my man is delighted with the virtue of his wife. He knocks, he whistles, to announce that he is there. (4) The lover did not mind; but the crafty, expert if there ever was one in this practice, frees herself from his arms. A vat room was there, almost buried in a corner: she makes the gallant lurk there, and then goes to open the door. Her husband had not crossed the threshold, she apostrophized him sourly. (5) Well! she said, that's how you go about dawdling, arms crossed and empty hands, planting your work there, without worrying about the housework, without bringing back anything to put in your mouth! and your poor wife must twist her arms day and night spinning wool to keep at least one lamp in our hovel! (6) How happy neighbor Daphne is! she drinks and eats to her heart's content, and still has a good time with her lovers. without bringing anything to eat! and your poor wife must twist her arms day and night spinning wool to keep at least one lamp in our hovel! (6) How happy neighbor Daphne is! she drinks and eats to her heart's content, and still has a good time with her lovers. without bringing anything to eat! and your poor wife must twist her arms day and night spinning wool to keep at least one lamp in our hovel! (6) How happy neighbor Daphne is! she drinks and eats to her heart's content, and still has a good time with her lovers.
(IX, 6, 1) At this welcome, the husband resumes, quite sheepish: Come on, what fly is biting you? The boss is on trial, and the workman unemployed; Hey! at least we'll have something to eat today. (2) Do you really see this vat always empty, which takes up so much space here, and is only a nuisance in our house? (3) I sold it for five denarii, and the buyer follows me with his money to take away his piece of furniture. So get to work! give me a hand to get it up and running. (4) The Gaillarde had found its theme. She burst out laughing. The handsome husband I have there, she said, and the shrewd man in business! what I, a simple woman, without leaving the house, sold for seven deniers, the simpleton will leave for five. (5) Delighted with this higher bid, the husband asks who the buyer is. But her: Hey!
(IX, 7, 1) The other took the ball at the leap and got up alert: Quite frank, good woman, he said, your vat is not in good condition; it's all up to date and doesn't hold on to anything. Then turning towards the husband, without seeming to know him: (2) And you, friend, whoever you are, quickly bring me a light. When I've scraped out the garbage inside, I'll see if he can still do some service. Ah! is that I don't pay with stolen money. (3) Immediately, and without a shadow of suspicion, the subtle husband, the eagle of husbands, lights his lantern. Get out of here, comrade, he said, and leave it to me. You're going to have it cleaned up right now. (4) My man puts down his coat, and there he is in the vat room, lantern in hand, scraping off as best he could the thick mold with which time had encrusted him. (5) For his part, the young fellow, who is not asleep, while the lady leans forward, takes advantage of this sloping posture, to work in his own way. (6) The cheeky rascal amused herself by prolonging the work at the expense of the poor man, pointing her finger at a place to scratch, then another, then yet another. The double task put to an end, and the seven denarii counted, the lucky blacksmith had the pleasure of carrying the vat on his shoulders to the lodgings of his deputy. (6) The cheeky rascal amused herself by prolonging the work at the expense of the poor man, pointing her finger at a place to scratch, then another, then yet another. The double task put to an end, and the seven denarii counted, the lucky blacksmith had the pleasure of carrying the vat on his shoulders to the lodgings of his deputy. (6) The cheeky rascal amused herself by prolonging the work at the expense of the poor man, pointing her finger at a place to scratch, then another, then yet another. The double task put to an end, and the seven denarii counted, the lucky blacksmith had the pleasure of carrying the vat on his shoulders to the lodgings of his deputy.

The false soothsayers
(IX, 8, 1) The very holy company spent a few days there fattening on public devotion, without counting what they pocketed telling fortunes to all comers. The band, on this subject, bethought themselves of a curious device to catch the money of practices. (2) My people had combined a single spell adapting to almost all cases, and that they charged you seriously, on whatever one came to consult them. The oracle was thus designed:
Who, his oxen under the yoke, furrows the plain afar,
See joyous harvest pay for his pain.
(3) Did we come to ask fate about marriage? the answer, they said, fit perfectly. The yoke designated the projected union, and the harvest the offspring which was to come out of it. Did the consultant want to acquire a property? the oxen the plain, the harvest, all that spoke for itself. (4) Did we have a trip to make, the outcome of which was worrying? the oxen were there for any four-legged beast. We would have the sweetest of hitches; and the harvests portend profit. (5) Was it a fight to be fought, thieves to be chased? victory, according to the oracle, was infallible. The yoke threatened enemy beasts; we were going to enrich ourselves with an immense booty. (6) The trick succeeds them. They exploited this captious prophecy profitably for quite a long time.

Where the Syrian Goddess Steals the Mother of the Gods
(IX, 9, 1) However, the questions multiplying, one ends up finding oneself at the end of comments. It was then necessary to leave the country: we resumed our journey; and what a road! Worse a hundred times than any we've been through. At each step of the ditches, crevices, potholes. (2) Sometimes plunging into a swamp of stagnant water, sometimes sliding on a muddy mire, I finally began, not without many fatal falls to my poor legs, to gain level ground, (3) when suddenly we were assailed in line by a body of armed horsemen, who, controlling with great difficulty the momentum of their mounts, rushed on Philèbe and his people, (4) seized them by the throat, attacked them infamous and sacrilegious, intermingling these epithets with frequent punches. We handcuff them all, by addressing this summons to them: (5) Here, let us be given back this golden cup which tempted your profane cupidity. Yes, under the color of a sacred rite, the celebration of which demanded mystery, you stole it even under the cushions of the mother of the gods; and, as if such a crime could go unpunished, you escaped our walls before daybreak.
(IX, 10, 1) Thereupon, one of the assailants put his hand on my rump, and rummaging without ceremony even in the bosom of the Syrian goddess, pulled out the cup in plain sight. (2) The wretched, far from being confounded by the evidence, dare with a forced laugh to turn the thing into a joke. What unworthy violence! what dangers innocence runs! (3) A capital accusation to ministers of the worship of the gods! And that, for a thin goblet, a gift of hospitality, given by the mother of the gods to her sister in Syria! (4) But no matter how much they spouted this nonsense, the peasants made them turn back. They were thrown, laden with chains, into the country's Tullianum. The cup and even the statue of which I was the bearer were, as sacred objects, brought to the temple and deposited in the treasury of offerings. As for me,

8. AT THE BAKERY: STORIES OF UNFAITHFUL WIVES
(IX, 10, 5 - X, 31, 1)

(IX, 10, 5) The baker of a neighboring village bought me seven deniers more expensive than Philèbe had previously paid me. Immediately my new master, who had just stocked up on grain, put my load on my back, and led me, by a path full of pebbles and roots, to the mill he operated.

Work at the mill

(IX, 11, 1) There were a good number of mechanical millstones, which many a beast of burden made turn in all directions. As long as the day lasted, even the night, there was no respite in the movement of these machines, and flour was made at the cost of sleep. (2) The boss, to make my novitiate less harsh, began by accommodating and treating me splendidly, and let me rest the first day in front of a copiously stocked rack; (3) but this happy faculty of eating well and doing nothing did not last more than a day. Early the next morning, I was harnessed to the millstone which seemed to be the largest. They cover my face, and I find myself pushed forward in a narrow circular groove, compelled to describe the same circuit infinitely, passing and repassing in my own tracks, without deviating or arriving. (4) I did not forget on this occasion my usual prudence and circumspection, and was careful not to show too much docility in this new apprenticeship. I was not without having seen these machines in operation when I was part of the human species. (5) But, insisting on passing for left and for nine as much as possible, I remained in place, feigning stupid astonishment. I flattered myself that once my inaptitude for this kind of exercise was recognized, they would find me an easier task elsewhere, or that they would leave me alone in the rack; (6) I was undeceived at my expense: a row of arms armed with sticks was established around me; and at the moment when I least thought of it, for I couldn't see a thing, a cry gave the signal, and the blows fell like hail on my spine.
(IX, 12, 1) The day was almost over, and I couldn't stand it any longer, when they unhitched me to bring me back to the stable. (2) Although I was on my toes and felt the last degree of need to rest; although hunger consumed me, my natural curiosity took over. And, before touching the abundant ration that had been placed before me, I began to study with interest the internal discipline of this fatal factory. (3) Gods! what a rickety population of human beings, with livid skin and scarred lashes! what wretched rags covering, without hiding them, backs all black with bruises! Some had no veil but a piece of apron thrown around their loins. (4) All, through their clothes, showed the nakedness on all sides. All were marked with a letter on the forehead, had their hair shaved on one side, and wore a ring on their foot. Nothing could be more hideous to behold than these specters with their eyelids eaten away by burning steam and smoke, and their eyes almost deprived of light. Add to that a pale and dirty tint that they owed to the flour with which they were sprinkled, like athletes who flood themselves with dust before engaging in combat.
(IX, 13, 1) What about animals, my companions in misfortune? How do I go about drawing the table? What an assortment of old mules and weary horses, (2) plunging their heads full into their mangers, and painfully crushing heaps of straw for all food! What a collection of necks eaten away by purulent ulcers, breathless nostrils, flanks exhausted and battered by coughing, chests excoriated by the draft of the carousel, ribs exposed by blows, hooves disproportionately enlarged by continual trampling, leathers all rough, covered with inveterate scabs! (3) I then had a sad look back at myself. I remembered my state of Lucius, and, seeing myself descended to this hopeless condition, I bowed my head and shed bitter tears. An attraction, however, still attached me to life, despite my suffering: my curiosity found exercise in the midst of this world acting and speaking in front of me without taking my presence into account. (4) It is not without reason that the father of ancient poetry among the Greeks, wanting to portray a man of great prudence, tells us that this merit came to him from having seen many cities, and made acquaintance with many peoples. (5) I myself do not remember my life as a donkey without a feeling of gratitude. I have, under the skin of a donkey, if not benefited a lot, at least learned a lot. wanting to portray a man of great prudence, tells us that this merit came to him from having seen many cities, and made acquaintance with many peoples. (5) I myself do not remember my life as a donkey without a feeling of gratitude. I have, under the skin of a donkey, if not benefited a lot, at least learned a lot. wanting to portray a man of great prudence, tells us that this merit came to him from having seen many cities, and made acquaintance with many peoples. (5) I myself do not remember my life as a donkey without a feeling of gratitude. I have, under the skin of a donkey, if not benefited a lot, at least learned a lot.

The baker's wife, a disreputable person

(IX, 14, 1) I want, in this regard, to tell you a good story even more pungent than the others, and, without preamble, I enter into the matter. (2) To this baker who, for his money, had become my master, a good man moreover and one of the tidiest, fate had given half the worst assuredly of all the females. She spared him nothing of what can afflict a husband in his honor and in his household: it was to the point that I myself moaned inwardly for him. (3) Not a vice that was not found in this detestable creature, a true sink of impurity. (4) Envious, quarrelsome, bacchanalian, lustful, obstinate, cantankerous, avaricious to the point of plunder in matters of interest, lavish in his pleasures, devoid of all good faith, enemy of all modesty, (5) trampling on all religion, she claimed to have an altar of her own, for a single god; and, by vain outward practices, she imposed on the public and on her husband, while from morning till night the hypocrite indulged in drink or worse.
(IX, 15, 1) This worthy person took a particular aversion to me. Even before daybreak, I heard him cry out from his bed: To the millstone, the new-comer donkey! (2) She had hardly left her room when she made me apply a volley of sticks in her presence. When mealtime arrived, while the other animals were being unhitched, she ordered that I should not be allowed to approach the rack until after all the others. (3) These persecutions excited in me all the more the instinct of curiosity. I was sure that every day a young man came into her room, and I was dying to see his face; but my eyes could not pierce through my hood. (4) Otherwise, somehow, I would have succeeded in not ignoring any of the behaviors of the odious creature. A certain old woman never left her all day. She was his broker of vice, the go-between in his relations of gallantry. (5) We began by having a good lunch together, and then, while sipping the wine without water if better, we weaved some very dark plot to the detriment of the unfortunate husband. (6) As for me, despite my too just resentment against this clumsy Photis who had made me an ass by wanting to make me a bird, I found myself compensated for the extreme mortification of appearing under this grotesque figure; because with this great pair of ears with which she had endowed me, I could hear the best in the world what was said even quite far from me. A certain old woman never left her all day. She was his broker of vice, the go-between in his relations of gallantry. (5) We began by having a good lunch together, and then, while sipping the wine without water if better, we weaved some very dark plot to the detriment of the unfortunate husband. (6) As for me, despite my too just resentment against this clumsy Photis who had made me an ass by wanting to make me a bird, I found myself compensated for the extreme mortification of appearing under this grotesque figure; because with this great pair of ears with which she had endowed me, I could hear the best in the world what was said even quite far from me. A certain old woman never left her all day. She was his broker of vice, the go-between in his relations of gallantry. (5) We began by having a good lunch together, and then, while sipping the wine without water if better, we weaved some very dark plot to the detriment of the unfortunate husband. (6) As for me, despite my too just resentment against this clumsy Photis who had made me an ass by wanting to make me a bird, I found myself compensated for the extreme mortification of appearing under this grotesque figure; because with this great pair of ears with which she had endowed me, I could hear the best in the world what was said even quite far from me. (5) We began by having a good lunch together, and then, while sipping the wine without water if better, we weaved some very dark plot to the detriment of the unfortunate husband. (6) As for me, despite my too just resentment against this clumsy Photis who had made me an ass by wanting to make me a bird, I found myself compensated for the extreme mortification of appearing under this grotesque figure; because with this great pair of ears with which she had endowed me, I could hear the best in the world what was said even quite far from me. (5) We began by having a good lunch together, and then, while sipping the wine without water if better, we weaved some very dark plot to the detriment of the unfortunate husband. (6) As for me, despite my too just resentment against this clumsy Photis who had made me an ass by wanting to make me a bird, I found myself compensated for the extreme mortification of appearing under this grotesque figure; because with this great pair of ears with which she had endowed me, I could hear the best in the world what was said even quite far from me. I found myself compensated for the extreme mortification of appearing under this grotesque figure; because with this great pair of ears with which she had endowed me, I could hear the best in the world what was said even quite far from me. I found myself compensated for the extreme mortification of appearing under this grotesque figure; because with this great pair of ears with which she had endowed me, I could hear the best in the world what was said even quite far from me.

Arete, Barbarus, Myrmex and Philesithera

(IX, 16, 1) Here is what I was able to gather one day from the cackle of the old rascal. Sad gallant than yours! It's up to you, my dear mistress, and you alone to see what advantage to take from it. I did not meddle in such a choice. A sissy! a coward! that your bittern of a husband makes you tremble like a leaf just by frowning, and whose languid ardor puts you to the torture every day. (2) Tell me about Philesitere; he is a pretty cavalier, who is generous, who is brave, and who is never at fault against the vain precautions of husbands. (3) This is the man to whom the favors of all our beauties should be vested by privilege; the man whose forehead should be adorned with a golden crown, were it only for the unparalleled trick he has just played at being jealous.
(IX, 17, 1) You know Barbarus, the decurion of the city, whom his acrimonious mood caused him to call the Scorpion. He has taken a woman from a good family and of rare beauty, whom he watches with extreme care, without letting her set foot outside. (2) Yes, certainly, I know him, resumed the baker quickly. This is Arete, my school friend. In that case, said the old woman, you know all about the adventure of Philesitere? I don't know a word of it, said the other, and I really want to know it. Come, mother, tell me, please, point by point. (3) Without being hurried, the eternal chatterbox continued thus: This Barbarus, on the eve of an indispensable journey, wanted to make sure as much as possible of his wife's chastity, in her absence. He had a little slave named Myrmex, of recognized fidelity. He gave her his instructions in secret, with full power for the custody of his mistress. (4) Moreover, he threatened him with irons and a dungeon, swearing by all the gods to starve him there, in case he let anyone touch the beauty, even in passing, even if only with the tip of his finger. (5) This done, the husband departs, certain of having near his wife a guardian whom terror would attach to all his steps. Myrmex, in fact, has no more meals, can no longer let her mistress go out; he sits next to her when she is spinning; in the evening, when it is time to go to the bath, he follows her steps, clings to her side, holds a section of her robe; in a word, he acquits himself of his mission with the most anxious vigilance. with full power for the custody of his mistress. (4) Moreover, he threatened him with irons and a dungeon, swearing by all the gods to starve him there, in case he let anyone touch the beauty, even in passing, even if only with the tip of his finger. (5) This done, the husband departs, certain of having near his wife a guardian whom terror would attach to all his steps. Myrmex, in fact, has no more meals, can no longer let her mistress go out; he sits next to her when she is spinning; in the evening, when it is time to go to the bath, he follows her steps, clings to her side, holds a section of her robe; in a word, he acquits himself of his mission with the most anxious vigilance. with full power for the custody of his mistress. (4) Moreover, he threatened him with irons and a dungeon, swearing by all the gods to starve him there, in case he let anyone touch the beauty, even in passing, even if only with the tip of his finger. (5) This done, the husband departs, certain of having near his wife a guardian whom terror would attach to all his steps. Myrmex, in fact, has no more meals, can no longer let her mistress go out; he sits next to her when she is spinning; in the evening, when it is time to go to the bath, he follows her steps, clings to her side, holds a section of her robe; in a word, he acquits himself of his mission with the most anxious vigilance. in case he let anyone touch the beauty, even in passing, if only with the tip of his finger. (5) This done, the husband departs, certain of having near his wife a guardian whom terror would attach to all his steps. Myrmex, in fact, has no more meals, can no longer let her mistress go out; he sits next to her when she is spinning; in the evening, when it is time to go to the bath, he follows her steps, clings to her side, holds a section of her robe; in a word, he acquits himself of his mission with the most anxious vigilance. in case he let anyone touch the beauty, even in passing, if only with the tip of his finger. (5) This done, the husband departs, certain of having near his wife a guardian whom terror would attach to all his steps. Myrmex, in fact, has no more meals, can no longer let her mistress go out; he sits next to her when she is spinning; in the evening, when it is time to go to the bath, he follows her steps, clings to her side, holds a section of her robe; in a word, he acquits himself of his mission with the most anxious vigilance. can no longer let his mistress out; he sits next to her when she is spinning; in the evening, when it is time to go to the bath, he follows her steps, clings to her side, holds a section of her robe; in a word, he acquits himself of his mission with the most anxious vigilance. can no longer let his mistress out; he sits next to her when she is spinning; in the evening, when it is time to go to the bath, he follows her steps, clings to her side, holds a section of her robe; in a word, he acquits himself of his mission with the most anxious vigilance.
(IX, 18, 1) But such a dazzling beauty could not long escape the eye of Argus of an amateur like Philesitere. The great noise that was made about the lady's chastity, about the extraordinary surveillance to which she was subjected, only served to irritate him and irritate his desires. He made it a point of honor to take such a well-guarded place at all costs. (2) He knows what human frailty is, that silver smooths out many obstacles, and that even diamond gates cannot resist gold. He takes advantage of a moment when he encounters Myrmex alone; he declares his love for her, begging him to take pity on her torments. (4) It is a resolved point, he will kill himself, if soon he does not possess the object of all his wishes. Besides, nothing could be easier: he will slip alone, on the evening, will remain only a moment, and darkness will cover his coming and his retreat. (4) To aid persuasion, the seducer operated a machine against which the heart of the slave would have battled in vain. Opening his hand wide, he shows it full of newly minted gold coins, and of the most tempting luster. Here are twenty for your young mistress, he said, and ten that I give you for you with all my heart.
(IX, 19, 1) Myrmex, at this incredible proposition, shivers from head to toe, and flees, covering her ears. Vain efforts! the shine of the metal had given him in the eye. In vain does he run away, reach the house as fast as he can, he always has before him these resplendent species, he dreams of possessing them; and here is his poor head given over to an ebb and flow of the most opposite, the most contradictory images and feelings. He hesitates between duty, interest, the dread of torture, the lure of enjoyment. (2) Finally the love of gold prevails over the fear of dying. To be exercised from afar, seduction lost none of its force. Even during the night, the sting of greed ran its course. In spite of the threats which were to nail him to the house, the irresistible lure of gold led him through the door. (3) Finally, all shame drunk, he makes up his mind to risk the opening near his mistress. The latter, like a real woman, was careful not to show herself more inaccessible to base metal, and the bargain for her modesty was soon concluded. (4) Myrmex, overjoyed, precipitates his betrayal. He wants to hold, feel this gold that he once saw for his misfortune. He runs to Philesitere, and announces to him with transport that in the end he has, not without difficulty, obtained for him the object of his desires. Immediately he claims the reward; and gold rings in that hand which hitherto scarcely copper coin had touched. as a real woman, was careful not to show herself more inaccessible to base metal, and the bargain for her modesty was soon concluded. (4) Myrmex, overjoyed, precipitates his betrayal. He wants to hold, feel this gold that he once saw for his misfortune. He runs to Philesitere, and announces to him with transport that in the end he has, not without difficulty, obtained for him the object of his desires. Immediately he claims the reward; and gold rings in that hand which hitherto scarcely copper coin had touched. as a real woman, was careful not to show herself more inaccessible to base metal, and the bargain for her modesty was soon concluded. (4) Myrmex, overjoyed, precipitates his betrayal. He wants to hold, feel this gold that he once saw for his misfortune. He runs to Philesitere, and announces to him with transport that in the end he has, not without difficulty, obtained for him the object of his desires. Immediately he claims the reward; and gold rings in that hand which hitherto scarcely copper coin had touched. obtained for him the object of his desires. Immediately he claims the reward; and gold rings in that hand which hitherto scarcely copper coin had touched. obtained for him the object of his desires. Immediately he claims the reward; and gold rings in that hand which hitherto scarcely copper coin had touched.
(IX, 20, 1) When the night was dark enough, Myrmex introduced the bold gallant, alone and blindfolded, to his mistress's bedroom. (2) Scarcely had the two lovers tasted the first fruits of a fresh date love, and tried their strength in the amorous conflict, both in the proper negligee for this kind of exercise; here is the husband who returns against all odds, having intentionally chosen the return of the night. (3) My man knocks, shouts, knocks on the door with a stone. This slowness in opening the door to him increases his suspicions, and he is already threatening Myrmex with the last torment. The unfortunate, in the excess of his confusion and not knowing where to turn, excuses himself, in desperation, on the obscurity which prevents him from finding the key, so well he has hidden it. (4) However Philesitere, correctly guessing the cause of the uproar, hastily gets dressed and leaves her mistress. Unfortunately, in his haste, he forgot to put on his shoes. Myrmex had finally decided to put the key in the lock and open it. The master enters, swearing by all the gods, and goes straight to the bedroom. The valet takes his time, helps Philesitere escape; and, reassured on his own account, once the lover has crossed the threshold, he closes the house and quietly goes back to bed. helps Philesitere escape; and, reassured on his own account, once the lover has crossed the threshold, he closes the house and quietly goes back to bed. helps Philesitere escape; and, reassured on his own account, once the lover has crossed the threshold, he closes the house and quietly goes back to bed.
(IX, 21, 1) At daybreak Barbarus gets up, and what does he see under the bed? unknown sandals, the ones Philesitere left behind. He guesses everything; (2) but, devouring his sorrow, without saying a word to his wife, to his friends, he hides the sandals in his bosom; only he commands his people to bind Myrmex and drag him to the square. He himself, roaring to himself, hurriedly follows them, fully convinced that the sandals will put him in the footsteps of the gallant. (3) There he is in the square, walking up and down, frowning, features swollen with rage. Behind him, Myrmex tightly bound, Myrmex, who, though not caught in the act, feels condemned by his conscience, and vainly seeks to arouse interest by bursting into tears. (4) Philesitera comes to pass. He was going to other business. This sight moves him without disconcerting him. (5) He thinks only of repairing his thoughtlessness, of which he sees all the consequences; and, with his usual presence of mind, he pushes aside the slaves, rushes at Myrmex and slaps him with good hands, while taking care not to strike too hard. (6) Ah! funny, he would say, ah! gallows game! May your master here, may all the gods whom you have outraged by your perjuries, treat you as you deserve, for having stolen my sandals yesterday in the bath! You should be left with these ties until they fall off on their own; make you rot in the bottom of a dungeon. (7) This skilful diversion, the air of assurance of the young man, impressed Barbarus, who went right into the trap. Back home, he calls Myrmex,

Two unfaithful wives, that of the baker and that of the fuller

(IX, 22, 1) The old woman had not finished this chatter when the baker exclaimed: Ah! how happy a woman is to have a lover so firm and sure of himself! As for the one who fell to me for my misfortune, everything frightens him, nothing but the noise of the millstone, and even that muzzle of a mangy donkey over there. (2) Well! said the old woman, I'll do my best to arrange an appointment for you with the other. He has heart and head that one! And thereupon she withdraws, promising to return in the evening. (3) Immediately the modest wife prepares a real meal of Saliens, fine wines well clarified, refined and well seasoned dishes, in a word, dear, exquisite in all respects. Then there she is, waiting for her accomplice, as she would have made some god. That day, very appropriately, her husband was having supper in town with a neighbour, a fuller by trade. (4) As for me, around noon I had been unhitched, and left quietly to discuss my food. I was happy, not so much for this moment of respite, as because I had been blindfolded, and that I could finally lose nothing of the doings and gestures of my villainous mistress. (5) The sun had finally disappeared under the waves to illuminate the subterranean regions of the globe, when the old woman and the blondin arrive side by side. (6) He was a very young man, barely out of childhood, and well suited, by the freshness and radiance of his complexion, to tempt suitors himself. We shower him with kisses. and that I could finally lose nothing of the doings and gestures of my villainous mistress. (5) The sun had finally disappeared under the waves to illuminate the subterranean regions of the globe, when the old woman and the blondin arrive side by side. (6) He was a very young man, barely out of childhood, and well suited, by the freshness and radiance of his complexion, to tempt suitors himself. We shower him with kisses. and that I could finally lose nothing of the doings and gestures of my villainous mistress. (5) The sun had finally disappeared under the waves to illuminate the subterranean regions of the globe, when the old woman and the blondin arrive side by side. (6) He was a very young man, barely out of childhood, and well suited, by the freshness and radiance of his complexion, to tempt suitors himself. We shower him with kisses.
(IX, 23, 1) But barely has the welcome cup touched his lips, barely has he felt the taste of the wine, than the unexpected husband arrives. (2) The chaste half pours out imprecations, wishes him a broken leg. The lover does not have a drop of blood in his veins. There was a wooden van there used to clean the grain: she has it hidden underneath; (3) then the face, in that tone of imperturbable assurance which was innate in her, asks her husband what brings him back so soon and where this abrupt desertion of a friend's table comes from. (4) Ah! said the husband, sighing deeply several times, like a seriously distressed man, "it's because the mistress of the house has an abominable behavior, and I couldn't stand it." A mother of a family, once so virtuous and so tidy, to dishonor oneself thus! I swear by that divine image of Ceres, I've seen it all, and I can hardly believe it. (5) His wife's curiosity ignites at these words, and the cheeky one never stops until she knows all the details of the affair. The husband surrenders, and there he is, recounting the misfortunes of the neighboring household, without suspecting what is going on at home.
(IX, 24, 1) Yes, he said, the wife of my friend the fuller, with her spotless virtue to this day, and the reputation so well established as a wise woman and a good housewife, did she not fall in love with I don't know what godelureau? We had secret meetings every day. Even today, when, after the bath, we returned to sit down to eat, Madame was frolicking with her lover. (2) Great confusion when we arrived; but she soon made up her mind; and, finding a wicker cage arched at the top, which was used to hang out the linen to whiten it in the smoke of the sulfur, she made the godelureau huddle under it. Then, believing it to be well hidden, she comes to take her place with us in complete safety. (3) However, the inconvenient vapor takes my fellow by the throat; he's barely breathing, he's suffocating, and,
(IX, 25, 1) The husband, who hears sneezing from his wife's side, because the sound came from behind her, greets her with the usual wish in such cases, and repeats it, and reiterates it with each sneeze; until finally this unusual frequency astonishes him; he suspects the case. (2) Immediately pushing back the table, he overturns the cage, and pulls out the almost asphyxiated gallant. His wrath ignites at this sight. He cries out for a sword to finish off the traitor. (3) I had great difficulty in restraining him, showing him the danger he was exposing us both to. Violence was, moreover, superfluous; infallibly his man was going to perish, suffocated by the sulphur. (4) Fear more than my reasons made him return to himself, and he went to drop off the dying man at the first street corner. (4) I then insinuated to his wife, and I ended by persuading her to leave the shop momentarily and go to some friend's to wait until her husband's fury had time to subside. (5) This one was in a transport of rage to make people tremble for his wife or for himself. This scene took away my appetite. I left my host's supper and returned home.
(IX, 26, 1) At this tale from the baker, his wife, past mistress in matters of impudence and effrontery, poured out execration against her neighbor, calling her disloyal, infamous, a disgrace of the entire sex. So sacrifice his honor! Trampling on sworn faith! make the conjugal roof a den of vice! change her noble name of mother of a family for that of vile prostitute! Yes, she added, such creatures should be burned alive. (2) Worried however, and with a haunted conscience, impatient besides to extricate her accomplice from embarrassment, she urges her husband to go to bed early; (3) but he, who had escaped from this scandal on an empty stomach, cheerfully insisted on having supper. So we hurry to serve, while reluctantly and for good reason; the table was not set for him. (4) As for me, my heart bled to see the behavior of this woman and her impudence; and I wondered how to help my master to unmask his perfidious half; if there were no way to push aside the van, and uncover the child hidden under this new-fashioned turtle.
(IX, 27, 1) Finally, Providence deigned to second my faithful solicitude. It was time to water the animals in the stable. A lame old man who was in charge came to take us to lead us pell-mell to the nearby watering hole. It was for me the occasion of a longed-for revenge. (2) As I walked along the hiding place, I saw the tips of the gallant's feet passing underneath: I pressed my hoof across them, and flattened them without mercy, so much so that he could not restrain a painful cry. He then overturns the van, shows himself to profane eyes, and here is the infamy of the lady in broad daylight. (3) The baker, however, was not otherwise moved by the affront to his honor. On the contrary, with a serene brow and a caressing tone, he reassures the pale and trembling young man. (4) My boy, he said, you have nothing to fear from me: you are not dealing with a barbarian, with one of those men who do not know how to live. I will not go, like that brute of a fuller, to asphyxiate you with the murderous vapor of sulphur, nor even, as I would have the right, to call upon the head of such a nice darling the severities of the law of adultery. I want to be with my half count wife; that is all. (5) And no separation of property. I mean that we lived under the regime of community, and that, without debate, without harassment, we had only one bed for three. My wife and I have always lived in such agreement that nothing pleases her that does not please me; but it is right that the wife should not be better treated than the husband. you're not dealing with a barbarian, one of those men who don't know how to live. I will not go, like that brute of a fuller, to asphyxiate you with the murderous vapor of sulphur, nor even, as I would have the right, to call upon the head of such a nice darling the severities of the law of adultery. I want to be with my half count wife; that is all. (5) And no separation of property. I mean that we lived under the regime of community, and that, without debate, without harassment, we had only one bed for three. My wife and I have always lived in such agreement that nothing pleases her that does not please me; but it is right that the wife should not be better treated than the husband. you're not dealing with a barbarian, one of those men who don't know how to live. I will not go, like that brute of a fuller, to asphyxiate you with the murderous vapor of sulphur, nor even, as I would have the right, to call upon the head of such a nice darling the severities of the law of adultery. I want to be with my half count wife; that is all. (5) And no separation of property. I mean that we lived under the regime of community, and that, without debate, without harassment, we had only one bed for three. My wife and I have always lived in such agreement that nothing pleases her that does not please me; but it is right that the wife should not be better treated than the husband. suffocate you with the murderous vapor of sulphur, nor even, as I would have the right to do, call down on the head of such a nice darling the severities of the law of adultery. I want to be with my half count wife; that is all. (5) And no separation of property. I mean that we lived under the regime of community, and that, without debate, without harassment, we had only one bed for three. My wife and I have always lived in such agreement that nothing pleases her that does not please me; but it is right that the wife should not be better treated than the husband. suffocate you with the murderous vapor of sulphur, nor even, as I would have the right to do, call down on the head of such a nice darling the severities of the law of adultery. I want to be with my half count wife; that is all. (5) And no separation of property. I mean that we lived under the regime of community, and that, without debate, without harassment, we had only one bed for three. My wife and I have always lived in such agreement that nothing pleases her that does not please me; but it is right that the wife should not be better treated than the husband. I mean that we lived under the regime of community, and that, without debate, without harassment, we had only one bed for three. My wife and I have always lived in such agreement that nothing pleases her that does not please me; but it is right that the wife should not be better treated than the husband. I mean that we lived under the regime of community, and that, without debate, without harassment, we had only one bed for three. My wife and I have always lived in such agreement that nothing pleases her that does not please me; but it is right that the wife should not be better treated than the husband.
(IX, 28, 1) While coaxing him like this, the scoffer led the youngster to his room, who didn't care too much about it, but dared not kick back. He puts his chaste wife under lock and key elsewhere, and, going to bed alone with his Ganymede, exercises rather gentle reprisals for the affront made to his bed. (2) But as soon as the shining chariot of the sun had brought back the day, the baker summoned two of his strongest servants, and having the young man held in the air in a posture, he castigated him sharply with a cane. (3) Ah! he would say, with this skin so fine and so young, you take it into your head to defraud the amateurs, to run after the beautiful ones! And you still need some free condition! You meddle in disturbing households and making cuckolds before you have a beard on your chin! (4) After these and similar words, seasoned with a fresh spanking, he has my Adonis Callipyge thrown out. Thus escaped the flower of gallantry, life saved against its expectation; but all contrite, and to the great detriment of his hindquarters, which, both day and night, had suffered in more than one way. This did not prevent the baker from having his worthy companion clear of the house as quickly as possible.
(IX, 29, 1) It was certainly justice; but the lady was outraged, and the resentment exalted her natural perversity. There she contrives, and, to avenge herself, stirs up the whole arsenal of feminine wickedness. (2) She managed, after much research, to dig up a certain soothsayer passing by to do what she wanted with her spells and spells. (3) The lady, by dint of prayers and gifts, leads him to promise her one of two things: either to soften her husband, and to bring her back into grace; or, if it cannot succeed, to detach against it some specter or larva which puts it to death. (4) The all-powerful magician is soon at work. She first tries the first secrets of her detestable science, those which excite the passion of love, and she strives to act on the husband's so violently outraged heart. The result does not meet his expectation; then she becomes vexed and blames her intelligence. Stimulated, however, by the promised reward, and moreover stung by the resistance she encountered, she resolved to threaten the head of the unfortunate husband, by raising against him the shadow of a woman who had died from the last torture.

The mysterious death of the baker

(IX, 30, 1) But I hear from here some fussy reader stopping me short, and saying to me: How did you manage, oh most subtle bourriquets, confined as you were in the bottom of your mill, to find out what was happening very mysteriously, according to your words, in the confidence of these two females? (2) Listen, and you will understand how I, who remained a man, and a very curious man, under this appearance of an animal, was able to come to the knowledge of the maneuvers hatched for the loss of my baker.
(3) It was about noon when a woman, in the lugubrious attire of the accused, bearing the imprint of deep sadness on her forehead, suddenly appeared in the middle of the mill. As if to appeal to pity, rags barely covered her. She walked barefoot. Scattered locks of gray hair, stained with ashes, partially veiled features already disfigured by a deathly pallor. (4) This strange figure addresses the baker, puts her hand familiarly on his shoulder, and taking him to his room, as if to communicate a secret to him, locks herself there with him. The conference went on indefinitely. (5) All the grain delivered to the workers had passed under the millstone, and a supplement became necessary. Small slaves are dispatched to the master to ask him for milling. (6) Vainly do they come shouting at the top of their voices through the door; no answer. We hit harder. The bolts were drawn within. We are worried, we are alarmed; force is used. The hinges gave way, shattered, and finally gave way to the attackers. (7) The woman had disappeared; but they find the already lifeless body of their master hanging from a beam. They burst into sobs and lamentations, untie him, remove the rope that was squeezing his neck, and wash the corpse. This first duty accomplished, a large procession follows the deceased to the burial. (7) The woman had disappeared; but they find the already lifeless body of their master hanging from a beam. They burst into sobs and lamentations, untie him, remove the rope that was squeezing his neck, and wash the corpse. This first duty accomplished, a large procession follows the deceased to the burial. (7) The woman had disappeared; but they find the already lifeless body of their master hanging from a beam. They burst into sobs and lamentations, untie him, remove the rope that was squeezing his neck, and wash the corpse. This first duty accomplished, a large procession follows the deceased to the burial.
(IX, 31, 1) The following day, his daughter, who was married in a neighboring town, runs up in tears, tearing her hair, and with both hands, striking her breast. No message had come to tell her of her family's disaster, and the unfortunate girl knew everything. The lamentable shadow of his father had appeared to him in his sleep, still wearing the fatal bond around his neck. Thus had been revealed to him all the crimes of his stepmother, his adulteries, his spells; and how, fallen himself into the power of a specter, he had descended to the dark edges. (2) The baker's daughter remained for a long time given over to the pangs of despair. Finally, the eager representations of his family put an end to his outward mourning. On the ninth day, she performs the usual solemnities near the tomb, (3) then she put up for sale the property of the estate, furniture, slaves and beasts of burden, and the whole household dispersed from side to side, according to the chances of the adjudication. A poor gardener bought me fifty denarii. It was very expensive, he said; but he counted on our common work to sustain him.

9. AT THE GARDENER'S: PRODIGIES AND FIGHT BETWEEN OWNERS
(IX, 31, 3 - IX, 42, 4)


(IX, 31, 3) A poor gardener bought me fifty denarii. It was very expensive, he said; but he counted on our common work to sustain him.

The service at the gardener

(IX, 32, 1) It is good to enter here into the details of this new service. In the morning, my master would load me with vegetables of all kinds which he would deliver to dealers in the neighboring town. When he had received the prize, he would ride on my back and return to his garden. (2) There, while my man was digging, watering, delivering himself, his back bent, to the various cares of his condition, I was having a good time, and regaling myself with the sweetness of doing nothing: but the stars were nonetheless accomplishing their revolution; and day by day, month by month, hurrying one after the other, the year passed from the delicious time of the vintage to the bitter rigors of Capricorn. (3) No more days without rain, no more nights without frost. My barn was missing a roof; and, constantly exposed to the open sky, I was constantly struggling with the cold. My master, through poverty, was unable to have for himself, much less for me, a thatched roof or the thinnest covering. He had no shelter but a mean rowing hut. (4) Every morning, I had to painfully knead an icy mire, or break my hooves against the roughness of the ground hardened by frost. Add that I no longer had enough to fill my stomach like before. My master and I now had only one and the same ordinary; and he was most puny. A few bitter lettuces that had been left to go to seed formed the menu. For flavor and tenderness, it might as well have been worth chewing a handful of rods. He had no shelter but a mean rowing hut. (4) Every morning, I had to painfully knead an icy mire, or break my hooves against the roughness of the ground hardened by frost. Add that I no longer had enough to fill my stomach like before. My master and I now had only one and the same ordinary; and he was most puny. A few bitter lettuces that had been left to go to seed formed the menu. For flavor and tenderness, it might as well have been worth chewing a handful of rods. He had no shelter but a mean rowing hut. (4) Every morning, I had to painfully knead an icy mire, or break my hooves against the roughness of the ground hardened by frost. Add that I no longer had enough to fill my stomach like before. My master and I now had only one and the same ordinary; and he was most puny. A few bitter lettuces that had been left to go to seed formed the menu. For flavor and tenderness, it might as well have been worth chewing a handful of rods. we only had one and the same ordinary; and he was most puny. A few bitter lettuces that had been left to go to seed formed the menu. For flavor and tenderness, it might as well have been worth chewing a handful of rods. we only had one and the same ordinary; and he was most puny. A few bitter lettuces that had been left to go to seed formed the menu. For flavor and tenderness, it might as well have been worth chewing a handful of rods.

A visit that is accompanied by very curious wonders
(IX, 33, 1) There came to us one evening, under a moonless sky, a proprietor from a neighboring village, who had lost his way in the darkness, and whom a heavy downpour had soaked to the bone. (2) He was cordially welcomed, and found with us, if not a good lodging, at least a much-needed rest. So he promised his good host, in token of his gratitude, corn and oil from his crop, and, in addition, two barrels of his wine. (3) My master was in no hurry than to provide himself with a sack and some empty skins. He climbs bareback on my back, and here we are both on the way. We cover the distance, which was sixty stadia, and we arrive at the man in question, who receives my master as well as possible, and invites him to take his share of an excellent dinner.
One of the hens in the barnyard began to run hither and thither, cackling as if she wanted to lay. (5) What the boss sees: O my cocotte, he says, what a good report you are! how many have you made me swallow your eggs every day of the year! Come on, I see that you are preparing a nice little dish for us in your own way. Hello! boy, he said, quickly the basket to the brooders, and put it in its ordinary corner. (6) The valet did as he was commanded; but the hen does not want her accustomed place. She comes to lay precisely at the feet of her master a laying that is ever so precocious, and of a nature to put him hammer in the head. Indeed, it was not an egg, it was a little chicken all formed, feathered, quibbling, which began to cluck and followed its mother.
(IX, 34, 1) But here is another miracle, a hair-raising miracle. Under the very table where the remains of the meal were, the ground opens deeply, and gives way to an enormous jet of blood which falls in large drops on all the service.
(2) Suddenly, in the midst of the amazement and terror caused by these supernatural events, a servant comes running from the cellar, announcing that the wine which was there, and which had been stored for a long time, was bubbling in the barrels, as if it had been subjected to the most ardent fire. (3) At the same time, weasels were seen dragging a dead snake with their teeth. Out of a sheepdog's mouth hopped out a little green frog. Finally, a ram grabbed the dog by the throat and strangled it with a bite. (4) At this succession of sinister omens, the master of the house and his people were struck with amazement. What to do? Where to begin to appease the wrath of the gods? What atonement will be more effective? How many victims? Which victims to sacrifice?

The fight of the three sons against the big owner

(IX, 35, 1) We were still under the impression of dread caused by the feeling of an imminent catastrophe, when a young slave came to announce to the unfortunate father of the family that the last calamities had just descended on his house. (2) The good man had three sons, who had reached the age of reason, and whose talents and conduct were the pride of his old age. An old friendship linked these young people with a poor man who owned a modest manor. (3) This manor adjoined the large and magnificent domains of a rich and powerful young lord, who, heir to an ancient and illustrious name, abused this advantage to create for himself a factious preponderance in the country, and to dispose of everything there as he pleased. (4) He acted with his lowly neighbor quite in enemy power. He slaughtered his sheep, carried off his oxen, trampled on his grassy wheat. Finally, after having deprived him of his income, he wanted one fine day to drive him from his property; and, raising a vain dispute over the boundaries, he pretended that all the land was his. (5) The countryman, a quiet man for the rest, despoiled by the avarice of the rich, wanted at least to keep the place of his tomb from the paternal field, and, all worried, asked several friends to come and testify about his limits. (6) Among the number were the three brothers, who came to help, according to their strength, their persecuted friend. A quiet man, moreover, despoiled by the avarice of the rich, wanted at least to keep the place of his tomb from the paternal field, and, all worried, asked several friends to come and testify about his limits. (6) Among the number were the three brothers, who came to help, according to their strength, their persecuted friend. A quiet man, moreover, despoiled by the avarice of the rich, wanted at least to keep the place of his tomb from the paternal field, and, all worried, asked several friends to come and testify about his limits. (6) Among the number were the three brothers, who came to help, according to their strength, their persecuted friend.
(IX, 36, 1) The presence of so many adversaries did not intimidate this madman, nor even imposed on him the least in the world. He did not lower his pretensions any more than his insolence. They wanted to take him gently, and try on his turbulent spirit means of conciliation; but he cut it short, swearing, by his own head and that of all that was dear to him, that he made fun of all those surveyors; that he would tell these people to grab the neighbor by the ears and throw him out of his barracks. (2) This remark revolted all the listeners. One of the three brothers retorted in a firm tone that in vain he availed himself of his property to thus decide between the tyrant and the haughty; that the poor, under the impartial protection of the law, knew how to get the better of the rich. (3) Pour oil on a hearth, sulfur on a fire; whip the Eumenides, and you will conceive to what degree the brutality of the personage was excited by such words. (4) The excess of his fury made him extravagant. He threatened to hang them all, and their laws with them. He had at home shepherd dogs and watchdogs of extraordinary size and ferocity, fed on the carrion they encountered in the countryside, and which were trained to throw themselves on passers-by. He orders them to be let loose, inciting them against the people who were there. (5) At the well-known sound of the voice of the shepherds, the rage of these animals is exalted, they rush on the assistants, bite them, tear them; if one flees, they are all the more relentless. and you will conceive to what degree the brutality of the character was excited by such words. (4) The excess of his fury made him extravagant. He threatened to hang them all, and their laws with them. He had at home shepherd dogs and watchdogs of extraordinary size and ferocity, fed on the carrion they encountered in the countryside, and which were trained to throw themselves on passers-by. He orders them to be let loose, inciting them against the people who were there. (5) At the well-known sound of the voice of the shepherds, the rage of these animals is exalted, they rush on the assistants, bite them, tear them; if one flees, they are all the more relentless. and you will conceive to what degree the brutality of the character was excited by such words. (4) The excess of his fury made him extravagant. He threatened to hang them all, and their laws with them. He had at home shepherd dogs and watchdogs of extraordinary size and ferocity, fed on the carrion they encountered in the countryside, and which were trained to throw themselves on passers-by. He orders them to be let loose, inciting them against the people who were there. (5) At the well-known sound of the voice of the shepherds, the rage of these animals is exalted, they rush on the assistants, bite them, tear them; if one flees, they are all the more relentless. He threatened to hang them all, and their laws with them. He had at home shepherd dogs and watchdogs of extraordinary size and ferocity, fed on the carrion they encountered in the countryside, and which were trained to throw themselves on passers-by. He orders them to be let loose, inciting them against the people who were there. (5) At the well-known sound of the voice of the shepherds, the rage of these animals is exalted, they rush on the assistants, bite them, tear them; if one flees, they are all the more relentless. He threatened to hang them all, and their laws with them. He had at home shepherd dogs and watchdogs of extraordinary size and ferocity, fed on the carrion they encountered in the countryside, and which were trained to throw themselves on passers-by. He orders them to be let loose, inciting them against the people who were there. (5) At the well-known sound of the voice of the shepherds, the rage of these animals is exalted, they rush on the assistants, bite them, tear them; if one flees, they are all the more relentless. He orders them to be let loose, inciting them against the people who were there. (5) At the well-known sound of the voice of the shepherds, the rage of these animals is exalted, they rush on the assistants, bite them, tear them; if one flees, they are all the more relentless. He orders them to be let loose, inciting them against the people who were there. (5) At the well-known sound of the voice of the shepherds, the rage of these animals is exalted, they rush on the assistants, bite them, tear them; if one flees, they are all the more relentless.
(IX, 37, 1) It is soon more than a butchery of all this crowd which presses. In the middle of the fray, the youngest of the three brothers stumbled against a stone, bruised his fingers and fell. His fall leaves him a prey to these furious monsters. They had no sooner seen him on the ground than they tore him to shreds. (2) At the heartrending cries he utters in his agony, his brothers, heartbroken, fly to his aid. Wrapping their left arm in their cloak, they try to drive the dogs away from his body with stones; (3) but all their efforts are in vain against this relentless pack. The unfortunate young man had only time to shout to them: Avenge me on this detestable rich man. And he exhaled all torn. (4) The other two, driven by desperation, and in defiance of their own danger, advance against their enemy and cause a hail of stones to fall upon him; (5) but this man of blood, whose hand was no novice in the matter of murder, strikes one of them with a javelin in the middle of the chest, and pierces him furthermore. (6) Already the feeling and the life have abandoned the victim, and yet the body does not touch the earth; for the arrow which had passed through him, coming out almost entirely behind his back, had been fixed to the ground by the force of the blow, and the vibrations of the shaft were communicated to the corpse thus suspended. (6) A servant of the assassin, a tall and robust man, then runs to the aid of his master, and, with a stone thrown from a great distance, tries to reach the arm of the third brother. But, contrary to their expectation, the stone, missing the mark,
(IX, 38, 1) The young man immediately made, with a singular presence of mind, turn the incident to the profit of his revenge. He pretended to have his wrist broken, and addressing his barbarous adversary: ​​(2) Enjoy, he said to him, the destruction of a whole family; feed on the blood of three brothers your insatiable cruelty; triumph at your ease over the massacre of your fellow citizens: (3) but know it well, you may usurp the inheritance of the poor, push back the limits of your domain in all directions, you will always have neighbors. (4) Ah! must this hand, with which I would have cut off your guilty head, be put so fatally out of action! (5) This apostrophe exasperated the brigand, who seized his sword and rushed furiously on the young man to cut his throat with his own hand; but he had to deal with a strong party. (6) With an energy that one was far from supposing him, the supposed wounded man stops the arm of the assailant with a vigorous embrace, and, brandishing himself the iron with an assured hand, strikes with hurried blows the odious rich man, and makes him impure his soul. (7) This execution finished, and to escape the hands of the servants who ran, the conqueror turns against himself the iron stained with the blood of his enemy, and plunges it into his throat.
(8) This was announced by so many sinister omens, of which the unfortunate father had to wipe the story. Assailed by so many blows at once, he did not utter a word, did not shed a tear; (9) but seizing the knife which he had just used at the table, to divide the meal, (10) he pierced his throat with it several times, following the example of his unfortunate son. Her body rolls inanimate under the table, and washes with new blood the prophetic stains with which she was stained.

The meeting with the soldier

(IX, 39, 1) Thus, in the space of a moment, this entire family is annihilated. The gardener, touched by so many disasters, not without returning to what he himself lost there, gave his guest tears for his dinner, and, repeatedly clapping his two hands against each other, which he had counted on bringing back full, he climbed on my back, and returned as he had come; (2) but he was not to return himself without mishap. In fact, we saw coming towards us a tall fellow, a soldier of a legion, to judge by his appearance and his manners, who, in a tone of arrogance, asked my master where he was leading this empty donkey. (3) This one, still confused, and besides not understanding Latin, does not answer, and passes. The other took his taciturnity for an insult, and, with all military insolence, threw him down from my back, with the blow of a vine he held in his hand. (4) The poor gardener humbly explains to him that he does not know his language. Well! then said the soldier in Greek, where are you taking that donkey? The gardener replies: To the neighboring town. (5) But I need his service, continues the soldier; he must come with me to the citadel to transport, with other beasts of burden, the commander's effects. That said, he puts his hand on my halter and pulls me to him. (6) The gardener then, wiping the blood from the blow he had received on the head, begs him to act less roughly and in a more humane way with a man who has served like him; and that, in the name of all he hopes for the best. (7) I swear to you, he said, that this donkey has not the slightest vigor, and that, moreover, he has a decrepit illness. Just to carry a few bunches of vegetables from my garden just a stone's throw away. Judge whether it is fit for a more fatiguing service.
(IX, 40, 1) But the gardener realizes that, far from softening, the ferocity of the soldier is still irritated by his prayers, and that he even wants his life; for he had turned the vine upside down, and, striking it with the butt end, was about to break its skull. So he resorts to an extreme party. (2) Pretending to want to touch the knees of his enemy, with a gesture of supplicating he bows and stoops very low; then suddenly pulling both feet close to him, he knocks his man off his feet and lets him fall heavily. And immediately to plow him, with his fists, his elbows, his teeth, and even stones that he finds under his hand, his face, his arms and his ribs. (3) The other, stretched out on his back, unable to resist or protect himself from blows, at least does not spare threats. Once standing, he will chop my master to pieces with his good blade. The opinion was not lost. The gardener immediately seizes the sword, throws it as far as he can, and there he is, thrashing his fallen enemy all the more beautifully. (4) The soldier, badly beaten, sees only one way of salvation: he plays dead.

The fate of the gardener and his donkey

Then the gardener, taking the weapon with him, climbs back on my back, and, at full speed, goes straight for the town. He didn't care to come home. So he goes to find a friend, tells him about his adventure, and asks him to help him in this critical position. It is only a matter of hiding him, his donkey and himself, for two or three days. That's enough to confuse the prosecution and save its head. (5) The friend showed himself to be a real friend, and did not need to be asked. They make me bend my legs, and they hoist me, using a ladder, into a room above. The gardener remains downstairs in the shop, huddled in a basket whose lid is closed on him.
(IX, 41, 1) However my legionnaire, as I learned it later, had ended up getting on his feet. But like a man coming out of a long state of intoxication, weary, staggering, and leaning on his stick, he had barely reached the city. Very confused at having had the worst of it, and at having thus allowed himself to be beaten, he preferred to devour his spite than to let any inhabitant into the confidence of his defeat; but having met some of his comrades, he related to them his pitiful case. (2) It was agreed that he would remain in the quarters for some time without being seen; for, besides dishonor, he apprehended, on account of the loss of his sword, the sacramental penalties of military law. The others, in the meantime, were to, provided with our description, take active care to discover us and to avenge him. (3) A neighbor traitor sold us, and indicated our hiding place. Justice is called: false deposition of the soldiers, who claim to have lost on the way a small silver vase belonging to their general. The object would have been found by a gardener who refused to return it, and who had gone to hide in the house of a friend. (4) The magistrates having been declined and the name of the general and the price of the lost object, arrive at the door of the house of refuge, and there summon our host in a loud voice to deliver those whom he concealed, under pain of personally incurring a capital action. (5) The master of the house did not flinch. Occupied solely with saving the friend who confided in him, he shuts himself up in absolute denial, and even maintains that he has not seen the gardener for several days. (6) The soldiers, on their side, swear by the good genius of the prince that the thief is indeed there, and not elsewhere. The magistrates order the search. (7) Lictors and other public officers proceed to it, search the house in every corner. Neither man nor donkey appeared, following their tell.
(IX, 42, 1) The altercation heats up. The soldiers maintain that the man and the donkey are there hidden, and swear by the emperor. The boss continues to deny, and to take all of Olympus to witness. (2) While we were arguing and vociferating downstairs, didn't I take it into my head, an indiscreet as well as curious donkey, to poke my muzzle aside through a skylight, to see what this din meant? Now, chance would have it that the eye of a soldier, turned in that direction, caught my shadow as I passed. He immediately shares his discovery with others. (3) Big Rumor. Quickly apply a scale; here I am apprehended in the body, and taken prisoner. (4) No more doubt. Research is taken up with more care. We end up discovering the basket, the gardener is taken from his hiding place and brought before the magistrates. They dragged the poor man to prison, and he had to pay the cost of this adventure out of his head. Besides, there were peals of laughter and endless jokes about my appearance at the window. Hence the well-known proverb: Who sees the shadow, sees the donkey.
10. In the service of the soldier. The poisonous mother-in-law and the wise doctor
(X, 1, 1 - X, 13, 1)


The service of the soldier

(X, 1, 1) What happened the following day to the gardener, my master, I do not know. As for me, the same soldier who had drawn such a harsh beating for himself by his prank came to fetch me from the stable, and took me away without anyone finding fault with it. My new boss took from his quarters, so it seemed to me at least, the effects which belonged to him, and loaded them on my back. (2) So here I am walking, quite belligerently dressed, wearing a dazzling helmet, a shield to dazzle the eyes in the distance, a spear of formidable size; a weapon which is only prescribed in time of war, but which the braggart, in order to impose on poor passers-by, had artistically placed, like a scarecrow, at the culmination of my charge. (3) After a fairly easy walk on the plain, we arrived at a small town where we lodged, not at the inn, but with a decurion. My master, after entrusting me to the care of a servant, had nothing more in a hurry than to go to his chief, who commanded a corps of a thousand men.

The poisonous mother-in-law and the wise doctor

(X, 2, 1) I remember that, a few days later, there was committed in this very place an act of unheard-of and revolting wickedness. For the benefit of my readers, I record the story here.
The stepmother in love with her stepson
The master of the house had a son perfectly brought up, consequently a model of filial piety and conduct, such that everyone would have liked to be his father, or to have a son who resembled him. (2) He had long since lost his mother; his father had remarried, and had by his second wife another son who had just reached his twelfth year. (3) It happened that the mother-in-law, who had the upper hand in her husband's house (which she owed less to his virtues than to his beauty), either carried away by the senses, or the effect of a fatality which drove her to crime, threw longing glances at her stepson. (4) My dear reader, this not being an anecdote, but a beautiful and good tragedy, I am going to leave the boot and put on the cothurne.
The lady, as long as a budding fire was only smoldering in her bosom, succeeded in dominating this still feeble ardor, and in preventing it from bursting out; (5) but when the whole heart was prey to the conflagration, of which the god himself fanned the disorderly violence, there was no longer any need to resist. She then simulates an illness, and pretends that the body is suffering, to hide the wound in the soul. (6) Lovers and sick people (it is a well-known fact) present in their person the same symptoms of alteration and languor. Pale features, dullness of the eyes, weariness of the limbs, deprivation of sleep, breathing difficult and more and more labored as the condition is prolonged. Here, the evil, by its fluctuations, accused, without a doubt, running fever; had it not been for the tears that we saw flowing. (7) O ignorance of doctors! what does this agitated pulse signify, this disordered heat, this intermittent breathing, this body which vainly seeks a position that suits it? (8) Good gods! how easy it is to say, not perhaps for an expert in medicine, but for the first comer, even slightly familiar with the phenomena of love, on seeing a person who is burning in a body without heat!
(X, 3, 1) Finally the violence of passion takes over. The lady emerges from this prolonged taciturnity and orders that her son-in-law be summoned. Fatal name, and which she would like to remove from the one who bears it! she would have less to blush about. The young man does not take long to surrender to the orders of a mother-in-law, and of a sick mother-in-law. He comes, his brow prematurely wrinkled with grief, to discharge a double duty towards his father's wife and his brother's mother. (2) This one, ready to break a silence that kills her, loses herself in an ocean of uncertainties. He doesn't think of a word to say, which she doesn't immediately reject. In her a remnant of modesty still struggles. At the moment of beginning, the word expires on his lips. (3) The unsuspecting young man speaks to him first, and timidly asks her the cause of the state of uneasiness in which he sees her. (4) The lady then yields to the fatal temptation of the tête-à-tête. Nothing stops him anymore; she sheds a torrent of tears, covers her face with a flap of her dress, and, in a trembling voice, addresses the young man these few words: (5) The principle, the cause of my illness, and at the same time the doctor who can cure it, save me, is you. It is in your eyes that mine have taken on the terrible flame which, descending to my heart, burns it in its last recesses. (6) Have pity on your victim. Let no filial scruple stop you; for otherwise my death is certain, and thereby you preserve your father's wife. Finding his image in your features, I can love you without crime. We have the security of the mystery and all the time necessary to satisfy our desires. It has to be: something ignored is as if void.
(X, 4, 1) This sudden proposal threw the young man into extreme trouble. His first movement was horror; but he reflected, and did not want to risk at this moment a refusal, the harshness of which could push a passionate woman to the limit. (2) He therefore promises, to save time; urges his mother-in-law to take courage, to heal, to recover, while waiting for his father's absence to leave the field open to their desires. Then he tears himself away from this odious conversation. (3) And feeling, in the presence of the evils which threaten his family, the need for the advice of a more enlightened reason, he addresses an old man previously responsible for his education, and whose wisdom was known to him. Both thought, after careful deliberation, that the best course was to escape by a prompt flight from the storm with which enemy Fortune threatened them: (4) but already the lady, impatient of any delay, had known how to invent a motive to induce her husband to visit a distant property. (5) She is no sooner free, than, in an intoxication of anticipated enjoyment, behold her claiming the satisfaction promised to her culpable ardor; but the young man ceaselessly eludes, sometimes for one reason, sometimes for another, the disastrous interview, inventing new pretexts every day; so that the stepmother clearly saw the refusal which was hidden under these multiplied adjournments, and suddenly, by one of these common returns to disordered passions, a frightful hatred took the place of her love. had been able to invent a motive to induce her husband to visit a distant property. (5) She is no sooner free, than, in an intoxication of anticipated enjoyment, behold her claiming the satisfaction promised to her culpable ardour; but the young man ceaselessly eludes, sometimes for one reason, sometimes for another, the disastrous interview, inventing new pretexts every day; so that the stepmother clearly saw the refusal which was hidden under these multiplied adjournments, and suddenly, by one of these common returns to disordered passions, a frightful hatred took the place of her love. had been able to invent a motive to induce her husband to visit a distant property. (5) She is no sooner free, than, in an intoxication of anticipated enjoyment, behold her claiming the satisfaction promised to her culpable ardor; but the young man ceaselessly eludes, sometimes for one reason, sometimes for another, the disastrous interview, inventing new pretexts every day; so that the stepmother clearly saw the refusal which was hidden under these multiplied adjournments, and suddenly, by one of these common returns to disordered passions, a frightful hatred took the place of her love. sometimes for one reason, sometimes for another, the fatal interview, inventing new pretexts every day; so that the stepmother clearly saw the refusal which was hidden under these multiplied adjournments, and suddenly, by one of these common returns to disordered passions, a frightful hatred took the place of her love. sometimes for one reason, sometimes for another, the fatal interview, inventing new pretexts every day; so that the stepmother clearly saw the refusal which was hidden under these multiplied adjournments, and suddenly, by one of these common returns to disordered passions, a frightful hatred took the place of her love.
Dismissed, she becomes poisonous, but chooses the wrong victim
(6) Among the slaves she had had as a dowry, there was one who was wickedness itself, and had no master in the matter of villainy. She informs him of her criminal intentions; and both find nothing better to do than to kill the poor young man. On the order of his mistress, the slave obtains a poison of the most active, and mixes it in wine which must be offered to the innocent victim.
(X, 5, 1) But while these two monsters are deliberating on the propitious moment, chance brings the youngest brother, the lady's own son, who was returning home after his morning exercises. The child had just had lunch, he was thirsty: he finds the poisoned cup in his hand, and swallows it in one gulp. (2) He had no sooner taken the potion of death, prepared for another, than he fell lifeless. At this sudden catastrophe, the child's tutor utters lamentable cries which attract the mother and the whole house. The effects of the poison are visible; and each designates whoever he believes to be the author of such a crime. (3) But neither the cruel death of a son, nor remorse at being the cause of it, nor the disaster of his house, nor the broken heart of a husband, nor the aspect of such a funeral, have the power to make an impression on this fury. A true type of stepmother, she thinks only of satiating her revenge, by putting the last straw in mourning for the family. A courier is dispatched to her husband, who, at this disastrous news, hastily retraces his steps.
She accuses her stepson
Immediately, with appalling assurance, she denounced her son-in-law as her brother's poisoner. (4) She was telling the truth in a sense: the child had almost taken the cup from her hands to drink it: but she ascribes to the eldest brother the atrocious idea of ​​avenging himself on the son for the mother's refusal of his infamous desires; (5) and, not satisfied with this hideous lie, she adds that such a revelation puts herself in the butt of the dagger. The unfortunate father, on the verge of being deprived of two sons, struggles in the midst of the most terrible anguish. (6) The youngest is in front of him, lying in his coffin; the other, incestuous, parricide, will find himself struck with a capital sentence. A too much loved woman is there who excites him, by false tears, to hold his own blood in horror.
(X, 6, 1) Scarcely had the last rites of the funeral been accomplished than, tearing himself from the stake, his cheeks still streaked with tears, and stripping his forehead of his white hair stained with ashes, the unfortunate old man rushed towards the place where justice was to be administered. (2) And there weeping, pleading, even embracing, so deceived is he, the knees of the decurions, this father calls, with the most passionate insistence, death on the head of the only son he has left, on this son, an incestuous violator of the paternal bed, whose dagger still threatens his stepmother. (3) This accent of despair aroused such sympathy, so powerfully excited the indignation of the court and even of the attending crowd, that, to put a stop to a too slow investigation, to endless depositions, at the captious adjournments of the defence, all exclaim with one voice: Let us stone him! It's a public plague: let the public do themselves justice.
The trial
(4) Alarmed, however, for their own safety, and fearing that this ferment, at first shallow, would soon degenerate into violation of public order and of all authority, the magistrates employed remonstrances to the decurions, coercive ways against the people. Out of respect for traditional forms of justice, there must be a contradictory debate, a sentence handed down by the courts. Would they go, in defiance of all civilization, or to imitate the violence of despotism, to condemn a man without hearing him? Would such a scandal, in full peace, be given to the centuries to come?
(X, 7, 1) Reason prevailed. Order immediately to the crier to proclaim a convocation of the senate in the place of its sessions. Each arrives and takes the place assigned to him by his rank. At the crier's voice, the accuser steps forward; (2) and only then is the accused called and brought in. By application of the Athenian law and the forms of jurisdiction of the Areopagus, the crier signifies to the lawyers that they have to abstain from any exordium and from any appeal for pity. (3) These details, I collected them in the many talks which I heard on this lawsuit. (4) Besides, was the accusation warmly pushed, skilfully refuted? I do not know. From the depths of my stable, I heard nothing of the attack or the reply; so I can't report anything.
(5) The pleadings over, the court decides that the accuser shall be bound to produce his evidence, a case of this importance requiring full evidence, and not permitting to proceed by conjecture. (6) Above all, the slave, the only witness, supposedly, of the facts articulated, will be represented in justice; (7) but this gallows game was not a man to be moved, either by the gravity of the expected decision, or by the imposing aspect of the assembly, or by the cry of his own conscience. He had his tale all ready, which he began to deliver imperturbably as the expression of pure truth. (8) Mandé, according to his words, by his young master, he would have found him in the exasperation of a disdained love, would have received from his mouth the order to avenge him by the death of the son of the contempt of the mother, and that with splendid promises for his discreet assistance, (9) and death threats in case of refusal. A ready-made poison would have been given to him first to have the younger brother take it, then withdrawn by the eldest, who, fearing that his accomplice would suppress the beverage and keep the cup as evidence, would have determined to present it himself. (10) The art of this deposition, joined to the accent of truth that this wretch was able to put there, by affecting a deep terror, determined the conviction of the court. fearing that his accomplice would suppress the drink and keep the cup as evidence, would have determined to present it himself. (10) The art of this deposition, joined to the accent of truth that this wretch was able to put there, by affecting a deep terror, determined the conviction of the court. fearing that his accomplice would suppress the drink and keep the cup as evidence, would have determined to present it himself. (10) The art of this deposition, joined to the accent of truth that this wretch was able to put there, by affecting a deep terror, determined the conviction of the court.
The intervention of a doctor saves the young man
(X, 8, 1) Among the decurions there was not a favorable voice for the young man. All held him to be attacked and convicted, and liable to the penalty of being sackclothed. (2) Already, according to the immemorial custom, the urn opened to receive a succession of unanimous ballots, because the same formula had been registered there by each hand. Now, the vote once accomplished, it was irrevocably done with the culprit, whose head thenceforth devolved upon the executioner, when an old senator, one of the foremost of the order by the credit attached to his person and the authority of his opinion, and who exercised the profession of physician, suddenly covered the orifice of the ballot box with his hand, as if to stop the casting of ill-considered votes, and addressed the assembly in these terms:
(3) Old as I am, I have the good fortune to have received nothing but esteem in my long career. I won't let you welcome a slanderous accusation and commit legal murder; I will not let you, on the faith of a wretched slave, falsify the oath which you have made to dispense justice. (4) As for me, I cannot trample any religion under foot, and lie to my conscience by an unjust condemnation. Here is the fact:
(X, 9, 1) This rascal came to beg me, a few days ago, to procure for him certain poison with an instantaneous effect, for which he offered me a hundred gold crowns. A person, he said, suffering from an incurable disease of languor, had recourse to this means to end a life of suffering. (2) In the chatter that the rogue spouted to me, I unraveled the imposture, and had no doubt that it was a crime. I delivered the potion however; (3) but, anticipating that the case would go to court, I only accepted the price conditionally. For fear, I said to him, that there are in this gold false or altered coins, we are going to put them back in the bag, you will seal it with your ring, and tomorrow we will have everything checked by a money changer. (4) He made no objection, and the sum was sealed. For my part, as soon as I saw him summoned to appear, I sent one of my people to look for the bag in my laboratory. I put the coin before your eyes: (5) let the witness come and recognize his seal. So it was he who bought the poison. How is this circumstance attributed to another?
(X, 10, 1) The villain, at these words, began to tremble in all his limbs. We saw the vital color fade from his features, and his face become covered with the pallor of a ghost. A cold sweat trickled down his whole body. (2) He did not know on which foot to stand, and scratched his head now on one side, now on another, mumbling something or other between his teeth, so that his guilt seemed obvious to everyone. But here is my trickster who, regaining his composure by degrees, begins to deny everything brazenly, and gives the doctor denials after denials. (3) The latter, attacked in his character as a magistrate, and in his honor as a private individual, strives to confuse the traitor. In the end, on the order of the magistrates, the officers of justice seize the hands of the slave, and finding there an iron ring, compare it with the footprint of the bag. This verification removed all doubts. (4) It was not long, following the Greek custom, to play the easel and the wheel; but the hardened rascal showed incredible constancy in torture, and even resisted the ordeal of fire.
(X, 11, 1) By Hercules, cries the doctor then, I will not suffer that, against all equity, you order the torture of this innocent young man, nor that this wretch, because he can play with the means of your justice, escapes the punishment which is due to him. I will establish to the evidence that the culprit is in front of you. (2) Solicited by this abominable man to provide him with the most energetic poison, I judged on the one hand the service he asked of me incompatible with the duty of my profession, because medicine is instituted to save life and not to destroy it; and, on the other, that if I refused it, I would imprudently leave the way open to crime; for one could obtain poison elsewhere, employ the dagger or any kind of weapon to consummate the meditated act. So I delivered a potion, but a potion that is only sleeping pill. It is mandrake, a substance well known for its narcotic virtue, and which induces a sleep similar to death in all respects. (3) There is no reason to be surprised, moreover, to see such a desperate person, who knows what punishment is due to him according to the laws of our ancestors, easily withstand the comparatively light ordeal of torture. Again, if the child only took the prepared potion from my hands, he lives, his sleep is just a rest. Once out of this lethargy, he will see the light of day again. If he perished, if he is truly and definitively dead, the cause lies elsewhere. Feel free to look for it. a substance well known for its narcotic virtue, and which induces a sleep similar to death in all respects. (3) There is no reason to be surprised, moreover, to see such a desperate person, who knows what punishment is due to him according to the laws of our ancestors, easily withstand the comparatively light ordeal of torture. Again, if the child only took the prepared potion from my hands, he lives, his sleep is just a rest. Once out of this lethargy, he will see the light of day again. If he perished, if he is truly and definitively dead, the cause lies elsewhere. Feel free to look for it. a substance well known for its narcotic virtue, and which induces a sleep similar to death in all respects. (3) There is no reason to be surprised, moreover, to see such a desperate person, who knows what punishment is due to him according to the laws of our ancestors, easily withstand the comparatively light ordeal of torture. Again, if the child only took the prepared potion from my hands, he lives, his sleep is just a rest. Once out of this lethargy, he will see the light of day again. If he perished, if he is truly and definitively dead, the cause lies elsewhere. Feel free to look for it. who knows what punishment falls to him according to the laws of our ancestors, to bear easily the comparatively light trial of torture. Again, if the child only took the prepared potion from my hands, he lives, his sleep is just a rest. Once out of this lethargy, he will see the light of day again. If he perished, if he is truly and definitively dead, the cause lies elsewhere. Feel free to look for it. who knows what punishment falls to him according to the laws of our ancestors, to bear easily the comparatively light trial of torture. Again, if the child only took the prepared potion from my hands, he lives, his sleep is just a rest. Once out of this lethargy, he will see the light of day again. If he perished, if he is truly and definitively dead, the cause lies elsewhere. Feel free to look for it. the cause lies elsewhere. Feel free to look for it. the cause lies elsewhere. Feel free to look for it.
(X, 12, 1) Thus spoke the old man. He led the assembly. They immediately rush to the sepulcher where the child's body lay. Senators, people of rank and low people, all flocked there in crowds, with the most avid eagerness. (2) The father, with his own hands, uncovers the coffin. Precisely the lethargy was coming to an end. He sees his son rise, brought back into existence. He hugs him tightly in his arms, and, mute with excess of joy, shows him to all the people. (3) Immediately the child, still wrapped in his shroud, is taken to court. (4) Then the black conspiracy of the slave and the wife is revealed, even more perverse. The truth appears in all its light. The stepmother is condemned to perpetual banishment. His accomplice is put on the cross. And, by consent of all, the honest doctor kept the gold coins for the price of the specific administered if apropos. (5) Such was the truly providential outcome of this interesting and memorable drama. Happy adventure for the good old man, who, at the moment of seeing himself struck in his entire posterity, suddenly finds himself the father of two children.

Lucius is sold to two slave brothers

(X, 13, 1) As for me, here is how fortune was pleased to toss me around at that time. (2) This same soldier who had known how to buy my individual without having to deal with any vendor, and to take possession without loosening a purse, found himself forced, by the order of his tribune, to leave for Rome, bearing a message for the greatest of princes. He sold me eleven denarii to two brothers, both slaves of a wealthy neighbor.

11. THE SLAVE-BROTHERS AND THIASUS. THE LEARNED DONKEY AND THE WOMAN CONDEMNED TO BEASTS
(X, 13, 1 - X, 29, 1)


At the cook and pastry chef

(X, 13, 1) As for me, here is how fortune was pleased to toss me around at that time. (2) This same soldier who had known how to buy my individual without having to deal with any vendor, and to take possession without loosening a purse, found himself forced, by the order of his tribune, to leave for Rome, bearing a message for the greatest of princes. He sold me eleven denarii to two brothers, both slaves of a wealthy neighbor. (3) One was a petit four pastry chef, a great maker of honey tarts and other sweets. The other was a cook who understood wonderfully the combinations of seasonings, sauces and cooking methods. (4) They lodged together and lived in common. Their master was a traveler by taste, and they had bribed me to carry the kitchen paraphernalia that was to follow him. (5) So here I am third in this fraternal household. Never had I less to complain of fortune. (6) Every evening, after supper, which was a delicate and very magnificent meal, my two patrons were in the habit, each for his own purposes, of bringing back a good part of the dessert to the little room they occupied: what consisted, for one, of the splendid remains of the stews served, pork, poultry, fish and other dishes of this kind; and, for the other, soft or crunchy cakes, of any shape and any composition, where honey was always found as an ingredient. (7) That done, the two brothers closed their door and went to relax in the baths. I did not fail then to stuff my belly with the good things that heaven sent me; because I was not stupid and ass to the point,
(X, 14, 1) This peck was completely successful for me at first, because I used it with discretion and reserve, taking only small portions out of large quantities. And the way to suspect a donkey of this kind of fraud? (2) But mystery emboldens me; my confidence knew no bounds. So the most beautiful and the best happened there. I savored the fine pieces, without touching those of inferior quality. The two brothers began to worry very much. They had not yet settled suspicion; but they kept watch to surprise the author of these daily subtractions, (2) and even went so far as to impute my larceny to one another. Also both to redouble their care, to keep good watch, and to count and recount their provisions. Finally one of them overcoming all shame, apostrophe the other in these terms: (4) Is it right, is it reasonable for you to deceive me like this during the day? of skimming off the choice cuts to increase your profits, by selling them here and there, and then demanding half of the rest? (5) If you dislike our association, we can, while remaining good brothers, dissolve the community. Otherwise, this deception, to which I see no bounds, will end up causing serious discord between us. (6) Thank you for your impudence, resumed the other; you anticipate complaints that I dared not make. You have been stealing from me for so long, and I groan in silence so as not to bring this ignoble accusation against a brother! (7) Come on, the ice being broken, let's put an end to this prejudice. As well,
(X, 15, 1) From reproach to recrimination, both came to protest with oath, each for his part, that they had neither fraud nor larceny on their conscience. So we agree, the wrong being common, to do everything possible to discover the thief. (2) There was indeed the donkey which was left alone every day, but it was not there dear to his liking; and, however, always the best bits of disappearing: and apparently no flies of the strength of the Harpies enter their homes, which, it is said, laid waste the table of Phineus. (3) In the meantime, I continued to stuff myself; and, thanks to this diet of human food, I arrived at an extraordinary degree of corpulence and plumpness. Being overweight dilated the fabric of my leather, gave my hair luster; (4) but this embellishment of my person leads to a disappointment: struck by the unusual increase in my dimensions, and noticing, moreover, that my ration of hay remained intact every day, the two brothers put all their attention to observe me. (5) At the usual time, they pretend to go to the baths, close the door as usual, and, looking through a small hole, see me daubing on the foodstuffs spread out here and there. Despite the prejudice they felt, the unearthly sensuality of their ass makes them giggle. They invite a comrade, then two, then the whole household, to come and see the gastronomic tours de force of the clumsy donkey. (6) We laugh so loudly and with such a good heart, that the noise comes to the ear of the master who was passing by. struck by the unusual increase in my dimensions, and noticing, moreover, that my ration of hay remained intact every day, the two brothers took all their attention to observe me. (5) At the usual time, they pretend to go to the baths, close the door as usual, and, looking through a small hole, see me daubing on the foodstuffs spread out here and there. Despite the prejudice they felt, the unearthly sensuality of their ass makes them giggle. They invite a comrade, then two, then the whole household, to come and see the gastronomic tours de force of the clumsy donkey. (6) We laugh so loudly and with such a good heart, that the noise comes to the ear of the master who was passing by. struck by the unusual increase in my dimensions, and noticing, moreover, that my ration of hay remained intact every day, the two brothers took all their attention to observe me. (5) At the usual time, they pretend to go to the baths, close the door as usual, and, looking through a small hole, see me daubing on the foodstuffs spread out here and there. Despite the prejudice they felt, the unearthly sensuality of their ass makes them giggle. They invite a comrade, then two, then the whole household, to come and see the gastronomic tours de force of the clumsy donkey. (6) We laugh so loudly and with such a good heart, that the noise comes to the ear of the master who was passing by. the two brothers turned their full attention to watching me. (5) At the usual time, they pretend to go to the baths, close the door as usual, and, looking through a small hole, see me daubing on the foodstuffs spread out here and there. Despite the prejudice they felt, the unearthly sensuality of their ass makes them giggle. They invite a comrade, then two, then the whole household, to come and see the gastronomic tours de force of the clumsy donkey. (6) We laugh so loudly and with such a good heart, that the noise comes to the ear of the master who was passing by. the two brothers turned their full attention to watching me. (5) At the usual time, they pretend to go to the baths, close the door as usual, and, looking through a small hole, see me daubing on the foodstuffs spread out here and there. Despite the prejudice they felt, the unearthly sensuality of their ass makes them giggle. They invite a comrade, then two, then the whole household, to come and see the gastronomic tours de force of the clumsy donkey. (6) We laugh so loudly and with such a good heart, that the noise comes to the ear of the master who was passing by. Despite the prejudice they felt, the unearthly sensuality of their ass makes them giggle. They invite a comrade, then two, then the whole household, to come and see the gastronomic tours de force of the clumsy donkey. (6) We laugh so loudly and with such a good heart, that the noise comes to the ear of the master who was passing by. Despite the prejudice they felt, the unearthly sensuality of their ass makes them giggle. They invite a comrade, then two, then the whole household, to come and see the gastronomic tours de force of the clumsy donkey. (6) We laugh so loudly and with such a good heart, that the noise comes to the ear of the master who was passing by.
(X, 16, 1) He wants to know the cause of this cheerfulness of his people. Informed of the fact, he comes himself to look at the hole, and delights in this spectacle. He laughs till he holds his ribs, has the door opened and gives himself the pleasure of it up close; (2) because I, who saw fortune cheering up a little towards me, and who felt reassured by the hilarity that I excited, I continued to play my jaws at my ease. (3) Finally the owner, who never tired of this spectacle, made me drive, or rather led me with his hands to the dining room, had the table set and serve all kinds of unstarted pieces, dishes that no one had touched. (4) I already had a decent stomach; but to ingratiate myself with the master and gain his good graces, I did not fail to starve on the supplement offered. (5) To put my complacency to the test, we studied ourselves to choose and put in front of me everything that repugnant to the taste of a donkey the most: meats seasoned with laser, poultry with pepper, fish with exotic sauce. (6) The hall resounded with peals of laughter. An awakened member of the company began to shout: Wine to the guest! (7) The master caught the ball. The idea of ​​the funny is not bad, he says; perhaps the comrade wouldn't be sorry to have a drink, and good. (8) Whoa! waiter, wash that golden vase over there properly; then fill it with honeyed wine, and offer it to my guest, telling him that I drink to his health. (9) The expectation of the guests was excited to the highest degree. I, as an avid drinker, without being disconcerted or in a hurry, I round, like a tongue, my lower lip, and I swallow this disproportionate glassful in one gulp. A noisy chorus of greetings greeted this feat.

Lucius is ransomed by Thiasus
(X, 17, 1) The master, in the joy of his heart, sends for my two owners, makes them count four times the price of their acquisition, and entrusts me, with all sorts of recommendations, to the care of a certain beloved freedman who had not done his own business badly. (2) This man treated me with enough humanity and kindness, and, in order to pay court to his master, studied to spare him pleasures by means of my little talents. (3) He trained me to stand on my elbows at the table, to wrestle, to dance, what is more, standing on my hind feet; (4) and, what seemed most miraculous, to respond by signs to the word, to express yes and no, bowing the head in the first case, and throwing it back in the second; to ask for a drink when I was thirsty, turning it towards the sommelier, and blinking alternately with both eyes. (5) It cost me little to learn all this trick: I would have done the same without lessons. But one fear held me back: if I had taken it into your head to get ahead of my education in this aping of human habits, the greatest number would have seen in it some fatal omen: I would have been treated as a phenomenon, a monster. I risked being cut to pieces, and serving as a treat for the vultures. (6) Soon there was noise only of my talents. They brought fame to my master, who was pointed out when he passed. Here, they said, was the owner of this sociable donkey, a good companion, who fights, who dances, who hears the word and expresses himself by signs. But one fear held me back: if I had taken it into your head to get ahead of my education in this aping of human habits, the greatest number would have seen in it some fatal omen: I would have been treated as a phenomenon, a monster. I risked being cut to pieces, and serving as a treat for the vultures. (6) Soon there was noise only of my talents. They brought fame to my master, who was pointed out when he passed. Here, they said, was the owner of this sociable donkey, a good companion, who fights, who dances, who hears the word and expresses himself by signs. But one fear held me back: if I had taken it into your head to get ahead of my education in this aping of human habits, the greatest number would have seen in it some fatal omen: I would have been treated as a phenomenon, a monster. I risked being cut to pieces, and serving as a treat for the vultures. (6) Soon there was noise only of my talents. They brought fame to my master, who was pointed out when he passed. Here, they said, was the owner of this sociable donkey, a good companion, who fights, who dances, who hears the word and expresses himself by signs. I risked being cut to pieces, and serving as a treat for the vultures. (6) Soon there was noise only of my talents. They brought fame to my master, who was pointed out when he passed. Here, they said, was the owner of this sociable donkey, a good companion, who fights, who dances, who hears the word and expresses himself by signs. I risked being cut to pieces, and serving as a treat for the vultures. (6) Soon there was noise only of my talents. They brought fame to my master, who was pointed out when he passed. Here, they said, was the owner of this sociable donkey, a good companion, who fights, who dances, who hears the word and expresses himself by signs.
(X, 18, 1) But, before going further, I must tell you, and I should have started there, who was and where was my master. Thiasus (that was his name) was a native of Corinth, the capital of the whole province of Achaia. His birth and his merit gave him access to public honours. He had successively traversed the degrees, and saw himself called to the quinquennial magistracy. To celebrate with proper pomp his accession to the fasces, he had promised to give a spectacle of gladiators which would last three days, and counted on not limiting his munificence there. (2) Jealous of the popularity which is acquired by this way, he had traveled to Thessaly to procure the best of beasts and gladiators. Its preparations completed, its acquisitions completed, he was getting ready to return. (3) He was then seen to ignore his splendid chariots, his magnificent carriages, and relegate them to the tail of his procession, where they followed in single file and empty, uncovered or bundled up. He even disdained his Thessalian horses and his Gallic cavalry, noble races whose reputation is paid for so dearly. (4) He only wanted to ride me, who walked adorned with a golden harness, a dazzling saddle, a purple cover, with a silver bit, straps decorated with embroidery, and bells of the most sonorous tone. My partner pampered me tenderly, addressed the sweetest words to me, and said loudly that the supreme happiness was to have a traveling and table companion such as myself. of his magnificent carriages, and relegating them to the tail of his procession, where they followed in single file and empty, uncovered or bundled up. He even disdained his Thessalian horses and his Gallic cavalry, noble races whose reputation is paid for so dearly. (4) He only wanted to ride me, who walked adorned with a golden harness, a dazzling saddle, a purple cover, with a silver bit, straps decorated with embroidery, and bells of the most sonorous tone. My partner pampered me tenderly, addressed the sweetest words to me, and said loudly that the supreme happiness was to have a traveling and table companion such as myself. of his magnificent carriages, and relegating them to the tail of his procession, where they followed in single file and empty, uncovered or bundled up. He even disdained his Thessalian horses and his Gallic cavalry, noble races whose reputation is paid for so dearly. (4) He only wanted to ride me, who walked adorned with a golden harness, a dazzling saddle, a purple cover, with a silver bit, straps decorated with embroidery, and bells of the most sonorous tone. My partner pampered me tenderly, addressed the sweetest words to me, and said loudly that the supreme happiness was to have a traveling and table companion such as myself. He even disdained his Thessalian horses and his Gallic cavalry, noble races whose reputation is paid for so dearly. (4) He only wanted to ride me, who walked adorned with a golden harness, a dazzling saddle, a purple cover, with a silver bit, straps decorated with embroidery, and bells of the most sonorous tone. My partner pampered me tenderly, addressed the sweetest words to me, and said loudly that the supreme happiness was to have a traveling and table companion such as myself. He even disdained his Thessalian horses and his Gallic cavalry, noble races whose reputation is paid for so dearly. (4) He only wanted to ride me, who walked adorned with a golden harness, a dazzling saddle, a purple cover, with a silver bit, straps decorated with embroidery, and bells of the most sonorous tone. My partner pampered me tenderly, addressed the sweetest words to me, and said loudly that the supreme happiness was to have a traveling and table companion such as myself.

In Corinth: a new Pasiphaë
(X, 19, 1) On our arrival at Corinth, after having traveled partly by land, partly by sea, a considerable population came to meet us, less out of honor for Thiasus, as it seemed to me, than through the curiosity I inspired; for an immense reputation had preceded me in this country, so that I became of good report for the freedman charged with my guard. (2) When he saw that there was a crowd to enjoy the spectacle of my kindnesses, the fellow would close the door and only admit the amateurs one by one, in return for a fairly high remuneration; which earned him good little daily recipes.
(3) Among the curious admitted to see me for their money, was a lady of high parity and great fortune who showed a pronounced taste for my graceful prowess. By dint of returning there, her admiration became passion; and, no longer seeking to combat a monstrous ardor, this new Pasiphae no longer sighs except for my embraces. (4) She offered my guardian, for one of my nights, a considerable price; and the rogue thought it was good, provided he had the benefit of it, that the lady didn't want to.
(X, 20, 1) The boss's dinner finished, we go from the dining room to the room where I was staying, where we found the lady already languishing in expectation. (2) Four eunuchs place on the ground a number of cushions softly swollen with soft down, and intended to form our bed. They cover them carefully with a purple cloth embroidered with gold, and over them arrange with art those little soft pillows which little mistresses use to support the face or the head; (3) then, leaving the field open to the pleasures of their lady, they retire, closing the door after them. The soft light of the candles had replaced the darkness.
(X, 21, 1) The lady then gets rid of all veil, and leaves even the belt which contained two charming globes. She approaches the light, takes a balsamic oil from a pewter flask with which she perfumes herself from head to toe, and with which she also rubs copiously, especially on my legs and nostrils. (2) She covers me then with kisses, not those of which one makes a trade and merchandise, which a courtesan throws at the first comer for his money; but kisses of passion, kisses of flame, intermingled with tender protests: (3) I love you, I adore you, I burn for you, I cannot live without you; everything a woman, in a word, knows how to say to inspire love or to depict it. She then takes me by the bridle, and easily puts me to bed. (4) I was well trained in maneuvering, and I was careful not to show myself restive or novice, on seeing, after so long an abstinence, such a seductive woman open her loving arms for me. Add that I had drunk plenty and of the best, and that the exciting emanations of the balm were beginning to act on my senses.
(X, 22, 1) But a fear tormented me greatly. How to manage, heavily straddled as I was, to hug such a frail creature, to squeeze such delicate contours with my ignoble hooves? Those cute, purple lips, those lips that distill ambrosia, how to fuck them with that hideously split mouth, and those teeth like quarters of rock? Finally, how could the beauty, however much she wanted to, make room at home for a guest of such stature? (2) Woe to me! I said to myself, a noble woman torn! I see myself already given over to the beasts, and contributing my person to the games that my master is about to give. However, the sweet words, the ardent kisses, the tender sighs, the irritating glances, nevertheless went their way: (3) In short, I have it, cries the lady, I have it, my lovebird, my darling pigeon! And, embracing me tightly, she showed me clearly that I had reasoned wrongly and feared wrongly; that there was nothing too much about me, nothing too much to please him; (4) because, each time that, out of consideration, I attempted a movement of retreat, the enemy moved forward with a desperate effort, seized me by the loins, clung to me in convulsive embraces, to the point that I came to doubt whether I was not rather sinning by too little. And this time I found Pasiphae's taste for her roaring adorer quite simple. The night having passed in this laborious agitation, the lady disappeared in time to prevent the indiscreet daylight, but not without having concluded a march for a rehearsal. she showed me clearly that I had reasoned wrongly and feared wrongly; that there was nothing too much about me, nothing too much to please him; (4) because, each time that, out of consideration, I attempted a movement of retreat, the enemy moved forward with a desperate effort, seized me by the loins, clung to me in convulsive embraces, to the point that I came to doubt whether I was not rather sinning by too little. And this time I found Pasiphae's taste for her roaring adorer quite simple. The night having passed in this laborious agitation, the lady disappeared in time to prevent the indiscreet daylight, but not without having concluded a march for a rehearsal. she showed me clearly that I had reasoned wrongly and feared wrongly; that there was nothing too much about me, nothing too much to please him; (4) because, each time that, out of consideration, I attempted a movement of retreat, the enemy moved forward with a desperate effort, seized me by the loins, clung to me in convulsive embraces, to the point that I came to doubt whether I was not rather sinning by too little. And this time I found Pasiphae's taste for her roaring adorer quite simple. The night having passed in this laborious agitation, the lady disappeared in time to prevent the indiscreet light of day, but not without having concluded a march for a rehearsal. nothing too much to please him; (4) because, each time that, out of consideration, I attempted a movement of retreat, the enemy moved forward with a desperate effort, seized me by the loins, clung to me in convulsive embraces, to the point that I came to doubt whether I was not rather sinning by too little. And this time I found Pasiphae's taste for her roaring adorer quite simple. The night having passed in this laborious agitation, the lady disappeared in time to prevent the indiscreet light of day, but not without having concluded a march for a rehearsal. nothing too much to please him; (4) because, each time that, out of consideration, I attempted a movement of retreat, the enemy moved forward with a desperate effort, seized me by the loins, clung to me in convulsive embraces, to the point that I came to doubt whether I was not rather sinning by too little. And this time I found Pasiphae's taste for her roaring adorer quite simple. The night having passed in this laborious agitation, the lady disappeared in time to prevent the indiscreet daylight, but not without having concluded a march for a rehearsal. to the point that I came to doubt if I was not rather sinning by too little. And this time I found Pasiphae's taste for her roaring adorer quite simple. The night having passed in this laborious agitation, the lady disappeared in time to prevent the indiscreet daylight, but not without having concluded a march for a rehearsal. to the point that I came to doubt if I was not rather sinning by too little. And this time I found Pasiphae's taste for her roaring adorer quite simple. The night having passed in this laborious agitation, the lady disappeared in time to prevent the indiscreet daylight, but not without having concluded a march for a rehearsal.
(X, 23, 1) My guardian gave her the approval of it as long as she wanted, without having her ears dragged; for, independently of the great profit he derived from his complacency, he thereby provided his master with a diversion of a new taste. It was not long, in fact, to make him aware of my erotic exploits. The boss paid for the confidence magnificently, and promised himself to include me in this aspect in his games. (2) Now, because of the rank, it was not necessary to think for the second role of my noble conquest, and that another subject to fill it was not found at any price whatsoever, we procured an unfortunate condemned to animals by sentence of the governor. Such was the person destined to compete with me in front of the whole town. Here is basically what I learned of his story:

In Corinth: the crimes of the woman condemned to the beasts
(3) She had been married to a man whose father, leaving for a distant journey, and leaving pregnant his wife, his mother, had ordered him to destroy his fruit, in case she did not give birth to a boy. (4) It was a girl who was born in the absence of the father. But the maternal sentiment prevailed over the obedience due to the husband. The child was entrusted to neighbors, who took care of raising him. The return husband, his wife tells him that she gave birth to a girl, and that she took her life. (5) But came the marriageable age. This preserved daughter, how, without her father's knowledge, to endow her according to her birth? The mother sees no other way than to open up to her son. The latter, moreover, being in the ardor of age, she singularly apprehended the effects of a meeting and a passion between these two young people, unknown to each other. (6) The young man, an excellent son, entering perfectly into his mother's intentions, took the most tender care of his sister. Religious depositary of this family secret, and without ostensibly taking more than a vulgar interest of humanity in the young person, he recognized the rights of blood so well, that the orphan, abandoned with neighbors, was placed under the protection of the fraternal roof, and that he soon married her to an intimate and tenderly beloved friend, giving her a considerable dowry out of his personal fortune. entering perfectly into the intentions of his mother, took the most tender care of his sister. Religious depositary of this family secret, and without ostensibly taking more than a vulgar interest of humanity in the young person, he recognized the rights of blood so well, that the orphan, abandoned with neighbors, was placed under the protection of the fraternal roof, and that he soon married her to an intimate and tenderly beloved friend, giving her a considerable dowry out of his personal fortune. entering perfectly into the intentions of his mother, took the most tender care of his sister. Religious depositary of this family secret, and without ostensibly taking more than a vulgar interest of humanity in the young person, he recognized the rights of blood so well, that the orphan, abandoned with neighbors, was placed under the protection of the fraternal roof, and that he soon married her to an intimate and tenderly beloved friend, giving her a considerable dowry out of his personal fortune.
(X, 24, 1) But this noble conduct, these dispositions as wise as they were pious, fortune took pleasure in destroying their effects, by making the brother's house the home of a frightful jealousy. (2) The latter's wife, the same one whose crimes have since condemned her to the beasts, believes she sees in the younger sister the usurper of her place and her rights. From suspicion she passes to hatred, and soon gives herself up to the most atrocious machinations to destroy her rival. Here is what an odious stratagem she imagines. (3) She leaves for the countryside, armed with her husband's ring, which she has managed to steal from him; and, from there, sends to her sister-in-law a servant devoted to her, and consequently capable of anything, to invite the young woman, as on behalf of her brother, to go and find her at her house in the fields, adding the recommendation to come alone, and delay as little as possible. (4) To forestall any hesitation on her part, she expressly entrusts the stolen ring to her husband, and it was enough to show it to give credence to the message. The sister, sole confidante of the right she has to bear this name, hastens to defer to her brother's wishes, which the sight of the seal confirms to her. (5) So she goes alone to the rendezvous, horrible ambush where her execrable sister-in-law was waiting for her. This fury immediately causes her to strip naked, and to strike excessively with the whip. The unfortunate woman protests in vain against the error of which she is the victim, she in vain invokes the name of a brother to reject the imputation of concubine; her enemy treats the admission of imposture, and, seizing a burning brand,
(X, 25, 1) At this horrible news, the brother and the husband hasten to run. After having paid the young woman the tribute of their pain, they return the duties of the burial to her; but the brother could not bear the blow he had received from this disastrous death and from the frightful treatment which had provoked it. The attack was so profound that a revolution of the bile ensued, and he was seized with a burning fever. It was necessary to call the emergency services of the art. (2) His wife, if we can still give her that name, will find a doctor, a notorious villain, a skilled assassin, and counting many trophies of his crimes. Without haggling, she promises him fifty thousand sesterces for the price of an energetic poison. It was the death of the husband that one sold and the other bought. (3) The deal concluded, we are going, supposedly, to administer to the patient the specific potion to refresh the intestines and drive out the bile; potion honored with the name of sacred by the followers of science: but that which is substituted for it is only sacred for the greater glory of Proserpina. The whole family is assembled; several relatives and friends are present.
(X, 26, 1) The doctor hands the patient the beverage prepared with his hand, when the abominable creature, wanting, at the same time, to destroy his accomplice and regain his money, suddenly stops the cup on the way. No, learned character, she said, my husband will not touch this potion until you have drunk a good part of it yourself. (2) What do I know indeed? If there was poison in this drink? This precaution, moreover, is in no way offensive to you. A mind so prudent, so enlightened, must understand what is holy in the solicitude with which a wife surrounds the health of her husband. (3) Shocked by this audacious apostrophe, the doctor, who loses his head, who moreover has no time for reflection, and who fears that his confusion, even his hesitation, will betray the state of his conscience, swallows a large part of the potion. (4) The patient then takes the cup, and drinks the rest with confidence. This done, Aesculapius thinks only of returning to his lodgings as quickly as possible, to oppose some antidote to the disastrous action of the poison he has just taken. (5) But the villainous creature did not lose sight of its prey. She does not want him to take a step away from him at any price, before we have seen the full effect of the drink. No matter how much he prayed, begged, it was only after a long time and weary battle that she finally let him go. (6) But already the destructive principle had penetrated its viscera, and reached the sources of life. Mortally stricken, and already weighed down by an invincible drowsiness, he could hardly get back to his house, (7) and had only time to tell the story to his wife, recommending him, at least, to claim the salary of a double service; and, the violence of the evil increasing, he breathed his last.
(X, 27, 1) The agony of the young man had not been longer. He had succumbed under the same symptoms, in the midst of his wife's hypocritical complaints. His funeral over, at the end of the time set aside for the funeral duties, the doctor's widow comes forward and asks for the price of two deaths. (2) The odious creature always the same, always without faith, although it seeks to preserve the simulacrum of it, puts all its art into its response. She lavishes promises, and formally undertakes to pay the agreed price without delay, if one agrees to give her another small dose of the same composition, in order to finish, she says, what she has started. (3) To cut it short, the doctor's wife falls into the trap without being hurried, and, wanting to pay court to the great lady, she quickly returns to her lodgings, and brings him back the very box that contained all the poison. The female monster, now in funds for crime, will lay her homicidal hands on everything around her.
(X, 28, 1) She had, from the husband she had just poisoned, a young daughter to whom the inheritance of the father fell by right; and that's what drove his mother to despair. She resents her daughter's heritage; she wants her life. (2) Once certain that the law allows the denatured mother to collect a bloody inheritance, she becomes for her daughter what she had been for her husband. At a dinner where she had invited the doctor's wife, she poisoned them both at the same time. (3) But the terrible drink, seizing the poor child's entrails, suddenly annihilated her frail existence, while the doctor's wife had time to feel the murderous liquid gaining step by step, and spreading its ravages around her lungs. She suspected the dreadful truth; and his breathing, more and more oppressed, soon dispelling all her doubts, she ran to the governor's house, imploring with loud cries his justice. The people already rioting around this woman, who promises horrible revelations, the authorities open the doors and give her an audience without delay. (4) But no sooner had she unfolded the revolting series of crimes of the atrocious shrew than suddenly her reason was clouded, she was seized with dizziness, her lips clenched, her teeth wrinkled, and let out a prolonged creak. It is nothing more than a corpse which falls at the feet of the governor. (5) In the presence of so many horrors, this one, a man of experience, decides to strike a blow. The culprit's wives are summoned on the spot, and torture wrests the truth from them. The mistress was condemned to beasts,
(X, 29, 1) Such was the woman with whom I was going to conjoin myself publicly.

12. AT THE THEATER - THE DONKEY'S ESCAPE
(X, 29, 1 - X, 35, 4)


At the theater: the Judgment of Paris

(X, 29, 1) Such was the woman with whom I was going to conjoin myself publicly. I saw with mortal anguish the day of the ceremony approaching. A hundred times, in my deep horror, I thought of killing myself, rather than allow myself to be soiled by contact with this odious creature, and suffer the infamy of such exposure. But, deprived of the hand and fingers of man, how to grasp a sword with this short, rounded hoof? (2) In the midst of my woes, however, I glimpsed a hope; a very weak hope, but to which I endeavored to attach the end of my miseries. Spring had just come back. The countryside was going to be enamelled, the meadows were clothed in the purple of the flowers. Soon, piercing the canopy of the bush, the roses would show their fragrant corollas, and maybe surrender to my form of Lucius. (3) The opening day finally arrives. They lead me in pomp to the amphitheater, the whole population forming my cortege. The show is preluded by choreographic entertainment. Me, placed outside the enclosure, I feasted, while waiting, on the soft grass which lined the surroundings. The door was open, and my curious eye enjoyed glimpses of a ravishing perspective. (4) Groups of young boys and girls competing in beauty, finery and elegance, executed the pyrrhic of the Greeks, and described a thousand evolutions, whose art had combined the arrangements in advance. Alternately we saw the merry band whirling in a circle like the wheel of a fast chariot, and sometimes spread out, hands intertwined, to scan the scene obliquely; sometimes squeezing into a compact mass with four equal fronts, and sometimes breaking abruptly to reform into opposite phalanges. (5) When they had successively executed all this variety of poses and figures, the sound of the trumpet put an end to the ballet. As soon as the curtain comes down, the hangings fall back, the big show is about to begin.
(X, 30, 1) We saw a wooden mountain of a bold structure, representing that Ida made so famous by the songs of Homer. From the summit, crowned with green trees, the artistry of the decorator had brought forth a living spring, the waves of which flowed down the sides of the mountain. (2) A few goats browsed the tender grass there; and, to represent the Phrygian shepherd, a young man, in magnificent costume, with a cloak of foreign cut floating over his shoulders, and his forehead girded with a golden tiara, seemed to give his care to this flock. (3) A beautiful child appears; he is completely naked except for the teenage chlamys strapped over his left shoulder. (4) All eyes are fixed on her blond hair, the curls of which reveal two perfectly similar little golden wings. By his wand in the shape of a caduceus, we recognized Mercury. (5) He advances dancing, a golden apple in his hand, gives it to the representative of Paris, announcing to him by his pantomime the intentions of Jupiter, and retires after a graceful step. (6) A young girl arrives whose majestic features have designated her for the role of Juno. Her forehead is girded with a white diadem, and the scepter is in her hand. (7) After her, another nymph makes a sudden entrance. The sparkling helmet which she wears and surmounted by an olive crown, the aegis she wears, the spear she brandishes, all her attitude as a warrior, have given rise to the name Minerva. and retires after a graceful step. (6) A young girl arrives whose majestic features have designated her for the role of Juno. Her forehead is girded with a white diadem, and the scepter is in her hand. (7) After her, another nymph makes a sudden entrance. The sparkling helmet which she wears and surmounted by an olive crown, the aegis she wears, the spear she brandishes, all her attitude as a warrior, have given rise to the name Minerva. and retires after a graceful step. (6) A young girl arrives whose majestic features have designated her for the role of Juno. Her forehead is girded with a white diadem, and the scepter is in her hand. (7) After her, another nymph makes a sudden entrance. The sparkling helmet which she wears and surmounted by an olive crown, the aegis she wears, the spear she brandishes, all her attitude as a warrior, have given rise to the name Minerva.
(X, 31, 1) Finally appears a third beauty. From her incomparable forms, from this graceful movement, from the divine coloring which animates her features, one cannot fail to recognize Venus. No veil conceals from view the perfections of this adorable body, except a transparent silk carelessly thrown over its most secret charms; (2) Zephyr still blew then, and the indiscreet of his amorous breath, sometimes lifting the light fabric, allowed a glimpse of the bud of the budding rose; and, sometimes, sticking to the nude, drawing its voluptuous contours. Two colors strike the eye at the appearance of the goddess. The alabaster of her skin shows in her the daughter of the heavens, and the azure of her clothing recalls the daughter of the sea. (3) To complete the illusion, each goddess has her significant retinue. behind Juno, two young actors appear Castor and Pollux. They are wearing helmets whose crest shines with stars, and recall, by their oblong shape, the egg from which the twins emerged. (4) The goddess advances to the sound of the melodious flute. His approach is noble and simple. By a pantomime as natural as it is expressive, she promises the shepherd, if he awards her the price of beauty, to give her the empire of Asia. (5) The beauty in the warrior costume, the Minerva in the play, is escorted by two young boys personifying Trouble and Dread. These loyal squires of the fearsome deity leap to his side, waving drawn swords. Behind her, a flute player performs a bellicose air in the Dorian mode, whose notes, low like those of the bugle, contrasting with the high sounds specific to the flute, energetically accompany the hasty steps of the martial dance. (6) The goddess proudly shakes her head, threatens with her eyes, and with a violent and superb gesture makes Paris understand that if he gives his beauty the prize, she will make him a hero and cover him with the laurels of glory.
(X, 32, 1) Venus advances in her turn, welcomed by the flattering murmurs of the assembly, and stops in the middle of the stage, surrounded by a crowd of pretty children. Her smile is charming; her pose is enchanting. At the sight of all these little bodies so round and so white, one would think that the swarm of Cupids, yes, Cupids, has deserted the skies, or has just taken flight from the bosom of the seas. Little wings, little arrows, everything about them lends itself to illusion. Torches shone in their hands, as if they had enlightened their sovereign, ready to go to some nuptial banquet. (2) On their steps crowd groups of young virgins; these are the Laughing Graces, these are the seductive Hours. All scatter flowers and garlands with full hands, and, surrounding with their circles the queen of pleasure, pay homage to it with these first fruits of spring. At this moment, the flutes with several holes sigh tenderly in Lydian fashion, and carry a noble intoxication into the soul. (3) At these voluptuous accents, the voluptuous goddess herself begins to dance. Her steps, at first timid and as if undecided, come alive by degrees, and agree, with the undulations of her flexible waist and the gentle movements of her head, to mark the beats of the sweet melody. His eyes have their role too; and, sometimes half-closed, seem drowned in languor, sometimes launch jets of flame. All his pantomime then is in his eyes. (4) Arrived in front of her judge, she expresses by the movements of her arms that, if she obtains the step on her divine rivals, she will give him for woman a beauty which resembles her. The young Phrygian no longer hesitates; and the golden apple, the price of victory, passes from his hand into that of Venus.

Invectives against the pecores of the bar
(X, 33, 1) Go now, stupid throng, scum of the bar, vultures in togas, go cry out on the universal traffic of justice at the time where we are, when, in the first ages of the world, a man, arbiter between three goddesses, let favor dictate his judgment. Now, it was the chosen one of the master of the gods, a man of the fields, a shepherd, who that day sold his conscience at the price of pleasure; thus resulting in the destruction of his entire race. (2) And those famous decisions made by the heads of Greece! the sage, the learned Palamedes declared a traitor and condemned as such! and the superior glory of the great Ajax humbled before the mediocrity of Odysseus! What can be said of another judgment rendered in Athens, that cradle of legislation, that school of all knowledge? (3) Have we not seen the old man endowed with divine prudence, and that the oracle of Delphi had proclaimed the wisest of men, victim of an odious cabal, to perish juridically by poison, as corrupter of youth, whose deviations he contained? Will it be denied that it is an indelible stain for a country whose greatest philosophers are happy today to proclaim the excellence of its doctrine, and to swear by its name? (4) But, to cut short this outburst of indignation, which would not fail to make people say: What! we have to submit to the philosophy of a donkey! I return to my subject. of which it contained the deviations? Will it be denied that it is an indelible stain for a country whose greatest philosophers are happy today to proclaim the excellence of its doctrine, and to swear by its name? (4) But, to cut short this outburst of indignation, which would not fail to make people say: What! we have to submit to the philosophy of a donkey! I return to my subject. of which it contained the deviations? Will it be denied that it is an indelible stain for a country whose greatest philosophers are happy today to proclaim the excellence of its doctrine, and to swear by its name? (4) But, to cut short this outburst of indignation, which would not fail to make people say: What! we have to submit to the philosophy of a donkey! I return to my subject.

Lucius flees

(X, 34, 1) After the judgment of Paris, Juno and Minerva retire sad and angry, showing by their gestures the spite they feel at their failure. Venus, on the contrary, satisfied and radiant, expresses her triumph, merrily mingling with the chorus of dances. (2) Suddenly, through an unnoticed channel, from the summit of the mountain springs a sheaf of liquid wine mixed with saffron, which falls in fragrant rain on the goats grazing around, and throws a shade of the most beautiful yellow on their fleece. When the whole room is perfumed with it, the mountain suddenly sinks into the ground and disappears. (3) Then a soldier advances in the middle of the amphitheater, and asks, in the name of the people, that the prisoner condemned to the beasts appears, and that the glorious marriage is accomplished. (4) Already a bed was being erected with great apparatus, which was to be our nuptial bed. Indian ivory shone everywhere, and its cushions, stuffed with soft down, were covered with a floral silk fabric. (5) As for me, besides the ignominy of being on show in this attitude, besides my dreadful reluctance to defile myself from contact with this impure and criminal being, I had moreover and above all the fear of death; for in the end, I said to myself, is it quite sure, when we are at grips, that the beast, such as it is, which is going to be unleashed against this woman, shows itself discreet enough, well enough learned, sober enough in its appetites, to stick to its devolved prey, and leave intact the innocent uncondemned who will touch it so closely? Indian ivory shone everywhere, and its cushions, stuffed with soft down, were covered with a floral silk fabric. (5) As for me, besides the ignominy of being on show in this attitude, besides my dreadful reluctance to defile myself from contact with this impure and criminal being, I had moreover and above all the fear of death; for in the end, I said to myself, is it quite sure, when we are at grips, that the beast, such as it is, which is going to be unleashed against this woman, shows itself discreet enough, well enough learned, sober enough in its appetites, to stick to its devolved prey, and leave intact the innocent uncondemned who will touch it so closely? Indian ivory shone everywhere, and its cushions, stuffed with soft down, were covered with a floral silk fabric. (5) As for me, besides the ignominy of being on show in this attitude, besides my dreadful reluctance to defile myself from contact with this impure and criminal being, I had moreover and above all the fear of death; for in the end, I said to myself, is it quite sure, when we are at grips, that the beast, such as it is, which is going to be unleashed against this woman, shows itself discreet enough, well enough learned, sober enough in its appetites, to stick to its devolved prey, and leave intact the innocent uncondemned who will touch it so closely? (5) As for me, besides the ignominy of being on show in this attitude, besides my dreadful reluctance to defile myself from contact with this impure and criminal being, I had moreover and above all the fear of death; for in the end, I said to myself, is it quite sure, when we are at grips, that the beast, such as it is, which is going to be unleashed against this woman, shows itself discreet enough, well enough learned, sober enough in its appetites, to stick to its devolved prey, and leave intact the innocent uncondemned who will touch it so closely? (5) As for me, besides the ignominy of being on show in this attitude, besides my dreadful reluctance to defile myself from contact with this impure and criminal being, I had moreover and above all the fear of death; for in the end, I said to myself, is it quite sure, when we are at grips, that the beast, such as it is, which is going to be unleashed against this woman, shows itself discreet enough, well enough learned, sober enough in its appetites, to stick to its devolved prey, and leave intact the innocent uncondemned who will touch it so closely?
(X, 35, 1) Already the feeling of modesty entered for less in my solicitude than the instinct of self-preservation; and while my caretaker, busy with the arrangement of the nuptial bed, sees for himself if nothing is missing, that the other servants either give their attention to the entertainment of the hunt, or remain themselves in ecstasy before the representation, (2) I take advantage of it to make my reflections. No one dreamed of supervising a donkey as well bred as me. Gradually, with a furtive step, I reach the nearest door, (3) and once there I take off at full speed. After a journey of nearly six miles, I arrived at Cenchreae, the most notable, it is said, of the colonies of Corinth, which are washed both by the Aegean Sea and the Saronic Gulf. It's a very safe harbor for ships, and consequently very frequented; (4) but I took care to keep myself far from the crowd, and, choosing a secluded spot on the beach not far from the point where the tide broke, I arranged for myself a bed of fine sand, where I spread out my poor limbs comfortably. Already the sun had reached the extreme end of the day; the evening was calm. A sweet sleep was not long in seizing me.


13. THE BOOK OF ISIS
(XI, 1, 1 - XI, 30, 5)



Prayer of Lucius and appearance of Isis

(XI, 1, 1) Towards the first watch of the night, a sudden burst of light wakes me with a start; it was the full moon, whose dazzling disk then rose from the bosom of the seas. The silence, the solitude, the mysterious hour, invited contemplation. (2) I knew that the moon, divinity of the first order, exercises a sovereign power and presides over things here below; that all that lives in a private or wild state, that even inert matter undergoes the action or the influence of his divine power and of his light; that on earth, in the heavens, in the depths of the waters, the increase of bodies and their decrease is governed by its laws. (3) Fate, finally tired of persecuting me, seemed to offer me, although a bit late, a chance of salvation. The idea came to me to adore the goddess, in the august image currently present to my eyes. (4) I hasten to shake off a remnant of sleep, and I rise refreshed. To purify myself, I begin by bathing in the sea, plunging my head seven times under the waves, a number to which the divine Pythagoras attributes a mystical relationship with the acts of religious worship. And, in a transport of joy, the fervor of which went to tears, I address this prayer to the powerful divinity: (XI, 2, 1) Queen of the skies, whoever you are, beneficent Ceres, mother of the harvest, inventor of the ploughing, who, joyful to have found your daughter, instructed man to replace the savage banquets of the old acorn with sweeter food; you who protect the guerets of Eleusis; celestial Venus, who, from the first days of the world, gave being to Love to put an end to the antagonism of the two sexes, and to perpetuate by generation the existence of the human race; you who delight to dwell in the island temple of Paphos, (2) chaste sister of Phoebus, whose helpful assistance in childbirth has peopled the vast universe; divinity adored in the magnificent sanctuary of Ephesus; redoubtable Proserpina, of the nocturnal howl, who, in your triple form, holds the shadows in obedience; jailer of the globe's underground prisons; you who roam so sovereign over so many sacred groves, divinity with a hundred different cults, (3) o you whose modest rays roam the walls of our cities, and penetrate with a fruitful dew our joyful furrows; who consoles us for the absence of the sun by giving us your pale light; under whatever name, in whatever laughter, under whatever features you must invoke, (4) deign to assist me in my distress, strengthen my tottering fortune. That after so many assaults I finally obtain peace or truce; let so many ordeals, so many crosses suffice. Take away this hideous quadruped envelope; return me to the eyes of mine, to my form of Lucius. And if some irritated god pursues me with an implacable wrath, that I can die at least since I am not allowed to live. That after so many assaults I finally obtain peace or truce; let so many ordeals, so many crosses suffice. Take away this hideous quadruped envelope; return me to the eyes of mine, to my form of Lucius. And if some irritated god pursues me with an implacable wrath, that I can die at least since I am not allowed to live. That after so many assaults I finally obtain peace or truce; let so many ordeals, so many crosses suffice. Take away this hideous quadruped envelope; return me to the eyes of mine, to my form of Lucius. And if some irritated god pursues me with an implacable wrath, that I can die at least since I am not allowed to live.
(XI, 3, 1) After this prayer, accompanied by heart-breaking lamentations, I fell back into my depression, and, having gone back to bed, sleep came again to seize me. (2) No sooner had I closed my eyes than from the bosom of the seas an imposing face first rose to command respect even from the gods; then a whole body, resplendent with the brightest light. This august figure emerges from the waves, and stands before me. (3) I want to try to trace his image here, as much as is possible with human language. Perhaps divine inspiration will fertilize my expression and give it the color it lacks.
(4) A thick and long hair, parted in graceful balls, floated carelessly behind the neck of the goddess. A crown of mixed flowers, placed at the top of her head, came on both sides to join on her forehead at the orb of a circular plate in the form of a mirror, whose white light made the moon recognizable. (5) Along his temples reigned as a band of vipers raising their heads. She wore a dress of the finest material, the changing color of which was shaded alternately by pale white, saffron yellow, and the most vivid pink; but what most surprised my eyes was his cloak; it was of the brightest black, and thrown, like a shield, across his back, from the right flank to the left shoulder. One of the ends, trimmed with the richest fringes, fell in numerous folds.
(XI, 4, 1) On the bottom of the mantle stood out a scattering of brilliant stars, and in the middle showed a full moon, all radiant with light. The parts that the eye could grasp of the frame offered a continuous series of flowers and fruits intertwined in garlands. (2) The goddess held in her hands different attributes. On his right was a brazen sistrum, whose narrow, curved blade in the form of a cross-belt was traversed by three small rods, which, when struck at once, gave off a shrill tinkling sound. (3) From his left hand hung a golden vessel in the form of a gondola, the handle of which, at the protruding part, was surmounted by an asp with a straight head and a disproportionately swollen neck. His divine feet were shod with sandals woven from the leaf of the palm tree, the tree of victory.
(XI, 5, 1) I come to you, Lucius, moved by your prayers. I am Nature, mother of all things, mistress of the elements, original principle of the centuries, supreme divinity, queen of the Manes, the first among the inhabitants of heaven, universal type of gods and goddesses. The Empyrean and its luminous vaults, the sea and its salubrious breezes, hell and its silent chaos, obey my laws: one power adored under as many aspects, forms, cults and names as there are peoples on earth. (2) For the primitive race of the Phrygians, I am the goddess of Pessinont and the mother of the gods; the indigenous people of Attica call me Minerva Cecropiana. I am Vénus Paphienne for the islanders of Cyprus, Diane Dictynne for the Cretans with the inevitable arrows. In the three languages ​​of Sicily, my name is Proserpine Stygian, Ancient Ceres at Eleusis. (3) Some invoke me under that of Juno, others under that of Bellona. I am Hecate here, I am Rhamnusia there. But the peoples of Ethiopia, Ariadne and ancient and learned Egypt, lands favored by the sun with its rising rays, alone render my own worship to me, and give me my true name of goddess Isis. (4) Dry your tears, cease your complaints; I pity your misfortunes: I come to you favorable and propitious. Banish black sorrow; my providence will bring about the day of salvation for you. So lend an attentive ear to my commands. (5) The day that will be born from this night was consecrated to me by the religion of all the centuries. That day, winter will have fled with its storms; calm will be restored to the restless waves, the sea will become navigable again. And my priests are going to make me an offering of a virgin vessel still in contact with the wave, as the inauguration of the resurgent trade. Await this solemnity with a trusting heart and a religious soul.
(XI, 6, 1) In the middle of the march, the high priest will hold by my order a crown of roses from the hand that bears the sistrum. (2) courage; go, without hesitation, make your way through the crowd, and join this solemn pomp. You will approach the pontiff as if you wanted to kiss his hand, and, gently taking the roses, suddenly you will see yourself stripped of the odious envelope which for so long has hurt my eyes. (3) No worries about the execution of my orders; for at this very moment, and present as I am for you, my pontiff, during his sleep, receives instructions from me as to what remains to be done. (4) By my command, the rushing waves of the crowd will open before you. Your grotesque figure, in the midst of this solemnity, will frighten no one; no one will find your sudden metamorphosis strange or suspicious. (5) But remember, and may this thought be engraved in the bottom of your heart, that what remains of your life, until your last breath, is henceforth consecrated to me. Returned to humanity by my beneficent power, your days belong to me by right. (6) You will live happily, you will live glorious under my tutelary power; and when at the appointed time you descend to the dark shores, into this subterranean hemisphere, you will find me, me whom you see at this moment, you will find me shining in the middle of the night of Erebus, holding the Styx under my laws. Host of the Elysian fields, you will continue your pious homage to your protective divinity. (7) Learn moreover that, if you deserve it by your assiduous worship, your entire devotion,

The feast of Isis

(XI, 7, 1) This oracle completed, the glorious apparition descends upon itself. I wake up overwhelmed with shock and joy, and get up bathed in sweat. This imposing manifestation of divinity left me as if in ecstasy. But soon I ran to dive into the sea, and, fully immersed in the supreme instructions I had just received, I was going over them in order in my mind, (2) when, triumphing over the thickness of the shadows, the sun suddenly gilded the horizon. Already full of religious eagerness, and with all the curiosity inspired by a triumphal pomp, groups of inhabitants flocked from all parts to the public squares. (3) Not to mention what was going on inside me, a tinge of joy seemed to pervade all objects. I saw the radiance of happiness on the face of the animals, on the facades of houses, in the air and everywhere. (4) The night had been cold, but the day had brought the kindest of temperatures. The song of the birdies, enlivened by the spring emanations, greeted with a melodious concert the creative power of the stars, mother of time, sovereign of the universe. (5) Even the trees, and those which produce fruit, and those which are content to offer us shade, blossomed in the breath of the noon, and, adorning themselves with their emerging foliage, sent joyful murmurs through their boughs. The storm had ceased to roar, the waves to swell. The wave came peacefully to expire on the beach. Not a cloud altered the dazzling azure of the vault of heaven. (XI, 8, 1) Soon parades, leading the way, a procession of people disguised as a result of wishes, and who offer the most piquant sight by the variety of their costumes. (2) One, wearing a harness, represents a soldier. The other advances as a hunter, the chlamys upturned, armed with the spear and the curved cutlass. This one is wearing golden boots. From her silk dress, her luxury of ornaments, the coquettish arrangement of her hair tied to the top of her head, the softness of her gait, she looks like a woman. (3) This one, boots on his feet, helmet on his head, armed with a shield and a sword, seems to come out of a gladiatorial arena. Such, with the crimson and the fasces, parodies the magistrate, such spreads out coat, staff, sandals, goat's beard, all the paraphernalia of philosophy. There was a birdcatcher with his slime, a fisherman with his hook. (4) I also noticed a private bear that was carried in a chair, in the costume of a great lady; then a monkey wearing the Phrygian cap, in saffron coat, who, holding a golden cup, claimed to represent the handsome Ganymede. Finally came an ass, decked out in a pair of wings, and ridden by a decrepit old man; this couple parodied Pegasus and Bellerophon in a way that would make you die of laughter. and ridden by a decrepit old man; this couple parodied Pegasus and Bellerophon in a way that would make you die of laughter. and ridden by a decrepit old man; this couple parodied Pegasus and Bellerophon in a way that would make you die of laughter.
(XI, 9, 1) In the midst of these burlesque personifications, buffoon accessories intended for the people, the procession of the protective goddess advanced majestically. (2) Everywhere groups of women dressed in white, crowned with spring garlands, and cheerfully carrying various attributes, strewed the ground with flowers as he passed. Others had hung mirrors on their backs facing the goddess, so that she could have the perspective of the devout train following her. (3) Some, holding ivory combs in their hands, simulated, by the movements of their arms and fingers, the care given to the royal hair. Others finally, shaking drops of a precious balm and a thousand other essences, watered the perfumed soil in the distance. (4) There was also a large crowd of people of both sexes, provided with lanterns, torches, candles and other lights, as a form of symbolic homage to the generative principle of celestial bodies. Then came two kinds of flutes forming pleasant concerts. (5) Then, two bands, made up of the elite of youth, dressed in white, sang, responding to each other, a hymn composed, under the inspiration of the Muses, by a poet of merit and of which each verse brought back the beginning of the invocation in the form of a refrain. (6) Among the latter were distinguished the musicians of the great Serapis, who, holding their flute in the direction of the right ear, performed the music consecrated to the god, and special to his temple. Then came two kinds of flutes forming pleasant concerts. (5) Then, two bands, made up of the elite of youth, dressed in white, sang, responding to each other, a hymn composed, under the inspiration of the Muses, by a poet of merit and of which each verse brought back the beginning of the invocation in the form of a refrain. (6) Among the latter were distinguished the musicians of the great Serapis, who, holding their flute in the direction of the right ear, performed the music consecrated to the god, and special to his temple. Then came two kinds of flutes forming pleasant concerts. (5) Then, two bands, made up of the elite of youth, dressed in white, sang, responding to each other, a hymn composed, under the inspiration of the Muses, by a poet of merit and of which each verse brought back the beginning of the invocation in the form of a refrain. (6) Among the latter were distinguished the musicians of the great Serapis, who, holding their flute in the direction of the right ear, performed the music consecrated to the god, and special to his temple. by a poet of merit and each verse of which brought back the beginning of the invocation in the form of a refrain. (6) Among the latter were distinguished the musicians of the great Serapis, who, holding their flute in the direction of the right ear, performed the music consecrated to the god, and special to his temple. by a poet of merit and each verse of which brought back the beginning of the invocation in the form of a refrain. (6) Among the latter were distinguished the musicians of the great Serapis, who, holding their flute in the direction of the right ear, performed the music consecrated to the god, and special to his temple.
(XI, 10, 1) After them walked many officers, shouting to the crowd to make way for the sacred procession, and followed by the multitude of initiates into the sacred mysteries, men, women, of all ranks, of all ages, all in linen robes of dazzling whiteness; the women surrounding with transparent veils their hair flooded with essences; the men shaved to the roots of their hair, and showing their shining heads bare. (2) Terrestrial pleiad of the great goddess, these last comers held sistrums of brass, silver and even gold, from which they drew a sharp ringing. Next came the imposing body of the pontiffs, dressed in white linen robes, tight at the waist and reaching down to the heels. The divine attributes were in their hands. (3) Their leader held a lamp that shed the brightest light, and whose form, which was that of a golden nave, had nothing in common with the lamps of our evening meals; for the hearth was in the center, and furnished a much greater volume of light. (4) The second pontiff, dressed like the first, carried in his hands the two altars called succor, from which derives the epithet of succor, attached to the name of the great goddess. A third as he walked raised a golden palm, the leaves of which were of the most exquisite workmanship, and the caduceus of Mercury. (5) A fourth showed the symbol of Justice: it was a wide open left hand, which, being less alert, less flexible and less active than the right, is all the more suitable to characterize justice. (6) The latter also carried milk in a small rounded golden vase in the shape of a breast, and he made libations of it. A fifth was loaded with a van of gold, filled with small branches of the same metal. Finally, a last walked presenting an amphora.
(XI, 11, 1) Soon the gods come forward, the gods who, to move, do not disdain to walk on human feet. O marvel! First appears the divine intermediary of the relations of heaven with hell, with a face alternately gloomy or resplendent. He holds his head high, which is that of a dog. In his left hand he holds a caduceus, and the right waves a leafy palm. (2) Immediately after, a cow stands on its hind feet; emblem of the goddess, mother of all fertility. It was carried on the shoulders of one of the members of the blessed college, announcing by his gait how proud he was of such a burden. (3) Another carried the mysterious basket that hides the secrets of sublime religion from view. Another clasped in his fortunate arms the venerable effigy of the all-powerful goddess: an effigy which has nothing of the bird, nor of the domestic or wild quadruped, and no more resembles man; but venerable by its very strangeness, and which ingeniously characterizes the profound mysticism and the inviolable secrecy with which this august religion surrounds itself. The most brilliant gold composes its substance; and as for its shape, here it is: (5) it is a small urn with a circular base, whose slightly swollen curve develops on the outside one of those myths peculiar to the Egyptians. It ends in a short neck, the upper part of which extends on one side like a long beak or a channel; to the other side is attached a handle very developed in its curvature, and which forms an asp,

Lucius' return to human form

(XI, 12, 1) Finally the divine promise was going to be realized, and my destiny was to be accomplished. I saw the priest approaching, holding my salvation in his hands. His costume was in every way consistent with the prophetic description. With his right hand he carried with the sistrum of the goddess a crown for me, a crown, certainly, well deserved! for, after so many difficulties, so many perils surmounted, I could consider myself as emerging victorious from a hand-to-hand struggle with the enemy Fortune. (2) However, I restrained the momentum of my joy, thinking of the disorder that the sudden irruption of a four-footed individual like myself could throw into the ceremony, and I advanced with a grave and measured step, as a man could have opened as if by an enchantment to give me passage. (XI, 13, 1) The attitude of the high priest also showed the effect of the divine revelations of last night. I saw him stop short, admiring how precisely the event responded to the instructions he had received; then stretch out his hand, and, of his own accord, bring the crown to my mouth. (2) Trembling then, and my heart throbbing with emotion, I eagerly seized with my teeth this crown, where the desired flower shone with the most vivid colors, and I devoured it even more eagerly. (3) The oracle had not deceived me. In the blink of an eye I saw myself rid of my deformed shell of brute beast. First this hideous hair fades; (4) this coarse dermis becomes fine skin again, my belly loses its enormous volume; the horn of my hooves splits, and lengthens in the form of fingers. My hands cease to be feet, and resume their superior functions; (5) my neck is getting shorter, my head and my face are getting rounder. My two oversized ears return to a decent size; these blocks planted in my jaws take on the proportions of human teeth. Finally, the ignominious appendage of my tail, so painful to my self-esteem, disappears completely. (6) The people admire. Religious minds humble themselves before this manifestation of divine omnipotence, before a metamorphosis whose marvelousness equals all that one sees in dreams, and which is accomplished so easily. All voices are raised, all arms are stretched towards the heavens, in testimony of the heavenly blessing.
(XI, 14, 1) I, struck with amazement, remained silent, as if my soul had not sufficed for the feeling of such great and sudden happiness. (2) Where to find the first word? How to start this renaissance of the word? How to dedicate its inauguration with dignity? In what terms and to what extent should I express myself, to give the proper turn to my thanksgiving to the goddess? (3) The high priest, whom a divine communication had made aware of my crosses, nevertheless remained amazed for a moment before the reality of the miracle. But soon he made a sign that I should be given a linen garment to cover myself; (4) for, remaining naked when leaving this horrible animal envelope, I had only been able to press my thighs together, and make myself, as well as I could, a veil with my two hands. (5) One of the priests quickly took off his outer robe and put it on my shoulders. This done, the high priest, looking at me with a joyful face, where admiration was confused with benevolence, addresses me in these terms:
(XI, 15, 1) Finally Lucius, after so many fatal vicissitudes, after having seen yourself so long and so roughly tossed about by the storms of Fortune, you entered the port of safety and touched the altar of mercy. Your birth, no more than your high position, the very knowledge which distinguishes you so eminently, none of this has been useful to you. Driven by the ardor of youth, you have sought voluptuousness lower than the condition of a free man. A fatal curiosity has cost you dear; (2) but finally, while torturing you, the blind Fortune, without knowing it and by the very excess of its malignity, led you to the religious beatitude. Now let her fuss, and show the worst she can do. He must look elsewhere for a victim. The existence devoted to the service of our august goddess is now safe from the blows of fate. (3) What has Fortune gained by putting you to grips with brigands, with ferocious beasts, with what is hardest in slavery, the most difficult paths, the most frightful of daily imminent death? All her efforts have only succeeded in placing you under the patronage of an unblind Fortune, and who sees the other divinities walk in her light. (4) Come on, take a laughing face that matches this party dress. Accompany with a triumphal step the procession of the goddess who saved you. Let the ungodly see it, let them see it, and recognize their error. Here is Lucius freed from his evils, Lucius, by the grace of the great Isis, winner of the fate. (5) But for greater safety, for greater guarantee, take in our holy militia the commitment which you were formerly advised to take. Dedicate yourselves to our worship; submit to its voluntary yoke. Serve our goddess, in order to better feel the benefit of your freedom.
(XI, 16, 1) Thus spoke the inspired pontiff, and his voice stopped panting, as if oppressed by inspiration. (2) Immediately, mingling with the religious crowd, I followed the march of the sacred procession. Object of universal attention, it was me that everyone pointed out and gestured to. (3) They were only talking about me. This, they said, is the one whom the all-powerful will of the goddess has just restored to human form. (4) Happy, thrice happy the mortal to whom an irreproachable conduct no doubt will have earned this dazzling protection from on high, and who is reborn in a way to be immediately dedicated to the holy ministry! (5) Still marching in the middle of a concert of wishes, the procession arrives on the edge of the sea, precisely at the place where I had, in my donkey form, taken shelter the previous night. (6) There, following a prescribed ceremonial, the divine simulacra are deposited. The high priest approaches a vessel of marvelous construction, the exterior of which was painted on all sides with those mysterious signs adopted by the Egyptians; he purifies it, in the forms, with a lighted torch, an egg and sulphur; and having then named it, he consecrates it to the goddess. (7) On the white sail of the fortunate ship were written characters, the meaning of which was a wish for the prosperity of maritime commerce reviving with the new season. (8) The mast then rises. It was a pine of perfect roundness, of the most beautiful shine, and of prodigious height, the top of which especially attracted the eye. The stern, with its curved swan's neck, was covered with sparkling blades; and the hull, built entirely of lemon wood of the finest polish, was a pleasure to see. (9) All soon, initiates or profane, bring vases full of herbs and various offerings at will, and make libations of curdled milk on the waves, until the moment when the ship laden with presents and pious offerings, finally freed from the bonds which held it at anchor, and taking advantage of a gentle wind which rose on purpose, had reached the high seas. (10) And when it appeared only as a point in space, the bearers of sacred objects, who had laid down their burdens, took them up again, and the procession resumed its march in the same order to return to the temple.
(XI, 17, 1) Arrived at the sacred square, the high priest, those who bear the holy effigies, and those who have long been initiated into the venerable mysteries, enter the sanctuary of the goddess, and replace there these images which seem to breathe. (2) Then one of them, to whom one gave the title of secretary, standing in front of the door, convokes aloud an assembly of the Pastophores (name which one gives to this sacred college). (3) He then ascends into an elevated pulpit, and recites, reading from a book, prayers for the great emperor, for the senate, for the knights, for the Roman people, for the prosperity of all that composes the vast empire, and concludes with the Greek formula: Let the people retire! (4) word which meant that the sacrifice was accepted, as evidenced by the acclamation which followed it. And all, in a transport of joy, bringing flowering olive branches, branches of verbena and garlands, place them in front of the silver statue raised to the goddess on a platform, and retire to their homes after having kissed her feet. (5) As for me, I was careful not to take a single step away; I remained with my eyes fixed on the goddess, reflecting on my past misfortunes.

Consecration to Isis

(XI, 18, 1) The wings of Fame, meanwhile, had not grown numb. Everywhere in my country she had published the adorable benefaction of the goddess, and my surprising adventures. (2) My friends, my servants, all who were related to me by blood ties, lay down the mourning which the false report of my death had caused, and, suddenly changing sorrow into joy, hastened, hands full of presents, to ascertain by their own eyes whether I was indeed found, and truly returned from hell. (3) I had despaired of ever seeing them again. The sight of them did me inexpressible good. I gratefully accepted what was so obligingly offered to me. Thanks to the foresight of my family, I saw my maintenance and my expenses largely assured. (XI, 19, 1). told the story of my past misfortunes and the picture of my present happiness, I returned with redoubled gratitude to the contemplation of my divine protectress. I rented a lodging within the precincts of the sacred edifice, and established my household there temporarily. I did not miss the celebration of any of the intimate rites; I did not leave the society of priests, and, always in adoration, I did not separate myself for a single moment from the great divinity. (2) It did not happen to me to spend a single night, nor to abandon myself to rest, without having an apparition and without hearing the voice of the goddess. His will had long since destined me for the service of the altars, and his reiterated commandments prescribed me to present myself for initiation. (3) My vocation was not doubtful; but a scruple stopped me. I had given serious thought to the requirements of the holy ministry. The vow of chastity is not easy to observe. What attention must we not have on ourselves, in the midst of the temptations with which life is surrounded! This is what I considered, and, despite my fervor, I postponed indefinitely the fulfillment of my wish.
(XI, 20, 1) One night I thought I saw the high priest coming to me, a flap of his robe lifted and filled. As I asked him what he was carrying there, he answered me that it was a dispatch from Thessaly addressed to me; and, moreover, that a servant of mine, named Candide, had just arrived. (2) When I woke up, I replayed the dream in my mind, having great difficulty in guessing its meaning; because I was quite sure that I had never had anyone named Candide in my service. (3) In any case, I could only promise myself profit from a dream in which something was brought to me. So I watched impatiently, and in expectation of an unknown happiness, the moment when the doors of the temple would open. (4) Finally, the white curtains are drawn from right and left; the venerable goddess appears, and we prostrate ourselves. The high priest goes from altar to altar performing the rites and pronouncing the solemn prayers. The service is accomplished by a libation which he makes, with the sacred vase, of water drawn from the source of the sanctuary. (5) The monks then greet with customary songs the first hour of the day and the return of light. (6) At this moment, come from my country the servants whom I had left there, when the fatal error of Photis had put me in this cruel embarrassment; I soon recognized my people, as well as my horse, which they were bringing back to me. The beast had passed through several hands; but we had been able to claim her, thanks to a certain mark she had on her back. (7) And it is here that I admired with what precision my dream was verified, as the promised sending was realized,
(XI, 21, 1) This circumstance could only stimulate my zeal. I redoubled my activity in my pious exercises. Recent favor was the pledge of future blessings. (2) I felt my desire to be clothed with the sacred character increase day by day. I constantly besieged the high priest with my prayers, to obtain at last being initiated into the mysteries of the holy night. (3) But this grave character, with a rigidity of observance that had become almost proverbial, temporized with my impatience, always in that tone of gentleness and benevolence that a father knows how to oppose to the inconsiderate ardor of his son; and he always flattered me with the hope of speedy satisfaction. (4) It was necessary, he said, that the goddess herself indicated the day of my initiation, that she designated the priest who would consecrate me: his foresight even went so far as to regulate the expense of the ceremony by the most precise instructions. (5) These were essential preliminaries, which, according to him, I had to submit to. I had to defend myself from any precipitation as from any spirit of resistance; keep me with the same care to anticipate the order and not answer the call. (6) None of the priests, moreover, would push madness, contempt for his own life, to the point of interfering, without a formal order from the goddess, in the ministry of consecration. There was the penalty of sacrilege. The goddess held in the same hand the keys of hell and those of the gates of salvation. (7) Initiation was a kind of voluntary death, with another life in expectation. The goddess took the time when one finds oneself placed at the extreme limit of temporal life, to demand from the neophyte the guarantee of inviolable secrecy; it is then that, by a kind of providential rebirth, an existence of bliss opens up for him. (8) However clear and manifest the vocation from on high which called me to the holy ministry, it was therefore necessary to wait until the current order was intimated to me. (9) I had however, following the example of the initiates, beforehand to abstain from profane and forbidden foods. Access would only be easier for me to the holy mysteries of the purest of all religions. an existence of bliss opens up for him. (8) However clear and manifest the vocation from on high which called me to the holy ministry, it was therefore necessary to wait until the current order was intimated to me. (9) I had however, following the example of the initiates, beforehand to abstain from profane and forbidden foods. Access would only be easier for me to the holy mysteries of the purest of all religions. an existence of bliss opens up for him. (8) However clear and manifest the vocation from on high which called me to the holy ministry, it was therefore necessary to wait until the current order was intimated to me. (9) I had however, following the example of the initiates, beforehand to abstain from profane and forbidden foods. Access would only be easier for me to the holy mysteries of the purest of all religions.

Initiation

(XI, 22, 1) Thus spake the high priest; and my submission triumphed over my impatience. I showed myself to be calm, resigned, a rigorous observer of silence, and never missed a single day of attending the celebration of the divine services. (2) My hope was not deceived, and the ineffable benignity of the great goddess spared me the torture of a long wait. A clearly expressed warning, on one of the darkest nights, told me that at last was about to dawn for me the ever-desirable day (3) when my dearest wish would finally be fulfilled. I was informed by the same way of the sum necessary for the expense of my reception, as well as of the choice that, following a relationship between our two stars, the goddess made Mithras her high priest to preside over my consecration. (4) Encouraged by these indications, Positive marks of the great goddess' benevolence, I bid farewell to sleep before it was quite day, and went in haste to the high priest's apartment. I found him coming out of it; and, after having returned the duties to him, (5) I was going to return to the charge more obstinately than ever, and to claim initiation as an acquired right. But he would no sooner have seen me than he was the first to speak. O my dear Lucius, said he, what happiness, what bliss is yours! The supreme will of the goddess finally deigns to admit you to the august ministry. (6) Why stand still at this hour? Where does this lack of haste come from? This is the day called for with all your wishes; the day when, by the commands of the divinity of a thousand names, these hands will initiate you into the most holy mysteries of our worship. (7) And, then imposing his right hand on my shoulder, the good old man leads me himself to the doors of the vast edifice. There, after proceeding to the opening according to the customary rite, and performing the morning sacrifice, (8) he draws from the most mysterious hiding place of the sanctuary books written in signs such as to render them unintelligible; the words, which constrict the expression of thought in so little space, are expressed there by a host of drawings, some of which represent all sorts of animals, while others are tangled in knots, rounded into wheels, or twisted around in spirals like the tendrils of the vine; strange inventions, whose only object is to shield meaning from the curiosity of the profane. He read me a passage which teaches the follower the preparations which are essential to him. Finally the high priest announces that the time has come; and immediately, followed by the holy cohort, he leads me to the nearest bath. When I had plunged into it according to the custom, after having called upon me divine mercy, he purified me by a complete ablution, (2) and brought me back to the temple. The first two parts of the day had passed. He made me prostrate at the feet of the goddess, and communicated to me secretly what words could not convey. Then aloud, and in front of the audience, he imposed on me ten days of abstinence, during which I could not eat any animal substance, nor drink wine. (3) These prescriptions accomplished with a religious exactitude, arrives the day of the divine promise. Already the setting sun was bringing back evening, (4) when I saw myself surrounded on all sides by a large crowd who, according to the ancient and solemn custom, came to pay me homage with various presents. The high priest then dismisses the profane, puts me in a robe of unbleached linen, and, taking me by the hand, leads me into the depths of the sanctuary. (5) No doubt, friend reader, your curiosity will inquire about what is said, what was done next. I would say so, if it were permitted to say so; you would learn it, if it were permitted to learn it. (6) But there would be crime in the same degree for the confident ears and for the revealing mouth. If, however, it is a religious sentiment that animates you, I would scruple to torment you. Listen and believe, for what I say is true. (7) I touched the doors of death; my foot landed on Proserpina's threshold. On the way back, I went through all the elements. In the depth of the night, I saw the sun shine. Gods of hell, gods of the Empyrean, all have been seen by me face to face, and adored up close. This is what I have to tell you, and you will not be any the clearer for it. But what I can discover without sacrilege to profane intelligences, here it is: Gods of hell, gods of the Empyrean, all have been seen by me face to face, and adored up close. This is what I have to tell you, and you will not be any the clearer for it. But what I can discover without sacrilege to profane intelligences, here it is: Gods of hell, gods of the Empyrean, all have been seen by me face to face, and adored up close. This is what I have to tell you, and you will not be more enlightened by it. But what I can discover without sacrilege to profane intelligences, here it is:
(XI, 24, 1) Daybreak arrived; and, the ceremonies ended, I came forward covered with twelve sacerdotal robes, a mysterious circumstance assuredly, but which nothing obliges me to conceal, for it had numerous witnesses. (2) A wooden platform was erected in the middle of the sacred building. I was made to sit there facing the statue of the goddess, splendidly covered with a flowered linen overdress. A precious chlamys floated on my shoulders and descended to my heels. (3) I showed myself adorned, under all aspects, with figures of animals of all colors. Here were the dragons of India; there, the Hyperborean griffins, animals from another world and equipped with wings like birds. The priests give this garment the name of Olympic stole. (4) My right hand held a lighted torch; my forehead was girded with a beautiful crown of white palm, whose upright leaves looked like so many rays of light. Suddenly the curtains are drawn, I appear like the statue of the sun to the crowd, which fixes its greedy eyes on me. I then celebrated my happy initiation with a delicate and sumptuous banquet. (5) For three days, my brilliant enthronement was repeated with the indispensable accompaniment of the religious feast. I remained there for a few more days immersed in an ecstatic contemplation of the image of the goddess, and as if chained by her ineffable blessing. (6) Warned finally by the divinity itself, and after having humbly paid him a tribute of thanksgiving, quite insufficient no doubt, but such as my faculties permitted, I thought of returning to my homes, which had been deserted for so long. But it was not without heartbreak that the separation was consummated. (7) Prostrated before the goddess, my face glued to her divine feet, I watered them for a long time with my tears; and, in a voice choked more than once by sobs, I addressed this prayer to him:
(XI, 25, 1) Holy divinity, eternal source of salvation, adorable protectress of mortals, who lavishes on them in their ills the affection of a tender mother; (2) not a day, not a night, not a moment goes by that is not marked by one of your benefits. On land, on sea, you are always there to save us; to extend to us, in the midst of the storms of life, a helping hand; to unravel the inextricable web of destinies, calm the storms of Fortune, and ward off the malignant influence of the constellations. (3) Venerated in heaven, respected in hell, by you the globe turns, the sun shines, the universe is governed, hell contained. At your voice, the spheres move, the centuries follow one another, the immortals rejoice, the elements coordinate. (4) A sign from you makes the winds blow, swell the clouds, germinate the seeds, hatch the germs. Your majesty is formidable to the bird flying in the air, to the wild beast wandering over the mountains, to the serpent hidden in the hollow of the earth, to the sea monster plunging into the bottomless abyss. (5) But what! neither my genius is equal to your praises, nor my fortune is sufficient to offer you worthy sacrifices. My weak voice cannot express what your majesty inspires in me, and what a thousand mouths, a thousand voices endowed with an inexhaustible eloquence would not be able to express. (6) In my poverty, I will do at least what is possible to the religious heart. Your sacred image will remain deeply engraved in my soul, and always present in my thoughts. (7) This invocation finished, I threw myself on the neck of the high priest Mithras, who became for me a second father.

Departure for Rome and new initiations

(XI, 26, 1) It was only after having dwelt at length on my gratitude that I parted from him. I then hastened to return directly to my father's home after such a long absence. But I only stopped there for a few days. An inspiration from the goddess made me pack up again and embark for Rome. (2) A favorable wind got me a happy and very speedy crossing to Ostia. There, I got into a wagon, and drove quickly towards the sacrosanct city, where I arrived on the eve of the ides of December, in the evening. (3) From that moment, my main occupation was to offer daily supplications to Queen Isis. She is in great devotion in Rome, where she is invoked under the name of country goddess, because of the site where her temple is erected. I became the most zealous of his visitors, newcomer to the sanctuary, old initiate in the religion. (4) The sun had traversed the circle of the zodiac, and completed its annual revolution, when my divine protectress came to challenge me again during my sleep, speaking of a new initiation to receive, of new trials to undergo. What did this notice mean? what was its spirit and scope? because my initiation seemed to me for a long time complete. (XI, 27, 1) I questioned my good sense without fruit. Finally I submitted the case to the lights of our priests. So I learned something to surprise me strangely; (2) namely, that the consecration which I had received concerned only the mysteries of the great goddess, and that I remained to be enlightened with the light of the almighty father of heaven, the invincible Osiris; (3) that, although there was a connection between these two divine powers, and the same unity of essence and worship, the difference was great between the respective forms of initiation; that finally I had to dedicate myself also to the worship of the great god; that was the meaning of divine communication. (4) This interpretation was soon confirmed to me; for the following night I saw in a dream one of the priests in linen robes, carrying thyrses, ivy leaves, and things which I am not permitted to say, and whom he placed above my lares gods. He then came to occupy my own chair, and ordered me to prepare a great religious feast. (5) A peculiarity of her person could serve to make her known. His left heel was tucked in a bit, causing him to limp slightly as he walked. (6) Hence no more darkness. The divine will became manifest. So, after having offered my morning prayer to the goddess, I passed carefully all the priests in review, seeking with my eyes the one whose walk agreed with my dream; (7) and I was not long in finding it, because one of the Pastophores, besides the conformity of the soft foot, recalled exactly my vision for the size and the build. I learned since that his name was Asinius Marcellus; rather odd comparison with my metamorphosis. (8) I approached him without delay, and found him fully prepared for what I had to say to him; for he had had on his side a communication coinciding with mine, and had seen himself designated from above for the ministry of consecration. (9) He had indeed dreamed the previous night that at the moment when his hand was placing crowns on the head of the great Osiris, the prophetic voice of the god had been heard, announcing to him the arrival of a man from Madaure who was very poor, and had to be admitted, without delay, to initiation; that great honor would accrue to the zealous neophyte and great profit to his consecrator.
(XI, 28, 1) I found myself devoted to holy trials, and my poverty alone formed an impediment, for the expenses of my trip had reduced my meager patrimony almost to nothing; and the life of Rome was much more expensive than that of my province. (2) My position was most cruel. I saw myself placed, literally, between the anvil and the hammer. The god kept urging me. Several times his voice invited me, (3) not without causing me extreme distress. Finally, the invitation became a command. So I decided to get rid of my wardrobe; and, meager as it was, I got the sum I needed from it. (4) In this I obeyed a special injunction. Oh what! said the god to me, to give you pleasure you would not look at the possession of a few clothes, and you hesitate before the requirements of a holy ceremony! you fear a poverty of which you cannot have to repent! (5) Everything being arranged, I abstained another ten whole days from animal food. Moreover, I got myself admitted to the nocturnal orgies of the great Serapis. The two religions are sisters. Educated in one, I approached my novitiate with more confidence in the other, of which I soon became the most assiduous observer. (6) I found in my fervor a charm that consoled me for my isolation in a foreign land. This fervor even became the source of a means of existence. In fact, why should I not attribute to a grace from on high the good fortune that I had of being charged to plead in Latin some causes whose profits, although slight, were sufficient to make me subsist? you fear a poverty of which you cannot have to repent! (5) Everything being arranged, I abstained another ten whole days from animal food. Moreover, I got myself admitted to the nocturnal orgies of the great Serapis. The two religions are sisters. Educated in one, I approached my novitiate with more confidence in the other, of which I soon became the most assiduous observer. (6) I found in my fervor a charm that consoled me for my isolation in a foreign land. This fervor even became the source of a means of existence. In fact, why should I not attribute to a grace from on high the good fortune that I had of being charged to plead in Latin some causes whose profits, although slight, were sufficient to make me subsist? you fear a poverty of which you cannot have to repent! (5) Everything being prepared, I abstained another ten whole days from animal food. Moreover, I got myself admitted to the nocturnal orgies of the great Serapis. The two religions are sisters. Educated in one, I approached my novitiate with more confidence in the other, of which I soon became the most assiduous observer. (6) I found in my fervor a charm that consoled me for my isolation in a foreign land. This fervor even became the source of a means of existence. In fact, why should I not attribute to a grace from on high the good fortune that I had of being charged to plead in Latin some causes whose profits, although slight, were sufficient to make me subsist? I abstained another ten whole days from animal food. Moreover, I got myself admitted to the nocturnal orgies of the great Serapis. The two religions are sisters. Educated in one, I approached my novitiate with more confidence in the other, of which I soon became the most assiduous observer. (6) I found in my fervor a charm that consoled me for my isolation in a foreign land. This fervor even became the source of a means of existence. In fact, why should I not attribute to a grace from on high the good fortune that I had of being charged to plead in Latin some causes whose profits, although slight, were sufficient to make me subsist? I abstained another ten whole days from animal food. Moreover, I got myself admitted to the nocturnal orgies of the great Serapis. The two religions are sisters. Educated in one, I approached my novitiate with more confidence in the other, of which I soon became the most assiduous observer. (6) I found in my fervor a charm that consoled me for my isolation in a foreign land. This fervor even became the source of a means of existence. In fact, why should I not attribute to a grace from on high the good fortune that I had of being charged to plead in Latin some causes whose profits, although slight, were sufficient to make me subsist? The two religions are sisters. Educated in one, I approached my novitiate with more confidence in the other, of which I soon became the most assiduous observer. (6) I found in my fervor a charm that consoled me for my isolation in a foreign land. This fervor even became the source of a means of existence. In fact, why should I not attribute to a grace from on high the good fortune that I had of being charged to plead in Latin some causes whose profits, although slight, were sufficient to make me subsist? The two religions are sisters. Educated in one, I approached my novitiate with more confidence in the other, of which I soon became the most assiduous observer. (6) I found in my fervor a charm that consoled me for my isolation in a foreign land. This fervor even became the source of a means of existence. In fact, why should I not attribute to a grace from on high the good fortune that I had of being charged to plead in Latin some causes whose profits, although slight, were sufficient to make me subsist? This fervor even became the source of a means of existence. In fact, why should I not attribute to a grace from on high the good fortune that I had of being charged to plead in Latin some causes whose profits, although slight, were sufficient to make me subsist? This fervor even became the source of a means of existence. In fact, why should I not attribute to a grace from on high the good fortune that I had of being charged to plead in Latin some causes whose profits, although slight, were sufficient to make me subsist?
(XI, 29, 1) A few days pass; and now another divine summons comes to me unexpectedly, with completely supernatural circumstances. I am called to a third initiation. (2) The warning this time threw me into deep concern. I couldn't understand anything about it, and lost myself in my suppositions? Was I then to be the object of this celestial insistence indefinitely? After a first and a second initiation, was I then not yet completely initiated? (3) Did the two consecrating pontiffs have failed in some point in their holy ministry? Already their sincerity was beginning to suspect me. I was in an agitation of mind that bordered on delirium, when one night the divine image comes gently to reassure me: (4) This succession of trials, she said to me, there is nothing that should frighten you, nor make you believe in any omission in the preceding ones. Rejoice rather in a favor thus repeated. You must be proud to obtain three times what it is hardly given to man to obtain one. This number alone is for you the guarantee of eternal bliss. (5) The consecration which awaits you is moreover indispensable. Remember that the sacramental robe you have worn in your province can never leave the sanctuary, to which its use is consecrated; and that in Rome today you could not, on a day of solemnity, make your supplications in costume, nor cover yourself with the blessed garment, if the order were given to you. So it's for your own good, for the sake of your future,
(XI, 30, 1) A sweet persuasion crept into my mind during this divine speech. The god also deigned to prescribe to me what it was necessary to procure for me. So, without further ado, without postponing the matter to the next day, I will find the high priest, and report my vision to him. I again submitted to abstinence from meat, even extending beyond ten days the time of probation prescribed by law. All my preparations were made in the same spirit, to the extent of my favor rather than according to the requirements of the rules. (2) But, thank heaven, I did not regret my pains or my expenses; for I saw my fees increase, and my profession of lawyer become honestly lucrative. (3) A few days away, the supreme god among gods, great among greats, auguste among the augusts, the dominating sovereign Osiris, deigned to appear to me in my sleep, no longer in a borrowed form, but in all the brilliance of divine majesty. (4) He urged me to persevere intrepidly in the glorious career of the bar, in spite of what malevolence might spread against me, irritated by a success purchased by so many vigils. Moreover, and so as not to allow me to be confused, in the practice of his worship, with the vulgar of his worshippers, he admitted me to the college of the Pastophores, and even to the number of the quinquennial decurions. (5) From that moment, I had my hair shaved, and devoted myself without reserve to the duties imposed on its members by this corporation of ancient origin, and contemporary of Sylla; instead of blushing at my balding head, I walk proudly bareheaded,