The Golden Asse

by Lucius Apuleius

Adlington's translation, 1566


"The xi Bookes of the Golden Asse, conteininge the
Metamorphosie of Lucius Apuleius."  First Edition "Imprinted
at London in Fleetstreate at the signe of the Oliphante, by
Henry Wykes, Anno. 1566." (Q'to).  Reprinted 1571 (Q'to),
1582 (Octavo), 1596 (Q'to), 1600 (Q'to), 1639 (Q'to).

Reprinted from the edition of 1639 by Simpkin Marshall Ltd,
London, 1933, with T. Petronius Arbiter's "The Satyricon"
and Longus' "Daphnis and Chloe".

This electronic edition prepared by Martin Guy, Canterbury
and Ramsgate, March-May 1996.  Apparent typographical errors
in the paper copy are preserved in this text, followed by
"[sic]"; characters that failed to print and have been
guessed are followed by a question mark in square brackets;
words included in the short glossary at the end of this
edition are followed by [*] the first time they occur;
other words within square brackets were in square brackets
in the original text. Italic text is shown here within
tildes ~like this~; ligatures thus: <ae>.


Other translations exist:

"The Golden Ass of Apuleius", the Tudor translations Volume
IV, published by David Nutt, London, 1893.

"The Golden Ass", Adlington's translation revised by S.
Gasalee, published by William Heinemann, London, 1915.

"The Golden Ass of Lucius Apuleius", Adlington's translation
edited by F. J. Harvey Darton, published by The Navarre
Society Limited, 1924.

"The Transformations of Lucius; otherwise known as The
Golden Ass", translated from the Latin by Robert Graves,
published by Penguin Books, 1950.

"The Golden Ass", translated by P. G. Walsh, published by
Clarendon Press and Oxford University Press, 1994.

but only Adlington's original braves the word "pisse".



OBVIOUS TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS CORRECTED FROM THE TEXT


Chap. 2, last para: "broughr him meat" -> "brought him meat"
Chap. 30, para. 1: "heeles (lifted" -> "heeles) lifted"
Chap. 43, first para: "much lessse" -> "much lesse"



CONTENTS


Epistle Dedicatory

To the Reader

The Life of Lucius Apuleius, Briefly Described

The Preface of the Author, To his Sonne, Faustinus

The Eleven Bookes of the Golden Asse

Glossary



To the Right Honourable and Mighty Lord,

THOMAS EARLE OF SUSSEX,

Viscount Fitzwalter, Lord of Egremont and of Burnell, Knight
of the most noble Order of the Garter, Iustice of the
forrests and Chases from Trent Southward; Captain of the
Gentlemen Pensioners of the House of the QUEENE our
Soveraigne Lady.


After that I had taken upon me (right Honourable) in manner
of that unlearned and foolish Poet, Cherillus, who rashly
and unadvisedly wrought a big volume in verses, of the
valiant prowesse of Alexander the Great, to translate this
present booke, contayning the Metamorphosis of Lucius
Apuleius; being mooved thereunto by the right pleasant
pastime and delectable matter therein: I eftsoones consulted
with my selfe, to whome I might best offer so pleasant and
worthy a work, devised by the Author, it being now
barbarously and simply framed in our English tongue.  And
after long deliberation had, your honorable Lordship came to
my remembrance, a man much more worthy, than to whom so
homely and rude a translation should be presented.  But when
I again remembred the jesting and sportfull matter of the
booke, unfit to be offered to any man of gravity and
wisdome, I was wholly determined to make no Epistle
Dedicatory at all: till as now of late perswaded thereunto
by my friends, I have boldly enterprised to offer the same
to your Lordship, who as I trust wil accept the same, than
if it did entreat of some serious and lofty matter,
considering that although the matter therein seeme very
light and merry, yet the effect thereof tendeth to a good
and vertuous moral, as in the following Epistle to the
Reader may be declared.  For so have all writers in times
past employed their travell[*] and labours, that their
posterity may receive some fruitfull profit by the same.
And therfore the Poets feined not their fables in vain,
considering that children in time of their first studies,
are very much allured thereby to proceed to more grave and
deepe studies and disciplines, whereas otherwise their
mindes would quickly loath the wise and prudent workes of
learned men, wherein in such unripe years they take no
sparke of delectation at all.  And not only that profit
ariseth to children by such feined fables, but also the
vertues of men are covertly thereby commended, and their
vices discommended and abhorred.  For by the Fable of
Act<ae>on, where it is feigned that when he saw Diana
washing her selfe in a Well, hee was immediately turned into
an Hart, and so was slain of his owne Dogs; may bee meant,
That when a man casteth his eyes on the vaine and soone
fading beauty of the world, consenting thereto in his minde,
he seemeth to bee turned into a brute beast, and so to be
slaine through the inordinate desire of his owne affects.
By Tantalus that standeth in the midst of the floud Eridan,
having before him a tree laden with pleasant apples, he
beeing neverthelesse always thirsty and hungry, betokeneth
the insatiable desires of covetous persons.  The fables of
Atreus, Thiestes, Tereus and Progne signifieth the wicked
and abhominable facts wrought and attempted by mortall men.
The fall of Icarus is an example to proud and arrogant
persons, that weeneth to climbe up to the heavens.  By
Mydas, who obtained of Bacchus, that all things which he
touched might be gold, is carped the foul sin of Avarice.
By Phaeton, that unskilfully took in hand to rule the
Chariot of the Sunne, are represented those persons which
attempt things passing their power and capacity.  By Castor
and Pollux, turned into a signe in heaven called Gemini, is
signified, that vertuous and godly persons shall be rewarded
after life with perpetuall blisse.  And in this feined jest
of Lucius Apuleius is comprehended a figure of mans life,
ministring most sweet and delectable matter, to such as
shall be desirous to read the same.  The which if your
honourable Lordship will accept and take in good part, I
shall not onely thinke my small travell and labour well
employed, but also receive a further comfort to attempt some
more serious matter, which may be more acceptable to your
Lordship: desiring the same to excuse my rash and bold
enterprise at this time, as I nothing doubt of your
Lordships goodnesse.  To whome I beseech Almighty God to
impart long life, with encrease of much honour.

From Vniversity Colledge in Oxenford, the xviij. of
September, 1566.

          Your Honours most bounden,

                    WIL. ADLINGTON.



To the Reader


When that I had (gentle Reader) slightly here and there
runne over the pleasant and delectable jeasts of Lucius
Apuleius (a man of antient descent, and endued with singular
learning) written in such a franke and flourishing stile, as
he seemed to have the Muses at his will, to feed and
maintaine his pen.  And when againe I perceived the matter
to minister such exceeding plenty of mirth, as never in my
judgement the like hath been shewed by any other, I purposed
according to my slender knowledge (though it were rudely,
and farre disagreeing from the fine and excellent doings now
adayes) to translate the same into our vulgar tongue, to the
end that amongst so many sage and serious works (as every
man well nigh endeavour daily to encrease) there might bee
some fresh and pleasant matter to recreate the mindes of the
Readers withall.  Howbeit, I was eftsoones driven from my
purpose by two causes: First, perceiving that the Author had
written his work in so darke and high a stile, in so strange
and absurd words, and in such new invented phrases, as hee
seemed rather to set it forth to shew his magnificencie of
prose, than to participate his doings to other.  Secondly,
fearing least the translation of this present Booke (which
seemeth a meere jeast and fable, and a Worke worthy to be
laughed at, by reason of the vanity of the Author) might be
contemned and despised of all men, and so consequently I to
be had in derision, to occupie my selfe in such frivolous
and trifling toyes.  But on the other side, when I had
thoroughly learned the intent of the Author, and the purpose
why hee invented so sportfull a jest, I was verily perswaded
that my small travell should not onely be accepted by many,
but the matter it selfe allowed and praised of all.
Wherefore I intend, God willing, as nigh as I can, to utter
and open the meaning thereof, to the simple and ignorant,
whereby they may not take the same, as a thing only to jest
and laugh at (for the fables of <AE>sop and the feigning of
Poets were never written for that purpose) but by the
pleasantnesse thereof bee rather induced to the knowledge of
their present estate, and thereby transforme themselves into
the right and perfect shape of men.  The argument of the
book is, how Lucius Apuleius the Author himselfe travelled
into Thessaly, being a region in Greece, where all the women
for the most part bee such wonderfull Witches, that they can
transforme men into the figure of brute beasts: Where after
he had continued a few dayes, by the mighty force of a
violent confection hee was changed into a miserable Asse,
and nothing might reduce him to his wonted shape but the
eating of a Rose, which after the indurance of infinite
sorrow, at length he obtained by prayer.  Verily under the
wrap of this transformation is taxed the life of mortall
men, when as we suffer our mindes so to bee drowned in the
sensuall lusts of the flesh, and the beastly pleasure
thereof (which aptly may be called the violent confection of
Witches) that wee lose wholly the use of reason and vertue,
which properly should be in man, and play the parts of brute
and savage beasts.  By like occasion we reade, how divers of
the companions of Vlysses were turned by the marvellous
power of Circe into swine.  And finde we not in Scripture,
that Nabuchadnezzar the ninth King of Babylon, by reason of
his great dominions and realmes, fell into such exceeding
pride, that he was suddenly transformed of Almighty God into
an horrible monster, having the head of an Oxe, the feet of
a Beare, and the taile of Lion, and did eat hay as a Beast.
But as Lucius Apuleius was changed into his humane shape by
a Rose, the companions of Vlysses by great intercession, and
Nabuchadnezzar by the continual prayers of Daniel, whereby
they knew themselves, and lived after a good and vertuous
life: so can we never bee restored to the right figure of
our selves, except we taste and eat the sweet Rose of reason
and vertue, which the rather by mediation of praier we may
assuredly attaine.  Againe, may not the meaning of this
worke be altered and turned in this sort: A man desirous to
apply his minde to some excellent art, or given to the study
of any of the sciences, at the first appeareth to himselfe
an asse without wit, without knowledge, and not much unlike
a brute beast, till such time as by much paine and travell
he hath atchieved to the perfectnesse of the same, and
tasting the sweet floure and fruit of his studies, doth
thinke himselfe well brought to the right and very shape of
a man.

Finally, the metamorphosie of Lucius Apuleius may be
resembled to youth without discretion, and his reduction to
age possessed with wisedome and vertue.

Now since this booke of Lucius is a figure of mans life, and
toucheth the nature and manners of mortall men, egging them
forward from their Asinall forme, to their humane and
perfect shape, beside the pleasant and delectable jests
therein contained, I trust if my simple translation be
nothing accepted, yet the matter it selfe shall be esteemed
by such as not onely delight to please their fancies in
reading the same, but also take a patterne thereby to
regenerate their minds from bruitish and beastly custome.
Howbeit I have not so exactly passed through the Author, as
to point every sentence according as it is in Latine, or so
absolutely translated every word as it lieth in the prose,
(for so the French and Spanish translators have not done)
considering the same in our vulgar tongue would have
appeared very obscure and darke, and thereby consequently
loathsome to the Reader, but nothing erring as I trust from
the true and naturall meaning of the Author, have used more
common and familiar words, yet not so much as I might doe,
for the plainer setting forth of the same.

But howsoever it be, gentle Reader, I pray thee take it in
good part, considering that for thee I have taken this
paine, to the intent that thou mayest read the same with
pleasure.



The Life of Lucius Apuleius

Briefly Described


LUCIUS APULEIUS African, an excellent follower of Plato his
sect, born in Madaura, a Countrey sometime inhabited by the
Romans, and under the jurisdiction of Syphax, scituate and
lying upon the borders of Numidia and Getulia, whereby he
calleth himselfe halfe a Numidian and halfe a Getulian: and
Sidonius named him the Platonian Madaurence: his father
called Theseus had passed all offices of dignity in his
countrey with much honour.  His mother named Salvia was of
such excellent vertue, that she passed all the Dames of her
time, borne of an ancient house, and descended from the
noble Philosopher Plutarch, and Sextus his Nephew.  His wife
called Prudentila was endowed with as much vertue and riches
as any woman might be.  Hee himselfe was of an high and
comely stature, gray eyed, his haire yellow, and a
beautifull personage.  He flourished in Carthage in the time
of Iolianus Avitus and Cl. Maximus Proconsuls, where he
spent his youth in learning the liberall Sciences, and much
profited under his masters there, whereby not without cause
hee calleth himselfe the Nource of Carthage, and the
celestiall Muse and venerable mistresse of Africke.  Some
after, at Athens (where in times past the well of all
doctrine flourished) he tasted many of the cups of the
Muses, he learned the Poetry, Geometry, Musicke, Logicke,
and the universall knowledge of Philosophy, and studied not
in vaine the nine Muses, that is to say, the nine noble and
royall disciplines.

Immediately after he went to Rome, and studied there the
Latine tongue, with such labour and continuall study, that
he achieved to great eloquence, and was knowne and approved
to be excellently learned, whereby he might worthily be
called Polyhistor, that is to say, one that knoweth much or
many things.

And being thus no less endued with eloquence, than with
singular learning, he wrote many of the books for them that
should come after: whereof part by negligence of times be
intercepted and part now extant, doe sufficiently declare,
with how much wisdome and doctrine hee flourished, and with
how much vertue hee excelled amongst the rude and barbarous
people.  The like was Anacharsis amongst the most luskish
Scythes.  But amongst the Bookes of Lucius Apuleius, which
are perished and prevented, howbeit greatly desired as now
adayes, one was intituled Banquetting questions, another
entreating of the nature of fish, another of the generation
of beasts, another containing his Epigrams, and another
called `Hermagoras': but such as are now extant are the
foure books named `Floridorum,' wherein is contained a
flourishing stile, and a savory kind of learning, which
delighteth, holdeth, and rejoiceth the Reader marvellously;
wherein you shall finde a great variety of things, as
leaping one from another: One excellent and copious Oration,
containing all the grace and vertue of the art Oratory,
whereby he cleareth himselfe of the crime of art Magick,
which was slanderously objected against him by his
Adversaries, wherein is contained such force of eloquence
and doctrine, as he seemeth to passe and excell himselfe.
There is another booke of the god of the spirit of Socrates,
whereof S. Augustine maketh mention in his booke of the
definition of spirits, and description of men.  Two other
books of the opinion of Plato, wherein is briefly contained
that which before was largely expressed.  One booke of
Cosmography, comprising many things of Aristotles Meteors.
The Dialogue of Trismegistus, translated by him out of
Greeke into Latine, so fine, that it rather seemeth with
more eloquence turned into Latine, than it was before
written in Greeke.  But principally these eleven Bookes of
the `Golden Asse,' are enriched with such pleasant matter,
with such excellency and variety of flourishing tales, that
nothing may be more sweet and delectable, whereby worthily
they may be intituled, The Bookes of the `Golden Asse,' for
the passing stile and matter therein.  For what can be more
acceptable than this Asse of Gold indeed.  Howbeit there be
many which would rather intitle it `Metamorphosis,' that is
to say, A transfiguration or transformation, by reason of
the argument and matter therein.



The Preface of the Author

To his Sonne, Faustinus

And unto the Readers of this Book


     That I to thee some joyous jests
        may shew in gentle glose,
     And frankly feed thy bended eares
        with passing pleasant prose:
     So that thou daine in seemly sort
        this wanton booke to view,
     That is set out and garnisht fine,
        with written phrases new.
     I will declare how one by hap
        his humane figure lost,
     And how in brutish formed shape
        his loathed life he tost.
     And how he was in course of time
        from such estate unfold,
     Who eftsoone turn'd to pristine[*] shape,
        his lot unlucky told.


What and who he was attend[*] a while, and you shall understand
that it was even I, the writer of myne owne Metamorphosie
and strange alteration of figure.  Hymettus, Athens,
Isthmia, Ephire Tenaros, and Sparta, being fat and fertile
soiles (as I pray you give credit to the bookes of more
everlasting fame) be places where myne antient progeny and
linage did sometime flourish: there I say, in Athens, when I
was yong, I went first to schoole.  Soone after (as a
stranger) I arrived at Rome, whereas by great industry, and
without instruction of any schoolemaster, I attained to the
full perfection of the Latine tongue.  Behold, I first crave
and beg your pardon, lest I should happen to displease or
offend any of you by the rude and rustick utterance of this
strange and forrein language.  And verily this new
alteration of speech doth correspond to the enterprised
matter whereof I purpose to entreat, I will set forth unto
you a pleasant Grecian jest.  Whereunto gentle Reader if
thou wilt give attendant eare, it will minister unto thee
such delectable matter as thou shalt be contented withall.




THE FIRST BOOKE



THE FIRST CHAPTER

How Apuleius riding in Thessaly, fortuned to fall into
company with two strangers, that reasoned together of the
mighty power of Witches.


As I fortuned to take my voyage into Thessaly, about
certaine affaires which I had to doe (for there myne
auncestry by my mothers side inhabiteth, descended of the
line of that most excellent person Plutarch, and of Sextus
the Philosopher his Nephew, which is to us a great honour)
and after that by much travell and great paine I had passed
over the high mountaines and slipperie vallies, and had
ridden through the cloggy fallowed fields; perceived that my
horse did waxe somewhat slow, and to the intent likewise I
might repose and strengthen my self (being weary with
riding) I lighted off my horse, and wiping the sweat from
every part of his body, I unbrideled him, and walked him
softly in my hand, to the end he might pisse, and ease
himselfe of his weariness and travell: and while hee went
grazing freshly in the field (casting his head sometimes
aside, as a token of rejoycing and gladnesse) I perceived a
little before me two companions riding, and so I overtaking
them made the third.  And while I listened to heare their
communication, the one of them laughed and mocked his
fellow, saying, Leave off I pray thee and speake no more,
for I cannot abide to heare thee tell such absurd and
incredible lies; which when I heard, I desired to heare some
newes, and said, I pray you masters make me partaker of your
talk, that am not so curious as desirous to know all your
communication: so shall we shorten our journey, and easily
passe this high hill before us, by merry and pleasant talke.

But he that laughed before at his fellow, said againe,
Verily this tale is as true, as if a man would say that by
sorcery and inchantment the floods might be inforced to run
against their course, the seas to be immovable, the aire to
lacke the blowing of windes, the Sunne to be restrayned from
his naturall race, the Moone to purge his skimme upon herbes
and trees to serve for sorceries: the starres to be pulled
from heaven, the day to be darkned, and the darke night to
continue still.  Then I being more desirous to heare his
talke than his companions, sayd, I pray you, that began to
tell your tale even now, leave not off so, but tell the
residue.  And turning to the other I sayd, You perhappes
that are of an obstinate minde and grosse eares, mocke and
contemme those things which are reported for truth, know you
not that it is accounted untrue by the depraved opinion of
men, which either is rarely seene, seldome heard, or that
passeth the capacitie of mans reason, which if it be more
narrowly scanned, you shall not onely finde it evident and
plaine, but also very easie to be brought to passe.



THE SECOND CHAPTER

How Apuleius told to the strangers, what he saw a Jugler do
in Athens.


The other night being at supper with a sort of hungry
fellowes, while I did greedily put a great morsell of meate
in my mouth, that was fried with the flower of cheese and
barley, it cleaved so fast in the passage of my throat and
stopped my winde in such sort, that I was well nigh choked.
And yet at Athens before the porch there called Peale, I saw
with these eyes a Jugler that swallowed a two hand sword,
with a very keene edge, and by and by for a little money
that we that looked on gave him, hee devoured a chasing
speare with the point downeward.  And after that hee had
conveyed the whole speare within the closure of his body,
and brought it out againe behind, there appeared on the top
therof (which caused us all to marvell) a faire boy pleasant
and nimble, winding and turning himself in such sort, that
you would suppose he had neither bone nor gristle, and
verily thinke that he were the naturall Serpent, creeping
and sliding on the knotted staffe, which the god of Medicine
is feigned to beare.  But turning me to him that began his
tale, I pray you (quoth I) follow your purpose, and I alone
will give credit unto you, and for your paynes will pay your
charges at the next Inne we come unto.  To whom he answered,
Certes sir I thanke you for your gentle offer, and at your
request I wil proceed in my tale; but first I will sweare
unto you by the light of this Sunne that shineth here, that
those things that I shall tell be true, least when you come
to the next city called Thessaly, you should doubt any thing
of that which is rife in the mouthes of every person, and
done before the face of all men.  And that I may first make
relation unto you, what and who I am, and whither I go, and
for what purpose, know ye that I am of Egin, travelling
those countries about from Thessaly to Etolia, and from
Etolia to Boetia, to provide for honey, cheese, and other
victuals to sell againe: and understanding that at Hippata
(which is the principall city of all Thessaly) is accustomed
to be sould new cheeses of exceeding good taste and relish,
I fortuned on a day to goe thither, to make my market there:
but as it often happeneth, I came in an evill houre; for one
Lupus a Purveyor had bought and ingrossed up all the day
before, and so I was deceived.

Wherefore towards night being very weary, I went to the
Baines to refresh my selfe, and behold, I fortuned to espy
my companion Socrates sitting upon the ground, covered with
a torne and course mantle; who was so meigre and of so
sallow and miserable a countenance, that I scantly knew him:
for fortune had brought him into such estate and calamity,
that he verily seemed as a common beggar that standeth in
the streets to crave the benevolence of the passers by.
Towards whom (howbeit he was my singular friend and familiar
acquaintance, yet halfe in despaire) I drew nigh and said,
Alas my Socrates, what meaneth this? how fareth it with
thee?  What crime hast thou committed? verily there is great
lamentation and weeping made for thee at home: Thy children
are in ward by the decree of the Provinciall Judge: Thy wife
(having ended her mourning time in lamentable wise, with
face and visage blubbered with teares, in such sort that she
hath well nigh wept out both her eyes) is constrained by her
parents to put out of remembrance the unfortunate losse and
lacke of thee at home, and against her will to take a new
husband.  And dost thou live here as a ghost or hogge, to
our great shame and ignominy?

Then answered he to me and said, O my friend Aristomenus,
now perceive I well that you are ignorant of the whirling
changes, the unstable forces, and slippery inconstancy of
Fortune: and therewithall he covered his face (even then
blushing for very shame) with his rugged mantle, insomuch
that from his navel downwards he appeared all naked.

But I not willing to see him any longer in such great
miserie and calamitie, took him by the hand and lifted him
up from the ground: who having his face covered in such
sort, Let Fortune (quoth he) triumph yet more, let her have
her sway, and finish that which shee hath begun.  And
therewithall I put off one of my garments and covered him,
and immediately I brought him to the Baine, and caused him
to be anointed, wiped, and the filthy scurfe of his body to
be rubbed away; which done, although I were very weary my
selfe, yet I led the poore miser to my Inne, where he
reposed his body upon a bed, and then I brought him meat and
drinke, and so wee talked together: for there we might be
merry and laugh at our pleasure, and so we were, untill such
time as he (fetching a pittifull sigh from the bottome of
his heart, and beating his face in miserable sort) began to
say.



THE THIRD CHAPTER

How Socrates in his returne from Macedony to Larissa was
spoyled and robbed, and how he fell acquainted with one
Meroe a Witch.


Alas poore miser that I am, that for the onely desire to see
a game of triall of weapons, am fallen into these miseries
and wretched snares of misfortune. For in my returne from
Macedonie, whereas I sould all my wares, and played the
Merchant by the space of ten months, a little before that I
came to Larissa, I turned out of the way, to view the
scituation of the countrey there, and behold in the bottome
of a deep valley I was suddenly environed with a company of
theeves, who robbed and spoiled me of such things as I had,
and yet would hardly suffer me to escape.  But I beeing in
such extremity, in the end was happily delivered from their
hands, and so I fortuned to come to the house of an old
woman that sold wine, called Meroe, who had her tongue
sufficiently instructed to flattery: unto whom I opened the
causes of my long peregrination and carefull travell, and of
myne unlucky adventure: and after that I had declared unto
her such things as then presently[*] came to my remembrance,
shee gently entertained mee and made mee good cheere; and by
and by beeing pricked by carnall desire, shee brought mee to
her own bed chamber; whereas I poore miser the very first
night of our lying together did purchase to my selfe this
miserable face, and for her lodging I gave her such apparel
as the theeves left to cover me withall.

Then I understanding the cause of his miserable estate, sayd
unto him, In faith thou art worthy to sustaine the most
extreame misery and calamity, which hast defiled and
maculated thyne owne body, forsaken thy wife traiterously,
and dishonoured they children, parents, and friends, for the
love of a vile harlot and old strumpet.  When Socrates heard
mee raile against Meroe in such sort, he held up his finger
to mee, and as halfe abashed sayd, Peace peace I pray you,
and looking about lest any body should heare, I pray you
(quoth he) take heed what you say against so venerable a
woman as shee is, lest by your intemperate tongue you catch
some harm.  Then with resemblance of admiration, What (quoth
I) is she so excellent a person as you name her to be?  I
pray you tell mee. Then answered hee, Verily shee is a
Magitian, which hath power to rule the heavens, to bring
downe the sky, to beare up the earth, to turne the waters
into hills, and the hills into running waters, to lift up
the terrestrial spirits into the aire, and to pull the gods
out of the heavens, to extinguish the planets, and to
lighten the deepe darkenesse of hell.  Then sayd I unto
Socrates, I pray thee leave off this high and mysticall
kinde of talke, and tell the matter in a more plaine and
simple fashion.  Then answered he, Will you heare one or
two, or more of her facts which she hath done, for whereas
she inforceth not onely the inhabitants of the countrey
here, but also the Antictons, to love her in most raging
sort, such are but trifles and chips of her occupation, but
I pray you give eare, and I will declare of more greater
matters, which shee hath done openly and before the face of
all men.



THE FOURTH CHAPTER

How Meroe the Witch turned divers persons into miserable
beasts.


In faith Aristomenus to tell you the truth, this woman had a
certaine Lover, whom by the utterance of one only word she
turned into a Bever, because he loved another woman beside
her: and the reason why she transformed him into such a
beast is, for that it is his nature, when hee perceiveth the
hunters and hounds to draw after him, to bite off his
members, and lay them in the way, that the hounds may be at
a stop when they finde them, and to the intent it might so
happen unto him (because he fancied another woman) she
turned him into that kind of shape.

Semblably she changed one of her neighbours, being an old
man and one that sold wine, into a Frog, in that he was one
of her occupation, and therefore she bare him a grudge, and
now the poore miser swimming in one of his pipes of wine,
and well nigh drowned in the dregs, doth cry and call with
an hoarse voice, for his old guests and acquaintance that
pass by.  Likewise she turned one of the Advocates of the
Court (because he pleaded and spake against her in a
rightful cause) into a horned ram, and now the poore Ram is
become an Advocate. Moreover she caused, that the wife of a
certain lover that she had should never be delivered of her
childe, but according to the computation of all men, it is
eight yeares past since the poore woman began first to
swell, and now shee is encreased so big, that shee seemeth
as though she would bring forth some great Elephant: which
when it was knowne abroad, and published throughout all the
towne, they tooke indignation against her, and ordayned that
the next day shee should most cruelly be stoned to death.
Which purpose of theirs she prevented by the vertue of her
inchantments, and as Medea (who obtained of King Creon but
one days respit before her departure) did burne all his
house, him, and his daughter: so she, by her conjurations
and invocations of spirits (which she useth in a certaine
hole in her house, as shee her selfe declared unto me the
next day following) closed all the persons in the towne so
sure in their houses, and with such violence of power, that
for the space of two dayes they could not get forth, nor
open their gates nor doore, nor break downe their walls,
whereby they were inforced by mutuall consent to cry unto
her, and to binde themselves strictly by oaths, that they
would never afterwards molest or hurt her: and moreover, if
any did offer her any injury they would be ready to defend
her.  Whereupon shee, mooved by their promises, and stirred
by pitty, released all the towne.  But shee conveyed the
principal Author of this ordinance about midnight, with all
his house, the walls, the ground, and the foundation, into
another towne, distant from thence an hundred miles,
scituate and beeing on the top of an high hill, and by
reason thereof destitute of water, and because the edifices
and houses were so nigh built together, that it was not
possible for the house to stand there, she threw it downe
before the gate of the, [sic] towne.  Then I spake and said,
O my friend Socrates you have declared unto me many
marvellous things and strange chances, and moreover stricken
me with no small trouble of minde, yea rather with great
feare, lest the same old woman using the like practice,
should fortune to heare all our communication.  Wherefore
let us now sleepe, and after that we have taken our rest,
let us rise betimes[*] in the morning, and ride away hence
before day, as far as we can possible.



THE FIFTH CHAPTER

How Socrates and Aristomenus slept together in one Chamber,
and how they were handled by Witches.


In speaking these words, and devising with my selfe of our
departing the next morrow, lest Meroe the Witch should play
by us as she had done by divers other persons, it fortuned
that Socrates did fall asleepe, and slept very soundly, by
reason of his travell, and plenty of meat and wine
wherewithall hee had filled him selfe.  Wherefore I closed
and barred fast the doore, and so layed mee down to rest.
But I could in no wise sleepe, for the great feare which was
in my heart, untill it was about midnight, and then I began
to slumber. But alas, behold suddenly the chamber doores
brake open, and lockes, bolts, and posts fell downe, that
you would verily have thought that some Theeves had been
presently come to have spoyled and robbed us.  And my bed
whereon I lay being a truckle bed, fashioned in forme of a
Cradle, and one of the feet broken and rotten, by violence
was turned upside downe, and I likewise was overwhelmed and
covered lying in the same.  Then perceived I in my selfe,
that certaine affects of the minde by nature doth chance
contrary.  For as tears oftentimes trickle down the cheekes
of him that seeth or heareth some joyfull newes, so I being
in this fearfull perplexity, could not forbeare laughing, to
see how of Aristomenus I was made like unto a snail his
shell.  And while I lay on the ground covered in this sort,
I peeped under the bed to see what would happen. And behold
there entred in two old women, the one bearing a burning
torch, and the other a sponge and a naked sword; and so in
this habit they stood about Socrates being fast asleep.
Then shee which bare the sword sayd unto the other, Behold
sister Panthia, this is my deare and sweet heart, which both
day and night hath abused my wanton youthfulnesse.  This is
he, who little regarding my love, doth not onely defame me
with reproachfull words, but also intendeth to run away.
And I shall be forsaken by like craft as Vlysses did use,
and shall continually bewaile my solitarinesse as Calipso.
Which said, shee pointed towards mee that lay under the bed,
and shewed me to Panthia. This is hee, quoth she, which is
his Counsellor, and perswadeth him to forsake me, and now
being at the point of death he lieth prostrate on the ground
covered with his bed, and hath seene all our doings, and
hopeth to escape scotÄ free from my hands, but I will cause
that hee shall repent himselfe too late, nay rather
forthwith, of his former untemperate language, and his
present curiosity.  Which words when I heard I fell into a
cold sweat, and my heart trembled with feare, insomuch that
the bed over me did likewise rattle and shake.  The spake
Panthia unto Meroe and said, Sister let us by and by teare
him in pieces, or tye him by the members, and so cut them
off.  Then Meroe (being so named because she was a Taverner,
and loved wel good wines) answered, Nay rather let him live,
and bury the corps of this poore wretch in some hole of the
earth; and therewithall shee turned the head of Socrates on
the other side, and thrust her sword up to the hilts into
the left part of his necke, and received the bloud that
gushed out, into a pot, that no drop thereof fell beside:
which things I saw with myne owne eyes, and as I thinke to
the intent she might alter nothing that pertained to
sacrifice, which she accustomed to make, she thrust her hand
downe into the intrails of his body, and searching about, at
length brought forth the heart of my miserable companion
Socrates, who having his throat cut in such sort, yeelded
out a dolefull cry and gave up the ghost.  Then Panthia
stopped the wide wound of his throat with the Sponge, and
said, O Sponge sprung and made of the sea, beware that thou
passe not by running River.  This being sayd, the one of
them moved and turned up my bed, and then they strid over
mee, and clapped their buttocks upon my face, and all
bepissed mee till I was wringing wet.  When this was ended
they went their wayes, and the doores closed fast, the posts
stood in their old places, and the lockes and bolts were
shut againe.  But I that lay upon the ground like one
without soule, naked and cold, and wringing wet with pisse,
like to one that were more than halfe dead, yet reviving my
selfe, and appointed as I thought for the Gallowes, began to
say, Alasse what shall become of me to morrow when my
companion shall be found murthered here in the chamber?  To
whom shall I seeme to tell any similitude of truth, when as
I shal tell the trueth in deed? They will say, If thou wert
unable to resist the violence of the women, yet shouldest
thou have cried for helpe; Wouldst thou suffer the man to be
slaine before thy face and say nothing?  Or why did they not
slay thee likewise?  Why did they spare thee that stood by
and saw them commit that horrible fact? Wherefore although
thou hast escaped their hands, yet thou shalt not escape
ours.  While I pondered these things with my selfe the night
passed on, and so I resolved to take my horse before day,
and goe forward on my journey.

Howbeit the wayes were unknowne unto me, and thereupon I
tooke up my packet, unlocked and unbarred the doors, but
those good and faithfull doores which in the night did open
of their owne accord, could then scantly be opened with
their keys.  And when I was out I cried, O sirrah Hostler
where art thou? open the stable doore, for I will ride away
by and by.  The Hostler lying behinde the stable doore upon
a pallet, and halfe asleepe, What (quoth hee) doe you not
know that the wayes be very dangerous?  What meane you to
rise at this time of night?  If you perhaps guilty of some
heynous crime, be weary of your life, yet thinke you not
that wee are such Sots that we will die for you.  Then said
I, It is well nigh day, and moreover, what can Theeves take
from him that hath nothing?  Doest thou not know (Foole as
thou art) if thou be naked, if ten Gyants should assaile
thee, they could not spoyle or rob thee?  Whereunto the
drowsie Hostler halfe asleepe, and turning on the other
side, answered, What know I whether you have murthered your
Companion whom you brought in yesternight, or no, and now
seeke the meanes to escape away?  O Lord, at that time I
remember the earth seemed to open, and me thought I saw at
hell gate the Dog Cerberus ready to devour mee; and then I
verily beleeved, that Meroe did not spare my throat, mooved
with pitty, but rather cruelly pardoned mee to bring mee to
the Gallowes.  Wherefore I returned to my chamber, and there
devised with my selfe in what sort I should finish my life.
But when I saw that fortune would minister unto mee, I sayd,
O bed, O bed, most dear unto me at this present, which hast
abode and suffered with me so many miseries, judge and
arbiter of such things as were done here this night, whome
onely I may call to witnesse for my innocency, render (I
say) unto me some wholsome weapon to end my life, that am
most willing to dye.  And therewithal I pulled out a piece
of the rope wherewith the bed was corded, and typed one end
thereof about a rafter by the window, and with the other end
I made a sliding knot, and stood upon my bed, and so put my
neck into it, and when I leaped from the bed, thinking
verily to strangle my selfe and so dye, behold the rope
beeing old and rotten burst in the middle, and I fell downe
tumbling upon Socrates that lay under: And even at that same
very time the Hostler came in crying with a loud voyce, and
sayd, Where are you that made such hast at midnight, and now
lies wallowing abed?  Whereupon (I know not whether it was
by my fall, or by the great cry of the Hostler) Socrates as
waking out of a sleepe, did rise up first and sayd, It is
not without cause that strangers do speake evill of all such
Hostlers, for this Caitife[*] in his comming in, and with
his crying out, I thinke under a colour to steale away
somthing, hath waked me out of a sound sleepe.  Then I rose
up joyfull with a merry countenance, saying, Behold good
Hostler, my friend, my companion and my brother, whom thou
didst falsly affirme to be slaine by mee this night.  And
therewithall I embraced my friend Socrates and kissed him:
but hee smelling the stinke of the pisse wherewith those
Hagges had embrued me, thrust me away and sayd, Clense thy
selfe from this filthy odour, and then he began gently to
enquire, how that noysome sent hapned unto mee.  But I
finely feigned and colouring the matter for the time, did
breake off his talk, and tooke him by the hand and sayd, Why
tarry we?  Why lose wee the pleasure of this faire morning?
Let us goe, and so I tooke up my packet, and payed the
charges of the house and departed: and we had not gone a
mile out of the Towne but it was broad day, and then I
diligently looked upon Socrates throat, to see if I could
espy the place where Meroe thrust in her sword: but when I
could not perceive any such thing, I thought with my selfe,
What a mad man am I, that being overcome with wine yester
night, have dreamed such terrible things?  Behold, I see
Socrates is sound, safe, and in health.  Where is his wound?
where is the Sponge?  Where is his great and new cut?  And
then I spake to him and sayd, Verily it is not without
occasion, that Physitians of experience do affirme, That
such as fill their gorges abundantly with meat and drinke,
shall dreame of dire and horrible sights: for I my selfe,
that even yet I think my self sprinkled and wet with human
blood: whereunto Socrates laughing made answer and said,
Nay, thou art not wet with the blood of men, but thou art
imbrued with stinking pisse; and verily I my selfe dreamed
this night that my throat was cut, and that I felt the paine
of the wound, and that my heart was pulled out of my belly,
and the remembrance thereof makes me now to feare, for my
knees do so tremble that I can scarce goe any further, and
therefore I would faine[*] eat somewhat to strengthen and
revive my spirits.  Then said I, Behold here thy breakefast,
and therewithall I opened my script that hanged upon my
shoulder, and gave him bread and cheese, and we sate downe
under a great Plane tree, and I eat part with him; and while
I beheld him eating greedily, I perceived that he waxed
meigre and pale, and that his lively colour faded away,
insomuch that beeing in great fear, and remembering those
terrible furies of whom I lately dreamed, the first morsell
of bread that I put in my mouth (which was but very small)
did so sticke in my jawes, that I could neither swallow it
downe, nor yet yeeld it up, and moreover the small time of
our being together increased my feare, and what is hee that
seeing his companion die in the highÄ way before his face,
would not greatly lament and bee sorry?  But when that
Socrates had eaten sufficiently he waxed very thirsty, for
indeed he had well nigh devoured all a whole Cheese: and
behold evill fortune! there was behinde the Plane tree a
pleasant running water as cleere as Crystal, and I sayd unto
him, Come hither Socrates to this water and drinke thy fill.
And then he rose and came to the River, and kneeled downe
upon the side of the banke to drinke, but he had scarce
touched the water with his lips when as behold the wound of
his throat opened wide, and the Sponge suddenly fell into
the water, and after issued out a little remnant of bloud,
and his body being then without life, had fallen into the
river, had not I caught him by the leg and so pulled him up.
And after that I lamented a good space the death of my
wretched companion, I buried him in the Sands there by the
river.

Which done, in great feare I rode through many Outwayes and
desart places, and as culpable of the death of Socrates, I
forsooke my countrey, my wife, and my children, and came to
Etolia where I married another Wife.

This tale told Aristomenus, and his fellow which before
obstinately would give no credit unto him, began to say,
Verily there was never so foolish a tale, nor a more absurd
lie told than this.  And then he spake unto me saying, Ho
sir, what you are I know not, but your habit and countenance
declareth that you should be some honest Gentleman,
(speaking to Apuleius) doe you beleeve this tale?  Yea
verily (quoth I) why not?  For whatsoever the fates have
appointed to men, that I beleeve shall happen.  For many
things chance unto me and unto you, and to divers others,
which beeing declared unto the ignorant bee accounted as
lies.  But verily I give credit unto his tale, and render
entire thankes unto him, in that by the pleasant relation
thereof we have quickly passed and shortned our journey, and
I thinke that my horse also was delighted with the same, and
hath brought me to the gate of this city without any paine
at all.  Thus ended both our talke and journey, for they two
turned on the left hand to the next villages, and I rode
into the City.



THE SIXTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius came to a city named Hipate and was lodged in
one Milos house, and brought him letters from Demeas of
Corinth.


After that those two Companions were departed I entred into
the City: where I espied an old woman, of whom I enquired
whether that City were called Hipata, or no: Who answered,
Yes.  Then I demaunded, whether she knew one Milo an
Alderman of the city: Wherat she laughed and sayd, Verily it
is not without cause that Milo is called an Elderman, and
accounted as chiefe of those which dwel without the walls of
the City.  To whom I sayd againe, I pray thee good mother
doe not mocke, but tell me what manner of man he is, and
where he dwelleth.  Mary (quoth she) doe you see those Bay
windowes, which on the one side abut to the gates of the
city, and on the other side to the next lane? There Milo
dwelleth, very rich both in mony and substance, but by
reason of his great avarice and insatiable covetousnes, he
is evill spoken of, and he is a man that liveth all by
usurie, and lending his money upon pledges.  Moreover he
dwelleth in a small house, and is ever counting his money,
and hath a wife that is a companion of his extreame misery,
neither keepeth he any more in his house than onely one
maid, who goeth apparelled like unto a beggar.  Which when I
heard, I laughed in my selfe and thought, In faith my friend
Demeas hath served me well, which hath sent me being a
stranger, unto such a man, in whose house I shall not bee
afeard either of smoke or of the sent of meat; and
therewithall I rode to the doore, which was fast barred, and
knocked aloud.  Then there came forth a maid which sayd, Ho
sirrah that knocks so fast, in what kinde of sort will you
borrow money?  Know you not that we use to take no gage,
unlesse it be either plate or Jewels?  To whom I answered, I
pray thee maid speake more gently, and tel me whether thy
master be within or no?  Yes (quoth she) that he is, why doe
you aske?  Mary (said I) I am come from Corinth, and have
brought him letters from Demeas his friend.  Then sayd the
Maid, I pray you tarry here till I tell him so, and
therewithall she closed fast the doore, and went in, and
after a while she returned againe and sayd, My master
desireth you to alight and come in.  And so I did, whereas I
found him sitting upon a little bed, going to supper, and
his wife sate at his feet, but there was no meat upon the
table, and so by appointment of the maid I came to him and
saluted him, and delivered the letters which I had brought
from Demeas.  Which when hee had read hee sayd, Verily, I
thanke my friend Demeas much, in that hee hath sent unto mee
so worthy a guest as you are.  And therewithall he commanded
his wife to sit away and bid mee sit in her place; which
when I refused by reason of courtesie, hee pulled me by the
garment and willed me to sit downe; for wee have (quoth he)
no other stool here, nor no other great store of household
stuffe, for fear of robbing.  Then I according to his
commandement, sate downe; and he fell in further
communication with me and sayd, Verily I doe conjecture by
the comly feature of your body, and by the maidenly
shamefastnesse of your face, that you are a Gentleman borne,
as my Friend Demeas hath no lesse declared the same in his
letters.  Wherfore I pray you take in good part our poore
lodging, and behold yonder chamber is at your commaundement,
use it as your owne, and if you be contented therewithall,
you shall resemble and follow the vertuous qualities of your
good father Theseus, who disdained not the slender and poore
Cottage of Hecades.

And then he called his maid which was named Fotis, and said,
Carry this gentlemans packet into the chamber, and lay it up
safely, and bring water quickly to wash him, and a towel to
rub him, and other things necessary, and then bring him to
the next Baines, for I know that he is very weary of
travell.

These things when I heard, I partly perceived the manners of
Milo, and endeavouring to bring my selfe further into his
favour, I sayd, Sir there is no need of any of these things,
for they have been every where ministred unto mee by the
way, howbeit I will go into the Baines, but my chiefest care
is that my horse be well looked to, for hee brought mee
hither roundly, and therefore I pray thee Fotis take this
money and buy some hay and oats for him



THE SEVENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius going to buy fish, met with his companion
Pythias.


When this was done, and all my things brought into the
Chamber, I walked towards the Baines; but first I went to
the market to buy some victuals for my supper, whereas I saw
a great plenty of fish set out to be sould: and so I
cheapened part thereof, and that which they first held at an
hundred pence, I bought at length for twenty.  Which when I
had done, and was departing away, one of myne old
acquaintance, and fellow at Athens, named Aithias, fortuned
to passe by, and viewing me a good space, in the end brought
me to his remembrance, and gently came and kissed mee,
saying, O my deare friend Lucius, it is a great while past
since we two saw each other, and moreover, from the time
that wee departed from our Master Vestius, I never heard any
newes from you.  I pray you Lucius tell mee the cause of
your peregrination hither.  Then I answered and sayd, I will
make relation thereof unto you to morrow: But I pray you
tell me, what meaneth these Servitors that follow you, and
these rods or verges[*] which they beare, and this habit which
you wear like unto a Magistrate, verily I thinke you have
obtained your own desire, whereof I am right glad.  Then
answered Pithias, I beare the office of the Clerke of the
market, and therfore if you will have any pittance for your
supper speake and I will purvey it for you.  Then I thanked
him heartily, and sayd I had brought meat sufficient
already.  But Pithias when hee espied my basket wherein my
fish was, tooke it and shaked it, and demanded of me what I
payd for all my Sprots. In faith (quoth I) I could scarse
inforce the fishmonger to sell them for twenty pence.  Which
when he heard, he brought me backe again into the market,
and enquired of me of whom I bought them.  I shewed him the
old man which sate in a corner, whome by and by, by reason
of his office hee did greatly blame[*], and sayd, Is it thus
that you serve and handle strangers, and specially our
friends?  Wherefore sell you this fish so deare, which is
not worth a halfepenny?  Now perceive I well, that you are
an occasion to make this place, which is the principall city
of all Thessaly, to be forsaken of all men, and to reduce it
into an unhabitable Desart, by reasone of your excessive
prices of victuals, but assure your selfe that you shall
know what myne office is, and how I ought to punish such as
offend.  Then he tooke my basket and cast the fish on the
ground, and commanded one of his Sergeants to tread them
under his feet.  This done he perswaded mee to depart, and
sayd that that [sic] onely shame and reproach done unto the
old Caitife did suffice him.  So I went away all amazed and
astonied, towards the Baines, considering with my selfe and
devising of the grace of my companion Pithias.  Where when I
had well washed and refreshed my body, I returned againe to
Milos house, both without money and meat, and so got into my
chamber.  Then came Fotis immediately unto mee, and said
that her master desired me to come to supper.  But I not
ignorant of Milos abstinence, prayed that I might be
pardoned, since I thought best to ease my wearied bones
rather with sleepe and quietnesse, than with meat.  When
Fotis had told this to Milo, he came himselfe and tooke mee
by the hand, and while I did modestly excuse my selfe, I
will not (quoth he) depart from this place, untill such time
as you shall goe with me: and to confirme the same, hee
bound his words with an oath, whereby he enforced me to
follow him, and so he brought me into his chamber, where hee
sate him downe upon the bed, and demaunded of mee how his
friend Demeas did, his wife, and children, and all his
family: and I made him answer to every question, specially
hee enquired the causes of my peregrination and travell,
which when I had declared, he yet busily demanded of the
state of my Countrey, and of the chiefe magistrates there,
and principally of our Lievtenant and Viceroy; who when he
perceived that I was not only wearied by travell, but also
with talke, and that I fell asleep in the midst of my tale,
and further that I spake nothing directly or advisedly, he
suffered me to depart to my chamber.  So scaped I at length
from the pratling and hungry supper of this rank old man,
and beeing compelled by sleepe, and not by meat, and having
supped only with talke, I returned into my chamber, and
there betooke me to my quiet and long desired rest.




THE SECOND BOOKE



THE EIGHTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius fortuned to meet with his Cousin Byrrhena.


As soone as night was passed, and the day began to spring, I
fortuned to awake, and rose out of my bed as halfe amazed,
and very desirous to know and see some marvellous and
strange things, remembring with my selfe that I was in the
middle part of all Thessaly, whereas by the common report of
all the World, the Sorceries and Inchauntments are most
used, I oftentimes repeated with my self the tale of my
companion Aristomenus touching the matter of this City, and
being mooved by great desire, I viewed the whole scituation
thereof, neither was there any thing which I saw there, that
I did beleeve to be the same which it was indeed, but every
thing seemed unto me to be transformed and altered into
other shapes, by the wicked power of Sorcerie and
Inchantment, insomuch that I thought the stones which I
found were indurate, and turned from men into that figure,
and that the birds which I heard chirping, and the trees
without the walls of the city, and the running waters, were
changed from men into such kinde of likenesses.  And further
I thought the Statues, Images, and Walls could goe, and the
Oxen and other brute beasts, could speake and tell strange
newes, and that immediately I should see and heare some
Oracles from the heavens, and from the gleed of the Sun.
Thus being astonied or rather dismayed and vexed with
desire, knowing no certaine place whither I intended to go,
I went from street to street, and at length (as I curiously
gazed on every thing) I fortuned unwares to come into the
market place, whereas I espied a certaine woman, accompanied
with a great many servants, towards whom I drew nigh, and
viewed her garments beset with gold and pretious stone, in
such sort that she seemed to be some noble matron.  And
there was an old man which followed her, who as soon as he
had espied me, said to himselfe, Verily this is Lucius, and
then he came and embraced me, and by and by he went unto his
mistresse and whispered in her eare, and came to mee againe
saying, How is it Lucius that you will not salute your deere
Cousin and singular friend?  To whom I answered, Sir I dare
not be so bold as to take acquaintance of an unknowne woman.

Howbeit as halfe ashamed I drew towards her, and shee
returned her selfe, and sayd, Behold how he resembleth the
very same grace as his mother Salvia doth, behold his
countenance and stature, agreeing thereto in each poynt,
behold his comely state, his fine slendernesse, his
Vermilion colour, his haire yellow by nature, his gray and
quicke eyes like to the Eagle, and his trim and comely gate,
which do sufficiently prove him to be the naturall childe of
Salvia.  And moreover she sayd, O Lucius, I have nourished
thee with myne owne proper[*] hand: and why not?  For I am not
onely of kindred unto thy mother by blood, but also by
nourice, for wee both descended of the line of Plutarch, lay
in one belly, sucked the same paps[*], and were brought up
together in one house.  And further there is no other
difference beetweene us two, but that she is married more
honourably than I: I am the same Byrrhena whom you have
often heard named amongst your friends at home: wherfore I
pray you to take so much pains as to come with me to my
house, and use it as your owne.  At whose words I was partly
abashed and sayd, God forbid Cosin that I should forsake
myne Host Milo without any reasonable cause; but verily I
will, as often as I have occasion to passe by your house,
come and see how you doe.  And while we went talking thus
together, by little and little wee came to her house, and
behold the gates of the same were very beautifully set with
pillars quadrangle wise, on the top wherof were placed
carved statues and images, but principally the Goddesse of
Victory was so lively and with such excellencie portrayed
and set forth, that you would verily have thought that she
had flyed, and hovered with her wings hither and thither.
On the contrary part, the Image of the goddesse Diana was
wrought in white marble, which was a marvellous sight to
see, for shee seemed as though the winde did blow up her
garments, and that she did encounter with them that came
into the house.  On each side of her were Dogs made of
stone, that seemed to menace with their fiery eyes, their
pricked eares, their bended nosethrils, and their grinning
teeth, in such sort that you would have thought they had
bayed and barked.  And moreover (which was a greater marvel
to behold) the excellent carver and devised of this worke
had fashioned the Dogs to stand up fiercely with their
former feet, and their hinder feet on the ground ready to
fight.  Behinde the backe of the goddesse was carved a stone
in manner of a Caverne, environed with mosse, hearbes,
leaves, sprigs, green branches and bowes, growing in and
about the same, insomuch that within the stone it glistered
and shone marvellously, under the brim of the stone hanged
apples and grapes carved finely, wherein Art envying Nature,
shewed her great cunning. For they were so lively set out,
that you would have thought if Summer had been come, they
might have bin pulled and eaten; and while I beheld the
running water, which seemed to spring and leap under the
feet of the goddesse, I marked the grapes which hanged in
the water, which were like in every point to the grapes of
the vine, and seemed to move and stirre by the violence of
the streame.  Moreover, amongst the branches of the stone
appeared the image of Acteon: and how that Diana (which was
carved within the same stone, standing in the water) because
he did see her naked, did turne him into an Hart, and so he
was torne and slaine of his owne hounds.  And while I was
greatly delighted with the view of these things, Byrrhena
spake to me and sayd, Cousin all things here be at your
commandement.  And therewithall she willed secretly the
residue to depart: who being gone she sayd, My most deare
Cousin Lucius, I swear by this goddesse Diana, that I doe
greatly tender your safety, and am as carefull for you as if
you were myne owne naturall childe, beware I say, beware of
the evil arts and wicked allurements of that Pamphiles who
is the wife of Milo, whom you call your Host, for she is
accounted the most chiefe and principall Magitian and
Enchantresse living, who by breathing out certain words and
charmes over bowes, stones, and other frivolous things, can
throw down all the powers of the heavens in to the deepe
bottome of hell, and reduce all the whole world againe to
the old Chaos.  For as soone as shee espieth any comely yong
man, shee is forthwith stricken with his love, and presently
setteth her whole minde and affection on him.  She soweth
her seed of flattery, she invades his spirit and intangleth
him with continuall snares of unmeasurable love.

And then if any accord not to her filthy desire, or if they
seeme loathsome in her eye, by and by in the moment of an
houre she either turneth them into stones, sheep, or some
other beast, as her selfe pleaseth, and some she presently
slayeth, and murthereth, of whom I would you should
earnestly beware. For she burneth continually, and you by
reason of your tender age and comely beauty are capable of
her fire and love.

Thus with great care Byrrhena gave me in charge, but I (that
alwayes coveted and desired, after that I had heard talk of
such Sorceries and Witchcrafts, to be experienced in the
same) little esteemed to beware of Pamphiles, but willingly
determined to bestow my money in learning of the art, and
now wholly to become a Witch.  And so I waxed joyful, and
wringing my selfe out of her company, as out of linkes or
chaines, I bade her farewell, and departed toward the house
of myne host Milo, by the way reasoning thus with my selfe:
O Lucius now take heed, be vigilant, have a good care, for
now thou hast time and place to satisfie thy desire, now
shake off thy childishnesse, and shew thy selfe a man, but
especially temper thy selfe from the love of thyne hostesse,
and abstain from violation of the bed of Milo, but hardly
attempt to winne the maiden Fotis, for she is beautifull,
wanton, and pleasant in talke.  And soone when thou goest to
sleepe, and when shee bringeth thee gently into thy chamber,
and tenderly layeth thee downe in thy bed, and lovingly
covereth thee, and kisseth thee sweetly, and departeth
unwillingly, and casteth her eyes oftentimes backe, and
stands still, then hast thou a good occasion ministred unto
thee to prove and try the minde of Fotis.  Thus while I
reasoned with my selfe I came to Milos doore, persevering
still in my purpose, but I found neither Milo nor his wife
at home.



THE NINTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius fell in love with Fotis.


When I was within the house I found my deare and sweet love
Fotis mincing of meat and making pottage[*] for her master
and mistresse, the Cupboord was all set with wines, and I
thought I smelled the savor of some dainty meats: she had
about her middle a white and clean apron, and shee was
girded about her body under the paps with a swathell of red
silke, and she stirred the pot and turned the meat with her
faire and white hands, in such sort that with stirring and
turning the same her loynes and hips did likewise move and
shake, which was in my mind a comely sight to see.

These things when I saw I was halfe amazed, and stood musing
with my selfe, and my courage came then upon mee, which
before was scant.  And I spake unto Fotis merrily and sayd,
O Fotis how trimmely you can stirre the pot, and how finely,
with shaking your buttockes, you can make pottage.  O happy
and twice happy is hee to whom you give leave and licence
but to touch you there.  Then shee beeing likewise merrily
disposed, made answer, Depart I say, Miser from me, depart
from my fire, for if the flame thereof doe never so little
blaze forth it will burne thee extreamely, and none can
extinguish the heate thereof but I alone, who in stirring
the pot and making the bed can so finely shake my selfe.
When she had sayd these words she cast her eyes upon mee and
laughed, but I did not depart from thence until such time as
I had viewed her in every point.  But what should I speake
to others, when as I doe accustome abroad to marke and view
the face and haire of every dame, and afterwards delight my
selfe therewith privately at home, and thereby judge the
residue of their shape, because the face is the principall
part of all the body, and is first open to our eyes.  And
whatsoever flourishing and gorgeous apparell doth worke and
set forth in the corporal parts of a woman, the same doth
the naturall and comely beauty set out in the face.
Moreover there be divers, that to the intent to shew their
grace and feature, wil cast off their partlets[*], collars,
habiliments[*], fronts, cornets and krippins[*], and doe more
delight to shew the fairenesse of their skinne, than to
decke themselves up in gold and pretious stones.  But
because it is a crime unto me to say so, and to give no
example thereof, know yee, that if you spoyle and cut off
the haire of any woman, or deprive her of the colour of her
face, though shee were accompanied with the Graces, though
shee were girded with her beautifull skarfe of Love, and
though shee smelled of perfumes and musks, yet if shee
appeared bald, shee could in no wise please, no not her owne
Vulcanus.

O how well doth a faire colour and a shining face agree with
glittering hair! Behold, it encountreth with the beams of
the Sunne, and pleaseth the eye marvellously.  Sometimes the
beauty of the haire resembleth the colour of gold and honey,
sometimes the blew plumes and azured feathers about the
neckes of Doves, especially when it is either anointed with
the gumme of Arabia, or trimmely tuft out with the teeth of
a fine combe, which if it be tyed up in the pole[*] of the
necke, it seemeth to the lover that beholdeth the same, as a
glasse that yeeldeth forth a more pleasant and gracious
comelinesse than if it should be sparsed abroad on the
shoulders of the woman, or hang downe scattering behind.
Finally there is such a dignity in the haire, that
whatsoever shee be, though she be never so bravely attyred
with gold, silkes, pretious stones, and other rich and
gorgeous ornaments, yet if her hair be not curiously set
forth shee cannot seeme faire.  But in my Fotis, her
garments unbrast[*] and unlaste[*] increased her beauty, her
haire hanged about her shoulders, and was dispersed abroad
upon her partlet, and in every part of her necke, howbeit
the greater part was trussed upon her pole with a lace.
Then I unable to sustaine the broiling heate that I was in,
ran upon her and kissed the place where she had thus laid
her haire.  Wherat she turned her face, and cast her rolling
eyes upon me, saying O Scholler, thou hast tasted now both
hony and gall, take heed that thy pleasure do not turn into
repentance.  Tush (quoth I) my sweet heart, I am contented
for such another kiss to be broiled here upon this fire,
wherwithall I embraced and kissed her more often, and shee
embraced and kissed me likewise, and moreover her breath
smelled like Cinnamon, and the liquor of her tongue was like
unto sweet Nectar, wherewith when my mind was greatly
delighted I sayd, Behold Fotis I am yours, and shall
presently dye unlesse you take pitty upon me.  Which when I
had said she eftsoone kissed me, and bid me be of good
courage, and I will (quoth shee) satisfie your whole desire,
and it shall be no longer delayed than until night, when as
assure your selfe I will come and lie with you: wherfore go
your wayes and prepare your selfe, for I intend valiantly
and couragiously to encounter with you this night.  Thus
when we had lovingly talked and reasoned together, we
departed for that time.



THE TENTH CHAPTER

How Byrrhena sent victuals unto Apuleius, and how hee talked
with Milo of Diophanes, and how he lay with Fotis.


When noone was come, Byrrhena sent unto me a fat Pigge, five
hennes, and a flagon of old wine.  Then I called Fotis and
sayd, Behold how Bacchus the egger and stirrer of Venery,
doth offer himself of his owne accord, let us therefore
drink up this wine, that we may prepare our selves and get
us courage against soone, for Venus wanteth no other
provision than this, that the Lampe may be all the night
replenished with oyle, and the cups with wine.  The residue
of the day I passed away at the Bains and in banquetting,
and towards evening I went to supper, for I was bid by Milo,
and so I sate downe at the table, out of Pamphiles sight as
much as I could, being mindfull of the commandement of
Byrrhena, and sometimes I would cast myne eyes upon her as
upon the furies of hell, but eftsoones turning my face
behinde me, and beholding my Fotis ministring at the table,
was again refreshed and made merry.  And behold when
Pamphiles did see the candle standing on the table, she
said, Verily wee shall have much raine to morrow.  Which
when her husband did heare, he demanded of her by what
reason she knew it?  Mary (quoth she) the light on the table
sheweth the same.  The Milo laughed and said, Verily we
nourish a Sybel prophesier, which by the view of a candle
doth divine of Celestiall things, and of the Sunne it selfe.
Then I mused in my minde and sayd unto Milo, Of truth it is
a good experience and proofe of divination.  Neither is it
any marvell, for although this light is but a small light,
and made by the hands of men, yet hath it a remembrance of
that great and heavenly light, as of his parent, and doth
shew unto us what will happen in the Skies above.  For I
knew at Corinth a certaine man of Assyria, who would give
answers in every part of the City, and for the gaine of
money would tell every man his fortune, to some he would tel
the dayes of their marriages, to others hee would tell when
they should build, that their edifices should continue.  To
others, when they should go by sea or land: to me, purposing
to take my journay hither, he declared many things strange
and variable.  For sometimes hee sayd that I should winne
glory enough, sometimes he sayd that I should devise an
incredible Tale: and sometimes that I should make Bookes.
Whereat Milo laughed againe, and enquired of me, of what
stature this man of Assyria was, and what he was named.  In
faith (quoth I) he is a tall man and somewhat blacke, and
hee is called Diophanes.  Then sayd Milo, the same is he and
no other, who semblably hath declared many things here unto
us, whereby hee got and obtained great substance and
Treasure.

But the poore miser fell at length into the hands of
unpittifull and cruell fortune: For beeing on a day amongst
a great assembly of people, to tell the simple sort their
fortune, a certaine Cobler came unto him, and desired him to
tel when it should be best for him to take his voyage, the
which hee promised to do: the Cobler opened his purse and
told a hundred pence to pay him for his paines.  Whereupon
came a certaine young gentleman and tooke Diophanes by the
Garment.  Then he turning himselfe, embraced and kissed him,
and desired the Gentleman, who was one of his acquaintance,
to sit downe by him: and Diophanes being astonied with this
sudden change, forgot what he was doing, and sayd, O deare
friend you are heartily welcome, I pray you when arrived you
into these parts?  Then answered he, I will tell you soone,
but brother I pray you tell mee of your comming from the
Isle of Euboea, and how you sped by the way? Whereunto
Diophanes this notable Assyrian (not yet come unto his
minde, but half amased) soone answered and sayd, I would to
God that all our enemies and evill willers might fall into
the like dangerous peregrination and trouble. For the ship
where we were in, after it was tossed hither and thither, in
great peril, and after that the mast and stern brake
likewise in pieces, could in no wise be brought to shore,
but sunk into the water, and so we did swim, and hardly
escaped to land.  And after that, whatsoever was given unto
us in recompense of our losses, either by the pitty of
strangers, or by the benevolence of our friends, was taken
away from us by theeves, whose violence when my brother
Arisuatus did assay to resist, hee was cruelly murthered by
them before my face.  These things when he had sadly
declared, the Cobler tooke up his money againe which he had
told out to pay for the telling of his fortune, and ran
away.  Then Diophanes comming to himselfe perceived what he
had done, and we all that stood by laughed greatly.  But
that (quoth Milo) which Diophanes did tell unto you Lucius,
that you should be happy and have a prosperous journey, was
only true.  Thus Milo reasoned with me.  But I was not a
little sorry that I had traind him into such a vaine of
talke, that I lost a good part of the night, and the sweete
pleasure therof: but at length I boldly said to Milo, Let
Diophanes fare well with his evil fortune, and get againe
that which he lost by sea and land, for I verily do yet feel
the wearinesse of my travell, whereof I pray you pardon mee,
and give me licence to depart to bed: wherewithall I rose up
and went unto my chamber, where I found all things finely
prepared, and the childrens bed (because they should not
heare what we did in the night) was removed far off without
the chamber doore.  The table was all covered with those
meats that were left at supper, the cups were filled halfe
full with water, to temper and delay[*] the wine, the
flaggon stood ready prepared, and there lacked nothing that
was necessary for the preparation of Venus.  And when I was
entring into the bed, behold my Fotis (who had brought her
mistresse to bed) came in and gave me roses and floures
which she had in her apron, and some she threw about the
bed, and kissed mee sweetly, and tied a garland about my
head, and bespred the chamber with the residue.  Which when
shee had done, shee tooke a cup of wine and delaied it with
hot water, and profered it me to drinke; and before I had
drunk off all she pulled it from my mouth, and then gave it
me againe, and in this manner we emptied the pot twice or
thrice together.  Thus when I had well replenished my self
with wine, and was now ready unto Venery not onely in mind
but also in body, I removed my cloathes, and shewing to
Fotis my great impatiencie I sayd, O my sweet heart take
pitty upon me and helpe me, for as you see I am now prepared
unto the battell, which you your selfe did appoint: for
after that I felt the first Arrow of cruell Cupid within my
breast, I bent my bow very strong, and now feare (because it
bended so hard) lest my string should breake: but that thou
mayst the better please me, undresse thy haire and come and
embrace mee lovingly: whereupon she made no long delay, but
set aside all the meat and wine, and then she unapparelled
her selfe, and unattyred her haire, presenting her amiable
body unto me in manner of faire Venus, when shee goeth under
the waves of the sea.  Now (quoth shee) is come the houre of
justing, now is come the time of warre, wherefore shew thy
selfe like unto a man, for I will not retyre, I will not fly
the field, see then thou bee valiant, see thou be
couragious, since there is no time appointed when our
skirmish shall cease.  In saying these words she came to me
to bed, and embraced me sweetly, and so wee passed all the
night in pastime and pleasure, and never spelt until it was
day: but wee would eftsoones refresh our wearinesse, and
provoke our pleasure, and renew our venery by drinking of
wine.  In which sort we pleasantly passed away many other
nights following.



THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius supped with Byrrhena, and what a strange tale
Bellephoron told at the table.


It fortuned on a day, that Byrrhena desired me earnestly to
suppe with her; and shee would in no wise take any
excusation.  Whereupon I went unto Fotis, to aske counsell
of her as some Divine, who although she was unwilling that I
should depart one foot from her company, yet at length shee
gave me license to bee absent for a while, saying, Beware
that you tarry not long at supper there, for there is a
rabblement of common Barrettors and disturbers of the
publique peace, that rove about in the streets and murther
all such as they may take, neither can law nor justice
redresse them in any case.  And they will the sooner set
upon you, by reason of your comelinesse and audacity, in
that you are not afeard at any time to walke in the streets.

Then I answered and sayd, Have no care of me Fotis, for I
esteeme the pleasure which I have with thee, above the
dainty meates that I eat abroad, and therefore I will
returne againe quickly.  Neverthelesse I minde not to come
without company, for I have here my sword, wherby I hope to
defend my selfe.

And so in this sort I went to supper, and behold I found at
Byrrhena's house a great company of strangers, and of the
chiefe and principall of the city: the beds made of Citron
and Ivory, were richly adorned and spred with cloath of
gold, the Cups were garnished pretiously, and there were
divers other things of sundry fashion, but of like
estimation and price: here stood a glasse gorgeously
wrought, there stood another of Christall finely painted.
There stood a cup of glittering silver, and here stood
another of shining gold, and here was another of amber
artificially carved and made with pretious stones. Finally,
there was all things that might be desired: the Servitors
waited orderly at the table in rich apparell, the pages
arayed in silke robes, did fill great gemmes and pearles
made in forme of Cups, with excellent wine.  Then one
brought in Candles and Torches, and when we were set downe
and placed in order we began to talke, to laugh, and to be
merry.  And Byrrhena spake unto me and sayd, I pray you
Cousine how like you our countrey?  Verily I thinke there is
no other City which hath the like Temples, Baynes, and other
commodities which we have here.  Further we have abundance
of houshold stuffe, we have pleasure, we have ease, and when
the Roman merchants arrive in this City they are gently and
quietly entertained, and all that dwell within this province
(when they purpose to solace and repose themselves) do come
to this city. Whereunto I answered, Verily (quoth I) you
tell truth, for I can finde no place in all the world which
I like better than this, but I greatly feare the blind
inevitable trenches of witches, for they say that the dead
bodies are digged out of their graves, and the bones of them
that are burnt be stollen away, and the toes and fingers of
such as are slaine be cut off, and afflict and torment such
as live.  And the old Witches as soone as they heare of the
death of any person, do forthwith goe and uncover the hearse
and spoyle the corpse, to worke their inchantments.  Then
another sitting at the table spake and sayd, In faith you
say true, neither yet do they spare or favor the living.
For I know one not farre hence that was cruelly handled by
them, who being not contented with cutting off his nose, did
likewise cut off his ears, whereat all the people laughed
heartily, and looked upon one that sate at the boords end,
who being amased at their gazing, and somewhat angry
withall, would have risen from the Table, had not Byrrhena
spake unto him and sayd, I pray thee friend Bellepheron sit
still, and according to thy accustomed curtesie declare unto
us the losse of thy nose and eares, to the end that my
cousin Lucius may be delighted with the pleasantnes of the
tale.  To whom he answered, Madam you in the office of your
bounty shall prevaile heerein, but the insolencie of some is
not to be supported.  This hee spake very angerly: But
Byrrhena was earnest upon him, and assured him hee should
have no wrong at any mans hand.  Whereby he was inforced to
declare the same, and so lapping up the end of the Table
cloath and carpet together, hee leaned with his elbow
thereon, and held out the three forefingers of his right
hand in manner of an Orator, and sayd, When I was a young
man I went unto a certaine city called Milet, to see the
games and triumphs there named Olympia, and being desirous
to come into this famous province, after that I had
travelled over all Thessaly, I fortuned in an evill houre to
come to the City Larissa, where while I went up and down to
view the streets to seeke some reliefe for my poore estate
(for I had spent all my money) I espied a tall old man
standing upon a stone in the middest of the market place,
crying with a loud voice and saying, That if any man would
watch a dead corps that night hee should bee reasonably
rewarded for his paines.  Which when I heard, I sayd to one
that passed by, What is here to doe?  Doe dead men use to
run away in this Countrey?  Then answered he, Hold your
peace, for you are but a Babe and a stranger here, and not
without cause you are ignorant how you are in Thessaly,
where the women Witches do bite off by morsels the flesh of
the faces of dead men, and thereby worke their sorceries and
inchantments.  Then quoth I, In good fellowship tell me the
order of this custody and how it is.  Marry (quoth he) first
you must watch all the night, with your eyes bent
continually upon the Corps, never looking off, nor moving
aside.  For these Witches doe turn themselves into sundry
kindes of beasts, whereby they deceive the eyes of all men,
sometimes they are transformed into birds, sometimes into
Dogs and Mice, and sometimes into flies.  Moreover, they
will charme the keepers of the corps asleepe, neither can it
be declared what meanes and shifts these wicked women do
use, to bring their purpose to passe: and the reward for
such dangerous watching is no more than foure or sixe
shillings.  But hearken further (which I had well nigh
forgotten) if the keeper of the dead body doe not render on
the morning following, the corps whole and sound as he
received the same, he shall be punished in this sort: That
is, if the corps bee diminished or spoyled in any part of
his face, hands or toes, the same shall be diminished and
spoyled in the keeper.  Which when I heard I tooke a good
heart, and went unto the Crier and bid him cease, for I
would take the matter in hand, and so I demanded what I
should have.  Marry (quoth hee) a thousand pence: but beware
I say young man, that you do wel defend the dead corps from
the wicked witches, for hee was the son of one of the
chiefest of the city.  Tush (sayd I) you speake you cannot
tell what, behold I am a man made all of iron, and have
never desire to sleepe and am more quicke of sight than Lynx
or Argus.  I had scarse spoken these words, when he tooke me
by the hand and brought mee to a certaine house, the gate
whereof was closed fast, so that I went through the wicket,
then he brought me into a chamber somewhat darke, and shewed
me a Matron cloathed in mourning vesture, and weeping in
lamentable wise.  And he spake unto her and said, Behold
here is one that will enterprise to watch the corpes of your
husband this night.  Which when she heard she turned her
blubbered face covered with haire unto me, saying, I pray
you young man take good heed, and see well to your office.
Have no care (quoth I) so you will give mee any thing above
that which is due to be given.  Wherewith shee was
contented, and then she arose and brought me into a chamber
whereas the corps lay covered with white sheets, and shee
called seven witnesses, before whom she shewed the dead
body, and every part and parcell thereof, and with weeping
eyes desired them all to testifie the matter.  Which done,
shee sayd these words of course as follow: Behold, his nose
is whole, his eyes safe, his eares without scarre, his lips
untouched, and his chin sound: All which was written and
noted in tables, and subscribed with the hands of witnesses
to confirme the same.  Which done I sayd unto the Matron,
Madam I pray you that I may have all things here necessary.
What is that? (quoth she).  Marry (quoth I) a great lampe
with oyle, pots of wine, and water to delay the same, and
some other drinke and dainty dish that was left at supper.
Then she shaked her head and sayd, Away foole as thou art,
thinkest thou to play the glutton here, and to looke for
dainty meats where so long time hath not been seene smoke at
all?  Commest thou hither to eat, where we should weepe and
lament?  And therewithall she turned backe, and commanded
her maiden Myrrhena to deliver me a lampe with oyle, which
when shee had done they closed the chamber doore and
departed.  Now when I was alone, I rubbed myne eyes, and
armed my selfe to keep the corpes, and to the intent I would
not sleepe, I began to sing, and so I passed the time till
it was midnight, when as behold there crept in a Wesel into
the chamber, and she came against me and put me in very
great feare, insomuch that I marvelled greatly at the
audacity of so little a beast.  To whom I sayd, Get thee
hence thou whore and high thee to thy fellowes, lest thou
feele my fingers.  Why wilt thou not go?  Then
incontinently[*] she ranne away, and when she was gon, I
fell on the ground so fast asleepe, that Apollo himself
could not discerne whether of us two was the dead corps, for
I lay prostrat as one without life, and needed a keeper
likewise.  At length the cockes began to crow, declaring
that it was day: wherewithall I awaked, and being greatly
afeard ran to the dead body with the lamp in my hand, and I
viewed him round about: and immediately came in the Matron,
weeping with her Witnesses, and ran to the corps, and
eftsoons kissing him, turned his body and found no part
diminished. Then she willed Philodespotus her steward to pay
me my wages forthwith.  Which when he had done he sayd, We
thanke you gentle young man for your paines and verily for
your diligence herein wee wil account you as one of the
family.  Whereunto I (being joyous of my unhoped gaine, and
ratling my money in my hand) did answer, I pray you Madam
esteeme me as one of your Servants, and if you want my
service at any time, I am at your commandement.  I had not
fully declared these words, when as behold all the servants
of the house were assembled with weapons to drive me away,
one buffeted me about the face, another about the shoulders,
some strook me in the sides, some kicked me, and some tare
my garments, and so I was handled amongst them and driven
from the house, as the proud young man Adonis who was torne
by a Bore.  And when I was come into the next street, I
mused with my selfe, and remembered myne unwise and
unadvised words which I had spoken, whereby I considered
that I had deserved much more punishment, and that I was
worthily beaten for my folly.  And by and by the corps came
forth, which because it was the body of one of the chiefe of
the city, was carried in funeral pompe round about the
market place, according to the right of the Countrey there.
And forthwith stepped out an old man weeping and lamenting,
and ranne unto the Biere and embraced it, and with deepe
sighes and sobs cried out in this sort, O master, I pray you
by the faith which you professe, and by the duty which you
owe unto the weale publique[*], take pitty and mercy upon
this dead corps, who is miserably murdered, and doe
vengeance on this wicked and cursed woman his wife which
hath committed this fact: for it is shee and no other which
hath poysoned her husband my sisters sonne, to the intent to
maintaine her whoredome, and to get his heritage.  In this
sort the old man complained before the face of all people.
Then they (astonied at these sayings, and because the thing
seemed to be true) cried out, Burne her, burne her, and they
sought for stones to throw at her, and willed the boys in
the street to doe the same.  But shee weeping in lamentable
wise, did sweare by all the gods, that shee was not culpable
of this crime.  No quoth the old man, here is one sent by
the providence of God to try out the matter, even Zachlas an
Egypptian, who is the most principall Prophecier in all this
countrey, and who was hired of me for money to reduce the
soule of this man from hell, and to revive his body for the
triall hereof.  And therewithall he brought forth a certaine
young man cloathed in linnen rayment, having on his feet a
paire of pantofiles[*], and his crowne shaven, who kissed
his hands and knees, saying, O priest have mercy, have mercy
I pray thee by the Celestiall Planets, by the Powers
infernall, by the vertue of the naturall elements, by the
silences of the night, by the buildings of the Swallows nigh
unto the towne Copton, by the increase of the floud Nilus,
by the secret mysteries of Memphis, and by the instruments
and trumpets of the Isle Pharos, have mercy I say, and call
againe to life this dead body, and make that his eyes which
he closed and shut, may be open and see.  Howbeit we meane
not to strive against the law of death, neither intend wee
to deprive the earth of his right, but to the end this fact
may be knowne, we crave but a small time and space of life.
Whereat this Prophet was mooved, and tooke a certaine herbe
and layd it three times upon the mouth of the dead, and he
took another and laid it and laid it upon his breast in like
sort.  Thus when hee had done hee turned himselfe into the
East, and made certaine Orisons unto the Sunne, which caused
all the people to marvell greatly, and to looke for this
strange miracle that should happen.  Then I pressed in
amongst them nigh unto the biere, and got upon a stone to
see this mysterie, and behold incontinently the dead body
began to receive spirit, his principall veines did moove,
his life came again, and he held up his head and spake in
this sort: Why doe you call me backe againe to this
transitorie life, that have already tasted of the water of
Lethe, and likewise beene in the deadly den of Styx?  Leave
off I pray, leave off, and let me lie in quiet rest. When
these words were uttered by the dead corps, the Prophet drew
nigh unto the Biere and sayd, I charge thee to tell before
the face of all the people here, the occasion of thy death:
What, dost thou thinke that I cannot by my conjurations call
up the dead, and by my puissance[*] torment thy body?  Then
the corps moved his head again, and made reverence unto the
people, and sayd, Verily I was poysoned by the meanes of my
wicked wife, and so thereby yeelded my bed unto an
adulterer.  Whereat his wife taking present audacity, and
reproving his sayings, with a cursed minde did deny it.  The
people were bent against her sundry wayes, some thought best
that shee should bee buried alive with her husband: but some
said that there ought no credit to be given to a dead body.
Which opinion was cleane taken away, by the words which the
corps spoke againe and sayd, Behold, I will give you some
evident token, which never yet any other man knew, whereby
you shall perceive that I declare the truth: and by and by
he pointed towards me that stood on the stone, and sayd,
When this the good Gard of my body watched me diligently in
the night, and that the wicked Witches and Enchantresses
came into the chamber to spoyle mee of my limbes, and to
bring such their purpose to passe did transforme themselves
into the shape of beasts; and when as they could in no wise
deceive or beguile his vigilant eyes, they cast him into so
dead and sound a sleepe, that by their witchcraft he seemed
without spirit or life.  After this they called me by my
name, and did never cease til as the cold members of my body
began by little and little and little to revive.  Then he
being of more lively soule, howbeit buried in sleepe, in
that he and I were named by one name, and because he knew
not that they called me, rose up first, and as one without
sence or perseverance passed by the dore fast closed, unto a
certain hole, whereas the Witches cut off first his nose,
and then his ears, and so that was done to him which was
appointed to be done to me.  And that such their subtility
might not be perceived, they made him a like paire of eares
and nose of wax: wherfore you may see that the poore miser
for lucre of a little mony sustained losse of his members.
Which when he had sayd I was greatly astonied, and minding
to prove whether his words were true or no, put my hand to
my nose, and my nose fell off, and put my hand to my ears
and my ears fell off.  Wherat all the people wondred
greatly, and laughed me to scorne: but I beeing strucken in
a cold sweat, crept between their legs for shame and escaped
away.  So I disfigured returned home againe, and covered the
losse of myne ears with my long hair, and glewed this
clout[*] to my face to hide my shame.  As soon as Telephoron
had tolde his tale, they which sate at the table replenished
with wine, laughed heartily.  And while they drank one to
another, Byrrhena spake to me and said, From the first
foundation of this city we have a custome to celebrate the
festivall day of the god Risus, and to-morrow is the feast
when as I pray you to bee present, to set out the same more
honourably, and I will with all my heart that you could find
or devise somewhat of your selfe, that might be in honor of
so great a god.  To whom I answered, Verily cousin I will do
as you command me, and right glad would I be, if I might
invent any laughing or merry matter to please or satisfie
Risus withall.  Then I rose from the table and took leave of
Byrrhena and departed.  And when I came into the first
street my torch went out, that with great pain I could
scarce get home, by reason it was so dark, for fear of
stumbling: and when I was wel nigh come unto the dore,
behold I saw three men of great stature, heaving and lifting
at Milo's gates to get in: and when they saw me they were
nothing afeard, but assaied with more force to breake down
the dores, whereby they gave me occasion and not without
cause, to thinke that they were strong theeves.  Whereupon I
by and by drew out my sword, which I carried for that
purpose under my cloak, and ran in amongst them, and wounded
them in such sort that they fell downe dead before my face.
Thus when I had slaine them all, I knocked sweating and
breathing at the doore til Fotis let me in.  And then full
weary with the slaughter of those Theeves, like Hercules
when he fought against the king Gerion, I went to my chamber
and layd me down to sleep.




THE THIRD BOOKE



THE TWELFTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius was taken and put in prison for murther.


When morning was come, and that I was awaked from sleep, my
heart burned sore with remembrance of the murther which I
had committed the night before: and I rose and sate downe on
the side of the bed with my legges acrosse, and wringing my
hands, I weeped in most miserable sort.  For I imagined with
my selfe, that I was brought before the Judge in the
Judgement place, and that he awarded sentence against me,
and that the hangman was ready to leade me to the gallows.
And further I imagined and sayd, Alasse what Judge is he
that is so gentle or benigne, that will thinke that I am
unguilty of the slaughter and murther of these three men.
Howbeit the Assyrian Diophanes did firmely assure unto me,
that my peregrination and voyage hither should be
prosperous.  But while I did thus unfold my sorrowes, and
greatly bewail my fortune, behold I heard a great noyse and
cry at the dore, and in came the magistrates and Officers,
who commanded two Sergeants to binde and leade me to prison.
Whereunto I was willingly obedient, and as they led me
through the street, all the City gathered together and
followed me, and although I looked alwayes on the ground for
very shame yet sometimes I cast my head aside, and marvelled
greatly that among so many thousand people there was not one
but laughed exceedingly. Finally, when they had brought me
through all the streets of the city, in manner of those that
go in procession, and do sacrifice to mitigate the ire of
the gods, they placed mee in the Judgement hall, before the
seat of the Judges: and after that the Crier had commanded
all men to keepe silence, and people desired the Judges to
give sentence in the great Theatre, by reason of the great
multitude that was there, whereby they were in danger of
stifling.  And behold the prease of people increased stil,
some climed to the top of the house, some got upon the
beames, some upon the Images, and some thrust their heads
through the windowes, little regarding the dangers they were
in, so they might see me.

Then the officers brought mee forth openly into the middle
of the hall, that every man might behold me.  And after that
the Crier had made a noyse, and willed all such as would
bring any evidence against me, should come forth, there
stept out an old man with a glasse of water in his hand,
dropping out softly, who desired that hee might have liberty
to speake during the time of the continuance of the water.
Which when it was granted, he began his oration in this
sort.



THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius was accused by an old man, and how hee answered
for himselfe.


O most reverend and just Judges, the thing which I purpose
to declare unto you is no small matter, but toucheth the
estate and tranquillity of this whole City, and the
punishment thereof may be a right good example to others.
Wherefore I pray you most venerable Fathers, to whom and to
every of whom it doth appertain, to provide for the dignity
and safety of the Commonweale[*], that you would in no wise
suffer this wicked Homicide, embrued with the bloud of so
many murthered citisens, to escape unpunished.  And thinke
you not that I am moved hereunto by envy or hatred, but by
reason of my office, in that I am captain of the night
Watch, and because no man alive should accuse mee to bee
remisse in the same I wil declare all the whole matter,
orderly as it was done last night.

This night past, when as at our accustomed houre I
diligently searched every part of the city, Behold, I
fortuned to espy this cruell young man drawing out his sword
against three Citisens, and after a long combat foughten
betweene them, he murthered one after another miserably:
which when he had done, moved in his conscience at so great
a crime hee ran away, and aided by reason of darknes, slipt
into a house, and there lay hidden all night, but by the
providence of the Gods, which suffereth no heynous offence
to passe unpunished, hee was taken by us this morning before
he escaped any further, and so brought hither to your
honourable presence to receive his desert accordingly.

So have you here a guilty person, a culpable homicide, and
an accused stranger, wherefore pronounce yee judgement
against this man beeing an alien, when as you would most
severely and sharpely revenge such an offence found in a
known Citisen.  In this sort the cruell accuser finished and
ended his terrible tale. Then the Crier commanded me to
speake, if I had any thing to say for my selfe, but I could
in no wise utter any word at all for weeping.  And on the
other side I esteemed not so much his rigorous accusation,
as I did consider myne owne miserable conscience.  Howbeit,
beeing inspired by divine audacity, at length I gan[*] say,
Verily I know that it is an hard thing for him that is
accused to have slaine three persons, to perswade you that
he is not innocent, although he should declare the whole
truth, and confesse the matter how it was indeed, but if
your honours will vouchsafe to give me audience, I will shew
you, that if I bee condemned to die, I have not deserved it
as myne owne desert, but that I was mooved by fortune and
reasonable cause to doe that fact. For returning somewhat
late from supper yester night (beeing well tipled with wine,
which I will not deny) and approaching nigh to my common
lodging, which was in the house of one Milo a Citisen of
this city, I fortuned to espy three great theeves attempting
to break down his walls and gates, and to open the locks to
enter in.  And when they had removed the dores out of the
hookes, they consulted amongst themselves, how they would
handle such as they found in the house.  And one of them
being of more courage, and of greater stature than the rest,
spake unto his fellows and sayd, Tush you are but boyes,
take mens hearts unto you, and let us enter into every part
of the house, and such as we finde asleep let us kill, and
so by that meanes we shall escape without danger. Verily ye
Judges, I confesse that I drew out my sword against those
three Citizens, but I thought it was the office and duty of
one that beareth good will to this weale publique, so to
doe, especially since they put me in great fear, and assayed
to rob and spoyle my friend Milo.  But when those cruell and
terrible men would in no case run away, nor feare my naked
sword, but boldly resist against me, I ran upon them and
fought valiantly.  One of them which was the Captaine
invaded me strongly, and drew me by the haire with both his
hands, and began to beat me with a great stone: but in the
end I proved the hardier man, and threw him downe at my feet
and killed him.  I tooke likewise the second that clasped
about my legs and bit me, and slew him also.  And the third
that came running violently against me, after that I had
strucken him under the stomacke fell downe dead.  Thus when
I had delivered my selfe, the house, myne Hoste, and all his
family from this present danger, I thought that I should not
onely escape unpunished, but also have some great reward of
the city for my paines.

Moreover, I that have alwayes beene cleare and unspotted of
crime, and that have esteemed myne innocency above all the
treasure of the world, can finde no reasonable cause why
upon myne accusation I should be condemned to die, since
first I was mooved to set upon the theeves by just occasion.
Secondly, because there is none that can affirme, that there
hath been at any time either grudge or hatred between us.
Thirdly, we were men meere strangers and of no acquaintance.
Last of all, no man can proove that I committed that fact
for lucre or gaine.

When I had ended my words in this sort, behold, I weeped
againe pitteously, and holding up my hands I prayed all the
people by the mercy of the Commonweale, and for the love of
my poore infants and children, to shew me some pitty and
favour.  And when their hearts were somewhat relented and
mooved by my lamentable teares, I called all the gods to
witnesse that I was unguilty of the crime, and so to their
divine providence, I committed my present estate, but
turning my selfe againe, I perceived that all the people
laughed exceedingly, and especially my good friend and host
Milo.  Where is remorse of conscience? Behold, I am
condemned to die as a murtherer, for the safegard of myne
Host Milo and his Family.  Yet is he not contented with
that, but likewise laugheth me to scorne, when otherwise he
should comfort and helpe mee.



THE FOURTEENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius was accused by two women, and how the slaine
bodies were found blowne bladders.


When this was done, out came a woman weeping in the middle
of the Theatre arrayed in mourning vesture, and bearing a
childe in her armes.  And after her came an old woman in
ragged robes, crying and howling likewise: and they brought
with them the Olive boughs wherewith the three slain bodies
were covered on the Beere, and cried out in this manner: O
right Judges, we pray you by the justice and humanity which
is in you, to have mercy upon these slaine persons, and
succour our Widowhood and losse of our deare husbands, and
especially this poore Infant, who is now an Orphan, and
deprived of all good fortune: and execute your justice by
order and law, upon the bloud of this Theefe, who is the
occasion of all our sorrowes.  When they had spoken these
words, one of the most antient Judges did rise and say,
Touching this murther, which deserveth great punishment,
this malefactor himselfe cannot deny, but our duty is to
enquire and try out, whether he had no Coadjutors to helpe
him.  For it is not likely that one man alone could kill
three such great and valiant persons, wherefore the truth
must be tried out by the racke, and so wee shall learne what
other companions he hath, and root out the nest of these
mischievous murtherers.  And there was no long delay, for
according unto the custome of Grecia, the fire, the wheele,
and many other torments were brought in.  Then my sorrow
encreased or rather doubled, in that I could not end my life
with whole and unperished members.  And by and by the old
woman, who troubled all the Court with her howling, desired
the Judges, that before I should be tormented on the racke,
I might uncover the bodies which I had slaine, that every
man might see their comely shape and youthfull beauty, and
that I might receive condigne and worthy punishment,
according to the quality of my offence: and therewithall
shee made a signe of joy.  Then the Judge commanded me
forthwith to discover[*] the bodies of the slain, lying upon
the beere, with myne owne hands: but when I refused a good
space, by reason I would not make my fact apparent to the
eies of men, the Sergeants charged me by commandment of the
Judges, and thrust me forward to do the same.  I then being
forced by necessity, though it were against my wil,
uncovered their bodies: but O good Lord what a strange sight
did I see, what a monster?  What sudden change of all my
sorrows?  I seemed as though I were one of the house of
Proserpina and of the family of death, insomuch that I could
not sufficiently expresse the forme of this new sight, so
far was I amased and astonied therat: for why, the bodies of
the three slain men were no bodies, but three blown bladders
mangled in divers places, and they seemed to be wounded in
those parts where I remembred I wounded the theeves the
night before.  Wherat the people laughed exceedingly: some
rejoyced marvellously at the remembrance thereof, some held
their stomacks that aked with joy, but every man delighted
at this passing sport, so passed out of the theatre.  But I
from the time that I uncovered the bodies stood stil as cold
as ice, no otherwise than as the other Statues and images
there, neither came I into my right sences, until such time
as Milo my Host came and tooke mee by the hand, and with
civil violence lead me away weeping and sobbing, whether I
would go or no.  And because that I might be seene, he
brought mee through many blinde wayes and lanes to his
house, where he went about to comfort me, beeing sad and yet
fearefull, with gentle entreaty of talke.  But he could in
no wise mitigate my impatiency of the injury which I
conceived within my minde.  And behold, by and by the
Magistrates and Judges with their ensignes entred into the
house, and endeavoured to pacifie mee in this sort, saying,
O Lucius, we are advertised of your dignity, and know the
genealogie of your antient linage, for the nobility of your
Kinne doe possesse the greatest part of all this Province:
and thinke not that you have suffered the thing wherfore you
weepe, to any your reproach and ignominy, but put away all
care and sorrow out of your minde.  For this day, which we
celebrate once a yeare in honour of the god Risus, is
alwaies renowned with some solemne novel, and the god doth
continually accompany with the inventor therof, and wil not
suffer that he should be sorrowfull, but pleasantly beare a
joyfull face.  And verily all the City for the grace that is
in you, intend to reward you with great honours, and to make
you a Patron.  And further, that your statue or image may be
set up for a perpetuall remembrance.

To whom I answered, As for such benefits as I have received
of the famous City of Thessaly, I yeeld and render most
entire thanks, but as touching the setting up of any statues
or Images, I would wish that they should bee reserved for
myne Auntients, and such as are more worthy than I.

And when I had spoken these words somewhat gravely, and
shewed my selfe more merry than I was before, the Judges and
magistrates departed, and I reverendly tooke my leave of
them, and bid them farewell.  And behold, by and by there
came one running unto me in haste and sayd, Sir, your cousin
Byrrhena desireth you to take the paines according to your
promise yester night, to come to supper, for it is ready.
But I greatly fearing to goe any more to her house in the
night, said unto the messenger, My friend I pray you tell to
my cousine your mistresse, that I would willingly be at her
commandement, but for breaking my troth and credit.  For
myne host Milo enforced me to assure him, and compelled me
by the feast of this present day, that I should not depart
from his company, wherefore I pray you to excuse me, and to
defer my promise to another time.

And while I was speaking these words, Milo tooke me by the
hand, and lead me towards the next Baine: but by the way I
went couching under him, to hide my selfe from the sight of
men, because I had ministred such an occasion of laughter.
And when I had washed and wiped my selfe, and returned home
againe, I never remembred any such thing, so greatly was I
abashed at the nodding and poynting of every person.  Then I
went to supper with Milo, where God wot[*] we fared but
meanly.  Wherefore feigning that my head did ake by reason
of my sobbing and weeping all the day, I desired license to
depart to my Chamber, and so I went to bed.



THE FIFTEENTH CHAPTER

How Fotis told to Apuleius, what witchcraft her mistresse
did use.


When I was a bed I began to call to minde all the sorrowes
and griefes that I was in the day before, untill such time
as my love Fotis, having brought her mistresse to sleepe,
came into the chamber, not as shee was wont to do, for she
seemed nothing pleasant neither in countenance nor talke,
but with sowre face and frowning looke, gan speake in this
sort, Verily I confesse that I have been the occasion of all
thy trouble this day, and therewith shee pulled out a whippe
from under her apron, and delivered it unto mee saying,
Revenge thy selfe of me mischievous harlot, or rather slay
me.

And thinke you not that I did willingly procure this anguish
and sorrow unto you, I call the gods to witnesse.  For I had
rather myne owne body to perish, than that you should
receive or sustaine any harme by my meanes, but that which I
did was by the commandement of another, and wrought as I
thought for some other, but behold the unlucky chance
fortuned on you by my evill occasion.

Then I, very curious and desirous to know the matter,
answered, In faith (quoth I) this most pestilent and evill
favoured whip which thou hast brought to scourge thee
withal, shal first be broken in a thousand pieces, than it
should touch or hurt thy delicate and dainty skin.  But I
pray you tell me how have you been the cause and mean of my
trouble and sorrow?  For I dare sweare by the love that I
beare unto you, and I will not be perswaded, though you your
selfe should endeavor the same, that ever you went to
trouble or harm me: perhaps sometimes you imagined an evil
thought in your mind, which afterwards you revoked, but that
is not to bee deemed as a crime.

When I had spoken these words, I perceived by Fotis eyes
being wet with tears and well nigh closed up that shee had a
desire unto pleasure and specially because shee embraced and
kissed me sweetly.  And when she was somewhat restored unto
joy, she desired mee that shee might first shut the chamber
doore, least by the untemperance of her tongue, in uttering
any unfitting words, there might grow further inconvenience.
Wherewithall she barred and propped the doore, and came to
me againe, and embracing me lovingly about the necke with
both her armes, spake with a soft voice and said, I doe
greatly feare to discover the privities[*] of this house, and
to utter the secret mysteries of my dame.  But I have such a
confidence in you and in your wisedome, by reason that you
are come of so noble a line, and endowed with so profound
sapience, and further instructed in so many holy and divine
things, that you will faithfully keepe silence, and that
whatsoever I shall reveale or declare unto you, you would
close them within the bottome of your heart, and never
discover the same: for I ensure you, the love that I beare
unto you, enforceth mee to utter it.  Now shal you know all
the estate of our house, now shal you know the hidden
secrets of my mistres, unto whome the powers of hel do obey,
and by whom the celestial planets are troubled, the gods
made weake, and the elements subdued, neither is the
violence of her art in more strength and force, than when
she espieth some comly young man that pleaseth her fancie,
as oftentimes it hapneth, for now she loveth one Boetian a
fair and beautiful person, on whom she employes al her
sorcery and enchantment, and I heard her say with mine own
ears yester night, that if the Sun had not then presently
gon downe, and the night come to miuister [sic] convenient
time to worke her magicall enticements, she would have
brought perpetuall darkness over all the world her selfe.
And you shall know, That when she saw yester night, this
Boetian sitting at the Barbers a polling, when she came from
the Baines shee secretly commanded me to gather some of the
haire of his head which lay dispersed upon the ground, and
to bring it home.  Which when I had thought to have done the
Barber espied me, and by reason it was bruited throughout
all the City that we were Witches and Enchantresses, he
cried out and said, Wil you never leave off stealing of
young mens haires?  In faith I assure you, unlesse you cease
your wicked Sorceries, I will complaine to the Justices.
Wherewithall he came angerly towards me, and tooke away the
haire which I had gathered, out of my apron: which grieved
me very much; for I knew my Mistresses manners, that she
would not be contented but beat me cruelly.

Wherefore I intended to runne away, but the remembrance of
you put alwayes that thought out of my minde, and so I came
homeward very sorrowfull: but because I would not seeme to
come to my mistresse sight with empty hands, I saw a man
shearing of blowne goat skinnes, and the hayre which he had
shorne off was yellow, and much resembled the haire of the
Beotian, [sic] and I tooke a good deale therof, and
colouring the matter, brought it to my mistresse.  And so
when night came, before your returne from supper, she to
bring her purpose to passe, went up to a high Gallery of her
house, opening to the East part of the world, and preparing
her selfe according to her accustomed practise, shee
gathered together all substance for fumigations, she brought
forth plates of mettal carved with strange characters, she
prepared the bones of such as were drowned by tempest in the
seas, she made ready the members of dead men, as the
nosethrils and fingers, shee set out the lumps of flesh of
such as were hanged, the blood which she had reserved of
such as were slaine, and the jaw bones and teeth of wilde
beasts, then she said certaine charmes over the haire, and
dipped it in divers waters, as in Wel water, Cow milke,
mountaine honey, and other liquor.  Which when she had done,
she tied and lapped it up together, and with many perfumes
and smells threw it into an hot fire to burn.  Then by the
great force of this Sorcerie, and the violence of so many
confections, those bodies whose haire was burning in the
fire, received humane shape, and felt, heard, came and
rapped at our doores in stead of Boetius.  Then you being
well tipled, and deceived by the obscurity of the night,
drew out your sword couragiously like furious Ajax, and
killd not as he did, whole heard of beasts, but three blowne
skinnes, to the intent that I after the slaughter of so many
enemies, without effusion of bloud might embrace and kisse
not an homicide, but an Utricide[*].

Thus when I was pleasantly mocked and taunted by Fotis, I
sayd unto her, Verily now may I for this atchieved
enterprise be numbered as Hercules, who by his valiant
prowesse performed the twelve notable Labors, as Gerion with
three bodies, and as Cerberus with three heads, for I have
slaine three blown Goats skinnes.  But to the end I may
pardon thee of that which thou hast committed, performe, the
thing which I shall most earnestly desire of thee, that is,
bring me that I may see and behold when thy mistresse goeth
about any Sorcery or enchantment, and when she prayeth unto
the gods: For I am very desirous to learne that art, and as
it seemeth unto mee, thou thy selfe hath some experience in
the same.  For this I know and plainely feele, That whereas
I have alwayes yrked and loathed the embracings and love of
Matrones, I am so stricken and subdued with thy shining
eyes, ruddy cheekes, glittering haire, sweet cosses[*], and
lilly white paps, that I neither have minde to goe home, nor
to depart hence, but esteeme the pleasure which I shall have
with thee this night, above all the joyes of the world.
Then (quoth shee) O my Lucius, how willing would I be to
fulfil your desire, but by reason shee is so hated, she
getteth her selfe into solitary places, and out of the
presence of every person, when she mindeth to work her
enchantments.  Howbeit I regard more to gratifie your
request, than I doe esteeme the danger of my life: and when
I see opportunitie and time I wil assuredly bring you word,
so that you shal see all her enchantments, but alwayes upon
this condition, that you secretly keepe close such things as
are done.

Thus as we reasoned together the courage of Venus assailed,
as well our desires as our members, and so shee unrayed her
selfe and came to bed, and as we passed the night in pastime
and dalliance, till as by drowsie and unlusty sleep I was
constrained to lie still.



THE SIXTEENTH CHAPTER

How Fotis brought Apuleius to see her Mistresse enchant.


On a day Fotis came running to me in great feare, and said
that her mistresse, to worke her sorceries on such as shee
loved, intended the night following to transforme her selfe
into a bird, and to fly whither she pleased.  Wherefore she
willed me privily[*] to prepare my self to see the same.
And when midnight came she led me softly into a high
chamber, and bid me look throw the chink of a doore: where
first I saw how shee put of all her garments, and tooke out
of a certain coffer sundry kindes of Boxes, of the which she
opened one, and tempered the ointment therein with her
fingers, and then rubbed her body therewith from the sole of
the foot to the crowne of the head, and when she had spoken
privily with her selfe, having the candle in her hand, she
shaked the parts of her body, and behold, I perceived a
plume of feathers did burgen out, her nose waxed crooked and
hard, her nailes turned into clawes, and so she became an
Owle.  Then she cried and screeched like a Bird of that
kinde, and willing to proove her force, mooved her selfe
from the ground by little and little, til at last she flew
quite away.

Thus by her sorcery shee transformed her body into what
shape she would.  Which when I saw I was greatly astonied;
and although I was inchanted by no kind of charme, yet I
thought that I seemed not to have the likenesse of Lucius,
for so was I banished from my sences, amazed in madnesse,
and so I dreamed waking, that I felt myne eyes, whether I
were asleepe or no.  But when I was come againe to my selfe,
I tooke Fotis by the hand, and moved it to my face and said,
I pray thee while occasion doth serve, that I may have the
fruition of the fruits of my desire, and grant me some of
this oyntment.  O Fotis I pray thee by thy sweet paps, to
make that in the great flames of my love I may bee turned
into a bird, so wil I ever hereafter be bound unto you, and
obedient to your commandement.  Then said Fotis, Wil you go
about to deceive me now, and inforce me to work my own
sorow?  Are you in the mind that you wil not tarry in
Thessaly? if you be a bird, where shal I seek you, and when
shal I see you? Then answered I, God forbid that I should
commit such a crime, for though I could fly in the aire as
an Eagle, or though I were the messenger of Jupiter, yet
would I have recourse to nest with thee: and I swear by the
knot of thy amiable hair, that since the time I first loved
thee, I never fancied any other person: moreover, this
commeth to my minde, that if by vertue of the oyntment I
shall become an Owle, I will take heed that I come nigh no
mans house: for I am not to learn, how these matrons would
handle their lovers, if they knew that they were transformed
into Owles: Moreover, when they are taken in any place they
are nayled upon posts, and so they are worthily rewarded,
because it is thought that they bring evill fortune to the
house.  But I pray you (which I had almost forgotten) tell
me by what meanes when I am an Owle, I shall returne to my
pristine shape, and become Lucius againe.  Feare not (quoth
she) for my mistres hath taught me the way to bring that to
passe, neither thinke you that she did it for any good will
and favour, but to the end I might helpe her, and minister
some remedy when she returneth home.

Consider I pray you with your selfe, with what frivolous
trifles so marvellous a thing is wrought: For by Hercules I
sweare I give her nothing else save a little Dill and
Lawrell leaves, in Well water, the which she drinketh and
washeth her selfe withall.  Which when she had spoken, shee
went into a chamber and tooke a box out of the coffer, which
I first kissed and embraced, and prayed that I might [have]
good successe in my purpose.  And then I put off all my
garments, and greedily thrust my hand into the box, and took
out a good deale of oyntment and rubbed my selfe withall.



THE SEVENTEENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius thinking to be turned into a bird, was turned
into an Asse, and how hee was led away by Theves.


After that I had well rubbed every part and member of my
body, I hovered with myne armes, and moved my selfe, looking
still when I should bee changed into a Bird as Pamphiles
was, and behold neither feathers nor appearance of feathers
did burgen out, but verily my haire did turne in
ruggednesse, and my tender skin waxed tough and hard, my
fingers and toes losing the number of five, changed into
hoofes, and out of myne arse grew a great taile, now my face
became monstrous, my nosthrils wide, my lips hanging downe,
and myne eares rugged with haire: neither could I see any
comfort of my transformation, for my members encreased
likewise, and so without all helpe (viewing every part of my
poore body) I perceived that I was no bird, but a plaine
Asse.

Then I thought to blame Fotis, but being deprived as wel of
language as humane shape, I looked upon her with my hanging
lips and watery eyes.  Who as soone as shee espied me in
such sort, cried out, Alas poore wretch that I am, I am
utterly cast away.  The feare I was in, and my haste hath
deceived me.  But it forceth not much, in regard a sooner
medicine may be gotten for this than for any other thing.
For if thou couldst get a Rose and eat it, thou shouldst be
delivered from the shape of an Asse, and become my Lucius
againe.  And would to God I had gathered some garlands this
evening past, according to my custome, then thou shouldst
not continue an Asse one nights space, but in the morning I
will seeke some remedy.  Thus Fotis lamented in pittifull
sort, but I that was now a perfect asse, and for Lucius a
brute beast, did yet retaine the sence and understanding of
a man.  And did devise a good space with my selfe, whether
it were best for me to teare this mischievous and wicked
harlot with my mouth, or to kicke and kill her with my
heels.  But a better thought reduced me from so rash a
purpose: for I feared lest by the death of Fotis I should be
deprived of all remedy and help.  Then shaking myne head,
and dissembling myne ire, and taking my adversity in good
part, I went into the stable to my own horse, where I found
another Asse of Miloes, somtime my host, and I did verily
think that mine owne horse (if there were any natural
conscience or knowledge in brute beasts) would take pitty
upon me, and profer me lodging for that might: but it
chanced far otherwise.  For see, my horse and the asse as it
were consented together to work my harm, and fearing lest I
should eat up their provender, would in no wise suffer me to
come nigh the manger, but kicked me with their heeles from
their meat, which I my self gave them the night before.
Then I being thus handled by them, and driven away, got me
into a corner of the stable, where while I remembred their
uncurtesie, and how on the morrow I should return to Lucius
by the help of a Rose, when as I thought to revenge my self
of myne owne horse, I fortuned to espy in the middle of a
pillar sustaining the rafters of the stable the image of the
goddesse Hippone, which was garnished and decked round about
with faire and fresh roses: then in hope of present remedy,
I leaped up with my fore feet as high as I could, stretching
out my neck, and with my lips coveting to snatch some roses.
But in an evill houre I did go about that enterprise, for
behold the boy to whom I gave charge of my horse came
presently in, and finding mee climbing upon the pillar,
ranne fretting towards me and said, How long shall wee
suffer this wild Asse, that doth not onely eat up his
fellowes meat, but also would spoyle the images of the gods?
Why doe not I kill this lame theefe and weake wretch?  And
therewithall looking about for some cudgel, hee espied where
lay a fagot of wood, and chusing out a crabbed truncheon of
the biggest hee could finde, did never cease beating of me
poore wretch, untill such time as by great noyse and
rumbling hee heard the doores of the house burst open, and
the neighbours crying in most lamentable sort, which
inforced him being stricken in feare, to fly his way.  And
by and by a troup of theeves entred in, and kept every part
and corner of the house with weapons.  And as men resorted
to aid and help them which were within the doores, the
theeves resisted and kept them back, for every man was armed
with a sword and target[*] in his hand, the glimpses[*]
whereof did yeeld out such light as if it had bin day.  Then
they brake open a great chest with double locks and bolts,
wherein was layd all the treasure of Milo, and ransackt the
same: which when they had done they packed it up and gave
every one a portion to carry: but when they had more than
they could beare away, yet were they loth to leave any
behind, but came into the stable, and took us two poore
asses and my horse, and laded us with greater trusses than
wee were able to beare.  And when we were out of the house
they followed us with great staves, and willed one of their
fellows to tarry behind, and bring them tydings what was
done concerning the robbery: and so they beat us forward
over great hils out of the way.  But I, what with my heavy
burden and long journy, did nothing differ from a dead asse:
wherfore I determined with my selfe to seek some civil
remedy, and by invocation of the name of the prince of the
country to be delivered from so many miseries: and on a time
I passed through a great faire, I came among a multitude of
Greeks, and I thought to call upon the renowned name of the
Emperor, and to say, O Cesar, and cried out aloud, O, but
Cesar I could in no wise pronounce.  The Theeves little
regarding my crying, did lay mee on and beate my wretched
skinne in such sort, that after it was neither apt nor meet
to make Sives[*] or Sarces[*].  Howbeit at last Jupiter
administred unto me an unhoped remedy.  For when we had
passed through many townes and villages, I fortuned to espy
a pleasant garden, wherein beside many other flowers of