Apuleius: METAMORPHOSES

[1] Commodum poenicantibus phaleris Aurora roseum quatiens lacertum caelum inequitabat, et me securae quieti revulsum nox diei reddidit. Aestus invadit animum vespertini recordatione facinoris; complicitis denique pedibus ac palmulis in alternas digitorum vicissitudines super genua conexis sic grabattum cossim insidens ubertim flebam, iam forum et iudicia, iam sententiam, ipsum denique carnificem imaginabundus. "An mihi quisquam tam mitis tamque benivolus iudex obtinget, qui me trinae caedis cruore perlitum et tot civium sanguine delibutum innocentem pronuntiare poterit?

[1] For the convenience of the punishers in harness, Dawn, shaking her rosy arm, rode into the sky, and night, torn from secure rest, restored me to the day. A burning seized my mind at the evening recollection of the deed; with feet and little palms folded and the fingers alternately interlaced upon my knees, thus sitting on my couch I wept abundantly, now envisioning the forum and the courts, now the sentence, indeed the executioner himself. "Will any judge so mild and so benignant fall to me, who can pronounce me innocent, bedewed with the gore of a threefold slaughter and washed in the blood of so many citizens?"

Hanc illam mihi gloriosam peregrinationem fore Chaldaeus Diophanes obstinate praedicabat." Haec identidem mecum replicans fortunas meas heiulabam. Quati fores interdum et frequenti clamore ianuae nostrae perstrepi.

"Diophanes the Chaldean obstinately prophesied that this, that glorious peregrination, would be mine." Repeating these words to myself again and again, I bewailed my fortunes. Sometimes I shook the doors and, with frequent shouting, made a din at our door.

[2] Nec mora, cum magna inruptione patefactis aedibus magistratibus eorumque ministris et turbae miscellaneae cuncta completa statimque lictores duo de iussu magistratuum immissa manu trahere me sane non renitentem occipiunt. Ac dum primum angiportum insistimus, statim civitas omnis in publicum effusa mira densitate nos insequitur. Et quamquam capite in terram immo ad ipsos inferos iam deiecto maestus incederem, obliquato tamen aspectu rem admirationis maximae conspicio: nam inter tot milia populi circum fluentis nemo prorsum qui non risu dirumperetur aderat.

[2] Nor delay: when, with a great breach, the houses were thrown open and their magistrates and their ministers and a miscellaneous crowd had filled everything, immediately two lictors, sent by the command of the magistrates, seize me with a thrusting hand and begin to drag me, I certainly not resisting. And as soon as we pressed into the narrow street, the whole city, poured out into the public square with wondrous density, follows us. And although I walked sorrowful, my head cast to the earth — indeed down to the very underworld — with my glance averted I yet perceive a thing of greatest admiration: for among so many thousands of people flowing around there was not a single person present who was not split by laughter.

Tandem pererratis plateis omnibus et in modum eorum quibus lustralibus piamentis minas portentorum hostiis circumforaneis expiant circumductus angulatim forum eiusque tribunal adstituo. Iamque sublimo suggestu magistratibus residentibus, iam praecone publico silentium clamante, repente cuncti consona voce flagitant propter coetus multitudinem, quae pressurae nimia densitate periclitaretur, iudicium tantum theatro redderetur. Nec mora, cum passim populus procurrens caveae conseptum mira celeritate complevit; aditus etiam et tectum omne fartim stipaverant, plerique columnis implexi, alii statuis dependuli, nonnulli per fenestras et lacunaria semiconspicui, miro tamen omnes studio visendi pericula salutis neclegebant.

At last, after wandering through all the streets and, in the manner of those who expiate threatening omens with lustral rites and foreign victims, being led round, I was conducted by turns to the forum and its tribunal and stood before them. And now with the magistrates seated on the raised rostrum, and now with the public crier shouting for silence, suddenly all with one voice demanded, because of the multitude of the assembly which, by the excessive density of pressure, would be endangered, that the judgment be delivered only in the theatre. Nor was there delay: the people, running forward everywhere, filled the temporary cages with amazing swiftness; they had even packed the approaches and the whole roof to bursting—many clinging about the columns, others suspended from statues, some half-visible through windows and ceiling-openings—yet marvelously all, in a zeal to see, neglected the dangers to their safety.

Tunc me per proscaenium medium velut quandam victimam publica ministeria producunt et orchestrae mediae sistunt.

Then public attendants lead me through the middle of the proscenium like some victim and set me in the middle of the orchestra.

[3] Sic rursum praeconis amplo boatu citatus accusator quidam senior exsurgit et ad dicendi spatium vasculo quoidam in vicem coli graciliter fistulato ac per hoc guttatim defluo infusa aqua populum sic adorat: "Neque parva res ac praecipue pacem civitatis cunctae respiciens et exemplo serio profutura tractatur, Quirites sanctissimi. Quare magis congruit sedulo singulos atque universos vos pro dignitate publica providere ne nefarius homicida tot caedium lanienam, quam cruenter exercuit, inpune commiserit. Nec me putetis privatis simultatibus instinctum odio proprio saevire.

[3] Thus again, summoned by the herald’s loud shout, a certain elder accuser rises up and, to the allotted time for speaking, with a small vessel somewhat gracefully tube-shaped and by this with water poured that flows off drop by drop, addresses the people thus: "Nor is this a small matter, and above all, considering the peace of the whole state and the serious example to be made, most holy Quirites. Wherefore it is more fitting that you diligently provide, each and all of you, for the public dignity, lest the nefarious murderer have committed with impunity the butchery of so many killings which he so cruelly executed. Nor think that I rage, urged on by private feuds or my own hatred."

Sum namque custodiae nocturnae praefectus nec in hodiernum credo quemquam pervigilem diligentiam meam culpare posse. Rem denique ipsam et quae nocte gesta sunt cum fide proferam. Nam cum fere iam tertia vigilia scrupulosa diligentia cunctae civitatis ostiatim singula considerans circumirem, conspicio istum crudelissimum iuvenem mucrone destricto passim caedibus operantem iamque tris numero saevitia eius interemptos ante pedes ipsius spirantibus adhuc corporibus in multo sanguine palpitantes.

I am indeed the prefect of the night watch, nor do I think that to this day anyone can blame my wakeful diligence. Moreover I will faithfully relate the matter itself and what was done during the night. For when it was almost the third watch, with scrupulous diligence inspecting openly the particulars of the whole city as I made my rounds, I perceived that most cruel youth, with blade drawn, at work in slaughter everywhere; and already three, in number, slain by his savagery lay before his feet, their bodies still breathing, palpitating in great blood.

Et ipse quidem conscientia tanti facinoris merito permotus statim profugit et in domum quandam praesidio tenebrarum elapsus perpetem noctem delituit. Sed providentia deum, quae nihil impunitum nocentibus permittit, priusquam iste clandestinis itineribus elaberetur, mane praestolatus ad gravissimum iudicii vestri sacramentum eum curavi perducere. Constanter itaque in hominem alienum ferte sententias de eo crimine quod etiam in vestrum civem severiter vindicaretis."

And he himself indeed, rightly moved by the conscience of so great a crime, immediately fled and, having slipped into a certain house kept as a refuge of darkness, hid himself through the whole night. But the providence of the gods, which permits nothing unpunished to wrongdoers, before that man could slip away by clandestine routes, I waited until morning and took care to bring him to the most grave sacrament of your judgment. Therefore bring forth, steadfastly, sentences against this alien man for that crime which you would also severely avenge in your own citizen."

[4] Sic profatus accusatos acerrimus immanem vocem repressit. Ac me statim praeco, si quid ad ea respondere vellem, iubebat incipere. At ego nihil tunc temporis amplius quam flere poteram, non tam hercules truculentam accusationem intuens quam meam miseram conscientiam.

[4] Thus having spoken, the most vehement of the accusers checked his enormous voice. And the herald at once was ordering me, if I wished to answer anything to those things, to begin. But I then could do nothing more than weep, not so much beholding Hercules’ truculent accusation as my own miserable conscience.

Sed tandem oborta divinitus audacia sic ad illa: "Nec ipse ignoro quam sit arduum trinis civium corporibus expositis eum qui caedis arguatur, quamvis vera dicat et de facto confiteatur ultro, tamen tantae multitudini quod sit innocens persuadere. Sed si paulisper audientiam publica mihi tribuerit humanitas, facile vos edocebo me discrimen capitis non meo merito sed rationabilis indignationis eventu fortuito tantam criminis frustra sustinere.

But at last, emboldened divinely, he thus to those things: "Nor do I myself ignore how arduous it is, with the three bodies of citizens exposed, to persuade that he who is accused of slaughter, even if he speaks truly and freely confesses the deed, is innocent to so great a multitude. But if, for a little while, public humanity will grant me an audience, I will easily instruct you that I do not incur the peril of death by my own merit but, by the fortuitous event of a reasonable indignation, bear so great a charge in vain."

[5] Nam cum a cena me serius aliquanto reciperem, potulentus alioquin, quod plane verum crimen meum non diffitebor, ante ipsas fores hospitii ad bonum autem Milonem civem vestrum devorto video quosdam saevissimos latrones aditum temptantes et domus ianuas cardinibus obtortis evellere gestientes claustrisque omnibus, quae accuratissime adfixa fuerant, violenter evulsis secum iam de inhabitantium exitio deliberantes. Unus denique et manu promptior et corpore vastior his adfatibus et ceteros incitabat: "Heus pueri, quam maribus animis et viribus alacribus dormientes adgrediamur. Omnis cunctatio ignavia omnis facessat e pectore; stricto mucrone per totam domum caedes ambulet.

[5] For when I was returning from dinner rather somewhat late, potulentus (drunk) otherwise — which plainly I will not deny is my crime — before the very doors of the lodging, but turning toward the good Milon, your citizen, I see certain most savage thieves attempting an entrance and eager to wrench away the house‑doors twisted from their hinges and, with all the bolts which had been most carefully fixed violently torn out, already deliberating together about the destruction of the inhabitants. And one, both readier of hand and vaster of body, incited the others with these words: "Ho, boys, with what manly spirits and eager strengths let us attack them while they sleep. Let all delay and cowardice depart from the breast; with drawn sword let slaughter walk through the whole house."

Qui sopitus iacebit, trucidetur; qui repugnare temptaverit, feriatur. Sic salvi recedemus, si salvum in domo neminem reliquerimus." Fateor, Quirites, extremos latrones boni civis officium arbitratus, simul et eximie metuens et hospitibus meis et mihi gladiolo, qui me propter huius modi pericula comitabatur, armatus fugare atque proterrere eos adgressus sum. At illi barbari prorsus et immanes homines neque fugam capessunt et, cum me vident in ferro, tamen audaciter resistunt.

He who lies asleep shall be slaughtered; he who attempts to resist shall be struck down. Thus we shall withdraw safe, if we leave no one alive in the house." I confess, Quirites, having judged the marauders to be the last foes against the duty of a good citizen, while both especially fearing for my guests and armed myself with a little sword that accompanied me on account of dangers of this sort, I attacked them to rout and terrify them. But those men, utterly barbarous and savage, neither take flight, and, although they see me in arms, yet boldly resist.

[6] Dirigitur proeliaris acies. Ipse denique dux et signifer ceterorum validis me viribus adgressus ilico manibus ambabus capillo adreptum ac retro reflexum effligere lapide gestit. Quem dum sibi porrigi flagitat, certa manu percussum feliciter prosterno.

[6] The battle line is drawn up. At last the leader himself, the standard-bearer of the others, attacking me with mighty strength, immediately with both hands, having seized my hair and bent it back, sought to strike me down with a stone. While he demands that I be handed over to him, struck by a sure hand I happily lay him low.

Ac mox alium pedibus meis mordicus inhaerentem per scapulas ictu temperato tertiumque inprovide occurrentem pectore offenso peremo. Sic pace vindicata domoque hospitum ac salute communi protecta non tam impunem me verun etiam laudabilem publice credebam fore, qui ne tantillo quidem umquam crimine postulatus sed probe spectatus apud meos semper innocentiam commodis cunctis antetuleram. Nec possum reperire cur iustae ultionis qua contra latrones deterrimos commotus sum nunc istum reatum sustineam, cum nemo possit monstrare vel proprias inter nos inimicitias praecessisse ac ne omnino mihi notos illos latrones usquam fuisse, vel certe ulla praeda monstretur cuius cupidine tantum flagitium credatur admissum."

And soon I killed another clinging fast to my feet with a blow tempered by the shoulders, and a third, coming on unexpectedly, I slew with a pierced chest. Thus, with peace vindicated and the house of guests and the common safety protected, I believed that I would be held not so much unpunished as even praiseworthy publicly, since I had never been accused of so small a crime and, being well regarded by my people, had always set innocence before all advantages. Nor can I find why, moved by a righteous vengeance against the most savage robbers, I should now bear that charge, when no one can show that there were beforehand any private enmities between us, nor indeed that those robbers were known to me anywhere, or certainly that any spoils be shown whose desire alone could make such an outrage believed to have been committed."

[ 7] Haec profatus rursum lacrimis obortis porrectisque in preces manibus per publicam misericordiam per pignorum caritate maestus tunc hos tunc illos deprecabar. Cumque iam humanitate commotos misericordia fletuum adfectos omnis satis crederem, Solis et Iustitiae testatus oculos casumque praesentem meum commendans deum providentiae paulo altius aspectu relato conspicio prorsum totum populum risu cachinnabili diffluebant nec secus illum bonum hospitem parentemque meum Milonem risu maximo dissolutum. At tunc sic tacitus mecum: "En fides," inquam "en conscientia!

[ 7] Having said these things, again with tears rising and hands outstretched in prayers, through public mercy and by the charity of pledges I, sorrowful, then begged these, then those. And since I thought all sufficiently moved by humaneness, affected by pity and with tears, having called the Sun and Justice to witness and commending my eyes and my present mischance to God of Providence, with his sight raised a little higher, I behold indeed the whole people breaking into derisive laughter, and no less him, my good guest and father Milon, dissolved in the greatest laughter. But then silently to myself thus: "Behold faith," I said, "behold conscience!"

Ego quidem pro hospitis salute et homicida sum et reus capitis inducor, at ille, non contentus quod mihi nec adsistendi solacium perhibuit, insuper exitium meum cachinnat."

I indeed, for the guest’s safety, am a murderer and am accused of a capital crime; but he, not content that he did not even grant me the consolation of assistance, moreover laughs at my ruin."

[8] Inter haec quaedam mulier per medium theatrum lacrimosa et flebilis atra veste contecta parvulum quendam sinu tolerans decurrit ac pone eam anus alia pannis horridis obsita paribusque maesta fletibus, ramos oleagineos utraeque quatientes, quae circumfusae lectulum, quo peremptorum cadavera contecta fuerant, plangore sublato se lugubriter eiulantes: "Per publicam misericordiam per commune ius humanitatis" aiunt "miseremini indigne caesorum iuvenum nostraeque viduitati ac solitudini de vindicta solacium date. Certe parvuli huius in primis annis destituti fortunis succurrite et de latronis huius sanguine legibus vestris et disciplinae publicae litate." Post haec magistratus qui nutu maior adsurgit et ad populum talia: "De scelere quidem, quod serio vindicandum est, nec ipse qui commisit potest diffiteri; sed una tantum subsiciva sollicitudo nobis relicta est, ut ceteros socios tanti facinoris requiramus. Nec enim veri simile est hominem solitarium tres tam validos evitasse iuvenes.

[8] Amid these happenings a certain woman, tearful and lamentable, clad in black apparel, bearing a little child in her bosom, ran down through the middle of the theatre and set it down; an old woman, clad in other rough rags, sat nearby with like mournful sobs, waving olive-branches, who, gathered about the bier on which the slain bodies had been covered, raising a lament with cries, wailed dolefully: "By public mercy, by the common right of humanity, have pity on the undeservedly slain young men and give solace from vengeance to our widowhood and solitude. Certainly aid this little one especially in his first years, deprived of fortunes, and seek reparation for the blood of this robber by your laws and by the sanction of public discipline." After this the magistrate, who by a nod is the senior, rose and addressed the people thus: "Concerning the crime indeed, which must be avenged seriously, not even he who committed it can deny it; but only one urgent duty remains to us, that we seek the other accomplices of so great a crime. For it is not probable that a solitary man avoided three so vigorous young men.

Prohinc tormentis veritas eruenda. Nam et qui comitabatur eum puer clanculo profugit et res ad hoc deducta est ut per quaestionem sceleris sui participes indicet, ut tam dirae factionis funditus formido perematur."

Hence truth must be drawn out by torments. For even the boy who accompanied him fled furtively, and the matter was brought to this point that, by interrogation of his crime, he should point out the accomplices, so that the dread of so dire a faction might be utterly destroyed.

[9] Nec mora, cum ritu Graeciensi ignis et rota, tum omne flagrorum genus inferuntur. Augetur oppido immo duplicatur mihi maestitia, quod integro saltim mori non licuerit. Sed anus illa quae fletibus cuncta turbaverat: "Prius," inquit "optimi cives, quam latronem istum miserorum pignorum meorum peremptorem cruci affigatis, permittite corpora necatorum revelari, ut et formae simul et aetatis contemplatione magis magisque ad iustam indignationem arrecti pro modo facinoris saeviatis." His dictis adplauditur et ilico me magistratus ipsum iubet corpora, quae lectulo fuerant posita, mea manu detegere.

[9] Nor delay: with the Greek rite of fire and wheel, indeed every kind of tortures are brought in. My sorrow for the town is increased, yea doubled, because it was not allowed that I at least die intact. But that old woman, who by her weeping had thrown all into confusion, said: "First, O best citizens, before you fasten that robber, the slayer of my wretched pledges, to the rack, allow the bodies of the slain to be revealed, so that by the contemplation both of their appearance and of their age, roused more and more to a just indignation, you may rage according to the measure of the crime." At these words there is applause, and immediately the magistrate himself orders me to uncover with my hand the bodies which had been placed on the little bier.

Reluctantem me ac diu rennuentem praecedens facinus instaurare nova ostensione lictores iussu magistratuum quam instantissime compellunt, manum denique ipsam de regione lateris trudentes in exitium suum super ipsa cadavera porrigunt. Evictus tandem necessitate succumbo, et ingratis licet abrepto pallio retexi corpora. Dii boni, quae facies rei?

As I resisting and long denying, the lictors, by order of the magistrates, compel me to reinstate the preceding crime with a new display as promptly as possible; finally thrusting my very hand from the region of my side and stretching it over the very corpses toward its destruction. At last conquered by necessity I yield, and, my cloak having been snatched off ingratefully, I uncovered the bodies. Good gods, what face does this affair wear?

Quod monstrum? Quae fortunarum mearum repentina mutatio? Quamquam enim iam in peculio Proserpinae et Orci familia numeratus, subito in contrariam faciem obstupefactus haesi, nec possum novae illius imaginis rationem idoneis verbis expedire.

What monster? What sudden mutation of my fortunes? For although already reckoned in Proserpina’s peculium and in the household of Orcus, I was suddenly stunned at the contrary aspect and stand aghast, nor can I explicate the account of that new image in fitting words.

Nam cadavera illa iugulatorum hominum erant tres utres inflati variisque secti foraminibus et, ut vespertinum proelium meum recordabar, his locis hiantes quibus latrones illos vulneraveram.

For those corpses were three inflated utres of strangled men, rent with various apertures, and, as I remembered my evening combat, gaping at those spots by which I had wounded those robbers.

[10] Tunc ille quorundam astu paulisper cohibitus risus libere iam exarsit in plebem. Hi gaudii nimietate graculari, illi dolorem ventris manuum compressione sedare. Et certe laetitia delibuti meque respectantes cuncti theatro facessunt.

[10] Then that laughter, for a little while restrained by the craft of certain men, burst forth freely upon the plebs. Some, with a gracular excess of joy, others to soothe the pain of the belly by compression of the hands. And certainly, bathed in gladness and turning their eyes back toward me, all withdrew to the theatre.

At ego, ut primum illam laciniam prenderam, fixus in lapidem steti gelidus nihil secus quam una de ceteris theatri statuis vel columnis. Nec prius ab inferis demersi quam Milon hospes accessit et iniecta manu me renitentem lacrimisque rursum promicantibus crebra singultientem clementi violentia secum adtraxit, et observatis viae solitudinibus per quosdam amfractus domum suam perduxit, maestumque me atque etiam tunc trepidum variis solatur affatibus. Nec tamen indignationem iniuriae, quae inhaeserat altius meo pectori, ullo modo permulcere quivit.

But I, as soon as I had seized that fringe, stood fixed to the stone, cold, no different than one of the other theatre statues or columns. Nor had I yet been plunged from the lower places when Milon, my host, came up and, laying his hand on me as I resisted and again broke forth in tears, frequently sobbing, by a merciful violence dragged me along with him, and, having noted the solitude of the road, through certain windings led me to his house, and with varied addresses comforted me, sad and even then trembling. Yet he could in no way soothe the indignation of the injury that had clung more deeply to my breast.

[11] Ecce ilico etiam ipsi magistratus cum suis insignibus domum nostram ingressi talibus me monitis delenire gestiunt: "Neque tuae dignitatis vel etiam prosapiae tuorum ignari sumus, Luci domine; nam et provinciam totam inclitae vestrae familiae nobilitas conplectitur. Ac ne istud quod vehementer ingemescis contumeliae causa perpessus es. Omnem itaque de tuo pectore praesentem tristitudinem mitte et angorem animi depelle. Nam lusus iste, quem publice gratissimo deo Risui per annua reverticula sollemniter celebramus, semper commenti novitate florescit.

[11] Behold, straightaway even the magistrates themselves, having entered our house with their insignia, desire to soothe me with such admonitions: "Nor are we ignorant of your dignity or even of the prosapia of your household, Lord Lucius; for the nobility of your renowned family embraces the whole province. And let not that thing for which you groan vehemently, endured on account of an insult, hold you. Therefore cast away every present tristitude from your breast and banish the anguish of your mind. For that pastime, which we publically and solemnly celebrate in the annual little returns to the most gracious god Laughter, ever flourishes by the novelty of its contrivances."

Iste deus auctorem et actorem suum propitius ubique comitabitur amanter nec umquam patietur ut ex animo doleas sed frontem tuam serena venustate laetabit adsidue. At tibi civitas omnis pro ista gratia honores egregios obtulit; nam et patronum scripsit et ut in aere staret imago tua decrevit." Ad haec dicta sermonis refero: "Tibi quidem," inquam "splendidissima et unica Thessaliae civitas, honorum talium parem gratiam memini, verum statuas et imagines dignioribus meique maioribus reservare suadeo."

That god will everywhere accompany his author and actor propitiously and lovingly, and will never permit you to grieve from the heart, but will continually brighten your brow with serene charm. Moreover the whole city has offered you outstanding honors for this favor; for it has enrolled you as patron and has decreed that your image should stand in bronze. To these words I reply: "To you indeed," I say, "most splendid and unique city of Thessaly, I remember a favor commensurate with such honors; yet I advise that statues and images be reserved for those more worthy and greater than myself and my ancestors."

[12] Sic pudenter allocutus et paulisper hilaro vultu renidens quantumque poteram laetiorem me refingens comiter abeuntes magistratus appello. Et ecce quidam intro currens famulus: "Rogat te" ait "tua parens Byrrhena et convivii, cui te sero desponderas, iam adpropinquantis admonet." Ad haec ego formidans et procul perhorrescens etiam ipsam domum eius: "Quam vellem" inquam "parens, iussis tuis obsequium commodare, si per fidem liceret id facere. Hospes enim meus Milon per hodierni diei praesentissimum numen adiurans effecit ut eius hodiernae cenae pignerarer, nec ipse discedit nec me digredi patitur.

[12] Thus bashfully addressed and for a little while smiling with a somewhat cheerful visage and, as much as I could, framing myself more joyful, I courteously accost the departing magistrates. And behold a certain servant runs in: "Your patroness Byrrhena asks you," he says, "and admonishes that the banquet, to which you late pledged yourself, is now approaching." To this I, fearing and shuddering even from afar at her very house, said: "How I would wish, O patroness, to accommodate obedience to your commands, if by oath it were permitted to do so. For my host Milon, invoking the most present numen of this day, has contrived that I be pledged as a token to her today's dinner, nor does he himself depart nor does he permit me to go away.

Prohinc epulare vadimonium differamus." Haec adhuc me loquente manu firmiter iniecta Milon iussis balnearibus adsequi producit ad lavacrum proximum. At ego vitans oculos omnium et quem ipse fabricaveram risum obviorum declinans lateri eius adambulabam obtectus. Nec qui laverim, qui terserim, qui domum rursum reverterim, prae rubore memini; sic omnium oculis nutibus ac denique manibus denotatus inpos animi stupebam.

"Henceforth let us defer the feast-engagement." While I was yet speaking, Milon, his hand firmly laid upon me, by orders concerning the baths caused me to be attended and led me to the nearest wash-room. But I, avoiding the eyes of all and turning aside from the laugh of passersby which I myself had contrived, walked at his side, concealed. Nor do I remember who washed me, who wiped me, who returned me home again — I remember not for my blushing; thus, marked out by the glances, nods, and at last the hands of all, I stood stupefied in my mind.

[13] Raptim denique paupertina Milonis cenula perfunctus, causatusque capitis acrem dolorem quem mihi lacrimarum adsiduitas incusserat, concedo venia facile tributa cubitum et abiectus in lectulo meo quae gesta fuerant singula maestus recordabar, quoad tandem Photis mea dominae meae cubito procurato sui longe dissimilis advenit; non enim laeta facie nec sermone dicaculo, sed vultuosam frontem rugis insurgentibus adseverabat. Cunctanter ac timide denique sermone prolato: "Ego" inquit "ipsa, confiteor ultro, ego <origo> tibi huius molestiae fui", et cum dicto lorum quempiam sinu suo depromit mihique porrigens: "Cape," inquit "oro te, et <de> perfidia mulieri vindictam immo vero licet maius quodvis supplicium sume. Nec tamen me putes, oro, sponte angorem istum tibi concinnasse.

[13] Having at last hastily finished Milon’s meager little supper, and having accused my head of the sharp pain which the constancy of my tears had inflicted upon me, I grant, easily allowed, permission to go to bed, and cast down in my little couch I mournfully recalled each thing that had happened, until at length Photis, my mistress’s maid, arriving with her elbow advanced, very unlike herself; for she was not with a cheerful face nor with jaunty speech, but wore an expression of brow marked by rising wrinkles. At length, after speaking slowly and timorously, she said: “I myself,” she said, “confess willingly, I was the cause to you of this trouble,” and with the word produced some kind of strap from her bosom and, offering it to me, said: “Take,” she begged you, “and as to the woman’s treachery take vengeance, indeed rather take any greater punishment. Nor yet, I beg you, think that I put together this anguish for you of my own accord.”

Dii mihi melius, quam ut mei causa vel tantillum scrupulum patiare. Ac si quid adversi tuum caput respicit, id omne protinus meo luatur sanguine. Sed quod alterius rei causa facere iussa sum mala quadam mea sorte in tuam reccidit iniuriam."

"May the gods grant me better than that you should endure even the tiniest scruple for my sake. And if any adversity looks toward your head, let all of it at once be expiated by my blood. But that which I was ordered to do for the sake of another matter, by some evil sort of fate falls back as an injury upon you."

[14] Tunc ego familiaris curiositatis admonitus factique causam delitiscentem nudari gestiens suscipio: "Omnium quidem nequissimus audacissimusque lorus iste, quem tibi verberandae destinasti, prius a me concisus atque laceratus interibit ipse quam tuam plumeam lacteamque contingat cutem. Sed mihi cum fide memora: quod tuum fatum <fortunae> scaevitas consecuta in meum convertit exitium? Adiuro enim tuum mihi carissimum caput nulli me prorsus ac ne tibi quidem ipsi adseveranti posse credere quod tu quicquam in meam cogitaveris perniciem.

[14] Then I, admonished by familiar curiosity and desirous to lay bare the lurking cause of the deed, took up: "That strap indeed, most wicked and most audacious of all, which you destined for thrashing, shall first be cut and torn by me and perish itself before it touches your plume and milk-white skin. But tell me faithfully: how did the perversity of your <fortunae> that had followed your fate turn its destruction upon me? For I swear, your most dear head, that I in no wise—and not even to you yourself asserting it—can believe that you have contemplated any ruin against me.

Porro meditatus innoxios casus incertus vel etiam adversus culpae non potest addicere." Cum isto fine sermonis oculos Photidis meae udos ac tremulos et prona libidine marcidos iamiamque semiadopertulos adnixis et sorbillantibus saviis sitienter hauriebam.

Moreover, having pondered, he cannot attribute innocent chances—uncertain or even hostile—to guilt. At that close of speech I was thirstily drinking in the wet and trembling eyes of my Photis, drooping with lust and already half-closed, leaning forward and eagerly sipping with quivering saliva.

[15] Sic illa laetitia recreata: "Patere," inquit "oro, prius fores cubiculi diligenter obcludam, ne sermonis elapsi profana petulantia committam grande flagitium", et cum dicto pessulis iniectis et uncino firmiter immisso sic ad me reversa colloque meo manibus ambabus inplexa voce tenui et admodum minuta: "Paveo" inquit "et formido solide domus huius operta detegere et arcana dominae meae revelare secreta. Sed melius de te doctrinaque tua praesumo, qui praeter generosam natalium dignitatem praeter sublime ingenium sacris pluribus initiatus profecto nosti sanctam silentii fidem. Quaecumque itaque commisero huius religiosi pectoris tui penetralibus, semper haec intra conseptum clausa custodias oro, et simplicitatem relationis meae tenacitate taciturnitatis tuae remunerare.

[15] Thus she, restored by joy, said: "Be patient," I beg, "first I will carefully bolt the door of the chamber, lest by a slip of speech I commit a great outrage through profane forwardness," and with that said, the bolts thrown and the hook firmly set, thus turning back to me and entwining my neck with both hands, in a low and very small voice: "I tremble," she said, "and I dread to uncover and reveal the secrets of my mistress while this house is securely shut. But I presume better of you and of your learning, you who, besides a noble birth and besides elevated talent, have certainly been initiated into many sacred rites and know the holy fidelity of silence. Therefore whatever I shall commit to the inner sanctums of your religious heart, I beg that you always keep these things closed within your breast, and repay the simplicity of my relation with the tenacity of your taciturnity."

Nam me, quae sola mortalium novi, amor is quo tibi teneor indicare compellit. Iam scies omnem domus nostrae statum, iam scies erae meae miranda secreta, quibus obaudiunt manes, turbantur sidera, coguntur numina, serviunt elementa. Nec umquam magis artis huius violentia nititur quam cum scitulae formulae iuvenem quempiam libenter aspexit, quod quidem ei solet crebriter evenire.

For that love which alone among mortals I know, that love by which I am held to you compels me to tell. Now you will know the entire state of our house, now you will know the wondrous secrets of my mistress, at which the manes comply, the stars are troubled, the numina are compelled, the elements serve. Nor is the violence of this art ever more exerted than when the little tablet’s formula has gladly looked upon some youth, which indeed happens to it frequently.

[16] Nunc etiam adulescentem quendam Boeotium summe decorum efflictim deperit totasque artis manus machinas omnes ardenter exercet. Audivi vesperi, meis his, inquam, auribus audivi, quod non celerius sol caelo ruisset noctique ad exercendas inlecebras magiae maturius cessisset, ipsi soli nubilam caliginem et perpetuas tenebras comminantem. Hunc iuvenem, cum e balneis rediret ipsa, tonstrinae residentem hesterna die forte conspexit ac me capillos eius, qui iam caede cultorum desecti humi iacebant, clanculo praecipit auferre.

[16] Now even a certain very comely Boeotian youth passionately longs for me and ardently practices all the hands and devices of the art. I heard at evening—these ears of mine, I say, heard—that the sun would not have set more quickly in the sky nor would night have sooner yielded itself for the purpose of exercising the lures of magic, threatening that very youth alone with a cloudy gloom and perpetual darkness. This young man, when she herself was returning from the baths, chanced yesterday to see him sitting in the barber’s chair, and she furtively snatches up my hairs, which, already cut off by the barber’s blade, lay severed on the ground, and hastily carries them away.

Quos me sedulo furtimque colligentem tonsor invenit, et quod alioquin publicitus maleficae disciplinae perinfames sumus, adreptam inclementer increpat: "Tune, ultima, non cessas subinde lectorum iuvenum capillamenta surripere? Quod scelus nisi tandem desines, magistratibus te constanter obiciam." Et verbum facto secutus immissa manu scrutatus e mediis papillis meis iam capillos absconditos iratus abripit. Quo gesto graviter adfecta mecumque reputans dominae meae mores, quod huius modi repulsa satis acriter commoveri meque verberare saevissime consuevit, iam de fuga consilium tenebam, sed istud quidem tui contemplatione abieci statim.

The barber found me diligently and furtively gathering them, and, since otherwise we are publicly infamous in the witchcraft discipline, he seized me and reproached me harshly: "You last one, do you not ever cease to steal the locks of the young readers? Unless you at last desist from this crime, I will constantly expose you to the magistrates." And with the word spoken, he following it, thrusting in his hand, searched from among my breasts the hairs already hidden and, angry, tore them away. With this done, grievously afflicted and reflecting with myself on the manners of my mistress — who by such a repulse was wont to be moved rather sharply and to lash me most savagely — I was already holding counsel about flight; but that I at once cast aside because of the thought of you.

[17] Verum cum tristis inde discederem ne prorsus vacuis manibus redirem, conspicor quendam forficulis attondentem caprinos utres; quos cum probe constrictos inflatosque et iam pendentis cernerem, capillos eorum humi iacentes flavos ac per hoc illi Boeotio iuveni consimiles plusculos aufero eosque dominae meae dissimulata veritate trado. Sic noctis initio, priusquam cena te reciperes, Pamphile mea iam vecors animi tectum scandulare conscendit, quod altrinsecus aedium patore perflabili nudatum, ad omnes orientales ceterosque <plerosque> aspectus pervium, maxime his artibus suis commodatum secreto colit. Priusque apparatu solito instruit feralem officinam, omne genus aromatis et ignorabiliter lamminis litteratis et infelicium navium durantibus damnis <repletam>, defletorum, sepultorum etiam, cadaverum expositis multis admodum membris; hic nares et digiti, illic carnosi clavi pendentium, alibi trucidatorum servatus cruor et extorta dentibus ferarum trunca calvaria.

[17] But when I departed thence sorrowful, lest I return altogether with empty hands, I behold a certain one clipping goat-skins with scissors; and when I saw them well bound, swollen, and already hanging, and their hairs lying on the ground yellow and therefore somewhat like those of that Boeotian youth, I take away a few and, concealing the truth, deliver them to my mistress. Thus at the beginning of the night, before the supper seized you, my Pamphile, already mad of mind, climbed upon the tiled roof, which from the other side of the house, exposed and permeable to the wind, is open to all eastern and most other sights, and which by these arts of hers she most especially adapts to secrecy. And before the usual apparatus she prepares a funeral workshop, filled with every kind of aromatics and, innumerably, with laminae lettered from the enduring losses of unfortunate ships , the bodies of the mourned, even of the buried, displayed with very many limbs; here nostrils and fingers, there the fleshy nails of the hanging, elsewhere the preserved blood of the slaughtered and skulls torn off by the teeth of beasts.

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

[18] Then, having chanted over the breathing fibers, she libates with a variegated liquor—now with fountain-dew, now with cow’s milk, now with mountain-honey, and she pours mulsum. Thus she gives those hairs, woven into mutual knots and bound, with many perfumes, to be burnt on live coals. Then straightaway, by the impregnable power of her magical discipline and the blind violence of compelled numina, those bodies whose hairs were smoking and hissing borrow a human spirit and they feel and hear and walk, and where the reek of their cast-off garments led them, they come, and bearing an approach for that Boeotian youth, they leap upon the doors: when behold, drenched in drunkenness and deceived by the gloom of heedless night, boldly with blade drawn, armed in a frenzied manner like Ajax, not as that man despoiled whole flocks of living beasts, but far stronger, <tu> who laid low three inflated goat‑skins lifeless, so that I might embrace you, not as a murderer stained with blood but rather as an utricida, a killer of wineskins.

[19] Adrisi lepido sermoni Photidis et in vicem cavillatus: "Ergo igitur iam et ipse possum" inquam "mihi primam virtutis adoriam ad exemplum duodeni laboris Herculei numerare vel trigemino corpori Geryonis vel triplici formae Cerberi totidem peremptos utres coaequando. Sed ut ex animo tibi volens omne delictum quo me tantis angoribus inplicasti remittam, praesta quod summis votis expostulo, et dominam tuam, cum aliquid huius divinae disciplinae molitur, ostende. Cum deos invocat, <vel> certe cum reformatur, videam; sum namque coram magicae noscendae ardentissimus cupitor.

[19] I laughed at Photis' witty speech and in turn jeered: "Therefore, then, now I myself can," I say, "count for myself the first proof of virtue by the example of the twelve labors of Hercules, or to the three-bodied Geryon, or to Cerberus of threefold form, even as many slain goat-skins at one time. But that I, willing from the heart, may remit to you every offence by which you have entangled me in such anxieties, grant what I beseech with highest vows, and show your mistress when she attempts anything of this divine discipline. When she invokes the gods, or certainly when she is transformed, let me see; for I am here most ardent a desirous one of things to be known of magic."

Quamquam mihi nec ipsa tu videare rerum <istarum> rudis vel expers. Scio istud et plane sentio, cum semper alioquin spretorem matronalium amplexuum sic tuis istis micantibus oculis et rubentibus bucculis et renidentibus crinibus et hiantibus osculis et flagrantibus papillis in servilem modum addictum atque mancipatum teneas volentem. Iam denique nec larem requiro nec domuitionem paro et nocte ista nihil antepono."

Although you yourself do not seem to me ignorant or inexperienced in those things <istarum>. I know that and plainly feel it, since otherwise I would always be a despiser of matronal embraces; yet I hold you, willing, addicted and mancipated in a servile fashion by those your glittering eyes and reddening little cheeks and shining locks and gaping kisses and burning papillae. Now at last I neither seek the lar nor prepare a domuition, and I set nothing before that night.

[20] "Quam vellem" [inquit] respondit illa "praestare tibi, Luci, quod cupis, sed praeter invidos mores in solitudinem semper abstrusa et omnium praesentia viduata solet huius modi secreta perficere. Sed tuum postulatum praeponam periculo meo idque observatis opportunis temporibus sedulo perficiam, modo, ut initio praefata sum, rei tantae fidem silentiumque tribue." Sic nobis garrientibus libido mutua et animos simul et membra suscitat. Omnibus abiectis amiculis hactenus denique intecti atque nudati bacchamur in Venerem, cum quidem mihi iam fatigato de propria liberalitate Photis puerile obtulit corollarium; iamque luminibus nostris vigilia marcidis infusus sopor etiam in altum diem nos attinuit.

[20] "How I would wish," she replied, "to give to you, Luci, what you desire, but besides, by jealous habits she is always withdrawn into solitude and deprived of all presence, and is wont to accomplish secrets of this kind. Yet I will set your request before my own peril, and will diligently fulfil it at favorable, opportune times, provided, as I said at the beginning, you grant faith and silence to so great a matter." Thus, while we were prattling, mutual desire stirred both minds and bodies together. With all friends cast off, at last uncovered and stripped, we revel in Venus, when indeed Photis, already having wearied me by her own liberality, offered a girlish corollary; and now, with our eyes drooping, drowsiness poured in upon our flagging wakefulness and held us even into the deep day.

[21] Ad hunc modum transactis voluptarie paucis noctibus quadam die percita Photis ac satis trepida me accurrit indicatque dominam suam, quod nihil etiam tunc in suos amores ceteris artibus promoveret, nocte proxima in avem sese plumaturam atque ad suum cupitum sic devolaturam; proin memet ad rei tantae speculam caute praepararem. Iamque circa primam noctis vigiliam ad illud superius cubiculum suspenso et insono vestigio me perducit ipsa perque rimam ostiorum quampiam iubet arbitrari, quae sic gesta sunt. Iam primum omnibus laciniis se devestit Pamphile et arcula quadam reclusa pyxides plusculas inde depromit, de quis unius operculo remoto atque indidem egesta unguedine diuque palmulis suis adfricta ab imis unguibus sese totam adusque summos capillos perlinit multumque cum lucerna secreto conlocuta membra tremulo succussu quatit.

[21] After pleasures thus passed in a few voluptuary nights, one day Photis, roused and rather trembling, runs to me and shows me his mistress, saying that she even then advanced nothing in her loves by other arts, but on the next night would feather herself into a bird and so swoop down to her desire; therefore that I should cautiously prepare myself as a lookout for so great a matter. And now about the first watch of the night she herself, with suspended and soundless footstep, leads me to that aforesaid chamber and bids me peer through some crack of the doors to observe, and these things were done thus. First Pamphile strips herself of all her garments and, opening a certain little coffer, draws out rather many little boxes from it; from one of which, the lid removed, and having taken out an unguent and long rubbed it with her palms from the deepest tips of her nails, she anoints herself all the way up to the top of her hair, and having set the lamp apart in secret, she shakes her limbs with a trembling convulsion.

Quis leniter fluctuantibus promicant molles plumulae, crescunt et fortes pinnulae, duratur nasus incurvus, coguntur ungues adunci. Fit bubo Pamphile. Sic edito stridore querulo iam sui periclitabunda paulatim terra resultat, mox in altum sublimata forinsecus totis alis evolat.

As soft plumulae thrust forth gently on the wavering surface, the little pinnulae grow strong, the curved beak hardens, the claws are forced to hook. Pamphile becomes an owl. Thus, with a plaintive cry uttered, now endangered herself, she slowly springs back from the ground, and then, lofted on high, flies forth outward on full wings.

[22] Et illa quidem magicis suis artibus volens reformatur, at ego nullo decantatus carmine praesentis tantum facti stupore defixus quidvis aliud magis videbar esse quam Lucius: sic exterminatus animi attonitus in amentiam vigilans somniabar; defrictis adeo diu pupulis an vigilarem scire quaerebam. Tandem denique reversus ad sensum praesentium adrepta manu Photidis et admota meis luminibus: "Patere, oro te," inquam "dum dictat occasio, magno et singulari me adfectionis tuae fructu perfrui et impertire nobis unctulum indidem per istas tuas pupillas, mea mellitula, tuumque mancipium inremunerabili beneficio sic tibi perpetuo pignera ac iam perfice ut meae Veneri Cupido pinnatus adsistam tibi." "Ain?" inquit "Vulpinaris, amasio, meque sponte asceam cruribus meis inlidere compellis? Sic inermem vix a lupulis conservo Thessalis; hunc alitem factum ubi quaeram, videbo quando?"

[22] And she indeed, willing, is remade by her magical arts, but I—uncursed by any incantation, struck dumb by the astonishment of what had just happened—seemed anything rather than Lucius: thus driven out of my mind, stunned, awake in madness I dreamed; with my eyes rubbed so long I was trying to learn whether I was awake. At last, restored to the sense of present things, Photis’s hand seized and brought to my eyes, and to my light: "Open, I beg you," I say, "while occasion dictates, that I may enjoy and partake of the great and singular fruit of your affection, and bestow upon us a little anointing likewise through those your pupils, my little honeylet, and may your mancipium, by an unreciprocated kindness, be thus perpetual pledges to you — and now accomplish that I, winged Cupid, may stand attendant to my Venus for you." "What?" she says, "Vulpinaris, O lover, and do you force me of my own will to press a brazier against my legs? Thus unarmed I scarcely preserve myself from the little wolves of Thessaly; where shall I seek this bird-made thing, when shall I see it?"

[23] "At mihi scelus istud depellant caelites" inquam "ut ego, quamvis ipsius aquilae sublimis volatibus toto caelo pervius et supremi Iovis nuntius vel laetus armiger, tamen non ad meum nidulum post illam pinnarum dignitatem subinde devolem. Adiuro per dulcem istum capilli tui nodulum, quo meum vinxisti spiritum, me nullam aliam meae Photidi malle. Tunc etiam istud meis cogitationibus occurrit, cum semel avem talem perunctus induero, domus omnis procul me vitare debere.

[23] "But may the heavens drive away that crime from me," I say, "that I, although lofty with the very eagle's flights, having passed through the whole sky and the messenger or glad arm-bearer of highest Jove, yet should not straightway fly back to my little nest after that dignity of feathers. I swear by that sweet knot of your hair, by which you have bound my spirit, that I wish no other than my Photis. Then this also occurred to my thoughts, that once, having been anointed and put on the guise of such a bird, the whole household ought to shun me from afar.

Quam pulchro enim quamque festivo matronae perfruentur amatore bubone. Quid quod istas nocturnas aves, cum penetraverint larem quempiam, solliciter prehensas foribus videmus adfigi, ut, quod infaustis volatibus familiae minantur exitium, suis luant cruciatibus? Sed, quod sciscitari praene praeterivi, quo dicto factove rursum exutis pinnulis illis ad meum redibo Lucium?" "Bono animo es, quod ad huius rei curam pertinet" ait.

For with how handsome and how festive an owl-lover the matrons will rejoice. What of the fact that those nocturnal birds, when they have entered some hearth, we see anxiously seized and fixed to the doors, so that, since by unlucky flights they threaten the household’s destruction, they may expiate it with their tortures? But, which I beforehand omitted to inquire, by what word or deed shall I, again having been stripped of those little feathers, return to my Lucius?" "You are of good courage, which pertains to the care of this matter," he said.

"Nam mihi domina singula monstravit, quae possunt rursus in facies hominum tales figuras reformare. Nec istud factum putes ulla benivolentia, sed ut ei redeunti medela salubri possem subsistere. Specta denique quam parvis quamque futtilibus tanta res procuretur herbusculis; anethi modicum cum lauri foliis immissum rori fontano datur lavacrum et poculum."

"For my mistress showed me each thing that can again reform such figures into the faces of men. Nor think that this deed was by any benevolence, but that I might stand as a salutary cure to her on her returning. See, finally, with how small and how fragile little herbs so great a matter is effected; a little bit of dill, mixed with laurel leaves and cast into the dew of a spring, is given as a bath and as a cup."

[24] Haec identidem adseverans summa cum trepidatione inrepit cubiculum et pyxidem depromit arcula. Quam ego amplexus ac deosculatus prius utque mihi prosperis faveret volatibus deprecatus abiectis propere laciniis totis avide manus immersi et haurito plusculo uncto corporis mei membra perfricui. Iamque alternis conatibus libratis brachiis in avem similis gestiebam; nec ullae plumulae nec usquam pinnulae, sed plane pili mei crassantur in setas et cutis tenella duratur in corium et in extimis palmulis perdito numero toti digiti coguntur in singulas ungulas et de spinae meae termino grandis cauda procedit.

[24] Repeating these things again and again with the greatest trepidation, she creeps into the chamber and takes out from a little chest a small pyx. Which I, having embraced and kissed first and having begged that she favor me with prosperous flights, quickly cast off my garments; with my whole hands I greedily plunged into the unguent and having sucked up a greater quantity I rubbed the members of my body with the anointed substance. And now, with alternate efforts, my balanced arms longed to be like a bird; nor were there any little feathers or any pinions anywhere, but plainly my hairs thickened into bristles and the tender skin toughened into hide, and on the outer pads the lost number of the whole finger is forced into single claws, and from the end of my spine a great tail proceeds.

Iam facies enormis et os prolixum et nares hiantes et labiae pendulae; sic et aures inmodicis horripilant auctibus. Nec ullum miserae reformationis video solacium, nisi quod mihi iam nequeunti tenere Photidem natura crescebat.

Now a monstrous face and an elongated mouth and gaping nostrils and pendulous lips; likewise my ears bristle into excessive elevations. Nor do I see any solace for the wretched transformation, except that nature was already growing in me so that I was no longer able to hold Photis.

[25] Ac dum salutis inopia cuncta corporis mei considerans non avem me sed asinum video, querens de facto Photidis sed iam humano gestu simul et voce privatus, quod solum poteram, postrema deiecta labia umidis tamen oculis oblicum respiciens ad illam tacitus expostulabam. Quae ubi primum me talem aspexit, percussit faciem suam manibus infestis et: "Occisa sum misera:" clamavit "me trepidatio simul et festinatio fefellit et pyxidum similitudo decepit. Sed bene, quod facilior reformationis huius medela suppeditat.

[25] And while, considering the lack of salvage for my whole body, I see that I am not a bird but an ass, lamenting Photis’s deed but now deprived even of human gesture and voice, which alone I could muster, with my lowest lips cast down and nevertheless with moist eyes looking askance at her I silently begged. When she first beheld me thus, she struck her face with frantic hands and cried, "I am slain, wretch that I am: trembling and haste have deceived me together, and the likeness of the little box betrayed me. But well — which supplies an easier cure for this reformation is at hand."

Nam rosis tantum demorsicatis exibis asinum statimque in meum Lucium postliminio redibis. Atque utinam vesperi de more nobis parassem corollas aliquas, ne moram talem patereris vel noctis unius. Sed primo diluculo remedium festinabitur tibi."

"For with only the roses having been bitten off you will go forth a donkey and immediately by postliminium you will return into my Lucius. And would that in the evening, according to custom, I had prepared for us some corollas, so that you would not suffer such a delay even of one night. But at first dawn a remedy will be hastened to you."

[26] Sic illa maerebat, ego vero quamquam perfectus asinus et pro Lucio iumentum sensum tamen retinebam humanum. Diu denique ac multum mecum ipse deliberavi, an nequissimam facinerosissimamque illam feminam spissis calcibus feriens et mordicus adpetens necare deberem. Sed ab incepto temerario melior me sententia revocavit, ne morte multata Photide salutares mihi suppetias rursus extinguerem.

[26] Thus she mourned; I, however, although a complete ass and a beast in place of Lucius, nevertheless retained a human sense. Long, indeed, and much I deliberated with myself whether I ought to kill that most wicked and most criminal woman, trampling with thick heels and attacking with a biting greed. But from the rash enterprise a better judgment recalled me, lest, Photis having been punished with death, I should again extinguish for myself her salutary assistance.

Deiecto itaque et quassanti capite ac demussata temporali contumelia durissimo casui meo serviens ad equum illum vectorem meum probissimum in stabulum concedo, ubi alium etiam Milonis quondam hospitis mei asinum stabulantem inveni. Atque ego rebar, si quod inesset mutis animalibus tacitum ac naturale sacramentum, agnitione ac miseratione quadam inductum equum illum meum hospitium ac loca lautia mihi praebiturum. Sed pro Iuppiter hospitalis et Fidei secreta numina!

Having been thrown down, my head battered and my temple gashed, serving as a contumely to my very harsh misfortune, I hand over that most trusty pack-horse of mine into the stable, where I found another ass also stabled, once belonging to Milo, my host. And I thought that if there were any tacit and natural sacrament among mute animals, by a recognition and a certain compassion that horse of mine would afford me hospitality and clean quarters. But, by hospitable Jupiter and the secret divinities of Faith!

Praeclarus ille vector meus cum asino capita conferunt in meamque perniciem ilico consentiunt et verentes scilicet cibariis suis vix me praesepio videre proximantem: deiectis auribus iam furentes infestis calcibus insecuntur. Et abigor quam procul ab <h>ordeo, quod adposueram vesperi meis manibus illi gratissimo famulo.

That famous driver of mine, together with his ass, put their heads together and straightaway conspire to my ruin, and, fearing—of course—my approaching scarcely to behold the fodder at the manger: with their ears laid back, now raging, they attack me with hostile hooves. And I am driven away how far from the <h>ordeo, which I had set at evening with my hands for that most welcome servant.

[27] Sic adfectus atque in solitudinem relegatus angulo stabuli concesseram. Dumque de insolentia collegarum meorum mecum cogito atque in alterum diem auxilio rosario Lucius denuo futurus equi perfidi vindictam meditor, respicio pilae mediae, quae stabuli trabes sustinebat, in ipso fere meditullio Eponae deae simulacrum residens aediculae, quod accurate corollis roseis equidem recentibus fuerat ornatum. Denique adgnito salutari praesidio pronus spei, quantum extensis prioribus pedibus adniti poteram, insurgo valide et cervice prolixa nimiumque porrectis labiis, quanto maxime nisu poteram, corollas adpetebam.

[27] Thus afflicted and relegated to a solitary corner of the stable I had withdrawn. And while I ponder with myself the insolence of my colleagues and, reckoning that Lucius would again be present the next day with a rosary of aid, I plot a perfidious vengeance on the horse; I look back at the middle beam that upheld the stable, in almost the very mid‑center of which a little shrine rested with the image of the goddess Epona, which had been carefully adorned indeed with garlands of fresh roses. At last, having recognized a salutary succor, prone with hope and leaning as far as I could on my outstretched forefeet, I rise up vigorously, with neck too long and lips too far thrust forward, and with all the effort I could muster I reach for the garlands.

Quod me pessima scilicet sorte conantem servulus meus, cui semper equi cura mandata fuerat, repente conspiciens indignatus exsurgit et: "Quo usque tandem" inquit "cantherium patiemur istum paulo ante cibariis iumentorum,nunc etiam simulacris deorum infestum? Quin iam ego istum sacrilegum debilem claudumque reddam"; et statim telum aliquod quaeritans temere fascem lignorum positum offendit, rimatusque frondosum fustem cunctis vastiorem non prius miserum me tundere desiit quam sonitu vehementi et largo strepitu percussis ianuis trepido etiam rumore viciniae conclamatis latronibus profugit territus.

Which—seeing me striving by most wretched sorte—my little servant, to whom the care of the horses had always been entrusted, suddenly perceiving, rose up indignant and said: "How long at last," he said, "shall we suffer that cantherium? a little while ago hostile to the fodder of the beasts, and now even hostile to the simulacra of the gods? Nay, I will straightway make that sacrilegious one weak and lame"; and immediately, seeking some weapon, rashly he struck a bundle of sticks placed there, and having descried a leafy cudgel, fouler than all, he did not cease to beat miserable me until, with a vehement sound and a loud din, the doors being struck and, with the trembling cry of the neighborhood calling out 'bandits,' he fled terrified.

[28] Nec mora, cum vi patefactis aedibus globus latronum invadit omnia et singula domus membra cingit armata factio et auxiliis hinc inde convolantibus obsistit discursus hostilis. Cuncti gladiis et facibus instructi noctem illuminant, coruscat in modum ortivi solis ignis et mucro. Tunc horreum quoddam satis validis claustris obsaeptum obseratumque, quod mediis aedibus constitutum gazis Milonis fuerat refertus, securibus validis adgressi diffindunt.

[28] No delay: when the house was forced open, a globus of brigands burst in and an armed faction encompassed every member of the house, and with auxiliaries converging here and there a hostile onset checked movement. All, equipped with swords and torches, illuminate the night; fire and blade flash like the rising sun. Then a certain granary, fastened and barred with rather strong locks, which, set in the middle of the buildings, had been crammed with Milo’s stores, they attacked with stout axes and cleft asunder.

Quo passim recluso totas opes vehunt raptimque constrictis sarcinis singuli partiuntur. Tunc opulentiae nimiae nimio ad extremas incitas deducti nos duos asinos et equum meum productos e stabulo, quantum potest, gravioribus sarcinis onerant et domo iam vacua minantes baculis exigunt unoque de sociis ad spectaculum, qui de facinoris inquisitione nuntiaret, relicto nos crebra tundentes per avia montium ducunt concitos.

With that opened everywhere they carry off all the wealth, and having tightened the packs each hastily divides his share. Then, the excessive riches, urged too far to the outskirts, they led out two asses and my horse from the stable, and, as much as possible, they load them with heavier burdens and, the house now empty, driving us with threatening sticks; and leaving one of the companions behind as a spectacle, to report the inquiry into the crime, they, beating us frequently, lead us hurriedly along the mountain paths.

[29] Iamque rerum tantarum pondere et montis ardui vertice et prolixo satis itinere nihil a mortuo differebam. Sed mihi sero quidem serio tamen subvenit ad auxilium civile decurrere et interposito venerabili principis nomine tot aerumnis me liberare. Cum denique iam luce clarissima vicum quempiam frequentem et nundinis celebrem praeteriremus, inter ipsas turbelas Graecorum [Romanorum] genuino sermone nomen augustum Caesaris invocare temptavi; et "O" quidem tantum disertum ac validum clamitavi, reliquum autem Caesaris nomen enuntiare non potui.

[29] And already, weighed down by such great matters and by the summit of the steep mountain and by a journey long enough, I differed in nothing from one dead. But help came to me, indeed late but earnest: a civilian ran down to give aid and, the venerable prince’s name interposed, freed me from so many hardships. Finally, when by very clear daylight we were passing a certain village much frequented and famous for its market-days, amid the very throngs of the Graecorum [Romanorum] I attempted, in the native tongue, to invoke the august name of Caesar; and I indeed only cried out the single strong and eloquent “O,” but I was unable to pronounce the remainder of Caesar’s name.

Aspernati latrones clamorem absonum meum caedentes hinc inde miserum corium nec cribris iam idoneum relinquunt. Sed tandem mihi inopinatam salutem Iuppiter ille tribuit. Nam cum multas villulas et casas amplas praeterimus, hortulum quendam prospexi satis amoenum, in quo praeter ceteras gratas herbulas rosae virgines matutino rore florebant.

At Aspernatus the latrones, smiting my dissonant clamour, tear my wretched corium here and there and leave it no longer fit even for cribles. But at last that Jupiter granted me an unexpected salvation. For when we passed many villulas and spacious casas, I espied a certain hortulum fairly pleasant, in which, besides other agreeable herbage, maiden roses were flowering with morning dew.

His inhians et spe salutis alacer ac laetus propius accessi, dumque iam labiis undantibus adfecto, consilium me subit longe salubrius, ne, si rursum asino remoto prodirem in Lucium, evidens exitium inter manus latronum offenderem vel artis magicae suspectione vel indicii futuri criminatione. Tunc igitur a rosis et quidem necessario temperavi et casum praesentem tolerans in asini faciem faena rodebam.

Gasping for these things and eager and cheerful in the hope of salvation I drew nearer, and while with my lips already quivering, a far more salutary counsel occurred to me, lest, if I went forth again to Lucius with the ass removed, I should meet manifest destruction in the hands of robbers either through suspicion of the magical art or by an accusation as of a future portent. Then therefore I refrained from the roses—necessarily so—and, enduring the present mischance, I gnawed the bit into the ass’s face.