Apuleius: METAMORPHOSES

[1] Psyche teneris et herbosis locis in ipso toro roscidi graminis suave recubans, tanta mentis perturbatione sedata, dulce conquievit. Iamque sufficienti recreata somno placido resurgit animo. Videt lucum proceris et vastis arboribus consitum, videt fontem vitreo latice perlucidum; medio luci meditullio prope fontis adlapsum domus regia est aedificata non humanis manibus sed divinis artibus.

[1] Psyche, in tender and grassy places, sweetly reclining on the very couch of dewy grass, her so great perturbation of mind soothed, sweetly rested. And now, refreshed by sufficient placid sleep, she rises again in spirit. She sees a grove planted with tall and vast trees, she sees a spring pellucid with vitreous liquid; in the very midst of the grove, near the fountain’s gliding, a royal house has been built not by human hands but by divine arts.

Iam scies ab introitu primo dei cuiuspiam luculentum et amoenum videre te diversorium. Nam summa laquearia citro et ebore curiose cavata subeunt aureae columnae, parietes omnes argenteo caelamine conteguntur bestiis et id genus pecudibus occurrentibus ob os introeuntium. Mirus prorsum [magnae artis] homo immo semideus vel certe deus, qui magnae artis suptilitate tantum efferavit argentum.

Now you will know from the very first entry that you are seeing the luculent and pleasant lodging of some god. For golden columns bear up the highest coffered ceilings of citrus-wood and ivory, curiously hollowed; all the walls are covered with silver chasing, with beasts and cattle of that sort running to meet the very faces of those entering. A wondrous indeed [of great art] man—nay, rather a demigod, or surely a god—who by the subtlety of great art has so vivified the silver into wildness.

Enimuero pavimenta ipsa lapide pretioso caesim deminuto in varia picturae genera discriminantur: vehementer iterum ac saepius beatos illos qui super gemmas et monilia calcant! Iam ceterae partes longe lateque dispositae domus sine pretio pretiosae totique parietes solidati massis averis splendore proprio coruscant, ut diem suum sibi domi faciant licet sole nolente: sic cubicula sic porticus sic ipsae valvae fulgurant. Nec setius opes ceterae maiestati domus respondent, ut equidem illud recte videatur ad conversationem humanam magno Iovi fabricatum caeleste palatium.

Indeed, the pavements themselves are discriminated into various genres of picture by precious stone cut down into small pieces: how exceedingly, again and again, blessed are those who tread upon gems and necklaces! Now the other parts of the house, laid out far and wide, are precious without price, and all the walls, consolidated with masses of gold, coruscate with their own splendor, so that they make their own day for themselves at home even though the sun is unwilling: thus the bedchambers, thus the porticoes, thus the very doors flash. No less do the other resources correspond to the majesty of the house, so that indeed that rightly seems a celestial palace fabricated for the human conversation of great Jove.

[2] Invitata Psyche talium locorum oblectatione propius accessit et paulo fidentior intra limen sese facit, mox prolectante studio pulcherrimae visionis rimatur singula et altrinsecus aedium horrea sublimi fabrica perfecta magnisque congesta gazis conspicit. Nec est quicquam quod ibi non est. Sed praeter ceteram tantarum divitiarum admirationem hoc erat praecipue mirificum, quod nullo vinculo nullo claustro nullo custode totius orbis thensaurus ille muniebatur.

[2] Psyche, invited by the delight of such places, drew nearer and, a little more confident, makes her way within the threshold; soon, the enticing eagerness of the most beautiful vision luring her on, she examines each thing, and on the other side she beholds the storerooms of the house, of lofty construction finished and heaped up with great treasures. Nor is there anything that is not there. But besides all the rest of the admiration for such great riches, this was especially wondrous: that with no chain, no bar, no guard, that treasury of the whole world was secured.

Haec ei summa cum voluptate visenti offert sese vox quaedam corporis sui nuda et: "Quid," inquit "domina, tantis obstupescis opibus? Tua sunt haec omnia. Prohinc cubiculo te refer et lectulo lassitudinem refove et ex arbitrio lavacrum pete.

As she was viewing these things with the utmost pleasure, there offered itself to her a certain voice, naked of its body, and: "Why," it says, "lady, are you astounded at such opulence? These are all yours. From here, withdraw yourself to the bedchamber and on the little couch refresh your weariness, and seek a bath at your discretion."

Nos, quarum voces accipis, tuae famulae sedulo tibi praeministrabimus nec corporis curatae tibi regales epulae morabuntur."

We, whose voices you hear, your handmaids, will diligently wait upon you, nor will royal feasts prepared for your body be delayed for you."

[3] Sensit Psyche divinae providentiae beatitudinem, monitusque vocis informis audiens et prius somno et mox lavacro fatigationem sui diluit, visoque statim proximo semirotundo suggestu, propter instrumentum cenatorium rata refectui suo commodum libens accumbit. Et ilico vini nectarei eduliumque variorum fercula copiosa nullo serviente sed tantum spiritu quodam impulsa subministrantur. Nec quemquam tamen illa videre poterat, sed verba tantum audiebat excidentia et solas voces famulas habebat.

[3] Psyche sensed the beatitude of divine providence, and, hearing the monitions of a formless voice, she washed away her weariness, first by sleep and soon by a bath; and, seeing at once a nearby semicircular dais, judging it, on account of the dining apparatus, convenient for her refreshment, she gladly reclined. And straightway abundant courses of nectarean wine and various edibles were supplied, with no servant, but driven only by a certain spirit. Yet she could see no one; she heard only words as they fell, and had only voices as handmaids.

Post opimas dapes quidam introcessit et cantavit invisus et alius citharam pulsavit, quae videbatur nec ipsa. Tunc modulatae multitudinis conserta vox aures eius affertur, ut, quamvis hominum nemo pareret, chorus tamen esse pateret.

After opulent feasts, a certain person entered and sang unseen, and another struck the cithara, which itself too was not seen. Then the concerted voice of a modulated multitude was brought to her ears, so that, although no human being appeared, nevertheless it was evident that there was a chorus.

[4] Finitis voluptatibus vespera suadente concedit Psyche cubitum. Iamque provecta nocte clemens quidam sonus aures eius accedit. Tunc virginitati suae pro tanta solitudine metuens et pavet et horrescit et quovis malo plus timet quod ignorat.

[4] With the pleasures finished, with evening persuading, Psyche retires to bed. And now, with the night advanced, a certain gentle sound approaches her ears. Then, fearing for her virginity on account of such solitude, she both quails and shudders, and she fears what she does not know more than any evil.

Iamque aderat ignobilis maritus et torum inscenderat et uxorem sibi Psychen fecerat et ante lucis exortum propere discesserat. Statim voces cubiculo praestolatae novam nuptam interfectae virginitatis curant. Haec diutino tempore sic agebantur.

And now the unknown husband had arrived and had mounted the marriage bed and had made Psyche his wife, and before the rising of light he had quickly departed. Immediately voices, having waited in the bedchamber, attend to the new bride’s deflowered virginity. These things were thus carried on for a long time.

Atque ut est natura redditum, novitas per assiduam consuetudinem delectationem ei commendarat et sonus vocis incertae solitudinis erat solacium.

And, as it is by nature rendered, novelty through assiduous consuetude had commended delectation to her, and the sound of an uncertain voice was a solace of her solitude.

Interea parentes eius indefesso luctu atque maerore consenescebant, latiusque porrecta fama sorores illae maiores cuncta cognorant propereque maestae atque lugubres deserto lare certatim ad parentum suorum conspectum adfatumque perrexerant.

Meanwhile her parents were growing old with indefatigable grief and sorrow, and, with the report spread more widely, those elder sisters had learned everything quickly, and, sad and lugubrious, with the home deserted, they had hastened, vying with one another, to their parents’ presence and address.

[5] Ea nocte ad suam Psychen sic infit maritus — namque praeter oculos et manibus et auribus ut praesentius nihil sentiebatur: "Psyche dulcissima et cara uxor, exitiabile tibi periculum minatur fortuna saevior, quod observandum pressiore cautela censeo. Sorores iam tuae mortis opinione turbatae tuumque vestigium requirentes scopulum istum protinus aderunt, quarum si quas forte lamentationes acceperis, neque respondeas immo nec prospicias omnino; ceterum mihi quidem gravissimum dolorem tibi vero summum creabis exitium."

[5] That night to his Psyche thus the husband begins — for, save to the eyes, he was sensed by the hands and the ears as nothing more present: "Psyche, sweetest and dear wife, a more savage Fortune threatens a ruinous peril to you, which I judge must be watched with tighter caution. Your sisters, now disturbed by the opinion of your death and seeking your footprint, will straightway come to this crag, of whom, if by chance you should receive any lamentations, do not answer — nay, do not even look out at all; otherwise you will create for me a most grievous sorrow, but for you a supreme destruction."

Annuit et ex arbitrio mariti se facturam spopondit, sed eo simul cum nocte dilapso diem totum lacrimis ac plangoribus misella consumit, se nunc maxime prorsus perisse iterans, quae beati carceris custodia septa et humanae conversationis colloquio viduata nec sororibus quidem suis de se maerentibus opem salutarem ferre ac ne videre eas quidem omnino posset. Nec lavacro nec cibo nec ulla denique refectione recreata flens ubertim decessit ad somnum.

She nodded assent and pledged that she would do according to her husband's discretion, but when he, together with the night, had slipped away, the poor little wretch consumed the whole day with tears and lamentations, repeating that now especially she had utterly perished, she who, hemmed in by the custody of a blessed prison and bereft of the colloquy of human conversation, could not even bring salutary help to her own sisters mourning for her, and indeed could not even see them at all. Not refreshed by bath nor by food nor, finally, by any refreshment, weeping copiously she withdrew to sleep.

[6] Nec mora, cum paulo maturius lectum maritus accubans eamque etiam nunc lacrimantem complexus sic expostulat: "Haecine mihi pollicebare, Psyche mea? Quid iam de te tuus maritus exspecto, quid spero? Et perdia et pernox nec inter amplexus coniugales desinis cruciatum.

[6] Without delay, when the husband, reclining a little earlier upon the bed and, embracing her even now weeping, thus remonstrates: "Was this what you were promising me, my Psyche? What now am I, your husband, to expect of you, what am I to hope? Both by day and by night you do not cease from torment, not even amid conjugal embraces."

Age iam nunc ut voles, et animo tuo damnosa poscenti pareto! Tantum memineris meae seriae monitionis, cum coeperis sero paenitere."

Come now, do as you will even now, and obey your mind as it demands what is ruinous! Only remember my serious monition, when you begin too late to repent."

Tunc illa precibus et dum se morituram comminatur extorquet a marito cupitis adnuat, ut sorores videat, luctus mulceat, ora conferat. Sic ille novae nuptae precibus veniam tribuit et insuper quibuscumque vellet eas auri vel monilium donare concessit, sed identidem monuit ac saepe terruit ne quando sororum pernicioso consilio suasa de forma mariti quaerat neve se sacrilega curiositate de tanto fortunarum suggestu pessum deiciat nec suum postea contingat amplexum. Gratias egit marito iamque laetior animo: "Sed prius" inquit "centies moriar quam tuo isto dulcissimo conubio caream.

Then she, by prayers, and while she threatens that she will die, extorts from her husband that he assent to her desires, that she may see her sisters, assuage her grief, confer their faces. Thus he granted indulgence to the new bride at her prayers, and moreover permitted her to gift them with whatever gold or necklaces she wished; but again and again he warned and often terrified her lest ever, persuaded by the pernicious counsel of her sisters, she inquire about the form of her husband, and lest she by sacrilegious curiosity be cast down to ruin from so great a platform of fortunes, nor thereafter attain his embrace. She gave thanks to her husband and now more cheerful in mind: "But first," she says, "let me die a hundred times before I should be without that sweetest conjugal union of yours."

Amo enim et efflictim te, quicumque es, diligo aeque ut meum spiritum, nec ipsi Cupidini comparo. Sed istud etiam meis precibus, oro, largire et illi tuo famulo Zephyro praecipe simili vectura sorores hic mihi sistat", et imprimens oscula suasoria et ingerens verba mulcentia et inserens membra cohibentia haec etiam blanditiis astruit: "Mi mellite, mi marite, tuae Psychae dulcis anima." Vi ac potestate Venerii susurrus invitus succubuit maritus et cuncta se facturum spopondit atque etiam luce proxumante de manibus uxoris evanuit.

For I love you—and to distraction—whoever you are; I cherish you equally as my own spirit, nor do I reckon even Cupid himself comparable. But this too, by my prayers, I beg, grant; and to that servant of yours, Zephyr, command that with a similar conveyance he set my sisters down here for me," and, imprinting persuasive kisses and pouring in soothing words and entwining restraining limbs, she also bolstered these requests with blandishments: "My honey-sweet one, my husband, the sweet soul of your Psyche." By the force and potency of the Venereal whisper the husband, unwilling, succumbed and promised he would do everything, and even, with light drawing near, he vanished from his wife’s hands.

[7] At illae sorores percontatae scopulum locumque illum quo fuerat Psyche deserta festinanter adveniunt ibique difflebant oculos et plangebant ubera, quoad crebris earum heiulatibus saxa cautesque parilem sonum resultarent. Iamque nomine proprio sororem miseram ciebant, quoad sono penetrabili vocis ululabilis per prona delapso amens et trepida Psyche procurrit e domo et: "Quid" inquit "vos miseris lamentationibus necquicquam effligitis? Quam lugetis, adsum.

[7] But those sisters, after inquiring about the crag and that place where Psyche had been deserted, hasten and arrive there, and there they were weeping out their eyes and beating their breasts, until with their frequent howls the rocks and crags echoed back an equal sound. And now by her proper name they were summoning their wretched sister, until, with the penetrating sound of the voice howling slipped down the slopes, out of her mind and trembling Psyche runs forth from the house and: "Why," she says, "do you wear yourselves out with wretched lamentations to no purpose? She whom you lament, I am here."

Lugubres voces desinite et diutinis lacrimis madentes genas siccate tandem, quippe cum iam possitis quam plangebatis amplecti."

"Cease your lugubrious cries, and at last dry the cheeks drenched with long-continued tears, since now you can embrace her whom you were lamenting."

Tunc vocatum Zephyrum praecepti maritalis admonet. Nec mora, cum ille parens imperio statim clementissimis flatibus innoxia vectura deportat illas. Iam mutuis amplexibus et festinantibus saviis sese perfruuntur et illae sedatae lacrimae postliminio redeunt prolectante gaudio.

Then she reminds the summoned Zephyr of the marital precept. No delay, as he, obeying the command, immediately with the most clement breaths transports them by harmless conveyance. Now they delight in mutual embraces and hastening kisses, and those soothed tears by postliminy return, joy enticing.

"Sed et tectum" inquit "et larem nostrum laetae succedite et afflictas animas cum Psyche vestra recreate."

"But also to our roof," she says, "and to our hearth enter joyfully, and revive our afflicted souls along with your Psyche."

[8] Sic allocuta summas opes domus aureae vocumque servientium populosam familiam demonstrat auribus earum lavacroque pulcherrimo et inhumanae mensae lautitiis eas opipare reficit, ut illarum prorsus caelestium divitiarum copiis affluentibus satiatae iam praecordiis penitus nutrirent invidam. Denique altera earum satis scrupulose curioseque percontari non desinit, quis illarum caelestium rerum dominus, quisve vel qualis ipsius sit maritus. Nec tamen Psyche coniugale illud praeceptum ullo pacto temerat vel pectoris arcanis exigit, sed e re nata confingit esse iuvenem quendam et speciosum, commodum lanoso barbitio genas inumbrantem, plerumque rurestribus ac montanis venatibus occupatum, et ne qua sermonis procedentis labe consilium tacitum proderetur, auro facto gemmosisque monilibus onustas eas statim vocato Zephyro tradit reportandas.

[8] Thus having addressed them, she demonstrates the highest wealth of the golden house and, to their ears, the populous household of serving voices, and with a most beautiful lavacrum and the luxuries of an inhuman (superhuman) table she opulently refreshes them, so that, with the supplies of those thoroughly celestial riches overflowing, sated now to their very precordia, they might nourish envy deep within. Finally, one of them does not cease quite scrupulously and curiously to inquire who is the lord of those celestial things, and who or of what sort her husband is. Yet Psyche in no way violates that conjugal precept nor draws it out from the arcana of her breast, but, as the matter required, she feigns that he is a certain youth and handsome, just now shadowing his cheeks with a woolly little beard, for the most part occupied with rustic and montane huntings; and, lest by any stain of the proceeding conversation the tacit counsel be betrayed, she at once, they being laden with wrought gold and gem-studded necklaces, hands them over, Zephyr having been summoned, to be carried back.

[9] Quo protenus perpetrato sorores egregiae domum redeuntes iamque gliscentis invidiae felle fraglantes multa secum sermonibus mutuis perstrepebant. Sic denique infit altera: "En orba et saeva et iniqua Fortuna! Hocine tibi complacuit, ut utroque parente prognatae germanae diversam sortem sustineremus?

[9] With this straightway accomplished, the distinguished sisters, returning home and now blazing with the gall of swelling envy, were making a great clamor among themselves with mutual speeches. Thus at length one of them begins: "Lo, bereft and savage and unjust Fortune! Has this pleased you, that we full sisters, born from both parents, should endure a different lot?

Et nos quidem quae natu maiore sumus maritis advenis ancillae deditae extorres et lare et ipsa patria degamus longe parentum velut exulantes, haec autem novissima, quam fetu satiante postremus partus effudit, tantis opibus et deo marito potita sit, quae nec uti recte tanta bonorum copia novit? Vidisti, soror, quanta in domo iacent et qualia monilia, quae praenitent vestes, quae splendicant gemmae, quantum praeterea passim calcatur aurum. Quodsi maritum etiam tam formonsum tenet ut affirmat, nulla nunc in orbe toto felicior vivit.

And we indeed, who are elder by birth, to alien husbands handed over as handmaids, live as exiles both from hearth and from our very fatherland, far from our parents, as if exiles; but this youngest, whom a last birth, satiating the womb, has poured forth, has gotten such great wealth and a god for a husband, who does not even know how to use rightly so great an abundance of goods? Did you see, sister, how many in the house lie and of what sort the necklaces, what garments shine forth, what gems are resplendent, how much besides gold is everywhere trodden underfoot. And if she even holds a husband so handsome as she affirms, no one now in the whole world lives more fortunate.

Fortassis tamen procedente consuetudine et adfectione roborata deam quoque illam deus maritus efficiet. Sic est hercules, sic se gerebat ferebatque. Iam iam sursum respicit et deam spirat mulier, quae voces ancillas habet et ventis ipsis imperat.

Perhaps, however, as consuetude proceeds and affection is corroborated, the husband-god will even make that one a goddess. By Hercules, so it is; thus she comported and bore herself. Now, now she looks upward and breathes the goddess, the woman who has voices as handmaids and commands the winds themselves.

At ego misera primum patre meo seniorem maritum sortita sum, dein cucurbita calviorem et quovis puero pusilliorem, cunctam domum seris et catenis obditam custodientem."

“But I, wretched, first drew by lot a husband older than my father, then one balder than a gourd and more puny than any boy, keeping watch over the whole house shut with bolts and chains.”

[10] Suscipit alia: "Ego vero maritum articulari etiam morbo complicatum curvatumque ac per hoc rarissimo venerem meam recolente sustineo, plerumque detortos et duratos in lapidem digitos eius perfricans, fomentis olidis et pannis sordidis et faetidis cataplasmatibus manus tam delicatas istas adurens, nec uxoris osam faciem sed medicae laboriosam personam sustinens. Et tu quidem soror videris quam patienti vel potius servili — dicam enim libere quod sentio — haec perferas animo: enimuero ego nequeo sustinere ulterius tam beatam fortunam allapsam indignae. Recordare enim quam superbe quam adroganter nobiscum egerit et ipsa iactatione immodicae ostentationis tumentem suum prodiderit animum deque tantis divitiis exigua nobis invita proiecerit confestimque praesentiam nostram gravata propelli et efflari exsibilarique nos iusserit.

[10] Another takes it up: "I for my part endure a husband entangled with an arthritic disease, bent over, and on account of this revisiting my Venus most rarely, for the most part rubbing his fingers twisted and hardened to stone, scorching those hands so delicate with reeking fomentations and filthy rags and stinking cataplasm poultices, sustaining not the face of a wife but the laborious persona of a medic. And you indeed, sister, seem with how patient—or rather servile— spirit you bear these things; for I will speak freely what I feel — en vérité I cannot endure any further so blessed a fortune gliding down upon one unworthy. Remember how haughtily, how arrogantly she dealt with us, and by the vaunting of immoderate ostentation betrayed her own tumid spirit, and out of such great riches unwillingly threw to us a pittance, and immediately, burdened by our presence, ordered us to be driven away and to be blown out and hissed out."

Nec sum mulier nec omnino spiro, nisi eam pessum de tantis opibus deiecero. Ac si tibi etiam, ut par est, inacuit nostra contumelia, consilium validum requiramus ambae. Iamque ista quae ferimus non parentibus nostris ac nec ulli monstremus alii, immo nec omnino quicquam de eius salute norimus.

Nor am I a woman nor do I breathe at all, unless I cast her down to perdition from such opulence. And if to you also, as is fitting, the contumely done to us has pricked, let us both seek a valid counsel. And now let us not show these things which we carry to our parents nor to any other at all, nay rather let us not know anything whatsoever about her safety.

Sat est quod ipsae vidimus quae vidisse paenitet, nedum ut genitoribus et omnibus populis tam beatum eius differamus praeconium. Nec sunt enim beati quorum divitias nemo novit. Sciet se non ancillas sed sorores habere maiores.

It is enough that we ourselves have seen what we repent of having seen, let alone that we should spread to our parents and to all peoples so blessed a proclamation about her. For they are not blessed whose riches no one knows. She will know that she has not handmaids but elder sisters.

Et nunc quidem concedamus ad maritos, et lares pauperes nostros sed plane sobrios revisamus, diuque cogitationibus pressioribus instructae ad superbiam poeniendam firmiores redeamus."

And now indeed let us withdraw to our husbands, and let us revisit our poor Lares, but plainly sober, and for a long time instructed by more pressing thoughts, let us return stronger to punish pride."

[11] Placet pro bono duabus malis malum consilium totisque illis tam pretiosis muneribus absconditis comam trahentes et proinde ut merebantur ora lacerantes simulatos redintegrant fletus. Ac sic parentes quoque redulcerato prorsum dolore raptim deterrentes vesania turgidae domus suas contendunt dolum scelestum immo vero parricidium struentes contra sororem insontem.

[11] In requital for good, an evil counsel pleases the two evil women; and, with all those so precious gifts hidden, tearing their hair and, just as they deserved, lacerating their faces, they renew their simulated weeping. And thus, with the pain straightway made raw again, quickly driving off even their parents, swollen with insanity, they hasten to their homes, contriving a wicked trick—nay rather parricide—against their innocent sister.

Interea Psychen maritus ille quem nescit rursum suis illis nocturnis sermonibus sic commonet: "Videsne quantum tibi periculum? Velitatur Fortuna eminus, ac nisi longe firmiter praecaves mox comminus congredietur. Perfidae lupulae magnis conatibus nefarias insidias tibi comparant, quarum summa est ut te suadeant meos explorare vultus, quos, ut tibi saepe praedixi, non videbis si videris.

Meanwhile that husband of Psyche, whom she does not know, again in those nocturnal conversations thus admonishes her: "Do you see how great a danger there is for you? Fortune skirmishes from afar, and unless you very firmly take precautions long beforehand, she will soon engage at close quarters. Perfidious little she-wolves, with great exertions, are preparing nefarious insidious plots against you, the sum of which is that they persuade you to explore my countenance, which, as I have often foretold to you, you will not see, if you see."

Ergo igitur si posthac pessimae illae lamiae noxiis animis armatae venerint — venient autem, scio — neque omnino sermonem conferas, et si id tolerare pro genuina simplicitate proque animi tui teneritudine non potueris, certe de marito nil quicquam vel audias vel respondeas. Nam et familiam nostram iam propagabimus et hic adhuc infantilis uterus gestat nobis infantem alium, si texeris nostra secreta silentio, divinum, si profanaveris, mortalem."

Therefore then, if hereafter those most-wicked lamiae, armed with noxious spirits, come — they will come, I know — do not at all hold conversation; and if you cannot endure that on account of your genuine simplicity and the tenderness of your spirit, at least about your husband hear nothing whatsoever nor answer. For we shall now propagate our family, and this as yet infantile uterus carries for us another infant — if you cover our secrets with silence, a divine one; if you profane them, a mortal one."

[12] Nuntio Psyche laeta florebat et divinae subolis solacio plaudebat et futuri pignoris gloria gestiebat et materni nominis dignitate gaudebat. Crescentes dies et menses exeuntes anxia numerat et sarcinae nesciae rudimento miratur de brevi punctulo tantum incrementulum locupletis uteri. Sed iam pestes illae taeterrimaeque Furiae anhelantes vipereum virus et festinantes impia celeritate navigabant.

[12] At the message Psyche blossomed with joy and applauded in the consolation of divine offspring, and exulted in the glory of the future pledge, and rejoiced in the dignity of the maternal name. She anxiously counts the days as they increase and the months as they pass, and, by the rudiment of an unknown burden, she marvels that from a brief little point there is so small an increment of a rich womb. But now those plagues, those most foul Furies, breathing out viperous poison and hastening with impious celerity, were sailing.

Tunc sic iterum momentarius maritus suam Psychen admonet: "En dies ultima et casus extremus et! Sexus infestus et sanguis inimicus iam sumpsit arma et castra commovit et aciem direxit et classicum personavit; iam mucrone destricto iugulum tuum nefariae tuae sorores petunt. Heu quantis urguemur cladibus, Psyche dulcissima! Tui nostrique misere religiosaque continentia domum maritum teque et istum parvulum nostrum imminentis ruinae infortunio libera.

Then thus again the momentary husband admonishes his Psyche: "Lo, the last day and the utmost crisis! The hostile sex and inimical blood has already taken up arms and stirred the camp and drawn up the battle-line and has made the war-trumpet resound; already, with blade drawn, your nefarious sisters seek your throat. Alas, by how great disasters we are pressed, Psyche sweetest! Take pity for yourself and for us, and by reverent continence free the home, your husband, yourself, and that tiny little one of ours from the misfortune of impending ruin."

Nec illas scelestas feminas, quas tibi post internecivum odium et calcata sanguinis foedera sorores appellare non licet, vel videas vel audias, cum in morem Sirenum scopulo prominentes funestis vocibus saxa personabunt."

Nor those wicked women, whom it is not permitted for you, after internecine hatred and the trampled covenants of blood, to call sisters, either see or hear, when in the manner of the Sirens, projecting from a crag, with funereal voices they will make the rocks resound."

[13] Suscipit Psyche singultu lacrimoso sermonem incertans: "Iam dudum, quod sciam, fidei atque parciloquio meo perpendisti documenta, nec eo setius adprobabitur tibi nunc etiam firmitas animi mei. Tu modo Zephyro nostro rursum praecipe fungatur obsequio, et in vicem denegatae sacrosanctae imaginis tuae redde saltem conspectum sororum. Per istos cinnameos et undique pendulos crines tuos per teneras et teretis et mei similes genas per pectus nescio quo calore fervidum sic in hoc saltem parvulo cognoscam faciem tuam: supplicis anxiae piis precibus erogatus germani complexus indulge fructum et tibi devotae dicataeque Psychae animam gaudio recrea.

[13] Psyche takes up the speech, faltering with a tearful sob: "Long already, so far as I know, you have weighed the proofs of my faith and my parciloquy, nor on that account will the firmness of my mind even now be the less approved by you. Only bid our Zephyr again to perform obedience, and in place of your sacrosanct image denied me, at least restore the sight of my sisters. By those cinnamonic and all-around-pendulous tresses of yours, by your tender and well-rounded cheeks so like to mine, by your breast hot with I know not what heat—thus may I at least recognize your face in this little one: being won over by the pious prayers of an anxious suppliant, grant the fruit of kindred’s embrace, and refresh with joy the spirit of Psyche devoted and dedicated to you.

Nec quicquam amplius in tuo vultu requiro, iam nil officiunt mihi nec ipsae nocturnae tenebrae: teneo te, meum lumen."

Nor do I require anything further in your countenance, now not even the nocturnal darkness itself hinders me: I hold you, my light."

His verbis et amplexibus mollibus decantatus maritus lacrimasque eius suis crinibus detergens facturum spopondit et praevertit statim lumen nascentis diei.

Charmed by these words and soft embraces, the husband, wiping her tears with his own hair, promised he would do it, and at once anticipated the light of the nascent day.

[14] Iugum sororium consponsae factionis ne parentibus quidem visis recta de navibus scopulum petunt illum praecipiti cum velocitate nec venti ferentis oppertae praesentiam licentiosa cum temeritate prosiliunt in altum. Nec immemor Zephyrus regalis edicti, quamvis invitus, susceptas eas gremio spirantis aurae solo reddidit. At illae incunctatae statim conferto vestigio domum penetrant complexaeque praedam suam sorores nomine mentientes thensaurumque penitus abditae fraudis vultu laeto tegentes sic adulant: "Psyche, non ita ut pridem parvula, et ipsa iam mater es. Quantum, putas, boni nobis in ista geris perula!

[14] The sisterly yoke of a sworn-together faction, not even having seen their parents, straight from the ships seek that crag with headlong speed, and, not having waited for the presence of the bearing wind, with licentious rashness they leap out into the height. Nor was Zephyr unmindful of the royal edict; although unwilling, having taken them up in the lap of the breathing breeze, he returned them to the ground. But they, unhesitating, at once with crowded step penetrate the house, and, having embraced their prey, lying by the name of “sisters” and veiling with a joyful face the treasure of their deeply hidden fraud, thus adulate: “Psyche, no longer as before a little girl—you yourself now are a mother. How much good, do you suppose, you carry for us in that little purse!”

Quantis gaudiis totam domum nostram hilarabis! O nos beatas quas infantis aurei nutrimenta laetabunt! Qui si parentum, ut oportet, pulchritudini responderit, prorsus Cupido nascetur."

"With what great joys you will gladden our whole house! O blessed are we whom the nurturings of a golden infant will gladden! Who, if as is proper, he shall correspond to the beauty of his parents, a downright Cupid will be born."

[15] Sic adfectione simulata paulatim sororis invadunt animum. Statimque eas lassitudinem viae sedilibus refotas et balnearum vaporosis fontibus curatas pulcherrime triclinio mirisque illis et beatis edulibus atque tuccetis oblectat. Iubet citharam loqui: psallitur; tibias agere: sonatur; choros canere: cantatur.

[15] Thus, with simulated affection, they gradually invade their sister’s mind. And straightway she delights them—weariness of the way refreshed upon seats and, treated by the steamy springs of the baths, cared for—most beautifully in the dining-room, with those wondrous and blessed edibles and savories (tuccets). She bids the cithara speak: psalmody is performed; to ply the reed-pipes: there is sounding; to sing choruses: there is singing.

Quae cuncta nullo praesente dulcissimis modulis animos audientium remulcebant. Nec tamen scelestarum feminarum nequitia vel illa mellita cantus dulcedine mollita conquievit, sed ad destinatam fraudium pedicam sermonem conferentes dissimulanter occipiunt sciscitari qualis ei maritus et unde natalium secta cuia proveniret. Tunc illa simplicitate nimia pristini sermonis oblita novum commentum instruit atque maritum suum de provincia proxima magnis pecuniis negotiantem iam medium cursum aetatis agere interspersum rara canitie.

All which, with no one present, soothed the minds of the hearers with the sweetest modulations. Yet neither was the wickedness of those criminal women quieted, even when softened by that honeyed sweetness of song; but, directing their speech toward the destined snare of frauds, they begin dissemblingly to inquire what sort of husband she had and whence he came, of what birth, of what sect he might be. Then she, through excessive simplicity, forgetful of her former account, constructs a new contrivance and says that her husband, trading with great monies from the nearest province, is now running the middle course of life, sprinkled with rare hoariness.

Nec in sermone isto tantillum morata rursum opiparis muneribus eas onustas ventoso vehiculo reddidit.

Nor, having lingered even a tiny bit in that conversation, again she returned them, laden with sumptuous gifts, to the windy vehicle.

[16] Sed dum Zephyri tranquillo spiritu sublimatae domum redeunt, sic secum altercantes: "Quid, soror, dicimus de tam monstruoso fatuae illis mendacio? Tunc adolescens modo florenti lanugine barbam instruens, nunc aetate media candenti canitie lucidus. Quis ille quem temporis modici spatium repentina senecta reformavit?

[16] But while, borne aloft by the tranquil breath of Zephyrus, they return home, thus altercating with themselves: "What, sister, shall we say about so monstrous a mendacity of that fatuous one to them? Then an adolescent just furnishing his beard with blooming down, now in middle age bright with gleaming hoariness. Who is that man whom the span of a little time has refashioned by sudden old age?

Nil aliud reperies, mi soror, quam vel mendacia istam pessimam feminam confingere vel formam mariti sui nescire; quorum utrum verum est, opibus istis quam primum exterminanda est. Quodsi viri sui faciem ignorat, deo profecto denupsit et deum nobis praegnatione ista gerit. Certe si divini puelli — quod absit — haec mater audierit, statim me laqueo nexili suspendam.

You will discover nothing else, my sister, than either that that most wicked woman is fabricating lies or that she is ignorant of the form of her husband; whichever of these is true, she must, with those riches, be exterminated as soon as possible. But if she is ignorant of her husband’s face, she has surely wedded a god and with that pregnancy is bearing a god for us. Certainly, if — which may it not be — this woman shall be heard as the mother of a divine little boy, I will immediately hang myself with a woven noose.

Ergo interim ad parentes nostros redeamus et exordio sermonis huius quam concolores fallacias adtexamus."

"Therefore, meanwhile, let us return to our parents and let us weave onto the exordium of this discourse fallacies as matching in color as possible."

[17] Sic inflammatae, parentibus fastidienter appellatis et nocte turbata vigiliis, perditae matutino scopulum pervolant et inde solito venti praesidio vehementer devolant lacrimisque pressura palpebrarum coactis hoc astu puellam appellant: "Tu quidem felix et ipsa tanti mali ignorantia beata sedes incuriosa periculi tui, nos autem, quae pervigili cura rebus tuis excubamus, cladibus tuis misere cruciamur. Pro vero namque comperimus nec te, sociae scilicet doloris casusque tui, celare possumus immanem colubrum multinodis voluminibus serpentem, veneno noxio colla sanguinantem hiantemque ingluvie profunda, tecum noctibus latenter adquiescere. Nunc recordare sortis Pythicae, quae te trucis bestiae nuptiis destinatam esse clamavit.

[17] Thus inflamed, after addressing their parents disdainfully and, the night having been disturbed by wakefulness, these lost women fly to the cliff in the morning and from there, with the usual aid of the wind, they sweep down vehemently; and, with tears forced by the pressing of their eyelids, with this stratagem they address the maiden: "You indeed are happy, and blessed by your very ignorance of so great an evil you sit careless of your peril; but we, who keep watch with all-night care over your affairs, are pitiably racked by your disasters. For as truth we have discovered—and we, surely partners of your grief and of your mischance, cannot conceal it from you—that a monstrous coluber, a serpent with many-knotted coils, making its necks bleed with noxious venom and gaping with deep gluttony, secretly lies with you by night. Now recall the Pythian lot, which cried out that you were destined for the nuptials of a savage beast.

Et multi coloni quique circumsecus venantur et accolae plurimi viderunt eum vespera redeuntem e pastu proximique fluminis vadis innatantem.

And many colonists who hunt roundabout, and very many neighbors, saw him at evening returning from pasture and swimming through the shallows of the nearby river.

[18] Nec diu blandis alimoniarum obsequiis te saginaturum omnes adfirmant, sed cum primum praegnationem tuam plenus maturaverit uterus, opimiore fructu praeditam devoraturum. Ad haec iam tua est existimatio, utrum sororibus pro tua cara salute sollicitis adsentiri velis et declinata morte nobiscum secura periculi vivere an saevissimae bestiae sepeliri visceribus. Quodsi te ruris huius vocalis solitudo vel clandestinae veneris faetidi periculosique concubitus et venenati serpentis amplexus delectant, certe piae sorores nostrum fecerimus."

[18] And all affirm that he will not for long fatten you with the blandishments of alimentary attentions, but as soon as your womb, full, has matured your pregnancy, he will devour you, endowed with the richer fruit. As to these things, now the estimation is yours, whether you wish to assent to sisters anxious for your dear safety and, with death declined, to live with us secure from danger, or to be buried in the entrails of a most savage beast. But if the vocal solitude of this countryside, or the foul and perilous coupling of clandestine Venus, and the embraces of a venomous serpent, delight you, surely we pious sisters will have done our part."

Tunc Psyche misella, utpote simplex et animi tenella, rapitur verborum tam tristium formidine: extra terminum mentis suae posita prorsus omnium mariti monitionum suarumque promissionum memoriam effudit et in profundum calamitatis sese praecipitavit tremensque et exsangui colore lurida tertiata verba semihianti voce substrepens sic ad illas ait:

Then poor little Psyche, as being simple and tender in spirit, is seized by the fear of words so sad: placed outside the boundary of her mind, she utterly poured out the memory of all her husband's warnings and of her own promises and precipitated herself headlong into the deep of calamity; and, trembling and lurid with a bloodless color, muttering words in thirds with a half-gaping voice under her breath, thus she said to them:

[19] "Vos quidem, carissimae sorores, ut par erat, in officio vestrae pietatis permanetis, verum et illi qui talia vobis adfirmant non videntur mihi mendacium fingere. Nec enim umquam viri mei vidi faciem vel omnino cuiatis sit novi, sed tantum nocturnis subaudiens vocibus maritum incerti status et prorsus lucifugam tolero, bestiamque aliquam recte dicentibus vobis merito consentio. Meque magnopere semper a suis terret aspectibus malumque grande de vultus curiositate praeminatur.

[19] "You indeed, dearest sisters, as was fitting, persist in the duty of your piety, but also those who affirm such things to you do not seem to me to feign a lie. For I have never seen my husband’s face nor at all do I know of what country he is, but only, hearing at night his voices, I endure a husband of uncertain condition and altogether lucifugal, and to you speaking rightly I deservedly consent that he is some beast. And he very greatly always terrifies me from his own looks, and he forebodes a great evil from curiosity about his face."

Nunc si quam salutarem opem periclitanti sorori vestrae potestis adferre, iam nunc subsistite; ceterum incuria sequens prioris providentiae beneficia conrumpet." Tunc nanctae iam portis patentibus nudatum sororis animum facinerosae mulieres, omissis tectae machinae latibulis, destrictis gladiis fraudium simplicis puellae paventes cogitationes invadunt.

"Now, if you can bring any salutary aid to your sister in peril, even now stand by; otherwise, the negligence that follows will corrupt the benefits of earlier providence." Then, the felonious women, having found the sister’s mind laid bare with the gates now standing open, abandoning the hiding-places of their covert machination, with the swords of fraud drawn, assault the trembling thoughts of the simple girl.

[20] Sic denique altera: "Quoniam nos originis nexus pro tua incolumitate ne periculum quidem ullum ante oculos habere compellit, viam quae sola deducit iter ad salutem diu diuque cogitatam monstrabimus tibi. Novaculam praeacutam adpulsu etiam palmulae lenientis exasperatam tori qua parte cubare consuesti latenter absconde, lucernamque concinnem completam oleo claro lumine praemicantem subde aliquo claudentis aululae tegmine, omnique isto apparatu tenacissime dissimulato, postquam sulcatum trahens gressum cubile solitum conscenderit iamque porrectus et exordio somni prementis implicitus altum soporem flare coeperit, toro delapsa nudoque vestigio pensilem gradum paullulatim minuens, caecae tenebrae custodia liberata lucerna, praeclari tui facinoris opportunitatem de luminis consilio mutuare, et ancipiti telo illo audaciter, prius dextera sursum elata, nisu quam valido noxii serpentis nodum cervicis et capitis abscide. Nec nostrum tibi deerit subsidium; sed cum primum illius morte salutem tibi feceris, anxie praestolatae advolabimus cunctisque istis ocius tecum relatis votivis nuptiis hominem te iungemus homini."

[20] Thus at last the other: "Since the bonds of origin compel us, for your incolumity, to have not even any peril before our eyes, we will point out to you the way which alone leads the journey to safety, long and long considered. A razor pre-sharpened, made even keener by the touch of a soothing little palm, hide stealthily on that part of the bed where you are accustomed to lie, and a neat lamp, filled with oil and pre-shining with bright light, place beneath some covering of a little lidded pot; and with all that apparatus most tenaciously concealed, after he, dragging a furrowed step, has mounted the usual couch and now, stretched out and entangled in the beginning of pressing sleep, begins to breathe deep slumber, slip from the bed and, with bare foot, lessening your poised step little by little, the lamp freed from the custody of blind darkness, borrow the opportunity for your illustrious deed from the counsel of the light, and with that two-edged weapon boldly—your right hand first raised aloft—with a very strong thrust cut off the knot of the neck and head of the noxious serpent. Nor shall our assistance be lacking to you; but as soon as by his death you shall have made safety for yourself, we, anxiously awaiting, will fly to you, and with all those things quickly carried off along with you, in votive nuptials we will join you, a human, to a human."

[21] Tali verborum incendio flammata viscera sororis prorsus ardentis deserentes ipsae protinus tanti mali confinium sibi etiam eximie metuentes flatus alitis impulsu solito porrectae super scopulum ilico pernici se fuga proripiunt statimque conscensis navibus abeunt.

[21] With such an incendiary blaze of words, leaving their sister’s inmost parts inflamed, utterly burning, they themselves at once, exceedingly fearing even for themselves the brink of so great an evil, borne out over the crag by the accustomed impulse of the winged breath, then and there in fleet flight they snatch themselves away, and straightway, having boarded their ships, they depart.

At Psyche relicta sola, nisi quod infestis Furiis agitata sola non est aestu pelagi simile maerendo fluctuat, et quamvis statuto consilio et obstinato animo iam tamen facinori manus admovens adhuc incerta consilii titubat multisque calamitatis suae distrahitur affectibus. Festinat differt, audet trepidat, diffidit irascitur et, quod est ultimum, in eodem corpore odit bestiam, diligit maritum. Vespera tamen iam noctem trahente praecipiti festinatione nefarii sceleris instruit apparatum.

But Psyche, left alone, except that, agitated by hostile Furies, she is not alone, like the surge of the sea she fluctuates in mourning; and although with a fixed counsel and a stubborn mind, yet now, laying her hand to the deed, still uncertain of her counsel, she totters and is torn apart by many passions of her calamity. She hastens, she defers, she dares, she trembles, she distrusts, she grows angry, and, what is ultimate, in the same body she hates the beast, she loves the husband. Evening, however, now dragging night along, with precipitous haste she furnishes the apparatus of the nefarious crime.

Nox aderat et maritus aderat primisque Veneris proeliis velitatus in altum soporem descenderat.

Night was at hand and the husband was at hand, and, having skirmished in the first battles of Venus, into deep sleep he had descended.

[22] Tunc Psyche et corporis et animi alioquin infirma fati tamen saevitia subministrante viribus roboratur, et prolata lucerna et adrepta novacula sexum audacia mutatur.

[22] Then Psyche, otherwise infirm of body and of mind, yet, with the savagery of fate supplying her with forces, is strengthened; and, the lamp having been brought forth and the razor seized, by audacity her sex is changed.

Sed cum primum luminis oblatione tori secreta claruerunt, videt omnium ferarum mitissimam dulcissimamque bestiam, ipsum illum Cupidinem formonsum deum formonse cubantem, cuius aspectu lucernae quoque lumen hilaratum increbruit et acuminis sacrilegi novaculam paenitebat. At vero Psyche tanto aspectu deterrita et impos animi marcido pallore defecta tremensque desedit in imos poplites et ferrum quaerit abscondere, sed in suo pectore; quod profecto fecisset, nisi ferrum timore tanti flagitii manibus temerariis delapsum evolasset. Iamque lassa, salute defecta, dum saepius divini vultus intuetur pulchritudinem, recreatur animi.

But when, at the first, by the presenting of light the secrets of the couch shone forth, she sees the gentlest and sweetest beast of all wild creatures, that very Cupid himself, the handsome god, lying handsomely; at whose sight even the lamp’s light, made cheerful, grew more intense, and the razor repented of its sacrilegious sharpness. But Psyche, terrified by so great a sight and out of possession of her mind, faint with a withered pallor, and trembling, sank down upon her knees and seeks to hide the iron—but in her own breast; which indeed she would have done, had not the iron, slipping from her temerarious hands, flown away for fear of so great a shameful act. And now, weary, her safety failing, while again and again she gazes upon the beauty of the divine face, she is restored in spirit.

Videt capitis aurei genialem caesariem ambrosia temulentam, cervices lacteas genasque purpureas pererrantes crinium globos decoriter impeditos, alios antependulos, alios retropendulos, quorum splendore nimio fulgurante iam et ipsum lumen lucernae vacillabat; per umeros volatilis dei pinnae roscidae micanti flore candicant et quamvis alis quiescentibus extimae plumulae tenellae ac delicatae tremule resultantes inquieta lasciviunt; ceterum corpus glabellum atque luculentum et quale peperisse Venerem non paeniteret. Ante lectuli pedes iacebat arcus et pharetra et sagittae, magni dei propitia tela.

She sees the genial locks of his golden head, temulent with ambrosia, milky necks and purple cheeks, the coils of hair wandering, decorously entangled, some hanging forward, others hanging backward, by whose excessive splendor flashing forth even the very lamp’s light was wavering; over the shoulders of the winged god the dewy pinions, with a glittering bloom, gleam white, and although the wings rest, the outermost little plumes, tender and delicate, quiveringly rebounding, sport restlessly; moreover, the body is smooth and luculent—and such as it would not repent Venus to have borne. At the foot of the little bed lay the bow and the quiver and the arrows, the propitious missiles of the great god.

[23] Quae dum insatiabili animo Psyche, satis et curiosa, rimatur atque pertrectat et mariti sui miratur arma, depromit unam de pharetra sagittam et punctu pollicis extremam aciem periclitabunda trementis etiam nunc articuli nisu fortiore pupugit altius, ut per summam cutem roraverint parvulae sanguinis rosei guttae. Sic ignara Psyche sponte in Amoris incidit amorem. Tunc magis magisque cupidine fraglans Cupidinis prona in eum efflictim inhians patulis ac petulantibus saviis festinanter ingestis de somni mensura metuebat.

[23] While Psyche, with an insatiable mind, and quite curious, pries and handles and marvels at her husband’s arms, she draws forth one arrow from the quiver, and, making trial of the extreme edge with a prick of her thumb, by a stronger effort, the joint even now trembling, she pricked herself deeper, so that upon the very surface of the skin there beaded tiny drops of rosy blood. Thus unknowing Psyche of her own accord fell into the love of Love. Then more and more, burning with desire for Cupid, leaning forward toward him, gaping for him to the point of desperation, with open and wanton kisses hastily pressed in, she began to fear about the measure of sleep.

Sed dum bono tanto percita saucia mente fluctuat, lucerna illa, sive perfidia pessima sive invidia noxia sive quod tale corpus contingere et quasi basiare et ipsa gestiebat, evomuit de summa luminis sui stillam ferventis olei super umerum dei dexterum. Hem audax et temeraria lucerna et amoris vile ministerium, ipsum ignis totius deum aduris, cum te scilicet amator aliquis, ut diutius cupitis etiam nocte potiretur, primus invenerit. Sic inustus exiluit deus visaque detectae fidei colluvie prorsus ex osculis et manibus infelicissimae coniugis tacitus avolavit.

But while, stirred by so great a good, she tosses with a wounded mind, that lamp—whether out of worst perfidy or noxious envy, or because it too was eager to touch and, as it were, to kiss such a body—spewed forth from the top of its light a drop of seething oil onto the god’s right shoulder. Ah, bold and rash lamp, and love’s base ministry, you scorch the very god of all fire, since, of course, some lover, that he might for longer possess the desired things even by night, first discovered you. Thus, scorched, the god sprang up, and, the defilement of uncovered faith having been seen, straightway from the kisses and hands of his most ill-fated spouse he silently flew away.

[24] At Psyche statim resurgentis eius crure dextero manibus ambabus adrepto sublimis evectionis adpendix miseranda et per nubilas plagas penduli comitatus extrema consequia tandem fessa delabitur solo. Nec deus amator humi iacentem deserens involavit proximam cupressum deque eius alto cacumine sic eam graviter commotus adfatur:

[24] But Psyche at once, having seized with both hands his right leg as he was rising again, a pitiable appendix of his lofty ascent, and through the cloudy tracts, the rearmost follower of the pendulous company, at length, weary, slips down to the ground. And the god, her lover, not deserting her as she lay on the ground, flew into the nearest cypress and from its high summit thus, deeply moved, addresses her:

"Ego quidem, simplicissima Psyche, parentis meae Veneris praeceptorum immemor, quae te miseri extremique hominis devinctam cupidine infimo matrimonio addici iusserat, ipse potius amator advolavi tibi. Sed hoc feci leviter, scio, et praeclarus ille sagittarius ipse me telo meo percussi teque coniugem meam feci, ut bestia scilicet tibi viderer et ferro caput excideres meum quod istos amatores tuos oculos gerit. Haec tibi identidem semper cavenda censebam, haec benivole remonebam.

"I indeed, most simple Psyche, unmindful of the precepts of my mother Venus, who had ordered that you, bound by desire, be consigned in the lowest matrimony to a wretched and most abject man, I myself rather, as a lover, flew to you. But I did this lightly, I know, and I, that most renowned archer, struck myself with my own weapon and made you my wife, with the result, of course, that I would seem a beast to you and that with iron you would cut off my head, which bears those amorous eyes of yours. These things I kept judging must always, time and again, be guarded against by you; these I was benevolently reminding you of."

Sed illae quidem consiliatrices egregiae tuae tam perniciosi magisterii dabunt actutum mihi poenas, te vero tantum fuga mea punivero." Et cum termino sermonis pinnis in altum se proripuit.

But those indeed, the distinguished advisers of yours, of so pernicious a teaching, will pay me penalties forthwith, but you I will punish only by my flight." And, with the end of his speech, on wings into the heights he rushed.

[25] Psyche vero humi prostrata et, quantum visi poterat, volatus mariti prospiciens extremis affligebat lamentationibus animum. Sed ubi remigio plumae raptum maritum proceritas spatii fecerat alienum, per proximi fluminis marginem praecipitem sese dedit. Sed mitis fluvius in honorem dei scilicet qui et ipsas aquas urere consuevit metuens sibi confestim eam innoxio volumine super ripam florentem herbis exposuit.

[25] But Psyche, prostrate on the ground, and, as far as sight could reach, looking out after her husband’s flight, was bruising her spirit with extremest lamentations. But when the loftiness of the space had made her husband, snatched away by the oaring of his plumes, far off, she cast herself headlong from the margin of the nearest river. But the gentle river, in honor of the god—namely, the one who is accustomed even to burn the waters themselves—fearing for itself, immediately, with an innocuous rolling, laid her upon a bank flowering with herbs.

Tunc forte Pan deus rusticus iuxta supercilium amnis sedebat complexus Echo montanam deam eamque voculas omnimodas edocens recinere; proxime ripam vago pastu lasciviunt comam fluvii tondentes capellae. Hircuosus deus sauciam Psychen atque defectam, utcumque casus eius non inscius, clementer ad se vocatam sic permulcet verbis lenientibus: "Puella scitula, sum quidem rusticans et upilio sed senectutis prolixae beneficio multis experimentis instructus. Verum si recte coniecto, quod profecto prudentes viri divinationem autumant, ab isto titubante et saepius vaccillante vestigio deque minio pallore corporis et assiduo suspiritu immo et ipsis marcentibus oculis tuis amore minio laboras.

T hen by chance Pan, the rustic god, was sitting beside the brow of the river, embracing Echo, the mountain goddess, and schooling her to sing back all sorts of little voices; next to the bank the little she-goats, in wandering pasturage, frolic, shearing the river’s tresses. The goatish god, seeing Psyche wounded and spent, and in some measure not unknowing of her misfortune, gently called her to himself and thus soothes her with lenient words: "Pretty little girl, I am indeed a rustic and a shepherd, but by the boon of prolonged old age I am equipped with many experiences. Truly, if I conjecture rightly—what, in fact, prudent men pronounce to be divination—from that stumbling and so-often wavering gait, and from the vermilion pallor of your body, and your constant sighing, nay, from your very languishing eyes, you are suffering from vermilion Love."

Ergo mihi ausculta nec te rursus praecipitio vel ullo mortis accersitae genere perimas. Luctum desine et pone maerorem precibusque potius Cupidinem deorum maximum percole et utpote adolescentem delicatum luxuriosumque blandis obsequiis promerere."

Therefore listen to me, and do not again destroy yourself by a headlong plunge or by any kind of summoned death. Cease mourning and set aside sorrow, and rather with prayers cultivate Cupid, greatest of the gods, and, as being an adolescent, delicate and luxurious, win his favor by bland attentions."

[26]. Sic locuto deo pastore nulloque sermone reddito sed adorato tantum numine salutari Psyche pergit ire. Sed cum aliquam multum viae laboranti vestigio pererrasset, inscia quodam tramite iam die labente accedit quandam civitatem, in qua regnum maritus unius sororis eius optinebat. Qua re cognita Psyche nuntiari praesentiam suam sorori desiderat; mox inducta mutuis amplexibus alternae salutationis expletis percontanti causas adventus sui sic incipit:

[26]. After the god shepherd had spoken thus, and with no speech returned but only the salutary divinity adored, Psyche goes on her way. But when she had wandered over a considerable part of the road with a toiling step, unknowing along a certain by-path, with the day now waning she approaches a certain city, in which the husband of one of her sisters was holding the kingship. This matter learned, Psyche desires that her presence be announced to her sister; soon led in, with mutual embraces, the exchange of salutations completed, to her inquiring the causes of her arrival she thus begins:

"Meministi consilium vestrum, scilicet quo mihi suasistis ut bestiam, quae mariti mentito nomine mecum quiescebat, prius quam ingluvie voraci me misellam hauriret, ancipiti novacula peremerem. Set cum primum, ut aeque placuerat, conscio lumine vultus eius aspexi, video mirum divinumque prorsus spectaculum, ipsum illum deae Veneris filium, ipsum inquam Cupidinem, leni quiete sopitum. Ac dum tanti boni spectaculo percita et nimia voluptatis copia turbata fruendi laborarem inopia, casu scilicet pessumo lucerna fervens oleum rebullivit in eius umerum.

"Do you remember your counsel, namely whereby you urged me that the beast, who under the mendacious name of “husband” was resting with me, I should dispatch with a two-edged razor before, with voracious gluttony, it should gulp down poor little me. But when first, as had equally pleased, with the conscious light I beheld his face, I see a wondrous and downright divine spectacle: that very son of the goddess Venus, Cupid himself, I say, lulled in gentle repose. And while, thrilled by the spectacle of so great a good and disturbed by an excessive abundance of pleasure, I was laboring under a lack of enjoyment, by the worst mishap the lamp, boiling, splashed back scalding oil onto his shoulder.

Quo dolore statim somno recussus, ubi me ferro et igni conspexit armatam, "Tu quidem" inquit "ob istud tam dirum facinus confestim toro meo divorte tibique res tuas habeto, ego vero sororem tuam" — et nomen quo tu censeris aiebat — "iam mihi confarreatis nuptis coniugabo" et statim Zephyro praecipit ultra terminos me domus eius efflaret."

By that pain at once shaken from sleep, when he beheld me armed with iron and fire, "You indeed," he said, "on account of that so dire a crime, forthwith divorce from my couch and keep your goods to yourself; but I for my part your sister" — and he was speaking the name by which you are styled — "now I will conjoin in marriage with confarreate nuptials"; and straightway he ordered Zephyr to blow me beyond the boundaries of his house."

[27] Necdum sermonem Psyche finierat, et illa vesanae libidinis et invidiae noxiae stimulis agitata, e re concinnato mendacio fallens maritum, quasi de morte parentum aliquid comperisset, statim navem ascendit et ad illum scopulum protinus pergit et quamvis alio flante vento caeca spe tamen inhians, "Accipe me," dicens "Cupido, dignam te coniugem et tu, Zephyre, suscipe dominam" saltu se maximo praecipitem dedit. Nec tamen ad illum locum vel satem mortua pervenire potuit. Nam per saxa cautium membris iactatis atque dissipatis et proinde ut merebatur laceratis visceribus suis alitibus bestiisque obvium ferens pabulum interiit.

[27] Not yet had Psyche finished her speech, and she, driven by the noxious goads of insane libido and envy, deceiving her husband with a lie concinnated to the purpose, as if she had learned something about the death of her parents, immediately boarded a ship and straightway made for that crag; and although another wind was blowing, yet, gaping with blind hope, saying, "Receive me, Cupid, a spouse worthy of you; and you, Zephyr, take up your mistress," she hurled herself headlong with the greatest leap. Yet she could not reach that place, not even at least as a corpse. For, her limbs being flung and scattered upon the rocks of the crags, and, just as she deserved, her own viscera torn, bearing as it were passing provender for birds and wild beasts, she perished.

Nec vindictae sequentis poena tardavit. Nam Psyche rursus errabundo gradu pervenit ad civitatem aliam, in qua pari modo soror morabatur alia. Nec setius et ipsa fallacie germanitatis inducta et in sororis sceleratas nuptias aemula festinavit ad scopulum inque simile mortis exitium cecidit.

Nor did the penalty of ensuing vengeance delay. For Psyche again with a wandering step arrived at another city, in which in like manner another sister was dwelling. No less she too, induced by the fallacy of sisterhood and, as a rival in her sister’s criminal nuptials, hastened to the crag and fell into a like destruction of death.

[28] Interim, dum Psyche quaestioni Cupidinis intenta populos circumibat, at ille vulnere lucernae dolens in ipso thalamo matris iacens ingemebat. Tunc avis peralba illa gavia quae super fluctus marinos pinnis natat demergit sese propere ad Oceani profundum gremium. Ibi commodum Venerem lavantem natantemque propter assistens indicat adustum filium eius gravi vulneris dolore maerentem dubium salutis iacere, iamque per cunctorum ora populorum rumoribus conviciisque variis omnem Veneris familiam male audire, quod ille quidem montano scortatu tu vero marino natatu secesseritis, ac per hoc non voluptas ulla non gratia non lepos, sed incompta et agrestia et horrida cuncta sint, non nuptiae coniugales non amicitiae sociales non liberum caritates, sed enormis colluvies et squalentium foederum insuave fastidium.

[28] Meanwhile, while Psyche, intent on the inquisition concerning Cupid, was going around the peoples, he, pained by the lamp’s wound, lying in his mother’s very bedchamber, groaned. Then that very white bird, the gull, which swims with its wings above the sea-waves, quickly plunges herself to the deep bosom of Ocean. There just then, standing beside Venus as she bathed and swam, it reports that her son, scorched, grieving with the heavy pain of the wound, lies doubtful of safety, and now on the lips of all peoples, by rumors and various revilings, the whole household of Venus is ill-spoken of, because he indeed has withdrawn to mountain harlotry, but you to sea-swimming; and through this there is no pleasure, no grace, no charm, but all things are unadorned and rustic and rough, no conjugal nuptials, no social friendships, no loves of children, but an enormous offscouring and an unlovely loathing of squalid bonds.

Haec illa verbosa et satis curiosa avis in auribus Veneris fili lacerans existimationem ganniebat. At Venus irata solidum exclamat repente: "Ergo iam ille bonus filius meus habet amicam aliquam? Prome agedum, quae sola mihi servis amanter, nomen eius quae puerum ingenuum et investem sollicitavit, sive illa de Nympharum populo seu de Horarum numero seu de Musarum choro vel de mearum Gratiarum ministerio."

This verbose and quite curious bird, tearing in the ears of Venus the estimation of her son, was yapping. But Venus, enraged, suddenly cries out outright: "So now that good son of mine has some girlfriend? Out with it then, you who alone serve me lovingly, the name of her who has solicited the freeborn and unbearded boy, whether she be from the people of the Nymphs or from the number of the Hours or from the chorus of the Muses or from the ministry of my Graces."

Nec loquax illa conticuit avis, sed: "Nescio," inquit "domina: puto puellam, si probe memini, Psyches nomine dici: illam dicitur efflicte cupere."

Nor did that loquacious bird fall silent, but: "I do not know," she says "mistress: I think the girl, if I remember well, is said to be called by the name Psyche: she is said to desire him desperately."

Tunc indignata Venus exclamavit vel maxime: "Psychen ille meae formae succubam mei nominis aemulam vere diligit? Nimirum illud incrementum lenam me putavit cuius monstratu puellam illam cognosceret."

Then Venus, indignant, cried out most especially: "Does he truly love Psyche—that underling of my form, the emulous rival of my name? Surely that increment thought me a procuress, by whose demonstration he might get to know that girl."

[29] Haec quiritans properiter emergit e mari suumque protinus aureum thalamum petit et reperto, sicut audierat, aegroto puero iam inde a foribus quam maxime boans: "Honesta" inquit "haec et natalibus nostris bonaeque tuae frugi congruentia, ut primum quidem tuae parentis immo dominae praecepta calcares, nec sordidis amoribus inimicam meam cruciares, verum etiam hoc aetatis puer tuis licentiosis et immaturis iungeres amplexibus, ut ego nurum scilicet tolerarem inimicam. Sed utique praesumis nugo et corruptor et inamabilis te solum generosum nec me iam per aetatem posse concipere. Velim ergo scias multo te meliorem filium alium genituram, immo ut contumeliam magis sentias aliquem de meis adoptaturam vernulis, eique donaturam istas pinnas et flammas et arcum et ipsas sagittas et omnem meam supellectilem, quam tibi non ad hos usus dederam: nec enim de patris tui bonis ad instructionem istam quicquam concessum est.

[29] Shrieking this, she hastily emerges from the sea and straightway makes for her own golden bridal-chamber, and, finding, as she had heard, the boy sick, from the very doors she bellowed as much as possible: "These are honorable doings and congruent with our birth and with your good thrift, that first indeed you should trample underfoot the precepts of your parent—nay, of your mistress—and torture my enemy with sordid loves, but even that you, a boy of this age, should join your licentious and premature embraces, so that I, forsooth, must tolerate as daughter-in-law my enemy. But of course you presume, trifler and corrupter and unlovable, that you alone are well-born, and that I, now by reason of my age, am not able to conceive. I would therefore have you know that I shall beget another son much better than you—nay rather, that you may feel the insult more, I shall adopt someone from among my home-born slaves—and to him I shall gift those wings and flames and the bow and the very arrows and all my furnishings, which I did not give to you for these uses; for indeed nothing from your father’s goods was granted for that kind of equipment."

[30] Sed male prima a pueritia inductus es et acutas manus habes et maiores tuos irreverenter pulsasti totiens et ipsa matrem tuam, me inquam ipsam, parricida denudas cotidie et percussisti saepius et quasi viduam utique contemnis nec vitricum tuum fortissimum illum maximumque bellatorem metuis. Quidni? cui saepius in angorem mei paelicatus puellas propinare consuesti.

[30] But you have been ill-indoctrinated from earliest boyhood, and you have sharp hands, and you have struck your elders irreverently so many times, and even your mother herself—me, I say, myself—you parricide, you strip naked every day and you have struck more often; and you, as though a widow, of course you despise me, nor do you fear your stepfather, that most strong and greatest warrior. Why should you? him whom you have been accustomed, all too often—to the anguish of my state as a mistress—to ply with girls.

Sed iam faxo te lusus huius paeniteat et sentias acidas et amaras istas nuptias. — Sed nunc inrisui habita quid agam? Quo me conferam?

But now I will see to it that you repent of this sport and that you feel those acid and bitter nuptials. — But now, held to derision, what am I to do? Whither shall I betake myself?

Quibus modis stelionem istum cohibeam? Petamne auxilium ab inimica mea Sobrietate, quam propter huius ipsius luxuriam offendis saepius? At rusticae squalentisque feminae conloquium prorsus [adhibendum est] horresco.

By what means shall I restrain that trickster? Shall I seek assistance from my enemy Sobriety, whom you more often offend on account of this very one’s luxury? But at the colloquy of a rustic and squalid woman I utterly shudder [that it must be employed].

Nec tamen vindictae solacium undeunde spernendum est. Illa mihi prorsus adhibenda est nec ulla alia, quae castiget asperrime nugonem istum, pharetram explicet et sagittas dearmet, arcum enodet, taedam deflammet, immo et ipsum corpus eius acrioribus remediis coerceat. Tunc iniuriae meae litatum crediderim cum eius comas quas istis manibus meis subinde aureo nitore perstrinxi deraserit, pinnas quas meo gremio nectarei fontis infeci praetotonderit."

Nor, however, is the solace of vengeance from wherever to be spurned. That one must absolutely be applied by me, and no other, who may castigate most harshly that trifler, may unroll the quiver and de-arm the arrows, may unstring the bow, may extinguish the torch, nay even restrain his very body with sharper remedies. Then I would believe my wrong has been propitiated when she has shaved off his locks, which with these very hands of mine I repeatedly brushed with golden luster, and has closely clipped the wings which in my lap I imbued in the nectarean fountain."

[31] Sic effata foras sese proripit infesta et stomachata biles Venerias. Sed eam protinus Ceres et Iuno continantur visamque vultu tumido quaesiere cur truci supercilio tantam venustatem micantium oculorum coerceret. At illa: "Opportune" inquit " ardenti prorsus isto meo pectori volentiam scilicet perpetraturae venitis.

[31] Thus having spoken, she rushes forth outside, hostile and choleric with Venerian gall. But immediately Ceres and Juno restrain her, and, having seen her, with a tumid countenance they asked why she was coercing so great a venusty of her flashing eyes with a truculent supercilium. But she: "Opportune," she says, " to this my utterly burning breast you come, of course, to carry out its volition.

Sed totis, oro, vestris viribus Psychen illam fugitivam volaticam mihi requirite. Nec enim vos utique domus meae famosa fabula et non dicendi filii mei facta latuerunt."

But, I beg, with all your strength, seek out for me that fugitive winged Psyche. Nor indeed have the famous tale of my house and the deeds of my not-to-be-mentioned son lain hidden from you."

Tunc illae non ignarae quae gesta sunt palpare Veneris iram saevientem sic adortae: "Quid tale, domina, deliquit tuus filius ut animo pervicaci voluptate illius impugnes et, quam ille diligit, tu quoque perdere gestias? Quod autem, oramus, isti crimen si puellae lepidae libenter adrisit? An ignoras eum masculum et iuvenem esse vel certe iam quot sit annorum oblita es? An, quod aetatem portat bellule, puer tibi semper videtur?

Then they, not unaware of what had been done, to soothe Venus’s raging wrath, thus addressed her: "What such thing, mistress, has your son committed, that with a stubborn mind you assail his pleasure, and you too are eager to destroy the one whom he loves? But what, we pray, is the crime of that girl if she gladly smiled at him? Or do you not know that he is a male and a young man, or at least have you already forgotten how many years he counts? Or, because he bears his age prettily, does he always seem a boy to you?"

Mater autem tu et praeterea cordata mulier filii tui lusus semper explorabis curiose et in eo luxuriem culpabis et amores revinces et tuas artes tuasque delicias in formonso filio reprehendes? Quid autem te deum, qui hominum patietur passim cupidines populis disseminantem, cum tuae domus amores amare coerceas et vitiorum muliebrium publicam praecludas officinam?" Sic illae metu sagittarum patrocinio gratioso Cupidini quamvis absenti blandiebantur. Sed Venus indignata ridicule tractari suas iniurias praeversis illis altrorsus concito gradu pelago viam capessit.

But you, a mother, and moreover a prudent woman, will you always curiously pry into your son’s games and therein blame luxury and refute loves, and censure your arts and your delights in your handsome son? And what, moreover, of you—a god, who suffers the desires of men to be disseminated everywhere among peoples—when you curb the loving of the loves of your own house and shut the public workshop of womanly vices?" Thus they, for fear of the arrows, were flattering Cupid with gracious patronage, although absent. But Venus, indignant that her injuries were being handled ridiculously, turning aside from them in another direction, with hurried step takes the way over the sea.