Apuleius: METAMORPHOSES

[1] Interea Psyche variis iactabatur discursibus, dies noctesque mariti vestigationibus inquieta animi, tanto cupidior iratum licet si non uxoriis blanditiis lenire certe servilibus precibus propitiare. Et prospecto templo quodam in ardui montis vertice: "Vnde autem" inquit "scio an istic meus degat dominus?" Et ilico dirigit citatum gradum, quem defectum prorsus adsiduis laboribus spes incitabat et votum. Iamque naviter emensis celsioribus iugis pulvinaribus sese proximam intulit.

[1] Meanwhile Psyche was tossed by various discourses, days and nights restless of mind with searches for her husband, all the more eager to propitiate the angry one—though she could not soothe him with wifely blandishments, at least to appease him with servile prayers. And having espyed a certain temple on the summit of a steep mountain she said, "But how do I know whether my lord dwells there?" And immediately she directed her hurried step, which, wholly worn out by continual labors, hope and her vow urged on. And now, briskly having climbed, she brought herself near the higher ridges' pulvina (the cushioned seats of the shrine).

Videt spicas frumentarias in acervo et alias flexiles in corona et spicas hordei videt. Erant et falces et operae messoriae mundus omnis, sed cuncta passim iacentia et incuria confusa et, ut solet aestu, laborantium manibus proiecta. Haec singula Psyche curiose dividit et discretim semota rite componit, rata scilicet nullius dei fana caerimoniasve neglegere se debere sed omnium benivolam misericordiam corrogare.

She sees wheat ears in a heap and others pliant in a garland, and she sees ears of barley. There were also sickles and the implements of reaping, the whole harvest array, but all things lying here and there and jumbled by neglect and, as is usual in the heat, cast down by the hands of those laboring. Psyche curiously separates these single things and, set apart each discretely, dutifully arranges them, thinking, certainly, that she ought not to neglect any god’s shrines or ceremonies but to solicit the benevolent mercy of all.

[2] Haec eam sollicite seduloque curantem Ceres alma deprehendit et longum exclamat protinus: "Ain, Psyche miseranda? Totum per orbem Venus anxia disquisitione tuum vestigium furens animi requirit teque ad extremum supplicium expetit et totis numinis sui viribus ultionem flagitat: tu vero rerum mearum tutelam nunc geris et aliud quicquam cogitas nisi de tua salute?"

[2] Kind Ceres caught her thus anxiously and diligently caring and at once cried out at length: "Ah, miserable Psyche? All over the world Venus, anxious with inquiry, raging, searches for your footprint with a furious mind and demands you to the utmost punishment, and with all the forces of her deity demands vengeance: and you, indeed, now bear the guardianship of my affairs and do you think of anything else save your own salvation?"

Tunc Psyche pedes eius advoluta et uberi fletu rigans deae vestigia humumque verrens crinibus suis multiiugis precibus editis veniam postulabat: "Per ego te frugiferam tuam dexteram istam deprecor per laetificas messium caerimonias per tacita secreta cistarum et per famulorum tuorum draconum pinnata curricula et glebae Siculae sulcamina et currum rapacem et terram tenacem et inluminarum Proserpinae nuptiarum demeacula et luminosarum filiae inventionum remeacula et cetera quae silentio tegit Eleusinis Atticae sacrarium, miserandae Psyches animae supplicis tuae subsiste. Inter istam spicarum congeriem patere vel pauculos dies delitescam, quoad deae tantae saeviens ira spatio temporis mitigetur vel certe meae vires diutino labore fessae quietis intervallo leniantur."

Then Psyche, throwing herself at her feet and wetting them with a full woman's weeping and sweeping the goddess’ footprints and the ground with her many‑plaited hair, having uttered manifold prayers begged pardon: "By that fruitful right hand of yours I implore you, by the joyful rites of the harvests, by the silent secrets of the chests, and by the winged courses of your attendant dragons, and by the furrows of the Sicilian clod, and by your rapacious chariot and the tenacious earth, and by the bridal radiance of bright Proserpina and the luminous reliquiae of the daughter’s found things, and the other things which silence conceals in the Eleusinian Athenian sanctuary, show mercy to the suppliant soul of wretched Psyche. Permit me to lie hid within this heap of ears of corn for a few days, until the wrath of so great a goddess be softened by the passage of time, or at least until my powers, worn by long toil, be eased by an interval of rest."

[3] Suscipit Ceres: "Tuis quidem lacrimosis precibus et commoveor et opitulari cupio, sed cognatae meae, cum qua etiam foedus antiquum amicitiae colo, bonae praeterea feminae, malam gratiam subire nequeo. Decede itaque istis aedibus protinus et quod a me retenta custoditaque non fueris optimi consule."

[3] Ceres replies: "By your tearful prayers I am indeed moved and wish to aid you, but my kinswoman, with whom I also cherish an ancient pact of friendship, and moreover a woman of good repute, I cannot suffer to undergo ill favor. Depart therefore at once from these halls, and as for anything that you would not have retained and guarded by me, consult the best counsel."

Contra spem suam repulsa Psyche et afflicta duplici maestitia iter retrorsum porrigens inter subsitae convallis sublucidum lucum prospicit fanum sollerti fabrica structum, nec ullam vel dubiam spei melioris viam volens omittere sed adire cuiscumque dei veniam sacratis foribus proximat. Videt dona pretiosa et lacinias auro litteratas ramis arborum postibusque suffixas, quae cum gratia facti nomen deae cui fuerant dicata testabantur. Tunc genu nixa et manibus aram tepentem amplexa detersis ante lacrimis sic adprecatur:

Against her hope repulsed, Psyche, afflicted and with double sorrow, stretching out her way back, amid the valleys below she beholds a gleaming grove and a shrine deftly built with ingenious workmanship, and, not willing to omit any path even doubtful of better hope, but wishing to approach whichever god might grant favor, she draws near the consecrated doors. She sees precious gifts and cloths lettered in gold hung on the branches of the trees and on the doorposts, which, by the grace of the deed, bore witness to the name of the goddess to whom they had been dedicated. Then, kneeling and having embraced the warm altar with her hands and having wiped away her tears, thus she prays:

[4] "Magni Iovis germana et coniuga, sive tu Sami, quae sola partu vagituque et alimonia tua gloriatur, tenes vetusta delubra, sive celsae Carthaginis, quae te virginem vectura leonis caelo commeantem percolit, beatas sedes frequentas, seu prope ripas Inachi, qui te iam nuptam Tonantis et reginam deorum memorat, inclitis Argivorum praesides moenibus, quam cunctus oriens Zygiam veneratur et omnis occidens Lucinam appellat, sis mei extremis casibus Iuno Sospita meque in tantis exanclatis laboribus defessam imminentis periculi metu libera. Quod sciam, soles praegnatibus periclitantibus ultro subvenire."

[4] "Sister and spouse of great Jove, whether thou, Sami, who alone boastest of thy childbirth, thy crying and thy nursing, holdest the ancient shrines, or thou of high Carthage, which reveres thee a virgin borne by a lion traversing the sky, frequent the blessed seats, or near the banks of Inachus, which already calls thee the bride of the Thunderer and queen of the gods, famed protector in the walls of the Argives, whom all the East worships as Zygia and all the West calls Lucina, be Juno Sospita to my last miseries and free me, worn out in such overwhelming labors, from the fear of impending peril. That I may know whether the suns of their own accord help those pregnant and in danger."

Ad istum modum supplicanti statim sese Iuno cum totius sui numinis angusta dignitate praesentat et protinus: "Quam vellem" inquit "per fidem nutum meum precibus tuis accommodare. Sed contra voluntatem Veneris nurus meae, quam filiae semper dilexi loco, praestare me pudor non sinit. Tunc etiam legibus quae servos alienos profugos invitis dominis vetant suscipi prohibeor."

To him thus supplicating, Juno immediately presents herself with the austere dignity of her whole numen and at once: "How I would wish," she says, "by faith to accommodate my nod to your prayers. But against the will of Venus, my daughter‑in‑law, whom I have always loved in the place of a daughter, modesty does not permit me to grant it. Besides, I am also forbidden by laws which prohibit the receiving of foreign runaway slaves against the will of their masters."

[5] Isto quoque fortunae naufragio Psyche perterrita nec indipisci iam maritum volatilem quiens, tota spe salutis deposita, sic ipsa suas cogitationes consuluit: "Iam quae possunt alia meis aerumnis temptari vel adhiberi subsidia, cui nec dearum quidem quanquam volentium potuerunt prodesse suffragia? Quo rursum itaque tantis laqueis inclusa vestigium porrigam quibusque tectis vel etiam tenebris abscondita magnae Veneris inevitabiles oculos effugiam? Quin igitur masculum tandem sumis animum et cassae speculae renuntias fortiter et ultroneam te dominae tuae reddis et vel sera modestia saevientes impetus eius mitigas?

[5] With that shipwreck of fortune likewise terrified, Psyche, no longer hoping to obtain a husband who is a bird, having cast aside all hope of salvation, thus considered her own thoughts: "Now what other aids can be tried or applied to my hardships, to whom not even the suffrages of the goddesses, though willing, have been able to help? Where again, then, enclosed by such snares, shall I put forth a foot, and under what roofs or even hidden in shadows shall I escape the inevitable eyes of great Venus? Why then do you not at last assume a masculine mind and bravely renounce the vain mirror, and of your own accord return yourself to your mistress, and even with belated modesty soften her raging assaults?"

Qui scias an etiam quem diu quaeritas illic in domo matris reperias?" Sic ad dubium obsequium immo ad certum exitium praeparata principium futurae secum meditabatur obsecrationis.

"Who knows whether you may even find there, in the house of his mother, him whom you have long sought?" Thus, prepared for a doubtful obedience—nay, for a certain destruction—she pondered to herself the beginning of a future supplication.

[6] At Venus terrenis remediis inquisitionis abnuens caelum petit. Iubet instrui currum quem ei Vulcanus aurifex subtili fabrica studiose poliverat et ante thalami rudimentum nuptiale munus obtulerat limae tenuantis detrimento conspicuum et ipsius auri damno pretiosum. De multis quae circa cubiculum dominae stabulant procedunt quattuor candidae columbae et hilaris incessibus picta colla torquentes iugum gemmeum subeunt susceptaque domina laetae subvolant.

[6] But Venus, rejecting earthly remedies of inquiry, seeks the heavens. She commands a chariot to be fitted out which Vulcanus, the goldsmith, had diligently polished for her with subtle workmanship and had before offered as an initial nuptial gift of the bridal chamber—made conspicuous by the loss from a file that thinned it, and precious despite the damage to the very gold. Of the many things that dwell around the lady’s bedchamber, four snow-white doves advance, and with cheerful gait, turning their painted necks, mount the jewelled yoke, and, having been taken up, fly beneath their delighted mistress.

Currum deae prosequentes gannitu constrepenti lasciviunt passeres et ceterae quae dulce cantitant aves melleis modulis suave resonantes adventum deae pronuntiant. Cedunt nubes et Caelum filiae panditur et summus aether cum gaudio suscipit deam, nec obvias aquilas vel accipitres rapaces pertimescit magnae Veneris canora familia.

Pursuing the chariot of the goddess, sparrows, with a barking clatter, frolic lasciviously, and the other birds that sing sweetly, resonating with honeyed measures, proclaim the arrival of the goddess. The clouds give way and the daughter of Heaven is unveiled, and the highest ether receives the goddess with joy; nor does the melodious household of great Venus fear the opposing eagles or the rapacious hawks.

[7] Tunc se protinus ad Iovis regias arces dirigit et petitu superbo Mercuri dei vocalis operae necessariam usuram postulat. Nec rennuit Iovis caerulum supercilium. Tunc ovans ilico, comitante etiam Mercurio, Venus caelo demeat eique sollicite serit verba: "Frater Arcadi, scis nempe sororem tuam Venerem sine Mercuri praesentia nil unquam fecisse nec te praeterit utique quanto iam tempore delitescentem ancillam nequiverim reperire.

[7] Then straightaway she directs herself to Jupiter’s royal citadels and, with a proud petition, demands the necessary use of the vocal service of Mercury the god. Nor did Jupiter lower his caerulean brow. Then, exulting at once, Mercury also accompanying her, Venus descends from the sky and anxiously sets forth words to him: "Arcadian brother, you know certainly that your sister Venus never has done anything without Mercury's presence, nor is it unknown to you, of course, how long now I have been unable to find the maid who hides."

Nil ergo superest quam tuo praeconio praemium investigationis publicitus edicere. Fac ergo mandatum matures meum et indicia qui possit agnosci manifeste designes, ne si quis occultationis illicitae crimen subierit, ignorantiae se possit excusatione defendere"; et simul dicens libellum ei porrigit ubi Psyches nomen continebatur et cetera. Quo facto protinus domum secessit.

There remains therefore nothing but to publish by your proclamation a reward for the investigation. Do then hasten my command and plainly set down the identifying marks by which she may be recognized, so that if anyone shall have incurred the crime of unlawful concealment he may not defend himself by the excuse of ignorance; and at the same time, saying this, he hands him a little tablet on which Psyche's name was contained and so forth. With this done he at once withdrew to his house.

[8] Nec Mercurius omisit obsequium. Nam per omnium ora populorum passim discurrens sic mandatae praedicationis munus exsequebatur: "Sic quis a fuga retrahere vel occultam demonstrare poterit fugitivam regis filiam, Veneris ancillam, nomine Psychen, conveniat retro metas Murtias Mercurium praedicatorem, accepturus indicivae nomine ab ipsa Venere septem savia suavia et unum blandientis adpulsu linguae longe mellitum."

[8] Nor did Mercury omit his service. For running here and there through the mouths of all the peoples, he thus performed the charge of the commanded proclamation: "So let anyone who can draw back from flight or disclose the concealed fugitive, the king's daughter, the handmaid of Venus, named Psyche, meet Mercury the herald behind the Murtian bounds, to receive, in the name of the informant, from Venus herself seven sweet savors and one caress of a coaxing tongue far-honeyed."

Ad hunc modum pronuntiante Mercurio tanti praemii cupido certatim omnium mortalium studium adrexerat. Quae res nunc vel maxime sustulit Psyches omnem cunctationem. Iamque fores ei dominae proximanti occurrit una de famulitione Veneris nomine Consuetudo statimque quantum maxime potuit exclamat: "Tandem, ancilla nequissima, dominam habere te scire coepisti?

In this manner, with Mercury pronouncing it, the desire for so great a prize eagerly drew the zeal of all mortals. This thing now most of all removed every hesitation from Psyche. And now, as she approached the mistress’s doors, one of Venus’s household, named Consuetudo, met her and at once cried out as loudly as she could: "At last, most wicked handmaid, have you begun to know that you possess a mistress?

An pro cetera morum, tuorum temeritate istud quoque nescire te fingis quantos labores circa tuas inquisitiones sustinuerimus? Sed bene, quod meas potissimum manus incidisti et inter Orci cancros iam ipso haesisti datura scilicet actutum tantae contumaciae poenas",

"Or, besides the rest of your morals, do you by your temerity also feign not to know how many labors we have endured concerning your inquisitions? But well — since you have laid hands upon my very person and already are stuck amidst the claws of Orcus — surely immediately you will pay the penalties of such contumacy",

[9] et audaciter in capillos eius inmissa manu trahebat eam nequaquam renitentem. Quam ubi primum inductam oblatamque sibi conspexit Venus, latissimum cachinnum extollit et qualem solent furenter irati, caputque quatiens et ascalpens aurem dexteram: "Tandem" inquit "dignata es socrum tuam salutare? An potius maritum, qui tuo vulnere periclitatur, intervisere venisti?

[9] and boldly, with her hand thrust into her hair, she dragged her, not at all resisting. When Venus first saw her led in and presented to her, she raised a very loud laugh, and, as folk are wont when furiously angry, shaking her head and striking her right ear: "At last," she said, "have you deigned to salute your mother-in-law? Or rather have you come to see your husband, who is endangered by your wound?"

Sed esto secura, iam enim excipiam te ut bonam nurum condecet"; et: "Vbi sunt" inquit "Sollicitudo atque Tristities ancillae meae?" Quibus intro vocatis torquendam tradidit eam. At illae sequentes erile praeceptum Psychen misellam flagellis afflictam et ceteris tormentis excruciatam iterum dominae conspectui reddunt. Tunc rursus sublato risu Venus: "Et ecce" inquit "nobis turgidi ventris sui lenocinio commovet miserationem, unde me praeclara subole aviam beatam scilicet faciat.

"But be at ease, for I will now receive you as befits a good nurus"; and: "Where are" she said "Sollicitudo and Tristities, my handmaids?" To whom, having been called in, she handed her over to be scourged. But those who followed, obeying their master's command, again returned Psyche, the poor little girl, to her mistress's sight, lashed with whips and tormented by other tortures. Then Venus, with a laugh lifted again, said: "And behold, his swollen belly by its lenociny moves our compassion, whence, doubtless, he will make me a blessed avia of illustrious offspring."

Felix velo ego quae ipso aetatis meae flore vocabor avia et vilis ancillae filius nepos Veneris audiet. Quanquam inepta ego quae frustra filium dicam; impares enim nuptiae et praeterea in villa sine testibus et patre non consentiente factae legitimae non possunt videri ac per hoc spurius iste nascetur, si tamen partum omnino perferre te patiemur."

Soon shall I be called happy, I who in the very flower of my age will be a grandmother, and shall hear that the vile son of a handmaid, a grandson of Venus, is born. Yet foolish am I who would in vain call him a son; for unequal nuptials, and moreover those contracted in a villa without witnesses and without the father's consent, cannot be regarded as lawful, and therefore that one will be born spurious—if indeed we shall permit you to bear the birth at all.

[10] His editis involat eam vestemque plurifariam diloricat capilloque discisso et capite conquassato graviter affligit, et accepto frumento et hordeo et milio et papavere et cicere et lente et faba commixtisque acervatim confusisque in unum grumulum sic ad illam: "Videris enim mihi tam deformis ancilla nullo alio sed tantum sedulo ministerio amatores tuos promereri: iam ergo et ipsa frugem tuam periclitabor. Discerne seminum istorum passivam congeriem singulisque granis rite dispositis atque seiugatis ante istam vesperam opus expeditum approbato mihi." Sic assignato tantorum seminum cumulo ipsa cenae nuptiali concessit. Nec Psyche manus admolitur inconditae illi et inextricabili moli, sed immanitate praecepti consternata silens obstupescit.

[10] With these commands spoken he swoops upon her and tears her garment in many places, and with her hair torn and her head battered he grievously afflicts her, and taking up wheat and barley and millet and poppy-seed and chick-pea and lentil and bean, and mixed heapwise and confused into one lump, thus to her: "For you seem to me, so deformed a maidservant, to win your lovers by no other than by diligent service alone: now therefore I myself will also put your grain to the test. Separate that passive congeries of seeds and, with the individual grains duly set and sieved, have the task ready and approved to me before this evening." Thus, the heap of so many seeds being assigned, she yielded herself to the nuptial supper. Nor does Psyche lay hands to that disordered and inextricable mass, but, struck down by the enormity of the command, she stands silent and astounded.

Tunc formicula illa parvula atque ruricola certa difficultatis tantae laborisque miserta contubernalis magni dei socrusque saevitiam exsecrata discurrens naviter convocat corrogatque cunctam formicarum accolarum classem: "Miseremini terrae omniparentis agiles alumnae, miseremini et Amoris uxori puellae lepidae periclitanti prompta velocitate succurrite." Ruunt aliae superque aliae sepedum populorum undae summoque studio singulae granatim totum digerunt acervum separatimque distributis dissitisque generibus e conspectu perniciter abeunt.

Then that tiny, rustic little ant, moved by so great a difficulty and pitying the toil of her camp-companion, cursing the severity of the great god and her mother-in-law, ran about and promptly summoned and called together the entire fleet of neighboring ants: "Have mercy, nimble nurslings of the earth-bearing mother; have mercy also, and with ready swiftness succor Love’s wife, the fair girl in peril." Others rush in, and upon others waves of peoples surge, and with the highest zeal each one, grain by grain, devours the whole heap and, having distributed and scattered the kinds separately, speedily depart out of sight.

[11] Sed initio noctis e convivio nuptiali vino madens et fraglans balsama Venus remeat totumque revincta corpus rosis micantibus, visaque diligentia miri laboris: "Non tuum," inquit "nequissima, nec tuarum manuum istud opus, sed illius cui tuo immo et ipsius malo placuisti", et frustro cibarii panis ei proiecto cubitum facessit. Interim Cupido solus interioris domus unici cubiculi custodia clausus coercebatur acriter, partim ne petulanti luxurie vulnus gravaret, partim ne cum sua cupita conveniret. Sic ergo distentis et sub uno tecto separatis amatoribus tetra nox exanclata.

[11] But at the beginning of the night, returning from the nuptial banquet, drenched in wine and fragrant with balsam, Venus came back, her whole body bound with glittering roses, and having seen the diligence of that wondrous labour, said: "Not yours, most wicked one, nor the work of your hands is this, but of him in whose favour — nay, to your harm and even his — you have pleased," and having cast to her a scrap of the bridal bread, sent her to bed. Meanwhile Cupid alone was sharply restrained, shut up by the custody of the inner room of the single bedchamber of the house, partly lest wanton luxury wound him, partly lest he meet with his own desires. Thus the gloomy night, the lovers sated and separated under one roof, was passed away.

Sed Aurora commodum inequitante vocatae Psychae Venus infit talia: "Videsne illud nemus, quod fluvio praeterluenti ripisque longis attenditur, cuius imi frutices vicinum fontem despiciunt? Oves ibi nitentis auri vero decore florentes incustodito pastu vagantur. Inde de coma pretiosi velleris floccum mihi confestim quoquo modo quaesitum afferas censeo."

But with Dawn riding off to summon Psyche, Venus spoke thus: "Do you see that grove which is bordered by a river flowing past and long banks, whose lower shrubs overlook the neighboring spring? There the sheep, gleaming with true gold and flourishing in beauty, stray in unguarded pasture. From their fleece I judge that you should immediately bring me, by any means sought, a tuft of the precious wool."

[12] Perrexit Psyche volenter non obsequium quidem illa functura sed requiem malorum praecipitio fluvialis rupis habitura. Sed inde de fluvio musicae suavis nutricula leni crepitu dulcis aurae divinitus inspirata sic vaticinatur harundo viridis: "Psyche tantis aerumnis exercita, neque tua miserrima morte meas sanctas aquas polluas nec vero istud horae contra formidabiles oves feras aditum, quoad de solis fraglantia mutuatae calorem truci rabie solent efferri cornuque acuto et fronte saxea et non nunquam venenatis morsibus in exitium saevire mortalium; se dum meridies solis sedaverit vaporem et pecua spiritus fluvialis serenitate conquieverint, poteris sub illa procerissima platano, quae mecum simul unum fluentum bibit, latenter abscondere. Et cum primum mitigata furia laxaverint oves animum, percussis frondibus attigui nemoris lanosum aurum reperies, quod passim stirpibus conexis obhaerescit."

[12] Psyche proceeded willingly — not indeed to perform obedience but to take refuge and the rest of evils on the river’s precipice. But from the river thereupon the sweet nurse of music, inspired divinely by the gentle rustle of a pleasant breeze, thus prophesied with a green reed: "Psyche, so exercised by great hardships, neither by your most wretched death will you defile my sacred waters, nor even at this hour will you bring terrible access to the wild sheep against them, until the heat borrowed from the sun’s fragrance has been driven forth with fierce madness into the sharp horn and rocky brow and sometimes into destruction by venomous bites upon mortals; meanwhile, when the midday heat of the sun has calmed its vapor and the flocks have rested in the river-spirit’s serenity, you will be able to hide secretly beneath that very tall plane tree, which drinks one stream together with me. And as soon as the mitigated fury of the sheep relaxes its spirit, having struck the neighboring grove’s leaves you will find the woolly gold, which clings everywhere to the interwoven branches."

[13] Sic harundo simplex et humana Psychen aegerrimam salutem suam docebat. Nec auscultatu paenitendo indiligenter instructa illa cessavit, sed observatis omnibus furatrina facili flaventis auri mollitie congestum gremium Veneri reportat. Nec tamen apud dominam saltem secundi laboris periculum secundum testimonium meruit, sed contortis superciliis subridens amarum sic inquit: "Nec me praeterit huius quoque facti auctor adulterinus.

[13] Thus the simple, human reed taught Psyche her most grievous salvation. Nor did she, made attentive by rueful listening, desist slothfully, but, having observed everything, brought back to Venus the lap heaped with the easy-softness of yellow gold, filched by furtive means. Yet she did not, before her mistress at least, merit the peril of a second labour according to testimony; but, with brows knit and smiling bitterly, she thus said: "Nor does the adulterous author of this deed escape me."

Sed iam nunc ego sedulo periclitabor an oppido forti animo singularique prudentia sis praedita. Videsne insistentem celsissimae illi rupi montis ardui verticem, de quo fontis atri fuscae defluunt undae proxumaeque conceptaculo vallis inclusae Stygias inrigant paludes et rauca Cocyti fluenta nutriunt? Indidem mihi de summi fontis penita scaturrigine rorem rigentem hauritum ista confestim defer urnula." Sic aiens crustallo dedolatum vasculum insuper ei graviora comminata tradidit.

But now I will diligently put you to the test to see whether you are endowed with a truly stout, town‑like courage and singular prudence. Do you see the summit pressing upon that very high cliff of the steep mountain, from which the waves of the dark spring flow down, and the nearest pool, enclosed in the hollow of the valley, waters the Stygian marshes and nourishes the hoarse streams of Cocytus? From there, having scooped up for me the rigid dew trickling from the deep gush of the highest font, that little urn immediately bears it. Thus saying, she, the vessel cleansed with crystal, moreover having entrusted graver matters, delivered it to her.

[14] At illa studiose gradum celerans montis extremum petit cumulum certe vel illic inventura vitae pessimae finem. Sed cum primum praedicti iugi conterminos locos appulit, videt rei vastae letalem difficultatem. Namque saxum immani magnitudine procerum et inaccessa salebritate lubricum mediis e faucibus lapidis fontes horridos evomebat, qui statim proni foraminis lacunis editi perque proclive delapsi et angusti canalis exarato contecti tramite proxumam convallem latenter incidebant.

[14] But she, eagerly hastening her step, seeks the extreme heap of the mountain, certain that there at least she will find the end of her most wretched life. Yet as soon as she approached the neighboring places of the said ridge, she saw the deadly difficulty of the matter vast. For a rock of immense size, towering and slippery with inaccessible roughness, vomited forth horrid springs from the middle of the stone’s throat, which, immediately issuing from the hollows of a prostrate aperture and, having slid down a sloping and narrow channel and covered by a furrowed track, secretly fell into the nearest valley.

Dextra laevaque cautibus cavatis proserpunt ecce longa colla porrecti saevi dracones inconivae vigiliae luminibus addictis et in perpetuam lucem pupulis excubantibus. Iamque et ipsae semet muniebant vocales aquae. Nam et "Discede" et "Quid facis?

On the right and on the left, from hollows hewn in the rocks there creep forth—behold—long necks stretched out of savage dragons, of unsleeping vigilance, their eyes fixed and with their pupils keeping watch into perpetual light. And now even the vocal waters themselves were arming/fortifying themselves. For they uttered both "Discede" and "Quid facis?"

Vide" et "Quid agis? Cave" et "Fuge" et "Peribis" subinde clamant. Sic impossibilitate ipsa mutata in lapidem Psyche, quamvis praesenti corpore, sensibus tamen aberat et inextricabilis periculi mole prorsus obruta lacrumarum etiam extremo solacio carebat.

"Look" and "What are you doing? Beware" and "Flee" and "You will perish" they shout in turn. Thus Psyche, changed into stone by the very impossibility, although with her body present, was nevertheless absent in her senses, and utterly crushed by the inextricable weight of danger, deprived even of the last solace of tears.

[15] Nec Providentiae bonae graves oculos innocentis animae latuit aerumna. Nam supremi Iovis regalis ales illa repente propansis utrimque pinnis affuit rapax aquila memorque veteris obsequii, quo ductu Cupidinis Iovi pocillatorem Phrygium sustulerat, opportunam ferens opem deique numen in uxoris laboribus percolens alti culminis diales vias deserit et ob os puellae praevolans incipit: "At tu, simplex alioquin et expers rerum talium, sperasne te sanctissimi nec minus truculenti fontis vel unam stillam posse furari vel omnino contingere? Diis etiam ipsique Iovi formidabiles aquas istas Stygias vel fando comperisti, quodque vos deieratis per numina deorum deos per Stygis maiestatem solere?

[15] Nor did the hardship lie hidden from the grave eyes of good Providence for the innocent soul. For the royal bird of highest Jove, that rapacious eagle, suddenly came with wings outspread on either side, mindful of an ancient service by which, at the bidding of Cupid, it had borne the Phrygian cupbearer to Jove, bringing timely aid and imbuing the god’s numen into the labors of his spouse; it forsakes the sacred paths of the high summit and, flying before the girl’s face, begins: "But you, otherwise simple and unversed in such matters, do you hope that you can steal or even touch one drop of the most holy and no less savage spring? Have you even learned by speaking that these waters are feared by the gods themselves and by Jove, and that you swore by the names of the gods that gods are wont to be bound by the majesty of the Styx?"

Sed cedo istam urnulam", et protinus adrepta complexaque festinat libratisque pinnarum nutantium molibus inter genas saevientium dentium et trisulca vibramina draconum remigium dextra laevaque porrigens nolentes aquas et ut abiret innoxius praeminantes excipit, commentus ob iussum Veneris petere eique se praeministrare, quare paulo facilior adeundi fuit copia.

"But yield that little urn," and straightaway having seized and clasped it he hastens, and with the balanced masses of the fluttering wings between the cheeks of the raging teeth and the three-forked lashings, the oar-like pinions of the dragons, stretching forth right hand and left he takes up the unwilling waters and, warning that he was departing harmless, receives them, having feigned that by command of Venus he sought them and would minister to her, wherefore the opportunity for approach was somewhat easier.

[16] Sic acceptam cum gaudio plenam urnulam Psyche Veneri citata rettulit. Nec tamen nutum deae saevientis vel tunc expiare potuit. Nam sic eam maiora atque peiora flagitia comminans appellat renidens exitiabile: "Iam tu quidem magna videris quaedam mihi et alta prorsus malefica, quae talibus praeceptis meis obtemperasti naviter.

[16] Thus Psyche, summoned, joyfully brought back the urn she had received, full, to Venus. Yet she could not then appease the nod of the raging goddess. For smiling, she thus, threatening greater and worse crimes, called her ruinous: "Now you indeed seem to me in some respects great and altogether deeply malignant, who have diligently obeyed such of my precepts."

Sed adhuc istud, mea pupula ministrare debebis. Sume istam pyxidem", et dedit; "protinus usque ad inferos et ipsius Orci ferales penates te derige. Tunc conferens pyxidem Proserpinae: "Petit de te Venus" dicito "modicum de tua mittas ei formonsitate vel ad unam saltem dieculam sufficiens.

But still this, my little darling, you must serve. "Take this little pyxis," she said, and handed it over; "go straight down to the infernal regions and to Orcus himself, to the funerary Penates." Then, presenting the pyxis to Proserpina, say: "Venus asks of you that you send some little measure of your beauty to her, sufficient at least for one tiny day."

Nam quod habuit, dum filium curat aegrotum, consumpsit atque contrivit omne". Sed haud immaturius redito, quia me necesse est indidem delitam theatrum deorum frequentare."

"For what she possessed, while she tended her sick son, she consumed and utterly crushed away." But I do not return too soon, for I must thence frequent the gods' beloved theater.

[17] Tunc Psyche vel maxime sensit ultimas fortunas suas et velamento reiecto ad promptum exitium sese compelli manifeste comperit. Quidni? quae suis pedibus ultro ad Tartarum manesque commeare cogeretur.

[17] Then Psyche, above all, felt her last fortunes, and with the veil thrown aside she plainly perceived that she was being driven to immediate destruction. Why not? since she was being compelled to go with her own feet even to Tartarus and the shades.

Nec cunctata divitius pergit ad quampiam turrim praealtam, indidem sese datura praecipitem: sic enim rebatur ad inferos recte atque pulcherrime se posse descendere. Sed turris prorumpit in vocem subitam et: "Quid te" inquit "praecipitio, misella, quaeris extinguere? Quidque iam novissimo periculo laborique isto temere succumbis?

Nor delaying, she went more boldly to some very high tower, about to cast herself headlong from it: for thus she thought that she could rightly and most beautifully descend to the underworld. But the tower burst forth in a sudden voice and said, "Why, poor wretch, do you seek to extinguish yourself by a headlong plunge? And why do you now rashly succumb to that most extreme danger and toil?"

Nam si spiritus corpore tuo semel fuerit seiugatus, ibis quidem profecto ad imum Tartarum, sed inde nullo pacto redire poteris. Mihi ausculta.

For if your spirit once has been severed from your body, you will certainly go down to the very bottom of Tartarus, but from there in no wise will you be able to return. Hear me.

[18] Lacedaemo Achaiae nobilis civitas non longe sita est: huius conterminam deviis abditam locis quaere Taenarum.

[18] Lacedaemon, a noble city of Achaia, is not situated far: seek Taenarum adjoining it, hidden in devious places.

Inibi spiraculum Ditis et per portas hiantes monstratur iter invium, cui te limine transmeato simul commiseris iam canale directo perges ad ipsam Orci regiam. Sed non hactenus vacua debebis per illas tenebras incedere, sed offas polentae mulso concretas ambabus gestare manibus at in ipso ore duas ferre stipes. Iamque confecta bona parte mortiferae viae continaberis claudum asinum lignorum gerulum cum agasone simili, qui te rogabit decidentis sarcinae fusticulos aliquos porrigas ei, sed tu nulla voce deprompta tacita praeterito.

There is shown there the breath of Dis, and through gaping gates a path impassable is revealed; to which, as soon as you have crossed the threshold and committed yourself, you will at once proceed by a straight channel to the very palace of Orcus. But you must not so far go through those shadows empty-handed, but bear in both hands lumps of polenta congealed with mulsum, and carry two stipes in your very mouth. And when a large part of the deadly road has been accomplished you will encounter a lame ass, a wooden pack-beast with a similar agasone, who will beg you to hand him some little sticks from his falling burden; but you, having uttered no voice, pass by silently.

Nec mora, cum ad flumen mortuum venies, cui praefectus Charon protenus expetens portorium sic ad ripam ulteriorem sutili cumba deducit commeantes. Ergo et inter mortuos avaritia vivit nec Charon ille Ditis exactor tantus deus quicquam gratuito facit: set moriens pauper viaticum debet quaerere, et aes si forte prae manu non fuerit, nemo eum exspirare patietur. Huic squalido seni dabis nauli nomine de stipibus quas feres alteram, sic tamen ut ipse sua manu de tuo sumat ore.

No delay: when you come to the dead river, to which Charon, the prefect, straightaway seeking a portorium, lands the travellers in a stitched skiff to the farther shore. Thus even among the dead avarice lives, nor does that Charon, the exactor of Ditis, so great a god, do anything gratuitously: but the dying pauper must seek a viaticum, and if by chance aes is not at hand, no one will suffer him to expire. To this squalid old man you will give, in the name of naulus, one of the bundles (stipibus) which you carry, yet so that he himself with his hand may take it from your mouth.

Nec setius tibi pigrum fluentum transmeanti quidam supernatans senex mortuus putris adtollens manus orabit ut eum intra navigium trahas, nec tu tamen inclita adflectare pietate.

No less, as you cross the sluggish current, a certain rotten dead old man floating on the surface, lifting up his hands, will beg that you drag him into the ship; nor should you, however, bend your renowned piety.

[19] Transito fluvio modicum te progressam textrices orabunt anus telam struentes manus paulisper accommodes, nec id tamen tibi contingere fas est. Nam haec omnia tibi et multa alia de Veneris insidiis orientur, ut vel unam de manibus omittas offulam. Nec putes futile istud polentacium damnum leve; altera enim perdita lux haec tibi prorsus denegabitur.

[19] Having crossed the river and advanced a little, old weavers will beg you, women, weaving their web, that you settle your hands for a short while, yet that is not permitted to befall you. For all these things and many other snares of Venus will arise against you, so that you may even drop one morsel from your hands. And do not think that trivial loss of porridge is light; for by another loss this light will be wholly denied to you.

Canis namque praegrandis teriugo et satis amplo capite praeditus immanis et formidabilis tonantibus oblatrans faucibus mortuos, quibus iam nil mali potest facere, frustra territando ante ipsum limen et atra atria Proserpinae semper excubans servat vacuam Ditis domum. Hunc offrenatum unius offulae praeda facile praeteribis ad ipsamque protinus Proserpinam introibis, quae te comiter excipiet ac benigne, ut et molliter assidere et prandium opipare suadeat sumere. Sed tu et humi reside et panem sordidum petitum esto, deinde nuntiato quid adveneris susceptoque quod offeretur rursus remeans canis saevitiam offula reliqua redime ac deinde avaro navitae data quam reservaveris stipe transitoque eius fluvio recalcans priora vestigia ad istum caelestium siderum redies chorum.

For a dog, indeed, most huge, three-backed and endowed with a rather ample head, monstrous and formidable, snorting with thunderous jaws at the dead, to whom he can now do no harm, in vain by terrifying keeps watch before the very threshold and the dark halls of Proserpina, guarding the empty house of Dis. This one, if appeased by the booty of a single morsel, you will easily pass by and will at once enter to Proserpina herself, who will receive you courteously and kindly, and will even advise you to sit gently and to take a sumptuous meal. But you, sit on the ground and be content with a sordid, requested bread; then having announced what you have come for and, having accepted what is offered, on returning pay off the dog’s fury with the remaining morsel and then, having given to the avaricious boatman the stipend you have reserved, and having crossed his river and trodden back your former footprints, you will return to that choir of the heavenly stars.

Sed inter omnia hoc observandum praecipue tibi censeo, ne velis aperire vel inspicere illam quam feres pyxidem vel omnino divinae formonsitatis abditum curiosius temptare thensaurum."

But above all these things I especially advise you to observe this: do not wish to open or to inspect that which you will carry, the pyxidem, nor at all to attempt more curiously to tamper with the hidden thensaurum of divine formonsitas.

[20] Sic turris illa prospicua vaticinationis munus explicuit. Nec morata Psyche pergit Taenarum sumptisque rite stipibus illis et offulis infernum decurrit meatum transitoque per silentium asinario debili et amnica stipe vectori data neglecto supernatantis mortui desiderio et spretis textricum subdolis precibus et offulae cibo sopita canis horrenda rabie domum Proserpinae penetrat. Nec offerentis hospitae sedile delicatum vel cibum beatum amplexa sed ante pedes eius residens humilis cibario pane contenta Veneriam pertulit legationem.

[20] Thus that tower of foresight unfolded the office of vaticination. Nor lingering did Psyche go on to Taenarum; having duly taken those stakes and morsels, she ran down the infernal passage, and, after passing through the asinine weak silence and with the friendly stake given to the ferryman left neglected, the overhanging desire of the dead spurned and the weavers’ (textricum) deceitful entreaties rejected, and with the morsel of food having lulled the dog into dreadful madness, she entered the house of Proserpina. Nor clasping the hostess’s delicate seat nor the blessed food of the offering, but before her feet remaining humble and content with household bread, she bore the message to Venus.

Statimque secreto repletam conclusamque pyxidem suscipit et offulae sequentis fraude caninis latratibus obseratis residuaque navitae reddita stipe longe vegetior ab inferis recurrit. Et repetita atque adorata candida ista luce, quanquam festinans obsequium terminare, mentem capitur temeraria curiositate et: "Ecce" inquit "inepta ego divinae formonsitatis gerula, quae nec tantillum quidem indidem mihi delibo vel sic illi amatori meo formonso placitura", et cum dicto reserat pyxidem.

And immediately she takes up the little casket, secretly filled and closed, and by the deceit of the following morsel, the dogs’ barking having been stopped, and the remainder of the sailor’s stipend restored, she returns far more briskly from the infernal region. And with that bright light repeated and adored, although hurrying to finish her duty, her mind is seized by rash curiosity and she says, “Behold, foolish me, a mere bearer of divine beauty, who will not even nibble here a tiny bit for myself, nor thus be pleasing to my lover Formonsus,” and with the word she unlocks the casket.

[21] Nec quicquam ibi rerum nec formonsitas ulla, sed infernus somnus ac vere Stygius, qui statim coperculo relevatus invadit eam crassaque soporis nebula cunctis eius membris perfunditur et in ipso vestigio ipsaque semita conlapsam possidet. Et iacebat immobilis et nihil aliud quam dormiens cadaver.

[21] Nor was there any of her faculties there nor any beauty, but an infernal sleep and truly Stygian, which, as soon as the lid was lifted, invaded her, and a thick mist of sopor drenched all her limbs, and in that very moment and on that very path it possessed her collapsed. And she lay motionless and nothing other than a sleeping corpse.

Sed Cupido iam cicatrice solida revalescens nec diutinam suae Psyches absentiam tolerans per altissimam cubiculi quo cohibebatur elapsus fenestram refectisque pinnis aliquanta quiete longe velocius provolans Psychen accurrit suam detersoque somno curiose et rursum in pristinam pyxidis sedem recondito Psychen innoxio punctulo sagittae suae suscitat et: "Ecce" inquit "rursum perieras, misella, simili curiositate. Sed interim quidem tu provinciam quae tibi matris meae praecepto mandata est exsequere naviter, cetera egomet videro." His dictis amator levis in pinnas se dedit, Psyche vero confestim Veneri munus reportat Proserpinae.

But Cupid, now convalescing with a solid cicatrice and not enduring long the absence of his Psyche, having slipped through the highest window of the chamber in which he was confined and, his plumes refreshed, flying with rather swift speed from afar, hastened to his Psyche; and having brushed away her sleep and again restored her into the former seat of the pyxis, he awakens Psyche with the harmless little point of his arrow and says, "Behold, you have again perished, poor little one, by like curiosity. But meanwhile, faithfully perform the province which was entrusted to you by the command of my mother; the rest I myself will see to." Having said these things the lover lightly gave himself to his wings; Psyche, however, immediately restores the gift of Proserpina to Venus.

[22] Interea Cupido amore nimio peresus et aegra facie matris suae repentinam sobrietatem pertimescens ad armillum redit alisque pernicibus caeli penetrato vertice magno Iovi supplicat suamque causam probat. Tunc Iuppiter prehensa Cupidinis buccula manuque ad os suum relata consaviat atque sic ad illum: "Licet tu," inquit "domine fili, numquam mihi concessu deum decretum servaris honorem, sed istud pectus meum quo leges elementorum et vices siderum disponuntur convulneraris assiduis ictibus crebrisque terrenae libidinis foedaveris casibus contraque leges et ipsam Iuliam disciplinamque publicam turpibus adulteriis existimationem famamque meam laeseris in serpentes in ignes in feras in aves et gregalia pecua serenos vultus meos sordide reformando, at tamen modestiae mea memor quodque inter istas meas manus creveris cuncta perficiam, dum tamen scias aemulos tuos cavere, ac si qua nunc in terris puella praepollet pulcritudine, praesentis beneficii vicem per eam mihi repensare te debere."

[22] Meanwhile Cupid, consumed by excessive love and, with his mother's face sickly and fearing her sudden sobriety, returns to his armlet and, with the swift wings having pierced the summit of the heavens, supplicates Jove and pleads his cause. Then Jupiter, having seized Cupid’s cheek and brought the hand to his own mouth, kissed him and thus to him: "Granted, you, lord son, are by no concession of the gods kept to preserve the honor decreed to me, yet this my breast, by which the laws of the elements and the vicissitudes of the stars are disposed, you have wounded with continual blows and with frequent falls have defiled by earthly lust; and against laws and even the Julian discipline and public order, with shameful adulteries you have harmed my estimation and my fame, turning my serene faces into serpents, into fires, into beasts, into birds and into flocks of cattle, sordidly transforming them. Nevertheless, mindful of my modesty and of the fact that you were reared among these my hands, I will accomplish all things, provided that you know to beware your rivals; and if any girl on earth now excels in beauty, you ought to repay to me the return of the present favor through her."

[23] Sic fatus iubet Mercurium deos omnes ad contionem protinus convocare, ac si qui coetu caelestium defuisset, in poenam decem milium nummum conventum iri pronuntiare. Quo metu statim completo caelesti theatro pro sede sublimi sedens procerus Iuppiter sic enuntiat:

[23] Thus having spoken he commands Mercury to summon at once all the gods to an assembly, and to proclaim that whoever had been absent from the heavenly gathering would be punished with a fine of ten thousand coins. By this threat, with the celestial theatre at once filled and the lofty seat set, the tall Jupiter, sitting, thus declares:

"Dei conscripti Musarum albo, adolescentem istum quod manibus meis alumnatus sim profecto scitis omnes. Cuius primae iuventutis caloratos impetus freno quodam coercendos existimavi; sat est cotidianis eum fabulis ob adulteria cunctasque corruptelas infamatum. Tollenda est omnis occasio et luxuria puerilis nuptialibus pedicis alliganda.

"O gods enrolled in the Muse's roll, that I have nurtured this adolescent with my own hands you all surely know. Whose hot impulses of earliest youth I thought ought to be restrained by a certain bridle; it is enough that he is defamed in daily tales for adulteries and manifold corruptions. Every opportunity must be removed and youthful lust must be bound with nuptial fetters.

Puellam elegit et virginitate privavit: teneat, possideat, amplexus Psychen semper suis amoribus perfruatur." Et ad Venerem conlata facie: "Nec tu," inquit "filia, quicquam contristere nec prosapiae tantae tuae statuque de matrimonio mortali metuas. Iam faxo nuptias non impares sed legitimas et iure civili congruas", et ilico per Mercurium arripi Psychen et in caelum perduci iubet. Porrecto ambrosiae poculo: "Sume," inquit "Psyche, et immortalis esto, nec umquam digredietur a tuo nexu Cupido sed istae vobis erunt perpetuae nuptiae."

He chose the girl and deprived her of virginity: let him hold her, possess her; may he enjoy embraces, may Psyche always partake of his loves." And, her face turned to Venus: "Nor you," he said, "daughter, grieve at all, nor fear for so great a lineage and for your condition about a mortal marriage. Now I will make the marriage not unequal but legitimate and fitting by civil law," and thereupon he orders Psyche to be seized by Mercury and conveyed into heaven. Holding forth a cup of ambrosia: "Receive," he said, "Psyche, and be immortal; nor will Cupid ever withdraw from your bond, but these shall be perpetual nuptials for you."

[24] Nec mora, cum cena nuptialis affluens exhibetur. Accumbebat summum torum maritus Psychen gremio suo complexus. Sic et cum sua Iunone Iuppiter ac deinde per ordinem toti dei.

[24] Nor was there delay, when a flowing wedding-feast was set forth. The husband reclined on the top couch, having embraced Psyche on his lap. Thus Jupiter with his own Juno, and then in order all the gods.

Tunc poculum nectaris, quod vinum deorum est, Iovi quidem suus pocillator ille rusticus puer, ceteris vero Liber ministrabat, Vulcanus cenam coquebat; Horae rosis et ceteris floribus purpurabant omnia, Gratiae spargebant balsama, Musae quoque canora personabant. Tunc Apollo cantavit ad citharam, Venus suavi musicae superingressa formonsa saltavit, scaena sibi sic concinnata, ut Musae quidem chorum canerent, tibias inflaret Saturus, et Paniscus ad fistulam diceret. Sic rite Psyche convenit in manum Cupidinis et nascitur illis maturo partu filia, quam Voluptatem nominamus".

Then the cup of nectar, which is the wine of the gods, to Jove indeed his own cupbearer, that rustic boy, and to the others Liber ministered; Vulcan cooked the banquet. The Hours purpled everything with roses and other flowers, the Graces strewed balms, and the tuneful Muses resounded. Then Apollo sang to the cithara, Venus, entering upon the sweet music, the beautiful one, danced; the scene was so arranged for her that the Muses would indeed sing a chorus, Saturus would blow the tibiae, and Paniscus sound the fistula. Thus duly Psyche came into Cupid’s hand, and to them a daughter was born at full term, whom we name Voluptas.

[25] Sic captivae puellae delira et temulenta illa narrabat anicula; sed astans ego non procul dolebam mehercules quod pugillares et stilum non habebam qui tam bellam fabellam praenotarem. Ecce confecto nescio quo gravi proelio latrones adveniunt onusti, non nulli tamen immo promptiores vulneratis domi relictis et plagas recurantibus ipsi ad reliquas occultatas in quadam spelunca sarcinas, ut aiebant, proficisci gestiunt. Prandioque raptim tuburcinato me et equum vectores rerum illarum futuros fustibus exinde tundentes producunt in viam multisque clivis et anfractibus fatigatos prope ipsam vesperam perducunt ad quampiam speluncam, unde multis onustos rebus rursum ne breviculo quidem tempore refectos ociter reducunt.

[25] Thus that little old woman was recounting the captive girl’s ravings and her drunkenness; but I, standing not far off, was, by Hercules, sorry that I had no tablets and stylus with which to prenote so fair a little tale. Behold, with some grievous battle finished, robbers arrive laden; some, however—nay, rather readier—leaving the wounded at home and tending their sores, themselves are eager to set forth to the remaining bundles hidden in a certain cave, as they said. And for a hurried meal with trumpet blown, they lead me and my horse out onto the road, beating us with sticks as though we were to be carriers of those goods, and over many slopes and windings, fatigued, they conduct us near evening to some cave, whence, again laden with many things, they swiftly return us, not even refreshed in the little time.

Tantaque trepidatione festinabat ut me plagis multis obtundentes propellentesque super lapidem propter viam positum deicerent, unde crebris aeque ingestis ictibus crure dextero et ungula sinistra me debilitatum aegre ad exurgendum compellunt.

And he hurried with such trepidation that, beating and thrusting me with many blows, they hurled me down from the stone set by the road; from there, by frequent blows likewise dealt at my right leg and left hoof, they, having weakened me, hardly compelled me to rise.

[26] Et unus: "Quo usque" inquit "ruptum istum asellum, nunc etiam claudum, frustra pascemus?" Et alius: "Quid quod et pessumo pede domum nostram accessit nec quicquam idonei lucri exinde cepimus sed vulnera et fortissimorum occisiones?" Alius iterum: "Certe ego, cum primum sarcinas istas quanquam invitus pertulerit, protinus eum vulturiis gratissimum pabulum futurum praecipitabo."

[26] And one: "How long," he says, "shall we pasture that mangled little ass, now also lame, in vain?" And another: "What that he with a very bad foot has come to our house and from that we have taken no suitable profit but wounds and the slayings of the bravest?" Another again: "Certainly I, as soon as he, although unwilling, bore those packs, will straightway cast him down as the most welcome food to the vultures."

Dum secum mitissimi homines altercant de mea nece, iam et domum perveneramus. Nam timor ungulas mihi alas fecerat. Tunc quae ferebamus amoliti properiter nulla salutis nostrae cura ac ne meae quidem necis habita comitibus adscitis, qui vulnerati remanserant dudum, recurrunt reliqua ipsi laturi taedio, ut aiebant, nostrae tarditatis.

While the most gentle men argued among themselves about my death, we had already come to the house. For fear had made hooves into wings for me. Then, having hastily stripped off what we were carrying, with no care for our safety and not even for my death, companions having been taken on who, wounded, had remained awhile, they return, themselves about to carry the remaining things, in the tedium, as they said, of our slowness.

Nec me tamen mediocris carpebat scrupulus contemplatione comminatae mihi mortis; et ipse mecum: "Quid stas, Luci, vel quid iam novissimum exspectas? Mors et haec acerbissima decreto latronum tibi comparata est. Nec magno conatu res indiget; vides istas rupinas proximas et praeacutas in his prominentes silices, quae te penetrantes antequam decideris membratim dissipabunt.

Nor, however, did a moderate scruple with the contemplation of the death threatened to me gnaw at me; and I to myself: "Why do you stand, Lucius, or what final thing do you now expect? This death, most bitter, has been appointed for you by the decree of the robbers. Nor does the affair need great exertion; you see those nearby crags and the sharpened flints projecting in them, which, piercing you, will shred you limb by limb before you fall."

Nam et illa ipsa praeclara magia tua vultum laboresque tibi tantum asini, verum corium non asini crassum sed hirudinis tenue membranulum circumdedit. Quin igitur masculum tandem sumis animum tuaeque saluti, dum licet, consulis? Habes summam opportunitatem fugae, dum latrones absunt.

For even that very splendid magia of yours has wrapped about your face and labors only the hide of an ass — yet not the thick cuirass of an ass, but a thin membranule of a leech. Why then do you not at last assume a masculine spirit and take counsel for your safety, while it is permitted? You have the supreme opportunity for flight, while the bandits are away.

An custodiam anus semimortuae formidabis, quam licet claudi pedis tui calce unica finire poteris? — Sed quo gentium capessetur fuga vel hospitium quis dabit? Haec quidem inepta et prorsus asinina cogitatio; quis enim viantium vectorem suum non libenter auferat secum?"

Will you fear the guard of a half-dead old woman, which, though it can be shut, you could put an end to with the single sole of your foot? — But to what peoples will flight betaken be, or who will give hospitality? These are indeed inept and utterly asinine thoughts; for who of travelers would not willingly carry his carrier along with him?

[27] Et alacri statim nisu lorum quo fueram destinatus abrumpo meque quadripedi cursu proripio. Nec tamen astutulae anus milvinos oculos effugere potui. Nam ubi me conspexit absolutum, capta super sexum et aetatem audacia lorum prehendit ac me deducere ac revocare contendit.

[27] And with a lively exertion I at once snap the rein by which I had been bound and hurl myself forward in a quadruped's course. Yet I could not escape the kite‑eyed old woman's gaze. For when she saw me set free, seized by an audacity surpassing both sex and age, she seized the strap and strove to lead me back and to recall me.

Nec tamen ego, memor exitiabilis propositi latronum, pietate ulla commoveor, sed incussis in eam posteriorum pedum calcibus protinus adplodo terrae. At illa quamvis humi prostrata loro tamen tenaciter inhaerebat, ut me procurrentem aliquantisper tractu sui sequeretur. Et occipit statim clamosis ululatibus auxilium validioris manus implorare.

Nor yet was I, mindful of the deadly purpose of the robbers, moved by any piety; but with the heels of my hind feet having struck against her I straightaway beat the earth. Yet she, although prostrate on the ground, nevertheless clung tenaciously to the thong, so that while I ran forward she for a little while followed me by the dragging of her hold. And she immediately began, with clamorous howls, to implore the aid of a stronger hand.

Sed frustra fletibus cassum tumultum commovebat, quippe cum nullus adforet qui suppetias ei ferre posset nisi sola illa virgo captiva, quae vocis excitu procurrens videt hercules memorandi spectaculi scaenam, non tauro sed asino dependentem Dircen aniculam, sumptaque constantia virili facinus audet pulcherrimum. Extorto etenim loro manibus eius me placidis gannitibus ab impetu revocatum naviter inscendit et sic ad cursum rursum incitat.

But in vain she raised a hollow tumult with tears, since there was no one present who could bring succor to her save that one captive maiden alone, who, at the cry of a voice running forth, sees Hercules — a spectacle worth remembering — and the scene of a little Dircean crone hanging not from a bull but from an ass, and, having assumed a manly constancy, dares a most fair deed. For with the thong wrested from her hands, she, with gentle growls having recalled me from my charge, nimbly mounts me and so urges me again to the course.

[28] Ego simul voluntariae fugae voto et liberandae virginis studio, sed et plagarum suasu quae me saepicule commonebant, equestri celeritate quadripedi cursu solum replaudens virgini delicatas voculas adhinnire temptabam. Sed et scabendi dorsi mei simulatione nonnumquam obliquata cervice pedes decoros puellae basiabam. Tunc illa spirans altius caelumque sollicito vultu petens:

[28] At once by the vow of voluntary flight and by zeal to free the maiden, and also by the prompting of blows which often reminded me, with equestrian swiftness in a four‑footed course, striking the ground with my feet, I endeavoured to utter tender little calls to the virgin. But also, by a pretence of scratching my back, sometimes with my neck bent aside I kissed the comely feet of the girl. Then she, breathing more deeply and turning her anxious face toward the sky:

"Vos", inquit "Superi, tamen meis supremis periculis opem facite, et tu, Fortuna durior, iam saevire desiste. Sat tibi miseris istis cruciatibus meis litatum est. Tuque, praesidium meae libertatis meaeque salutis, si me domum pervexeris incolumem parentibusque et formonso proco reddideris, quas tibi gratias perhibebo, quos honores habebo, quos cibos exhibebo!

"You," she said, "O Superi, yet in my last perils lend aid, and thou, Fortuna durior, cease now to rage. Thou hast been sufficiently propitiated by these my miserable cruciations. And thou, bulwark of my liberty and of my safety, if thou shalt have conveyed me home unharmed and restored me to my parents and to Formonso the procur—er, suitor, what thanks shall I render thee, what honours shall I bestow, what foods shall I present!

Iam primum iubam istam tuam probe pectinatam meis virginalibus monilibus adornabo, frontem vero crispatam prius decoriter discriminabo caudaeque setas incuria lavacri congestas et horridas prompta diligentia perpolibo bullisque te multis aureis inoculatum veluti stellis sidereis relucentem et gaudiis popularium pomparum ovantem, sinu serico progestans nucleos et edulia mitiora, te meum sospitatorem cotidie saginabo.

Now first I will adorn that mane of yours, well combed, with my virginal necklaces, and will decorously define beforehand your curled brow; and the bristles of the tail, heaped and rough through neglect of washing, I will with prompt diligence polish, and with little golden bosses grafted on you, shining like starry stars and exulting in the joys of popular pageants, bearing forth in a silken fold kernels and milder edibles, I will fatten you daily, my preserver.

[29] Sed nec inter cibos delicatos et otium profundum vitaeque totius beatitudinem deerit tibi dignitas gloriosa. Nam memoriam praesentis fortunae meae divinaeque providentiae perpetua testatione signabo et depictam in tabula fugae praesentis imaginem meae domus atrio dedicabo. Visetur et in fabulis audietur doctorumque stilis rudis perpetuabitur historia "Asino vectore virgo regia fugiens captivitatem". Accedes antiquis et ipse miraculis, et iam credemus exemplo tuae veritatis et Phrixum arieti supernatasse et Arionem delphinum gubernasse et Europam tauro supercubasse.

[29] But neither among delicate foods nor in deep leisure will the glorious dignity of your whole life be wanting to you. For I will mark the memory of my present fortune and of divine providence with perpetual witness and, painted on a tablet, I will dedicate to the atrium of my house the pictured image of this present flight. It will be seen and heard in tales, and the crude history will be perpetuated in learned styles as "The royal virgin fleeing captivity borne by an ass." You will approach ancient wonders yourself too, and we shall now believe, by the example of your truth, that Phrixus flew upon the ram, that Arion was steered by a dolphin, and that Europa rode upon the bull.

Quodsi vere Iupiter mugivit in bove, potest in asino meo latere aliqui vel vultus hominis vel facies deorum."

But if indeed Jupiter lowed in an ox, it is possible that on my donkey’s flank there appear either the visage of a man or the faces of the gods.

Dum haec identidem puella replicat votisque crebros intermiscet suspiratus, ad quoddam pervenimus trivium, unde me adrepto capistro dirigere dextrorsum magnopere gestiebat, quod ad parentes eius ea scilicet iretur via. Sed ego gnarus latrones illac ad reliquas commeasse praedas renitebar firmiter atque sic in animo meo tacitus expostulabam: "Quid facis, infelix puella? Quid agis?

While the girl kept answering these things again and again and mingling frequent sighs with her vows, we reached a certain crossroads, from which, her having seized the halter, she was very eager to steer me to the right, because by that road, of course, she would go to her parents. But I, knowing that the robbers had gone that way to the remaining spoils, resisted firmly and thus silently protested in my mind: "What are you doing, unhappy girl? What do you seek?"

Cur festinas ad Orcum? Quid meis pedibus facere contendis? Non enim te tantum verum etiam me perditum ibis." Sic nos diversa tendentes et in causa finali de proprietate soli immo viae herciscundae contendentes rapinis suis onusti coram deprehendunt ipsi latrones et ad lunae splendorem iam inde longius cognitos risu maligno salutant.

"Why do you hurry to Orcus? Why do you strive to make use of my feet? For you will go ruined not only yourself but me as well." Thus we, stretching off in different directions and contesting at the final cause about the proprietorship of the soil—nay, of the roadway to be divided as an inheritance—laden with their spoils, were caught openly by the very brigands and, already recognized from that distance by the moon's splendour, saluted with a malign laugh.

[30] Et unus e numero sic appellat: "Quorsum istam festinanti vestigio lucubratis viam nec noctis intempestae Manes Larvasque formidatis? An tu, probissima puella, parentes tuos intervisere properas? Sed nos et solitudini tuae praesidium praebebimus et compendiosum ad tuos iter monstrabimus." Et verbum manu secutus prehenso loro retrorsum me circumtorquet nec baculi nodosi quod gerebat suetis ictibus temperat.

[30] And one of the number thus calls: "Whither, with that hurrying footstep, do you pursue the road by night, and do you not fear the unseasonable night, the Manes and the Larvae? Or do you, most virtuous girl, haste to visit your parents? But we will both furnish a guard for your solitude and will show a short route to your people." And, the word followed, having seized the thong with his hand he twists me about backward, nor does he restrain the knotted staff which he bore with his accustomed blows.

Tunc ingratis ad promptum recurrens exitium reminiscor doloris ungulae et occipio nutanti capite claudicare.

Then running back to the prompt place for the ungrateful, I recall the impending ruin of the pain‑hoof and begin to limp with my nodding head.

Sed: "Ecce," inquit ille qui me retraxerat "rursum titubas et vacillas, et putres isti tui pedes fugere possunt, ambulare nesciunt? At paulo ante pinnatam Pegasi vincebas celeritatem."

But: "Behold," said he who had drawn me back, "you stagger and reel again, and can those rotten feet of yours flee — do they not know how to walk? Yet a little while ago you were outstripping the winged swiftness of Pegasus."

Dum sic mecum fustem quatiens benignus iocatur comes, iam domus eorum extremam loricam perveneramus. Et ecce de quodam ramo procerae cupressus induta laqueum anus illa pendebat. Quam quidem detractam protinus cum suo sibi funiculo devinctam dedere praecipitem puellaque statim distenta vinculis cenam, quam postuma diligentia praeparaverat infelix anicula, ferinis invadunt animis.

While thus, my kindly jocular companion shaking his staff with me, we had already come to the outermost lorica of their house. And behold, from a certain branch of a tall cypress that old woman, robed, hung a noose. Which, having been pulled down, she forthwith, bound to herself with her little cord, flung herself headlong; and the girl immediately, her limbs distended by the bonds, and the supper—which the unhappy little old woman had prepared with last diligence—were attacked by savage beasts.

[31] Ac dum avida voracitate cuncta contruncant, iam incipiunt de nostra poena suaque vindicta secum considerare. Et utpote in coetu turbulento variae fuere sententiae, ut primus vivam cremari censeret puellam, secundus bestiis obici suaderet, tertius patibulo suffigi iuberet, quartus tormentis excarnificari praeciperet; certe calculo cunctorum utcumque mors ei fuerat destinata. Tunc unus, omnium sedato tumultu, placido sermone sic orsus est: "Nec sectae collegii nec mansuetudini singulorum ac ne meae quidem modestiae congruit pati vos ultra modum delictique saevire terminum nec feras nec cruces nec ignes nec tormenta ac ne mortis quidem maturatae festinas tenebras accersere.

[31] And while with greedy voracity they cut everything to pieces, they already begin to debate among themselves our punishment and their vindication. And, as is natural in a turbulent assembly, there were varied opinions: one held that the girl should be burned alive, another urged she be thrown to beasts, a third ordered her to be hung on the gibbet, a fourth commanded she be flayed with torments; in short, by the reckoning of all, in any case death had been decreed for her. Then one, the tumult having been calmed, began in a placid speech thus: "It is not fitting to the order of the college, nor to the mildness of individuals, nor even to my own modesty, that you be allowed to rage beyond measure and to push the bounds of crime — to summon beasts, or crosses, or fires, or torments, or even the hastened darkness of premature death."

Meis itaque consiliis auscultantes vitam puellae, sed quam meretur, largimini. Nec vos memoria deseruit utique quid iam dudum decreveritis de isto asino semper pigro quidem sed manducone summo nunc etiam mendaci fictae debilitatis et virginalis fugae sequestro ministroque. Hunc igitur iugulare crastino placeat totisque vacuefacto praecordiis per mediam alvum nudam virginem, quam praetulit nobis, insuere, ut sola facie praeminente ceterum corpus puellae nexu ferino coerceat, tunc super aliquod saxum scruposum insiciatum et fartilem asinum exponere et solis ardentis vaporibus tradere.

Therefore, heeding my counsels, grant the girl life — but such as she merits. Nor has your memory indeed deserted you as to what long ago you decreed about that ass, always indolent indeed but of the greatest chewing‑appetite, and now also a liar of feigned weakness and the agent of the virgin’s pretended flight and sequestration. It will please you, then, to slaughter him tomorrow and, having emptied his entrails, to sew the naked virgin — whom he offered us — through his mid‑belly, so that with only her face protruding the rest of the girl’s body is bound by a savage fastening; then to expose the impaled and fattened ass upon some jagged rock and deliver him to the vapors of the burning sun.

[32] Sic enim cuncta quae recte statuistis ambo sustinebunt, et mortem asinus quam pridem meruit, et illa morsus ferarum, cum vermes membra laniabunt, et ignis flagrantiam, cum sol nimiis caloribus inflammarit uterum, et patibuli cruciatum, cum canes et vultures intima protrahent viscera. Sed et ceteras eius aerumnas et tormenta numerate: mortuae bestiae ipsa vivens ventrem habitabit, tum faetore nimio nares aestuabit, et inediae diutinae letali fame tabescet, nec suis saltem liberis manibus mortem sibi fabricare poterit."

[32] For thus all the things which you have rightly decreed will both endure, namely the death the ass long ago deserved, and that biting of beasts, when worms will shred the limbs, and the blazing of fire, when the sun with excessive heats will inflame the womb, and the torment of the gibbet, when dogs and vultures will pull out the inmost entrails. But also reckon his other hardships and torments: the living woman herself will dwell in the womb of a dead beast, then she will pant from the excessive stench in her nostrils, and will waste away from long-continued hunger in lethal famine, nor will she at least by her own free hands be able to fashion death for herself for her children."

Talibus dictis non pedibus sed totis animis latrones in eius vadunt sententiam. Quam meis tam magnis auribus accipiens quid aliud quam meum crastinum deflebam cadaver?

With such words the robbers adopt his sententia not with their feet but with their whole souls. Receiving it with my so-large ears, what else was I but bewailing my corpse of tomorrow?