Apuleius: METAMORPHOSES

[1] Vt primum tenebris abiectis dies inalbebat et candidum solis curriculum cuncta conlustrabat, quidam de numero latronum supervenit; sic enim mutuae salutationis officiorum indicabat. Is in primo speluncae aditu residens et ex anhelitu recepto spiritu tale collegio suo nuntium fecit:

[1] As soon as, the darkness cast aside, day began to whiten and the bright course of the sun shone over all, a certain man from the band of robbers arrived; for thus he signaled the duties of mutual salutation. He, sitting in the foremost entrance of the cave and, after a gasp, having drawn breath, made this message to his fellowship:

"Quod ad domum Milonis Hypatini quam proxime diripuimus pertinet, discussa sollicitudine iam possumus esse securi. Postquam vos enim fortissimis viribus cunctus ablatis castra nostra remeastis, immixtus ego turbelis popularium dolentique atque indignanti similis arbitrabar super investigatione facti cuius modi consilium caperetur et an et quatenus latrones placeret inquiri, renuntiaturus vobis, uti mandaveratis, omnia. nec argumentis dubiis, sed rationibus probabilibus congruo cunctae multitudinis consensu nescio qui Lucios auctor manifestus facinoris postulabatur, qui proximis diebus fictis commendaticiis litteris Miloni sese virum commentitus bonum artius conciliaverat, ut etiam hospitio susceptus inter familiaris intimos haberetur, plusculisque ibidem diebus demoratus falsis amoribus ancillae Milonis animum inrepens ianuae claustra sedulo exploraverat et ipsa membra in quis omne patrimonium condi solebat curiose perspexerat.

"Regarding the house of Milo, Hypatinus, which we very recently plundered, with solicitude now dispelled we can be secure. For after you, with everything having been carried off by very mighty forces, had returned to our camp, I, mingled with the turmoils of the populace and grieving and like one indignant, thought that concerning an inquiry into the fact — what sort of plan should be taken and whether and to what extent it would please to investigate the robbers — I would report back to you, as you had commanded, everything. And not on dubious arguments but on probable reasons, with the proper assent of the whole multitude, some Lucius or other, the alleged author of the manifest crime, was demanded; who in the following days, by forged letters of recommendation, had pretended to be a good man and more cunningly won over Milo, so that, even received into hospitality, he was held among the household intimates; and having lingered there several days more, by false loves toward Milo’s maid he had stealthily tested the door’s bolts and had curiously inspected the very inner parts in which all the patrimony was wont to be stored."

[2] Nec exiguum scelerati monstrabatur indicium, quippe cum eadem nocte sub ipso flagitii momento idem profugisset nec exinde usquam compareret; nam et praesidium fugae, quo velocius frustratis insecutoribus procul ac procul abderet sese, eidem facile suppeditasse; equum nemque illum suum candidum vectorem futurum duxisse secum. Plane servum eius ibidem in hospitio repertum scelerum consiliorumque erilium futurum indicem per magistratus in publicam custodiam receptum et altera die tormentis vexatum pluribus ac paene ad ultimam mortem excarnificatum nil quicquam rerum talium esse confessum, missos tamen in patriam Luci illis multos numero qui reum poenas daturum sceleris inquirerent."

[2] Nor was the evidence of the villain slight, since in the very same night, at the moment of the outrage itself, the same man had fled and thenceforth was nowhere to be found; for he had likewise easily supplied to that same man the means of flight, by which, with the pursuers frustrated, he might hide himself far away; nor had he not led off with him his horse, that white carrier which would be his conveyance. Plainly his slave was there found in the inn, to be a witness of the crimes and of the criminals’ counsels, received by the magistrates into public custody and on the next day, having been vexed with many torments and almost flayed to the point of death, confessed nothing of such matters; yet many were sent into the country to those Lucii, numerous in number, to inquire who would make the accused pay the penalty of the crime.

Haec eo narrante veteris fortunae et illius beati Lucii praesentisque aerumnae et infelicis asini facta comparatone medullitus ingemeat subibatque me non de nihilo veteris priscaeque doctrinae viros finxisse ac pronuntiasse caenam et prorsus exoculatam esse Fortunam, quae semper suas opes ad malos et indignos conferat nec unquam iudicio quemquam mortalium eligat, immo vero cum si potissimum deversetur quos procul, si videret, fugere deberet, quodque cunctis est extremius, varias opiniones, immo contrarias nobis attribuat, ut et malus boni viri fama glorietur et innocentissimus contra noxiorum more plectatur.

While he was recounting these things — comparing the fortunes of the old man and of that blessed Lucius, the present distress, and the deeds of the unhappy ass — he groaned to the marrow; and it occurred to me, not from nothing, that men of old and the ancient doctrina had invented and proclaimed that Fortune is blind and altogether one‑eyed, who always bestows her riches upon the bad and the undeserving and never selects anyone by the judgment of mortals; nay rather that she especially turns toward those whom, if she saw them from afar, she ought to flee, and that which is most extreme for all, she attributes to us varying, even contrary, opinions, so that the wicked may vaunt the fame of a good man and the most innocent be punished in the fashion of the guilty.

[3] Ego denique, quem saevissimus eius impetus in bestiam et extremae sortis quadripedem deduxerat cuiusque casus etiam quoivis iniquissimo dolendus atque miserandus merito videretur, crimine latrocinii in hospitem mihi carissimum postulabar. Quod crimen non modo latrocinium verum etiam parricidium quisque rectius nominarit. Nec mihi tamen licebat causam meam defendere vel unico verbo saltem denegare.

[3] I, finally, whom his most savage assault had reduced to a beast and a four‑footed creature of the utmost lot, whose every mischance would rightly seem to be lamented and pitied even by the most iniquitous, was being charged with the crime of robbery against my most dear guest. That crime any one would more rightly call not only robbery but even parricide. Nor, however, was I permitted to defend my cause or even to deny it with a single word.

Denique ne mala conscientia tam scelesto crimini praesens viderer silentio consentire, hoc tantum impatientia productus volui dicere: "Non feci." Et verbum quidem praecedens semel ac saepius inmodice clamitavi, sequens vero nullo pacto disserere potui, sed in prima remansi voce et identidem boavi "Non non", quanquam minia rutunditate pendulas vibrassem labias. Sed quid ego pluribus de Fortunae scaevitate conqueror, [quam]quam nec istud puduit me cum meo famulo meoque vectore illo equo factum conservum atque coniugem?

Finally, lest a guilty conscience make me seem to consent by silence to so wicked a crime in the present, driven only by impatience I wished to say this: "I did not do it." And the preceding word I cried out immoderately once and many times; the following I could in no wise discourse, but I remained on the first voice and repeatedly bawled "No, no," although with a certain rotundity I had vibrated my pendent lips. But why do I complain further of Fortune’s perversity, since that too did not shame me — that with my servant and my carrier that horse had been made a fellow‑slave and even a spouse?

[4] Talibus cogitationibus fluctuantem subit me cura illa potior, qua statuo latronum manibus virginis decretam me victimam recordabar, ventremque crebro suspiciens meum iam misellam puellam parturibam. Sed ille, qui commodum falsam de me notoriam pertulerat, expromptis mille aureum quos insutu laciniae contexerat quosque variis viatoribus detractos, ut aiebat, pro sua frugalitate communi conferebat arcae, infit etiam de salute commilitonum sollicite sciscitari. Cognitoque quosdam, immo vero fortissimus quemque variis quidem sed impigris casibus oppetisse, suadet tantisper pacatis itineribus omniumque proeliorum servatis indutiis inquisitioni commilitonum potius insisteretur et tirocinio novae iuventutis ad pristinae manus numerum Martiae cohortis facies integraretur: nam et invitos terrore compelli et volentes praemio provocari posse nec paucos humili servilique vitae renuntiantes et instar tyrannicae potestatis sectam suam conferre malle.

[4] With such thoughts tossing me, that other care seized me the more potent: by which I recalled myself decreed as the victim of the hands of the latrones to a virgin, and, often glancing at my belly, I conceived that my poor little girl was already with child. But he, who had brought the false report of my benefit to general knowledge, producing a thousand gold pieces which he had woven into the unaccustomed fold of his cloak and which, as he said, he distributed to various wayfarers taken from the common chest for his customary frugality, even pretended to inquire anxiously about the safety of his commilitones. And having learned that some, indeed every very brave man, had met various yet swift deaths, he advised that meanwhile, with journeys pacified and all battles preserved by truces, they should rather press an inquiry into the comrades and by the apprenticeship of new youth restore the Martian cohort to its former number of hands: for he said that unwilling men might be compelled by terror and willing ones provoked by reward, and not a few, renouncing a low and servile life, would prefer to join his faction as if to a tyrannical power.

Se quoque iam dudum pro sua parte quendam convenisse hominem et statu procerum et aetate iuvenem et corpore vastum et manu strenuum, eique suasisse ac denique persuasisse, ut manus hebetatas diutina pigritia tandem referret ad frugem meliorem bonoque secundae, dum posset, frueretur valetudinis, nec manus validam erogandae stipi porrigeret sed hauriendo potuit exerceret auro.

He, moreover, had long since for his part met a certain man, of the rank of chiefs and young in years and vast in body and vigorous of hand, and had advised and finally persuaded him that he should at last bring his hands, dulled by prolonged idleness, back to better fruit and to the good of his later days, so that, while he could, he might enjoy his health, and would not stretch forth a strong hand to pay out the stipend to be disbursed, but could exercise it in drawing gold.

[5] Talibus dictis universi omnes adsensi et illum, qui iam comprobatus videretur, adscisci et alios ad supplendum numerum vestigari statuunt. Tunc profectus et paululum commoratus ille perducit immanem quendam iuvenem, uti fuerat pollicitus, nescio an ulli praesentium comparandum — nam praeter ceteram corporis molem toto vertice cunctos antepollebat et ei commodum lanugo malis inserpebat — sed plane centunculis disparibus et male consarcinatis semiamictum, inter quos pectus et venter crustata crassitie relucitabant.

[5] With these words all gave assent and resolved that he, who now seemed approved, should be enrolled and that others be sought to supply the number. Then he, having set out and tarried a little, brought in a certain huge young man, as he had promised, I know not whether to be compared with any of those present — for besides the rest of his bodily mass he surpassed all by the whole head, and a downy fleece crept along his cheeks — yet plainly half-clad in small, disparate and ill-mended patches, among which his chest and belly shone forth encrusted with filth and thickness.

Sic introgressus: "Havete," inquit "fortissimo deo Marti clientes mihique iam fidi commilitones, et virum magnanimae vivacitatis volentem volentes accipite, libentius vulnera corpore excipientem quam aurum manu suscipientem ipsaque morte, quam formidant alii, meliorem. Nec me putetis egenum vel abiectum neve de pannulis istis virtute meas aestimetis. Nam praefui validissimae manui totamque prorsus devastavi Macedoniam.

Thus entering: "Hail," he says, "to the most brave god Mars, his clients and to me now faithful comrades, and receive the man desirous of great-minded vivacity, ye who are willing; gladly preferring one who will take wounds in the body rather than gold in the hand, and even death itself — which others fear — is better. Nor think me needy or cast-off, nor judge my virtue by these rags. For I stood at the head of a very mighty hand and utterly devastated all Macedonia.

Ego sum praedo famosus Haemus ille Therone cuius totae provinciae nomen horrescunt, patre Therone aeque latrone inclito prognatus, humano sanguine nutritus interque ipsos manipulos factionis educatur heres et aemulus virtutis paternae.

I am the notorious brigand Haemus, that Theron whose name makes whole provinces shudder, born of Theron, equally a famed robber by his father, nourished on human blood and reared among the very companies of the faction as the heir and rival of his father’s virtus.

[6] Sed omnem pristinam sociorum fortium multitudinem magnesque illas opes exiguo temporis amisi spatio. Nam procuratorem principis ducenaria perfunctum, dehinc fortuna tristiore decessum, praetereuntem Iove irato fueram adgressus — sed rei noscendae carpo ordinem. Fuit quidam multis officiis in aula Caesaris clarus atque conspicuus, ipsi etiam probe spectatus.

[6] But I lost all my former multitude of brave allies and those great magnetic riches in a short span of time. For having discharged the prince’s ducenary procuratorship, then, after a departure by a sorrier fortune, I had been assailed by a passing, enraged Jupiter — but I will now seize the sequence for making the matter known. There was a certain man, famed and conspicuous in the palace of Caesar for many services, even well regarded by the very emperor himself.

Hunc insimulatum quorundam astu proiecit extorrem saeviens invidia. Sed uxor eius Plotina quaedam, rarae fidei atque singularis pudicitiae femina, quae decimo partun stipendio viri familiam fundaverat, spretis atque contemptis urbicae luxuriae deliciis, fugientis comes et infortunii socia, tonso capillo in masculinam faciem reformato habitu pretiosissimis monilium et auro monetali zonis refertis incincta inter ipsas custodientium milium manus et gladios nudos intrepida cunctorum periculorum particeps et pro mariti salute pervigilem curam sustinens aerumnas adsiduas ingenio masculo sustinebat. Iamque plurimis itineris difficultatibus marisque terroribus exanclatis Zacynthum petebat, quam sors et fatalis decreverat temporariam sedem.

By the cunning slanders of certain men, savage envy falsely accused him and hurled him forth an outcast. But his wife, Plotina, a woman of singular fidelity and rare chastity, who had established a household on one‑tenth of her husband's stipend, rejecting and scorning the delights of urban luxury, a companion in flight and partner in misfortune, with her hair shorn and her attire remade into a masculine aspect, girded with the most costly necklaces and money‑belts of gold, among the very hands of the guards numbering thousands and the unsheathed swords, fearless and sharing all dangers, and keeping sleepless watchful care for her husband's safety, endured continual hardships with a masculine spirit. And now, worn out by very many difficulties of the journey and by the terrors of the sea, she sought Zacynthus, which fate had decreed to be a temporary dwelling.

[7] Sed cum primum litus Actiacum, quo tunc Macedonia delapsi grassabamur, appulisset — nocte promota tabernulam quandam litori navique proximam vitatis maris fluctibus incubabant — invadimus et diripimus omnia. Nec tamen periculo levi temptati discessimus. Simul namque primum sonum ianuae matrona percepit, procurrens in cubiculum clamoribus inquietis cuncta miscuit milites suosque famulos nominatim, sed et omnem viciniam suppetiatum convocans, nisi quod pavore cunctorum, qui sibi quisque metuentes delitiscebant, effectum est ut impune discederemus.

[7] But as soon as the Actian shore, to which then we had slipped down from Macedonia, had been reached — with night advanced a certain tavern lying near the shore and the ship, sheltered from the sea by the waves — we fell upon and plundered everything. Yet we did not withdraw without having faced real danger. For at the same instant the matron perceived the first sound of the door, rushing into the chamber she, with restless cries, put all to confusion and called out her soldiers and her servants by name, and summoned every neighbouring aid; only that by the panic of those present, who each, fearing, hid themselves, it came about that we departed unpunished.

Sed protinus sanctissima — vera enim dicenda sunt — et unicae fidei femina bonis artibus gratiosa precibus ad Caesaris numen porrectis et marito reditum celerem et adgressurae plenam vindictam impetravit. Denique noluit esse Caesar Haemi latronis collegium et confestim interivit: tantum potest nutus etiam magni principis. Tota denique factione militarium vexillationum indagatu confecta atque concita ipse me furatus aegre solus mediis Orci faucibus ad hunc evasi modum:

But immediately the most holy — for true things must be spoken — and a woman of singular fidelity, gracious in good arts, with prayers extended to Caesar’s numen obtained both a speedy return for her husband and full vengeance for the woman about to be attacked. In short, Caesar did not wish to be the comrade of Haemus the robber and he perished at once: such power has even the nod of a great prince. Finally, the whole faction of the soldiers’ detachments being hunted out, routed and roused, I myself, plundered, scarcely alone escaped from the very jaws of Orcus in this manner:

[8] sumpta veste muliebri florida, in sinus flaccidos abundante, mitellaque textili contecto capite, calceis feminis albis illis et tenuibus inductus et in sequiorem sexum incertatus atque absconditus, asello spicas ordeacias gerenti residens per medias acies infesti militis transabivi. Nam mulierem putantes asinariam concedebant liberos abitus, quippe cum mihi etiam tunc depiles genae levi pueritia splendicarent.

[8] having put on a woman's garment, flowery, with folds overflowing into drooping bosoms, and with my head covered by a woven kerchief, having slipped on those thin white women's shoes and, doubtful and concealed in the more submissive sex, sitting on a little ass bearing ears of barley I passed through the midst of the lines of hostile soldiers. For, thinking me a woman and an ass-rider, they granted free passage, since even then my depilated cheeks shone with slight puerile brightness.

Nec ab illa tamen paterna gloria vel mea virtute descivi, quanquam semitrepidus iuxta mucrones Martios constitutus, sed habitus alieni fallacia tectum villas seu castella solus adgrediens viaticulum mihi conrasi et diloricatis statis pannulis in medium duo milia profudit aureorum et: "En" inquit "istam sportulam, immo vero dotem collegio vestro libens meque vobis ducem fidissimum, si tamen non recusarit, offero brevi temporis spatio lapideam istam domum vestram facturus auream."

Nor yet did I swerve from that paternal gloria nor from my virtus, albeit half-trembling standing beside the Martian blades; but, assuming the fallacia of another’s habit, approaching alone roofs, villas, or castella, I scratched together a small viaticum for myself and, in torn, patched pannulis set about me, poured into the midst two thousand aurei and said, “Behold this sportula, nay rather a dotem, I willingly offer to your collegium, and myself to you as a most faithful dux, if he does not refuse; in a short temporis spatio I will make this lapideam house of yours auream.”

[9] Nec mora nec cunctatio, sed calculis omnibus ducatum latrones unanimes ei deferunt vestemque lautiusculam proferunt, sumeret abiecto centunculo divite. Sic reformatus singulos exosculatus et in summo pulvinari locatus cena poculisque magnis inauguratur. Tunc sermonibus mutuis de virginis fuga deque mea vectura et utrique destinata monstruosa morte cognoscit et ubi locorum esset illa percontatus deductusque, visa ea, ut erat vinculis onusta, contorta et vituperanti nare discessit et: "Non sum quidem tam brutus vel certe temerarius" inquit " ut scitum vestrum inhibeam, sed malae conscientiae reatum intra me sustinebo si quod bonum mihi videtur dissimulavero.

[9] Neither delay nor hesitation, but with all calculations the robbers unanimously confer the duchy on him and produce a rather fine garment for him to put on, the rich man laying aside his tatterdemalion cloak. Thus restored, having kissed each of them and been placed on the highest cushion, he is inaugurated with a supper and great cups. Then, by mutual talk, he learns of the maiden's flight and of my carriage and the monstrous death destined for each; and when he inquired where that woman was and was led to her, having seen her, as she was loaded with bonds, contorted and railing with her nose, he departed and said: "I am not indeed so brutish or certainly so rash as to frustrate your decree, but I will sustain within me the guilt of a bad conscience if I should conceal anything that seems good to me."

Sed prius fiduciam vestri causa sollicito mihi tribuite, cum praesertim vobis, si sententia haec mea displicuerit, liceat rursus ad asinum redire. Nam ego arbitror latrones, quique eorum recte sapiunt, nihil anteferre lucro suo debere ac ne ipsam quidem saepe et ultis damnosam ultionem. Ergo igitur, si perdiderit in asino virginem, nihil amplius quam sine ullo compendio indignationem vestram exercueritis.

But first grant to me, for your sake, a trust in my anxious state, since especially for you, if this my opinion should displease, it will be permitted to return again to the ass. For I think that robbers, and those among them who are rightly wise, ought to prefer nothing to their profit, and not even that very vindictive, ultimately ruinous vengeance. Therefore, if he has lost the maiden on account of the ass, you will have done nothing more than, without any gain, have exercised your indignation.

Quin ego censeo deducendam eam ad quampiam civitatem ibique venundandam. Nec enim levi pretio distrahi poterit talis aetatula. Nam et ipse quosdam lenones pridem cognitos habeo, quorum poterit unus magnis equidem talentis, ut arbitror, puellam istam praestinare condigne natalibus suis fornicem processuram nec in similem fugam discursuram, non nihil etiam, cum lupanari servierit, vindictae vobis depensuram.

On the contrary, I judge that she should be led off to some city and there sold. For such a little-aged one cannot be parted for a light price. For I myself also long ago have known certain lenones (pimps), of whom one will be able, with great talents indeed, as I reckon, to set that girl up fittingly by her birth to proceed as a prostitute and not to run off in like flight, and moreover, once she has served in the brothel, to render to you some recompense of vengeance.

Hanc et animo quidem meo sententiam conducibilem protuli; sed vos vestrorum estis consiliorum rerumque domini."

I have indeed proposed this opinion as fitting to my mind; but you are the masters of your counsels and of affairs.

[10] Sic ille latronum fisci advocatus nostram causam pertulerat, virginis et asini sospitator egregius. Sed in diutina deliberatione ceteri cruciantes mora consilii mea praecordia, immo miserum spiritum elidentes, tandem novicii latronis accendunt sententiae et protinus vinculis exsolvunt virginem. Quae quidem simul viderat illum iuvenem fornicisque et lenonis audierat mentionem, coepit risu laetissimo gestire, ut mihi merito subiret vituperatio totius sexus, cum videre puellam proci iuvenis amore nuptiarumque castarum desiderio simulato lupanaris spurci sordidique subito delectari nomine.

[10] Thus he, the fiscal advocate of the ruffians, had carried our cause, an outstanding preserver of the virgin and of the ass. But in the long deliberation the others, torturing my breast with the delay of counsel, yea evading my wretched spirit, at last the novice thief’s opinions kindled them and straightway they loosed the virgin from her bonds. Which indeed, when she at once had seen that young man and had heard mention of brothels and of a leno, began to gesture with most joyous laughter, so that deservedly the reproach of the whole sex should fall upon me, since to see the girl, by the suitor youth’s love and by a simulated desire for chaste marriage, suddenly delighted by the name of a brothel and of a filthy, sordid pimp.

Et tunc quidem totarum mulierum secta moresque de asini pendebant iudicio.

And then indeed the sect and morals of all the women hung upon the judgment about the ass.

Sed ille iuvenis sermone reperito: "Quin igitur" inquit "supplicatum Marti Comiti pergimus et puellam simul vendituri et socios indagaturi? Sed, ut video, nullum uspiam pecus sacrificatui ac ne vinum quidem potatui adfatim vel sufficiens habemus. Decem mihi itaque legate comites, qui contentus proximum castellum petam, inde vobis epulas saliares comparaturus." Sic eo profecto ceteri copiosum instruunt ignem aramque cespite virenti Marti deo faciunt.

But that young man, his speech found, said: "Why then shall we proceed to the supplication to Mars the Count and, about to sell the girl and to search out associates? But, as I see, we have nowhere any flock for the sacrifice and not even wine sufficiently adequate for drinking. Ten legate comrades therefore to me, who, content, will seek the nearest castle, thence to procure for you the Salian feasts." Thus indeed with him the others abundantly kindle the fire and make an altar with verdant sod to the god Mars.

[11] Nec multo post adveniunt illi vinarios utres ferentes et gregatim pecua comminantes, unde praelectum grandem hircum annosum et horricomem Marti Secutori Comitique victimant. Et ilico prandium fabricatur opipare. Tunc hospes ille: "Non modo" inquit "exspoliationum praedarumque, verum etiam voluptatum vestrarum ducem me strenuum sentire debetis" et adgressus insigni facilitate naviter cuncta praeministrat.

[11] Not long after there arrive those wine-merchants bearing wineskins and slaughtering beasts in droves, whence they sacrifice a choice large billy-goat, aged and shaggy, to Mars the Follower and to the Count. And immediately a sumptuous luncheon is prepared. Then that host: "Not only," he says, "of spoliations and booty, but also of your pleasures you ought to deem me a vigorous leader," and having begun, with notable facility he briskly provides everything.

Verrit, sternit, coquit, tucceta concinnat, adponit scitule, sed praecipue poculis celebris grandibusque singulos ingurgitat. Interdum tamen simulatione promendi quae poscebat usus ad puellam commeabat adsidue, partisque subreptas clanculo et praegustatas a se potiones offerebat hilaris. At illa sumebat adpetenter et non numquam basiare volenti promptis saviolis adlubescebat.

He scrapes, spreads, cooks, fashions little pastries, sets them out neatly; but above all he drains celebrated, large cups one by one. Yet at times, by feigning to promise what she demanded, he was wont to visit the girl continually, and stealthily from the portions he had filched and pre‑tasted he would merrily offer her drinks. But she took them eagerly, and not seldom, when she wished to kiss, she yielded to his ready little coquetries.

Quae res oppido mihi displicebat. "Hem oblita es nuptiarum tuique mutui cupitoris, puella virgo, et illi nescio cui recenti marito, quem tibi parentes iunxerunt, hunc advenam cruentumque percussorem praeponis? Nec te conscientia stimulat, sed adfectione calcata inter lanceas et gladios istos scortari tibi libet?

This matter indeed displeased me. "Hey — have you forgotten your nuptials and your mutual suitor, maiden virgin, and that recent husband, I know not whom, whom your parents have joined to you; do you set before him this stranger and bloodstained assailant? Does no conscience prick you, but with affection trampled underfoot, amid those lances and swords do you take pleasure in prostituting yourself?

Non rursum recurres ad asinum et rursum exitium mihi parabis? Re vera ludis de alieno corio."

Will you again turn back to the ass and again prepare destruction for me? In truth you play with another’s hide."

[12] Dum ista sycophanta ego mecum maxima cum indignatione disputo, de verbis erum quibusdam dubiis sed non obscuris prudenti asino cognosco non Haemum illum praedonem famosum sed Tlepolemum sponsum puellae ipsius. Nam procedente sermone paulo iam clarius contempta mea praesentia quasi vere mortui: "Bono animo es," inquit "Charite dulcissima; nam totis istos hostes tuos statim captivos habebis", et instantia validiore vinum iam inmixtum, sed modico tepefactum vapore sauciis illis et crapula vinolentiaque madidis ipse abstemius non cessat inpingere. Et hercules suspicionem mihi fecit quasi soporiferum quoddam venenum cantharis immisceret illis.

[12] While I, this sycophant, dispute those things with myself with the greatest indignation, from the words of the master, certain doubtful but not obscure, I learn from the prudent ass not Haemus that notorious brigand but Tlepolemus, the bridegroom of the girl herself. For as the discourse proceeded a little more clearly, my presence being scorned as though truly of the dead: "Be of good courage," he says, "most sweet Charite; for you will straightaway have all those enemies of yours captive," and with stronger insistence — wine already mixed in, but slightly warmed by steam — he does not cease to pour it upon those wounded and dripping with drunkenness and wine-greed, himself remaining abstemious. And by Hercules it aroused in me the suspicion that he was mingling some soporific poison, cantharis, into it.

Cuncti denique, sed prorsus omnes vino sepulti iacebant, omnes pariter mortui. Tunc nullo negotio artissimis vinculis impeditis ac pro arbitrio suo constrictis illis, imposita dorso meo puella, dirigit gressum ad suam patriam.

All at last, indeed wholly buried in wine, lay prostrate, all alike dead. Then, with those men bound by very tight bonds and constrained at her arbitrary will without any trouble, the girl, having been placed upon my back, directs her steps to her fatherland.

[13] Quam simul accessimus, tota civitas ad votivum conspectum effunditur. Procurrunt parentes, affines, clientes, alumni, famuli laeti faciem, gaudio delibuti. Pompam cerneres omnis sexus et omnis aetatis novumque et hercules memorandum spectamen, virginem asino triumphantem.

[13] As soon as we approached it, the whole city poured forth to behold the votive sight. Parents, in-laws, clients, alumni, servants run forward, their faces joyous, drenched in delight. You would see a procession of every sex and every age, and a new—and hercules—memorable spectacle, the virgin triumphant on a donkey.

Denique ipse etiam hilarior pro virili parte, ne praesenti negotio ut alienus discreparem, porrectius auribus proflatisque naribus rudivi fortiter, immo tonanti clamore personui. Et illam thalamo receptam commode parentes sui fovebant, me vero cum ingenti iumentorum civiumque multitudine confestim retro Tlepolemus agebat non invitum. Nam et alias curiosus et tunc latronum captivitatis spectator optabam fieri.

Finally I myself, even more brisk in a manly way, so that I might not seem apart from the present affair, with ears more forward and nostrils flaring I bawled boldly, yea I resounded with a thundering shout. And she, received into the bridal chamber, was comfortably cherished by her parents; while Tlepolemus forthwith drove me back with a great multitude of pack-animals and citizens, not unwilling. For I was ever curious, and then I wished to be made a spectator of the robbers’ captivity.

Quos fidem colligatos adhuc vino magis quam vinculis deprehendimus. Totis ergo prolatis erutisque rebus et nobis auro argentoque et ceteris onustis ipsos partim constrictos, uti fuerant, provolutosque in proximas rupinas praecipites dedere, alios vero suis sibi gladiis obtruncatos reliquere.

Whom, bound by oath, we found still held more by wine than by fetters. Therefore, with everything carried off and plundered and with us laden with gold and silver and other spoils, they themselves, some partly constricted as they had been and flung forward, they hurled headlong down into the nearest rocks, while others they left cut down by their own swords.

Tali vindicta laeti et gaudentes civitatem revenimus. Et illas quidem divitas publicae custodelae commisere, Tlepolemo puellam repetitam lege tradidere.

With such vengeance, happy and rejoicing, we returned to the city. And those indeed they committed to the public’s rich custody; they delivered the girl, reclaimed by law, to Tlepolemus.

[14] Exin me suum sospitatorem nuncupatum matrona prolixe curitabat ipsoque nuptiarum die praesepium meum ordeo passim repleri iubet faenumque camelo Bactrinae sufficiens apponi. Sed quas ego condignas Photidi diras devotiones imprecarer, quae me formavit non canem, sed asinum, quippe cum viderem largissimae cenae reliquiis rapinisque canes omnes inescatos atque distentos.

[14] Then the matron, having named me her sospitator, fussed over me at length, and on the very day of the wedding ordered my manger to be filled everywhere with barley-meal and hay sufficient for a Bactrian camel to be put beside it. But what fitting, dire devotions I might invoke on Photidi, who fashioned me not a dog but an ass — for I saw all the dogs, by the leftovers and spoils of the most lavish feast, baited and gorged.

Post noctem et rudimenta Veneris recens nupta gratias summas apud suos parentes ac maritum mihi meminisse non destitit, quoad summos illi promitterent honorem habituri mihi. Convocatis denique gravioribus amicis consilium datur, quo potissimum pacto digne remunerarer. Placuerant uni domi me conclusum et otiosum hordeo lecto fabaque et vicia saginari; sed optinuit alius, qui meae libertati prospexerat, suadens ut rurestribus potius campis in greges equinos lasciviens discurrerem daturum dominis equarum inscensu generoso multas alumnas.

After the wedding-night and the rudiments of Venus, as a newly-wedded woman she never ceased to remember to render to me the highest thanks before her own parents and husband, so long as they promised that they would hold me in the highest honour. Finally, with the more serious friends summoned a council was given as to by what particular pact I might be rewarded worthily. They had agreed that I alone should be confined at home and kept idle, fed on a barley pallet and beans and vetches; but another prevailed, who had looked to my liberty, advising that I, frisking in the rustic fields among equine herds, should run about, and by a noble mounting give many nurslings to the masters of the mares.

[15] Ergo igitur evocato statim armentario equisone magna cum praefatione deducendus adsignor. Et sane gaudens laetusque praecurrebam et ceteris oneribus iam nunc renuntiaturus nanctaque libertate veris initio pratis herbantibus rosas utique reperturus aliquas. Subibat me tamen illa etiam sequens cogitatio, quod tantis actis gratiis honoribusque plurimis asino meo tribuit humana facie recepta multo tanta pluribus beneficiis honestarer.

[15] Therefore, then, with the herdsman and a horseman summoned, I am assigned to be led away with great preface. And indeed, rejoicing and glad, I ran on before, about to renounce the other burdens even now, and having obtained freedom with the beginning of spring and the meadows greening, surely to find at least some roses. Yet the following thought also rose in me: that, my donkey having been received with a humane countenance, so many great acts of kindness and so very many honors were bestowed on my donkey that I might be ennobled by far greater benefits.

Sed ubi me procul a civitate gregarius ille perduxerat, nullae deliciae ac ne ulla quidem libertas excipit. Nam protinus uxor eius, avara equidem nequissimae illa mulier, molae machinariae subiugum me dedit frondosoque baculo subinde castigans panem sibi suisque de meo parabat corio. Nec tantum sui cibi gratia me fatigare contenta, vicinorum etiam frumenta mercennariis discursibus meis conterebat, nec mihi misero statuta saltem cibaria pro tantis praestabantur laboribus.

But when that herdsman had led me far from the city, no delights and not even any liberty awaited me. For straightaway his wife, avaricious indeed, that most nefarious woman, put me under the yoke of the mill’s machinery and, chastising me now and then with a leafy staff, prepared bread for herself and her household out of my hide. Nor content to toil me merely for the sake of her own food, she also ground down the neighbors’ grain by my hired errands, nor were any allotted provisions at least granted to miserable me for so many labors.

Namque hordeum meum frictum et sub eadem mola meis quassatum ambagibus colonis proximis venditabat, mihi vero per diem laboriosae machinae adtendo sub ipsa vespera furfures apponebat incretos ac sordidos multosque lapide salebrosos.

For he sold my roasted barley and that ground by my mill under the same mill in the roundabout dealings to the neighboring peasants; but to me, while I tended the laborious machine by day, at evening itself he set before me encrusted, unbaked bran, filthy and full of many stony, gritty pieces.

[16] Talibus aerumnis edomitum novis Fortuna saeva tradidit cruciatibus, scilicet ut, quod aiunt, domi forisque foribus factis adoriae plenae egregius mandati dominici serus auscultator aliquando permisit. At ego tandem liber asinus laetus et tripudians graduque molli gestiens equas opportunissimas iam mihi concubinas futuras deligebam. Sed haec etiam spes hilarior in capitale processit exitium.

[16] By such afflictions, once subdued, cruel new Fortune delivered me over to fresh tortures, namely that, as they say, at home and abroad, with doors having been made thresholds full of entreaties, an outstanding, tardy listener to the lord’s command at times permitted it. But I, at last a free ass, joyful and capering and, with a soft step, yearning, was already choosing the most opportunely matched mares that would be my concubines. Yet this hope, the giddier for my cheer, advanced into a capital ruin.

Mares enim ob amissuram veterem pasti satianter ac diu saginati, terribiles [alios] alioquin et utique quovis asino fortiores, de me metuentes sibi et adulterio degeneri praecaventes nec hospitalis Iovis servato foedere rivalem summo furentes persecuntur odio. Hic elatis in altum vastis pectoribus arduus capite et sublimis vertice primoribus in me pugillatur ungulis, ille terga pulposis torulis obsera convertens postremis velitatur calcibus, alius hinnitu maligno comminatus remulsis auribus dentiumque candentium renudatis asceis totum me commorsicat. Sic apud historiam de rege Thracio legeram, qui miseros hospites ferinis equis suis lacerandos devorandosque porrigebat; adeo ille praepotens tyrannus sic parcus hordei fuit ut edacium iumentorum famem corporum humanorum largitione sedaret.

For the stallions, having been fed sufficiently and for a long time after their former loss, terrible, [others] otherwise and in any case stronger than any ass, fearing me and guarding themselves from degenerate adultery, and not honoring the preserved pact of hospitable Jove, pursue me, raging with the utmost hatred. One of them, lofty in head and towering at the crown, with vast chests raised on high, attacks me with his fore-hoofs; another, turning his flanks with fleshy rolls, lashes my hind parts with his hind heels; another, threatening with a malignant neigh, with ears pinned back and the sockets of his white teeth bared, nips and chews me all over. Thus in the history I had read of a Thracian king who handed over wretched guests to be torn and devoured by his savage horses; so mighty that tyrant was, so sparing of barley, that he quelled the ravenous beasts’ hunger by the largesse of human bodies.

[17] At eundem modum distractus et ipse variis equorum incursibus rursum molares illos circuitus requirebam. Verum Fortuna meis cruciatibus insatiabilis aliam mihi denuo pestem instruxit. Delegor enim ligno monte devehundo, perque mihi praefectus imponitur omnium unus ille quidem puer deterrimus.

[17] But in the same manner, rent apart myself too by the various incursions of the horses, I again sought those molar circuits. Yet Fortune, insatiable for my torments, set up for me another plague anew. For I am assigned to be carried down from the wooden mount, and over me is imposed as prefect of all that very boy, indeed the most terrible.

Nec me montis excelsi tantum arduum fatigabat iugum, nec saxeas tantum sudes incursando contribam ungulas, verum fustium quoque crebris ictibus prolixe dedolabar, ut usque plagarum mihi medullaris insideret dolor; coxaeque dexterae semper ictus incutiens et unum feriendo locum dissipato corio et ulceris latissimi facto foramine, immo fovea vel etiam fenestra nullus tamen desinebat identidem vulnus sanguine delibutum obtundere. Lignorum vero tanto me premebat pondere, ut fascium molem elephanto, non asino paratam putares. Ille vero etiam quotiens in alterum latus praeponderans declinarat sarcina, cum deberet potius gravantis ruinae fustes demere et levata paulisper pressura sanare me vel certe in alterum translatis peraequare, contra lapidibus additis insuper sic iniquitati ponderis medebatur.

Nor did the steep ridge of the high mountain alone wear me out, nor did I only abrade my hoofs against the rocky stakes in running; but I was also thoroughly flayed by repeated blows of cudgels, so broadly that the marrow-deep pain of the strokes insinuated itself; and always striking the right hip and, by striking one place, tearing away the hide and making of the ulcer a very wide hole — indeed a pit or even a window — no wound, however, ceased again and again to be dulled by blood. The weight of the woods pressed on me so greatly that you would think the mass of the bundles prepared for an elephant, not for an ass. He, moreover, whenever the pack, leaning to one side, tilted over to the other, when he ought rather to have removed the sticks of the overburden and, the pressure lifted for a little, eased me or at least equalized the loads by shifting them to the other side, treated the inequality of the burden instead by adding stones.

[18] Nec tamen post tantas meas clades inmodico sarcinae pondere contentus, cum fluvium transcenderemus, qui forte praeter viam defluebat, peronibus suis ab aquae madore consulens ipse quoque insuper lumbos meos insiliens residebat, exiguum scilicet et illud tantae molis superpondium. Ac si quo casu limo caenoso ripae supercilia lubricante oneris inpatientia prolapsus deruissem, cum deberet egregius agaso manum porrigere, capistro suspendere, cauda sublevare, certe partem tanti oneris, quoad resurgerem saltem, detrahere, nullum quidem defesso mihi ferebat auxilium, sed occipiens a capite, immo vero et ipsis auribus totum me complicabat [cidit] fusti grandissimo, donec fomenti vice ipsae me plagae suscitarent.

[18] Nor yet, after so many of my disasters, content with the immoderate weight of the pack, when we crossed a river that by chance ran beside the road, he — minding with his feet the soak of the water — moreover leapt upon my loins and sat down, that too a slight but superadded burden to so great a weight. And as if by some chance I had slipped headlong on the muddy slime of the bank, my brow sliding with the load’s impatience, since the excellent agaso ought to have stretched out a hand, suspended me by a halter, lifted by the tail, at least to remove part of so great a burden until I could rise again, he brought me no aid, weary as I was; but catching me by the head, nay even by my very ears, he twisted my whole body and [fell] upon me with a very great cudgel, until the blows themselves, like fomentation, revived the wounds.

Idem mihi talem etiam excogitavit perniciem. Spinas acerrumas et punctu venerato viriosas in fascem tortili nodo constrictas caudae meae pensilem deligavit cruciatum, ut incessu meo commotae incitataeque funestis aculeis infeste me convulnerarent.

He likewise devised for me such a ruin. He bound the keenest thorns and poisoned points, virious in force, into a bundle, fastened with a twisted knot, and tied the torment pendent to my tail, so that, stirred by my gait and incited, they, with fatal barbs, might hostilely wound me.

[19] Ergo igitur ancipiti malo laboratam. Nam cum me cursu proripueram fugiens acerbissimos incursus, vehementiore nisu spinarum feriebar: si dolori parcens paululum restitissem, plagis compellebar ad cursum. Nec quicquam videbatur aliud excogitare puer ille nequissimus quam ut me quoquo modo perditum iret, idque iurans etiam non numquam comminabatur.

[19] Therefore, then, tormented by a twofold evil. For when I had rushed forth in flight, fleeing the most bitter incursions, I was the more violently struck by the blows of the thorns by a stronger exertion: if, sparing the pain, I had stood still a little, I was driven back to running by the wounds. Nor did that most nefarious boy seem to devise any other thing than that I should be ruined by any means, and he, swearing, even from time to time threatened.

En plane fuit, quod eius detestabilem malitiam ad peiores conatus stimularet; nam quadam die nimia eius insolentia expugnata patientia mea calces in eum validas extuleram. Denique tale facinus in me comminiscitur. Stuppae sarcina me satis onustum probeque funiculis constrictum producit in viam deque proxima villula spirantem carbunculum furatus oneris in ipso meditullio reponit.

It was indeed plain that his detestable malice stimulated him to worse attempts; for one day, his excessive insolence having overthrown my patience, I had set my strong heels against him. At last such a deed is contrived against me. He brings out a bundle of tow, with me sufficiently burdened and tightly bound with cords, leads me into the road and, having stolen a smoldering coal from the load at the nearest little villa, places it in the very midst of it.

Iamque fomento tenui calescens et enutritus ignis surgebat in flammas et totum me funestus ardor invaserat, nec ullum pestis extremae suffugium nec salutis aliquod apparet solacium, et ustrina talis moras non sustinet et meliora consilia praevertitur.

And now the fire, warming and fed by the slight tinder, rose into flames and a deadly ardour had invaded me wholly; nor does any refuge from the extreme plague nor any solace of safety appear, and such burning will not endure delays and overrules better counsels.

[20] Sed in rebus scaevis adfulsit Fortunae nutus hilarior nescio an futuris periculis me reservans, certe praesente statutaque morte liberans. Nam forte pluviae pridianae recens conceptaculum aquae lutulentae proximum conspicatus ibi memet inprovido saltu totum abicio flammaque prorsus extincta tandem et pondere levatus et exitio liberatus evado. Sed ille deterrimus ac temerarius puer hoc quoque suum nequissimum factum in me retortis gregariisque omnibus adfirmavit me sponte vicinorum foculos transeuntem titubanti gradu prolapsum ignem ultroneum accersisse mihi, et arridens addidit: "Quo usque ergo frustra pascemus inigninum istum?" Nec multis interiectis diebus longe peioribus me dolis petivit.

[20] But in evil circumstances Fortune’s nod shone somewhat more kindly, I know not whether reserving me for future perils, certainly freeing me while death stood present and appointed. For by chance having noticed nearby the muddy receptacle of the previous day’s rainwater, there I, unwary, cast my whole bundle into the hollow and, the flame at last wholly extinguished, and lifted by its weight and delivered from ruin, I escaped. But that most wicked and rash lad turned even this his most villainous deed upon me and, together with all the neighbors in a body, affirmed that I of my own accord, passing the neighbors’ hearths with a tottering step, had fallen and without intent brought the fire upon myself, and smiling added: “How long then shall we feed that unworthy one in vain?” And not many days afterward, with far worse designs, he came at me with plots.

Ligno enim quod gerebam in proximam casulam vendito vacuum me ducens iam se nequitiae meae proclamans imparem miserrimumque istud magisterium rennuens querelas huius modi concinnat:

For the piece of wood I was carrying, sold at the nearby cottage and leading me away empty-handed, now proclaiming itself evidence of my nequity, renouncing that unequal and most miserable mastership, composes complaints of this sort:

[21] Videtis istum pigrum tardissimumque et nimis asinum? Me post cetera flagitia nunc novis periculis etiam angit. Vt quemque enim viatorem prospexerit, sive illa scitura mulier seu virgo nubilis seu tener puellus est, ilico disturbato gestamine, non numquam etiam ipsis stramentis abiectis, furens incurrit et homines amator talis appetit et humi prostrati illis inhians illicitas atque incognitas temptat libidines et ferinas voluptates, aversaque Venere invitat ad nuptias.

[21] Do you see that lazy, most sluggish and altogether asinine fellow? After other vices he now torments me with new dangers as well. For as soon as he has espied any wayfarer, whether that woman of marriageable age or a nubile maiden or a tender youth, straightaway with his disordered burden — sometimes even having thrown down the very straw — raging he rushes in and, a lover of men such as he is, desires them; and, lying prostrate on the ground, gaping at them, he essays illicit and unknown lusts and savage pleasures, and, turned away from Venus, he invites them to marriages.

Nam imaginem etiam savii mentiendo ore improbo compulsat ac morsicat. Quae res nobis non mediocris lites atque iurgia, immo forsitan et crimina pariet. Nunc etiam visa quadam honesta iuvene, ligno quod devehebat abiecto dispersoque, in eam furiosos direxit impetus et festivus hic amasio humo sordida prostratam mulierem ibidem omnium gestiebat inscendere.

For he even assails the image with lying, wicked mouth and nips at it. Which affair will bring us no small quarrels and wranglings, nay perhaps even charges. Now also, a certain respectable young man having seen — the wood which he was carrying having been thrown down and scattered — directed furious attacks against her; and this merry amator, the woman filthy and prostrate on the ground, there eagerly longed above all to mount her.

Quod nisi ploratu questuque femineo conclamatum viatorum praesidium accurrisset ac de mediis ungulis ipsius esset erepta liberataque, misera illa compavita atque dirupta ipsa quidem cruciabilem cladem sustinuisset, nobis vero poenale reliquisset exitium."

Which, had not the aid of the travelers, summoned by her feminine weeping and lamentation, come running and snatched her away and freed her from their very claws, that wretched woman, terrified and torn, would indeed have suffered a torturing slaughter, and would have left to us a penal ruin."

[22] Talibus mendaciis admiscendo sermones alios, qui meum verecundum silentium vehementius premerent, animos pastorum in meam perniciem atrociter suscitavit. Denique unus ex illis: "Quin igitur publicum istum maritum" inquit "immo communem omnium adulterum illis suis monstruosis nuptiis condignam victimamus hostiam? et ?Heus tu, puer," ait "obtruncato protinus eo intestina quidem canibus nostris iacta, ceteram vero carnem omnem operariorum cenae reserva.

[22] By mixing such mendacities with other speeches, which pressed more vehemently upon my modest silence, he cruelly stirred up the shepherds' minds to my ruin. At last one of them said: "Why then do we not sacrifice that public husband — nay, the common adulterer of all — as a fitting victim to those monstrous nuptials of theirs? And 'Hey you, boy,' he said, 'having slain him, at once cast his entrails indeed to our dogs, but reserve all the rest of the flesh for the laborers' dinner.'

Nam corium adfirmavit cineris inspersum dominis referemus eiusque mortem de lupo facile mentiemur."

For he affirmed that the hide was sprinkled with ashes; we will report it to his masters, and easily will lie that his death was by a wolf.

Sublata cunctatione accusator ille meus noxius, ipse etiam pastoralis exsecutor sententiae, laetus et meis insultans malis calcisque illius admonitus, quam inefficacem fuisse mehercules doleo, protinus gladium cotis adtritu parabat.

With delay removed, that noxious accuser of mine, even the very executor of the pastoral sentence, joyful and mocking my misfortunes, and spurred by that man’s heel, exclaiming “how ineffective it was, by Hercules, I grieve,” straightway prepared a sword by rubbing it on a whetstone.

[23] Sed quidam de coetu illo rusticorum: "Nefas? ait "tam bellum asinum sic enecare et propter luxuriem lasciviamque amatoriam criminatum opera servitioque tam necessario carere, cum alioquin exsectis genitalibus possit neque in venerem nullo modo surgere vosque omni metu periculi liberare, insuper etiam longe crassior atque corpulentior effici. Multos ego scio non modo asinos inertes, verum etiam ferocissimo equos nimio libidinis laborantes atque ob id truces vesanoque adhibita tali detestatione mansuetos ac mites exinde factos et oneri ferundo non inhabiles et cetero ministerio patiente.

[23] But some of that assembly of rustics said: "A crime? he says, to drown so fine a ass and, on account of luxury and lascivious amorousness charged with crime, to be deprived of so necessary work and service, when otherwise, with the genitals cut away, he could in no way rise to Venus and could free you from every fear of danger; moreover he would be made far thicker and more corpulent. I know many not only inert asses, but even horses most fierce, laboring from excessive lust, and by applying such a mad detestation because of that made tame and meek therefrom and not unfit for bearing burden and patient of other service."

Denique nisi vobis suadeo nolentibus, possum spatio modico interiecto, quo mercatum obire statui, petitis e domo ferramentis huic curare praeparatis ad vos actutum redire trucemque amatorem istum atque insuavem dissitis femoribus emasculare et quovis vervece mitiorem efficere."

Finally — unless I advise you, unwilling ones — I can, with a short interval interposed, during which I have resolved to go to market, if you fetch from the house the iron tools prepared for this task, at once return to you and, with his thighs spread, emasculate that savage and unsavory lover, and by any violence make him milder.

[24] Tali sententia mediis Orci manibus extractus set extremae poenae reservatus maerebam et in novissima parte corporis totum me periturum deflebam. Inedita denique vel praecipiti ruina memet ipse quaerebam extinguere moriturus quidem nihilo minus sed moriturus integer. Dumque in ista necis meae decunctor electione, matutino me rursum puer ille peremptor meus contra montis suetum ducit vestigium, Iamque me de cuiusdam viam supergressus ipse securi lignum, quod deveheret, recidebat.

[24] By that resolve, dragged from the very hands of Orcus yet reserved for the last penalty, I was grieving and, in the uttermost part of my body, bewailed that I should perish wholly. Indeed I sought to extinguish myself by an unprecedented or headlong ruin — to die, certainly, none the less, yet to die intact. And while I delayed in that choice of my death, at dawn that boy, my would‑be slayer, led me back against the mountain’s accustomed path; and having stepped off a certain road, he himself with an axe cut down the timber that would convey me.

Et ecce de proximo specu vastum attollens caput funesta proserpit ursa. Quam simul conspexi, pavidus et repentina facies conterritus totum corporis pondus in postremos poplites recello arduaque cervice sublimiter elevata lorum quo tenebar rumpo meque protinus pernici fugae committo perque prona non tantum pedibus verum etiam toto proiecto corpore propere devolutus immitto me campis subpatentibus, ex summo studio fugiens immanem ursam ursaque peiorem illum puerum.

And behold, from a nearby cave lifting up a vast head a deadly bear thrusts forth. As soon as I caught sight of her, fearful and with my sudden visage terrified, I drew the whole weight of my body back onto my hind knees, and with my neck loftily raised I broke the thong by which I was held and forthwith committed myself to speedy flight; and prone, not only on my feet but with my whole body cast forward, I quickly rolled down and let myself fall upon the open fields, fleeing with the greatest zeal the monstrous she‑bear and that boy, a worse bear.

[25] Tunc quidam viator solitarium vagumque me respiciens invadit et properiter inscensum baculo quod gerebat obverberans per obliquam ignaramque me dicebat viam. Nec invitus ego cursui me commodabam relinquens atrocissimam virilitatis lanienam. Ceterum plagis non magnopere commovebar quippe consuetus ex forma concidi fustibus.

[25] Then a certain wayfarer, looking upon me solitary and wandering, set upon me and, swiftly brandishing the staff he bore, smote me obliquely and, unaware, was showing the way. Nor unwillingly did I give myself to flight, leaving behind the most atrocious mangling of my virility. Moreover I was not greatly moved by the blows, for I was, indeed, accustomed to be felled out of shape by cudgels.

Sed illa Fortuna meis casibus pervicax tam opportunum latibulum miseria celeritate praeversa novas instruxit insidias. Pastores enim mei perditam sibi requirentes vacculam variasque regiones peragrantes occurrunt nobis fortuito statimque me cognitum capistro prehensum attrahere gestiunt. Sed audacia valida resistens ille fidem hominum deumque testabatur: "Quid me raptatis violenter?

But that Fortune, stubborn in my misfortunes, contrived anew ambushes so aptly turned to misery with swift craft. For my shepherds, seeking for the heifer lost to them and ranging through various regions, met us by chance and at once, recognizing me by the halter, eagerly strove to seize and drag me off. But he, strong in boldness, resisting, called witnesses men and gods to his faith: "Why do you violently carry me off?

Quid invaditis?"

"Why do you invade?"

"Ain, te nos tractamus inciviliter, qui nostrum asinum furatus abducis? Quin potius effaris ubi puerum eiusdem agasonem, necatum scilicet, occultaris?" Et illico detractus ad terram pugnisque pulsatus et calcibus contusus infit deierans nullum semet vidisse ductorem, sed plane continatum solutum et solitarium ob indicivae praemium occupasse, domino tamen suo restituturum. "Atque unitam ipse asinum", inquit "quem numquam profecto vidissem, vocem quiret humanam dare meaeque testimonium innocentiae perhibere posset: profecto vos huius iniuriae pigeret."

"What! Do you treat us uncivilly, you who steal away our ass? Or rather, can you not tell where you hide the boy of the same agason, slain, to be sure?" And immediately, dragged to the ground, beaten with fists and bruised by boots, he declared, swearing that he himself had seen no ringleader, but plainly that the tethered one, now loose and solitary, had been seized by an informer for the sake of the reward, and yet would be restored to his master. "And he himself would have the joined ass," he said, "which I certainly had never seen, utter a human voice and give testimony to my innocence: truly you would be ashamed of this injury."

Sic adseverans nihil quicquam promovebat. Nam collo constrictum reductum eum pastores molesti contra montis illius silvosa nemora unde lignum puer solebat egerere.

Thus asserting, he advanced nothing at all. For, his neck bound and drawn back, the troublesome shepherds led him toward the woody groves of that mountain from which the boy was accustomed to gather wood.

[26] Nec uspiam ruris reperitur ille, sed plane corpus eius membratim laceratum multisque dispersum locis conspicitur. Quam rem procul dubio sentiebam ego illius ursae dentibus esse perfectam, et hercules dicerem quod sciebam, si loquendi copia suppeditaret. sed, quod solum poteram, tacitus licet serae vindictae gratulabar.

[26] That man is nowhere to be found in the countryside, but plainly his body is seen torn limb from limb and scattered in many places. I perceived from afar that this deed had been accomplished by the teeth of that she‑bear, and I would have called it a work of Hercules, which I knew, if the faculty of speaking were granted me. But what alone I could do, though silent, I rejoiced in as the gratification of a late vengeance.

Et cadaver quidem disiectis partibus tandem totum repertum aegreque concinnatum ibidem terrae dedere, meum vero Bellerophontem abactorem indubitatum cruentumque percussorem criminantes, ad casas interim suas vinctum perducunt, quoad renascenti die sequenti deductus ad magistratus, ut aiebant, poenas redderetur.

And the corpse, its parts scattered, at last found whole and reluctantly put together, they there gave to the earth; my Bellerophon, however, accused as the undoubted abactor (instigator) and bloody percussor (striker), they meanwhile led bound to his houses, until, on the following day at daybreak, he should be brought down to the magistrates, as they said, to render penalties.

Interim dum puerum illum parentes sui plangoribus fletibusque querebantur, et adveniens ecce rusticus nequaquam promissum suum frustratus destinatam sectionem meam flagitat. "Non est" in his inquit unus "indidem praesens iactura nostra, sed plane crastino libet non tantum naturam verum etiam caput quoque ipsum pessimo isto asino demere. Nec tibi ministerium deerit istorum."

Meanwhile, while his parents bewailed that boy with laments and tears, behold a rustics arriving, by no means frustrated in his promise, demands my allotted portion. "It is not," one of them says, "that our present loss comes from here, but plainly tomorrow we mean to take away not only his nature but even his very head with that most wretched ass. Nor will you lack the service of them."

[27] Sic effectum est ut in alterum diem clades differetur mea. At ego gratias agebam bono puero quod saltem mortuus unam carnificinae meae dieculam donasset. nec tamen tantillum saltem gratulationi meae quietive spatium datum; nam mater pueri, mortem deplorans acerbam filii, fleta et lacrimosa fuscaque veste contecta, ambabus manibus trahens cinerosam canitiem, heiulans et exinde proclamans stabulum inrumpit meum tunsisque ac diverberatis vehementer uberibus incipit: "Et nunc iste securus incumbens praesepio voracitati suae deseruit et insatiabilem profundumque ventrem semper esitando distendit nec aerumnae meae miseretur vel detestabilem casum defuncti magistri recordatur, sed scilicet senectam infirmitatemque meam contemnit ac despicit et impune se laturum tantum scelus credit.

[27] Thus it happened that my disaster was deferred to the next day. But I gave thanks to the good boy because at least, being dead, he had granted one small day of my slaughter. Nor, however, was even that little bit of time given to my rejoicing or to a moment’s rest; for the boy’s mother, bewailing the bitter death of her son, weeping and tearful and clad in a dusky garment, with both hands dragging at her ashen gray hair, wailing and then proclaiming, burst into my stable and, her breasts struck and severely beaten, began: "And now this man, secure, leaning on the manger, has surrendered himself to his voracity and ever, by delaying, distends his insatiable and deep belly; he neither pities my hardship nor remembers the detestable fate of the dead master, but plainly despises and scorns my old age and infirmity and believes he will go unpunished for so great a crime.

At utcumque se praesumit innocentem; est enim congruens pessimis conatibus contra noxiam conscientiam sperare securitatem. Nam pro deum fidem, quadrupes nequissime, licet precariam vocis usuram sumeret, cui tandem vel ineptissimo persuadere possis atrocitatem istam culpa (tua) carere, cum propugnare pedibus et arcere morsibus misello puero potueris? An ipsum quidem saepius incursare calcibus potuisti, morituram vero defendere alacritate simili nequisti?

But however he presumes himself innocent; for it is fitting that the worst enterprises should hope for security against a noxious conscience. By God's faith, most wicked quadruped, though he may make precarious use of his voice, to whom at last could you even, to the most inept, persuade that this atrocity is free of blame (yours), when you were able to defend with your feet and repel with your bites the poor little boy? Could you indeed oft assail him with your heels, yet could not with like alacrity defend him when dying?

Certe dorso receptum auferres protinus et infesti latronis cruentis manibus eriperes, postremum deserto derelictoque illo conservo magistro comite pastore non solus aufugeres. An ignoras eos etiam qui morituris auxilium salutare denegarint, quod contra bonos mores id ipsum fecerint, solere puniri? Sed non diutius meis cladibus laetaberis, homicidia.

Certainly you would at once strip from the back what had been taken up and snatch it with the bloody hands of a hostile robber; finally, that saved one — master, comrade, shepherd — being deserted and forsaken, you would not flee alone. Or do you not know that those who deny saving aid to the dying, because they have done that very thing contrary to good mores, are wont to be punished? But you will not rejoice any longer at my calamities, murderess.

Senties efficiam, misero dolori naturales vires adesse";

"You will feel, I will make it so, that the natural vires (forces) are present to wretched grief";

[28] et cum dicto subsertis manibus exsoluit suam sibi fasceam pedesque meos singillatim inligans indidem constringit artissime, scilicet ne quod vindictae meae superesset praesidium, et pertica qua stabuli fores offirmari solebant adrepta non prius me desiit obtundere quam victis fessisque viribus suopte pondere degravatus manibus eius fustis esset elapsus. Tunc de brachiorum suorum cita fatigatione conquesta procurrit ad focum ardentemque titionem gerens mediis inguinibus obtrudit usque, donec solo quod restabat nisus praesidio liquida fimo strictim egesta faciem atque oculos eius confoedassem. Qua caecitate atque faetore tandem fugata est a mea pernicie: ceterum titione delirantis Althaeae Meleager asinus interisset.

[28] and when he had said this, slipping his hands beneath, he unbound his own bandage and, binding my feet one by one, therewith bound them very tightly—clearly so that nothing might remain as a means of my vengeance—and taking up the pole with which the stable‑doors were wont to be fastened he did not cease to beat me until, my forces overcome and weary, it slipped from his hands, the cudgels released by their own weight. Then, complaining of the quick fatigue of his arms, he ran forward to the hearth and, bearing a burning brand, thrust it up against my middle groin again and again, until, with only the remainder of myself left as support, squeezed out by liquid dung, I had soiled and fouled his face and eyes. By that blindness and stench at last she was driven off from my destruction; moreover, by the burning of delirious Althaea, Meleager’s ass had died.