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 ALLYN AND BACON'S COLLEGE LATIN SERIES 
 
 UNDER THE GENERAL EDITORSHIP OF 
 JOHN C ROLFE 
 
 THE SHORT STORIES 
 OF APULEIUS 
 
 WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES 
 BY 
 
 JOSEPH B. PIKE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA 
 
 oJOic 
 
 ALLYN AND BACON
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1918, 
 BY JOSEPH B. PIKE. 
 
 NortaooU yixtee 
 
 J. 8. Gushing Co. — Berwick & Smith Co. 
 
 Norwood, Masa., U.S.A.
 
 PREFACE 
 
 The text of these tales is that of Helm's second edition of 
 the Metamorphoses. The few changes that have been intro- 
 duced are noted in the commentary. The spelling and punctu- 
 ation have been made to conform to that of the other books in 
 this Series. 
 
 Purser's edition of Cupid and Psyche has been of great 
 assistance in preparing the notes upon that portion of the text. 
 Butler's translations of the Metamorphoses and the Apology 
 have been used and his renderings have been often adopted in 
 the introductory study. 
 
 In the few cases where expurgation seemed advisable the 
 point of the tale has in no instance been affected. In the one 
 case where expurgation would have spoiled the story the editor 
 has included the text, but without commentary. This was 
 done that a complete view of the short story as found in 
 Apuleius might be presented. 
 
 As the stories are of unequal merit and interest, the follow- 
 ing are cited as the best of the collection : Diophanes the Chal- 
 dean, The Bobber's Tale, The Tragedy of Tlepolemus and 
 Charite, The Lost Slippers, Cupid and Psyche. 
 
 The editor wishes to express his thanks to Professor John 
 
 C. Rolfe, the general editor, for the valuable assistance he has 
 
 given. 
 
 J. B. P. 
 
 June, 1918.
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 INTRODUCTION ^^^^ 
 
 Apuleius : His Life and Works vii 
 
 The Origin and Extension of the Term " Milesian Tale " . . xiv 
 
 The Apuleian Short Story ........ xxii 
 
 TEXT 
 
 Tale of Aristomenes the Commercial Traveler . . 1 
 
 DiOPHANES THE ChALDEAN 11 
 
 Telyphron's Tale of the Witches 13 
 
 The Robber's Tale 20 
 
 The Tragedy of Tlepolemus and Charite ... 29 
 
 Eaten Alive 38 
 
 The Lost Slippers 39 
 
 The Fuller's Wife 43 
 
 The Three Brothers 45 
 
 The Enamored Stepmother 48 
 
 The Jealous Wife 57 
 
 The Tale of the Tub 62 
 
 Cupid and Psyche 65 
 
 NOTES 105
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 APULEIUS. HIS LIFE AND WORKS 
 
 Apuleius, sometimes called Lucius ^ Apuleius, although 
 there is some doubt as to the correctness of the prseuomen, 
 was one of the most picturesque figures and bizarre authors in 
 the whole range of literature. He was born about 125 a.d., 
 the exact year being uncertam. 
 
 Ancient authors in general are rather reticent with regard 
 to their personal history, and our information on this point 
 from other sources is apt to be meagre. Cicero, whose life is 
 better known to us than that of many a statesman of modern 
 times, Horace, rich in personal reminiscence, Pliny, charm- 
 ingly affected and loquacious, and Apuleius, who takes us fully 
 into his confidence, form a quartet of striking exceptions to 
 this rule. 
 
 The Apology, the Florida, and the last part of the Metamor- 
 phoses, three of the works of Apuleius, are the sources of 
 most of our information as to his life. He was an African, a 
 native of the Roman colony of Medaura in Numidia, and it is 
 interesting to note that twenty miles to the north was situated 
 Thagaste, the birthplace of St. Augustine, another famous 
 African. The family of Apuleius was one of wealth and influ- 
 ence. His father, as one of the two chief magistrates of the 
 flourishing Roman colony, held an office corresponding in the 
 provincial city to that of consul at Rome. At his death, he 
 
 1 This praenomen is found only in late manusoripts and may be due to the 
 fact that, particularly in the latter part of the Metamorphoses, Apuleius 
 identifies himself with Lucius, the hero of the romance. 
 
 vii
 
 viii INTRODUCTION 
 
 left his son a fortune of about one hundred thousand dollars, 
 a sum of perhaps triple the purchasing power of such an 
 amount at the present time. 
 
 Apuleius, during his earlier years, attended school at Car- 
 thage. Then, following what had become an almost universal 
 custom with young men of means who had literary instincts, 
 he sojourned at Athens to complete his education. Here he 
 devoted himself to the study of philosophy, rhetoric, geometry, 
 music and poetry, accumulating those vast stores of informa- 
 tion which are in evidence everywhere in his works. The next 
 few years he passed in extensive travel, and in this way spent 
 a large portion of the fortune left him by his father. 
 
 On returning from the east he met at Corinth a body of 
 priests of Isis, who succeeded in gaining so strong a hold upon 
 his lively imagination that he was initiated into the mysteries 
 of the service of Isis. Journeying then to Rome, he became a 
 devoted worshipper at the Roman temple of the goddess in the 
 (Campus Martins. Soon his rest was troubled by visions and 
 it was apparent that divine will desired his further initiation 
 into the mysteries of Osiris. As his funds were now exhausted, 
 he amassed means to defray this additional expense by devot- 
 ing himself to the practice of his profession, that of a lawyer. 
 It may be remarked that Apuleius possessed, in addition to his 
 literary ability, a very practical talent for making money, and 
 as often as he cared to devote his energies to that end, was 
 successful. 
 
 It was at this period that Apuleius perfected his Latin by 
 becoming more conversant with Roman usage, for strange to 
 relate, the medium in which he produced such marvellous 
 results was probably not his native tongue. He was of course 
 familiar with Greek, the literary tongue of the east. We are 
 not c(!rtain as to what language he spoke in liis youth; although 
 it may have been a jjrovincial Latin or (J reek, it is most proba- 
 ble that it was Punic, a Semitic tongue of the same group as 
 Hebrew. Ai)uleius may have composed his romance, the
 
 LIFE AND WORKS OF APULI^US ix 
 
 Metamorphoses, during the Roman sojourn, but it is more 
 reasonable to suppose that he wrote it on his return home. 
 An inveterate traveller, he was constantly moving from one 
 point of interest to another until the period of his marriage. 
 
 It was while returning from a trip to Alexandria, the capital 
 of Egypt, that Apuleius fell ill at Oea, the modern Tripoli, 
 where the remarkable incidents occurred which gave occasion 
 for the composition of the Apologia, or Apology, a unique vol- 
 ume of human experience and the sole extant specimen of 
 forensic oratory from the period of the empire. 
 
 It appears that in his student days Apuleius had been on 
 terms of close intimacy with a certain Pontianus who lived in 
 Oea with his mother Pudentilla, who had lost her husband 
 some thirteen years before. Her father-in-law had become 
 very pressing in his endeavors to have her ally herself with 
 another of his sons, Cincius, that her wealth might not be lost 
 to his family. He was able to hold over the lady the threat of 
 disinheriting her two sons, Pontianus and Pudens, as he had been 
 appointed their guardian by his son's will. It was therefore 
 fortunate for Pudentilla that he died at this critical moment. 
 
 The lady so long a widow, now freed from embarrassing im- 
 portunity, felt disposed to follow her own inclination in the 
 choice of a second husband. Her sons were not averse to such 
 a reasonable wish, but inasmuch as their hopes of ultimately 
 attaining independent fortune rested upon the disposition 
 which their mother should make of her wealth, they were 
 desirous, Pontianus in particular, that the choice of their 
 mother should fall upon some one who would be well disposed 
 toward them. At this juncture Apuleius appeared at Oea. 
 What more natural than that his former student friend should 
 call upon the indisposed traveller and upon his recovery enter- 
 tain him at the home of his mother and persuade him to remain 
 at Oea during the winter ? 
 
 Although Pontianus had ulterior motives, he was sufficiently 
 wise to conceal them until a favorable occasion for their dis-
 
 X INTRODUCTION 
 
 closure presented itself. Apuleius bad delivered during his 
 stay one of the public lectures for which be was so famous, and 
 had aroused his auditors to a high pitch of enthusiasm. At 
 the close of the lecture the people entreated him to do their 
 city the honor of becoming one of its citizens. This was Pon- 
 tianus' opportunity. He proposed that Apuleius marry bis 
 mother Pudentilla, thereby acceding to the request of the 
 citizens to make Oea his home, consummating the wishes of the 
 widow, and freeing his friend from the apprehension of an un- 
 congenial step-father. 
 
 The lady was no longer in the first flush of youth nor, we 
 are told, was she fair to look upon. Apuleius married her, 
 however, and soon came to esteem her for her qualities of mind 
 and heart. He settled down and we hear of no more trav- 
 elling. But there was trouble brewing. A third brother of 
 Pudentilla's first husband, angered because she had rejected 
 his brother Cincius, joined with Pontianus' father-in-law, who 
 had great expectations in regard to the wealth of his son-in- 
 law's mother, to vent their resentment upon Apuleius. Accu- 
 sations were brought against him that he had won the heart of 
 the widow by sorcery, that he was a man of immoral life, and 
 that he had married the mature lady solely for her wealth. 
 
 The trial took place at Sabrata and was presided over by 
 Claudius Maximus, proconsul of Africa, who was attending the 
 assizes there. It will be remembered that in the time of 
 the republic the office of proconsul of Africa was one of the 
 most dignified and lucrative at the disposal of the state and 
 that it still retained something of its ancient prestige. 
 
 Apuleius, it appears, had no difficulty in refuting the charges, 
 and secured an acquittal. In view of his overpowering 
 curiosity with regard to magic and his interest in it, one may 
 readily believe tliat he did dabble in it, but the particular 
 charges on this occasion appear to have been frivolous and 
 absurd. The crass indecency of portions of the Metamorphoses 
 indicates a moral sense none too delicate, but as to the charge
 
 LIFE AND WORKS OF APULEIUS XI 
 
 that he married for money, the most that ought to be said is 
 that this consideration probably influenced him. Despite the 
 acquittal, he left Oea, and settled in Carthage, where he gained 
 great fame as poet, philosopher, and rhetorician. It is to the 
 public lectures which he delivered while at Carthage that we 
 owe the work known as the Florida, nosegays culled from 
 these flowery productions. Carthage so esteemed him that she 
 raised a statue in his honor and gave him the office of chief 
 priest of the province, which conferred upon the holder the 
 leading place in the provincial council. 
 
 Apuleius was a voluminous writer. There are extant in 
 addition to the three works already mentioned one on the life 
 and philosophy of Plato, one on the demon of Socrates, and 
 one on the universe. None of these latter works is of any value 
 and no one save the specialist would be repaid for the time 
 spent in perusing them. The Apology, however, as a document 
 of human experience, and as a specimen of forensic oratory 
 and the Metamorphoses for its intrinsic merit and interest, and 
 as a precursor of the modern novel, are exceptions, and deserve 
 attention. Many other works of Apuleius have perished, for 
 he wrote on mathematics, music, astronomy, medicine, botany, 
 and zoology. We hear also of the Hermagoras, a collection of 
 ancient love stories. 
 
 He was much admired during his life and his fame survived 
 him. He possessed vast stores of ill-digested information and 
 was characterized by a vivid imagination, just such qualities 
 as would appeal to a decadent age, for such it was in the 
 history of Latin literature. 
 
 The works of Apuleius were known to St. Augustine, also a 
 native of Africa, who flourished some three hundred years 
 later. Of these works the Metamorphoses is by far the most 
 important, and it constitutes one of the curiosities of literature. 
 In style we know of nothing so cloying, rhythmic and mellif- 
 luous. The prose of D'Annunzio has something of the same 
 effect and is touched with the same taint of decadence.
 
 xii INTRODUCTION 
 
 It was long thought and is still maintained in some quarters, 
 that there was such a phenomenon as African Latinity, a 
 product of purely African growth with a richness and profu- 
 sion of color largely due to the Semitic element in the blood 
 of the people. It is now generally conceded that the style of 
 Apuleius, mainly characterized by archaisms, floridity and 
 rhythm, is nothing more than an extreme example of the 
 Asiatic school of writing, so well known in strictly classical 
 times both in the prose of Greece and Rome, a style that had 
 its influence even on Cicero. 
 
 One may not be utterly lost, artistically speaking, if one does 
 take a certain pleasure in the literary form in which such a 
 work as the Metamorphoses is cast ; but a little goes a good 
 way. If continued, it becomes wearisome and cloying. It is 
 therefore best appreciated in the short story and it is in this 
 form that it is used in the Metamorphoses ; for, as we shall see, 
 this work is little more than a collection of such stories loosely 
 joined together. There is also this to be said, that the style 
 in which the Metamorphoses is composed is perfectly adapted 
 to that romance which is to a large extent unreal, mystical 
 and fantastic. 
 
 The Metamorphoses was known as the " Golden Ass " of 
 Apuleius : ass, because the hero Lucius, as the result of clumsy 
 dabbling in magic, was transformed into that beast instead of 
 into a bird as he had intended ; golden, suggesting the idea of 
 excellence, perhaps a hint of the romantic. Walter Pater con- 
 veys the idea when, in Marias the Epicurean, he entitles the 
 chapter describing the influence upon the boy Marius of the 
 perusal of this romance. The Golden Bonk. 
 
 There is a work falsely attributed to Lucian entitled Xwcms, 
 or the Ass. This story, in so far as it has to do with the 
 transformation and tlie results, is essentially that told by 
 Apuleius, but the style is absolutely dilferent and the episodes 
 characteristic (jf thi; latter work are lacking. 
 
 It is generally sup])oscd that both stories were derived from
 
 LIFE AND WORKS OF APULEIUS xiii 
 
 a lost work of which mention is made, Tlie Ass of Lucius of 
 Patras. However this may be, we are justified in saying 
 that the unique qualities of Apuleius' story are due solely to 
 his own talents. 
 
 The eleventh book of the Metamorphoses changes from the 
 collection of short stories which we shall presently discuss, to 
 a narration which we seem justified in considering a personal 
 account of religious experience, and we find a curious identifi- 
 cation of Lucius the hero, and Apuleius, the author of the 
 work.
 
 THE ORIGIN AND EXTENSION OF THE TERM " MILESIAN 
 
 TALE " 1 
 
 Short stories of amours, adventure and magic, such as 
 have for ages flourished in the Orient, became known to the 
 Greeks of Asia Minor. Collections of these tales may have 
 been written down and given the name of the city or region in 
 which they were compiled or whose life they purported to 
 depict. Thus we hear of Milesian Tales. Such tales spread 
 to Italy and become popular in Magna Graecia even before 
 they flourished in Greece proper, and the city of Sybaris lent 
 its name to the Sybaritic Tales."^ Mention is also made of 
 Trojan, Pallenian, Naxian, Sicilian, and Bithynian collec- 
 tions.' 
 
 Since the tale of the Matron of Ephesus in the Satyricon of 
 Petronius (generally regarded as giving a fair idea of what 
 Milesian tales were like) would in all probability belong to an 
 Ephesian collection, and since the extant specimen of the 
 Sybaritic contains nothing strikingly characteristic,* not even 
 
 1 The most complete account of this obscure type may be found in Philolo- 
 gus LXVI, Zk Milexiaca des Aristides. The conclusions there deduced differ 
 somewhat from those suggested in this article. 
 
 2 Sybaritic Tales are mentioned by jElian, Historise Varise 14, 20. The 
 story he cites is the sole extant specimen, and it is mildly facetious in 
 character. 
 
 8 Notes prefixed to the sketches of Parthenius state that they were derived 
 from collections called Troica, Pal/eniaca, Naxiaca, Slcelica, Bithynica, as 
 well as Milesiuca. See, however, what is said concerning local histories, note 
 pagexviii. For this type of title as applied to romances, compare the titles of 
 some of the full h.-ngth Greek romances of a later period, the Buhylonica of 
 Iambli(!hus, the scene of the romance being laid in Babylonia ; the .FAhiopica 
 of ndiodorus ; the fJyprica of Xenoi)lion of Cyprus and the Ephesiaca of 
 Xenoplion of P^phesus. 
 
 * But see Kobde, Der Griediischc Jimuaii, 587. 
 
 xiv
 
 THE MILESIAN TALE XV 
 
 the element of lewdness wliicli is supposed to be an essential 
 of the Milesian tale, it seems probable that these different 
 classes were but different names for a general class of stories, 
 the main or sole purpose of which was entertainment.^ It was 
 quite natural that those gifted and impressionable lonians of 
 Miletus should excel in this type of story and that the word 
 " Milesian " should come to stand for the whole genre. These 
 Milesian tales are of considerable interest as the forerunners 
 of the more elaborate Greek Romances 2 which flourished from 
 the second to the fifth centuries, of which the Da2:)hne and 
 CJiloe of Longus is the best known. They are the prototypes 
 of those tales so popular in France and Italy, of which 
 Boccaccio's are the most famous. 
 
 Parthenius, Virgil's Greek teacher, has been thought to give 
 the clearest idea of what the Milesian tales were, as the fol- 
 lowing quotation from Dunlop's History of Fiction shows. ^ 
 " But though the Milesian tales have perished, of their nature 
 some idea may be formed from the stories of Parthenius of 
 Nicaea, many of which, there is reason to believe, are extracted 
 from these ancient fables, or at least are written in their 
 spirit," 
 
 It is indeed likely that those tales, the scene of which is 
 laid in Miletus, and the themes of which are for the most part 
 of inconstancy, were derived directly from collections of 
 Milesian tales. It is also true that notes either by Parthenius 
 or by a later hand, were prefixed to several of the tales, stating 
 that they were taken from Milesian collections. However, it 
 is well known that Parthenius explicitly stated that he com- 
 
 1 A suggestion somewhat similar is made by Purser in the excursus on the 
 Milesian Tale in his excellent edition of Cupid and Psyche. 
 
 2 The 3d edition (1914) of Rohde's work cited above contains a re'snme' by 
 Schmid of the latest discoveries and theories in regard to the Greek Romances. 
 
 The most illuminating work, however, on the Greek novel is the extensive 
 study which forms the introduction to Calderini's translation, Le avventure 
 di C'herea e CaUiroe, Turin 1913. 
 
 8 Dunlop's ^isfory of Fiction (revised by Wilson), Vol. I, chap. 1, p. 11.
 
 xvi INTRODUCTION 
 
 posed these thirty-six skeleton tales called Erotic Experi- 
 ences for his friend the Latin poet, Cornelius Gallus, to serve 
 as material for elegies and other poems. The very meagre- 
 ness of those which can with certainty be called Milesian, pre- 
 vents their giving us an adequate notion of what Milesian 
 tales were. 
 
 The German scholar, Christ, in his History of Greek Litera- 
 ture^ suggests that the story of the Matron of Ephesus in 
 Petronius furnishes us a good example of the Milesian tale 
 and this is midoubtedly correct in the early and restricted 
 meaning of the term. To this we may add the story of the 
 Lad of Pergamus and The Solicitous Mother in the same 
 work. Christ seems also to make a proper distinction, when 
 he says that the forerunners of the Greek novel were the 
 Milesian Tales of Aristides and the Erotic Experiences of 
 Parthenius. 
 
 Plutarch, in his Life of Crassus,'^ indicates clearly the un- 
 savory character of the early Milesian tale. He says, in 
 speaking of the events following the defeat of Crassus, the 
 Roman general at Carrhae, " but the vizier, calling together 
 the senate of Seleusia, laid before it certain books, the work of 
 Aristides, his Milesiaca; these had not been forged, but had 
 really been found in the baggage of Roscius, and gave the 
 vizier a good opening for directing insulting remarks against 
 the Romans, who not even in time of war could refrain from 
 such writings and doings." 
 
 It will be well to note that the word used to designate 
 Milesian tales in the passage just cited is Milesiaca, the Greek 
 neuter plural of the adjective meaning Milesian, and that this 
 is the word usually although not exclusively employed in 
 Greek in referring to them. 
 
 We are to understand that the tales were normally written in 
 prose. Dunlop's remark to the effect that a couplet in Ovid, 
 
 1 firip.clti.irhi> Literaturgeschichte , 4th revised ed. 84G. 
 
 2 Plutarch, Crussus, 32.
 
 THE MILESIAN TALE XVll 
 
 lunxit Aristides Milesia carmina secum 
 Pulsus Aristides nee tamen urbe sua est, 
 
 would indicate that some of these tales had been written in 
 verse, is of course based upon the reading carmina, '* songs " or 
 " poems." The reading now universally accepted is crimina, 
 " charges." The passage therefore states that the slanderous 
 or rather scandalous Milesian tales which Aristides wrote in 
 connection with his history (for so we understand the words 
 iuxit secum) did not cause his banishment.^ 
 
 The only evidence that these tales appeared in poetic form 
 is derived from such poems as Phaedrus III, 10, and Babrius 
 116, where the subject is quite in the style of the early lewd 
 Milesian tale. This, however, is inadequate evidence on which 
 to base a statement that Milesian tales as such were sometimes 
 written in metrical form. That poets of the type of Phaedrus 
 and Babrius should select as a subject for a poem a Milesian 
 theme of the earlier type is quite natural. Had Cornelius 
 Gallus composed elegies upon those themes furnished him by 
 Parthenius, and purporting to be derived from Milesian sources, 
 we should hardly classify them as Milesian tales. 
 
 This same Aristides is mentioned by Ovid in another couplet 
 wherein he states that Sisenna, a Roman writer, translated* 
 Aristides and that the latter inserted risque stories^ in his 
 
 1 Rohde, Rhein. Mns. 58, 128, understands secum to refer to crimina aud 
 the phrase to mean "joined together the trifling Milesian tales." 
 
 2 There are preserved of this translation nine short fragments. Of these 
 only numbers 1, 2 and 9 are suggestive of the character of the tales. 
 
 (1) Nisi comminus excidisset, quanti dantur? tauti inqult Olumpias ; 
 simul hoc dicens suavium dedit ; indicating a love tale. 
 
 (2) " P}-oiii data aliquid quod domi habebis," inquit, "quod tibi non 
 mayni stabit," suggestive of the wheedling words of a courtesan. 
 
 (9) indicative of their lewdness; Fr. Hist. Rom. Peter, Vol. I, 2d ed.297. 
 8 Vei-tit Aristiden Sisenna nee obfuit iUi. 
 
 Historiae turpes inseruisse iocos. Trist. II, 443. 
 Rohde, Rhein. Mus. 48, 128, understands historiae to mean Siseniia's activ- 
 ity as an historian. Our interpretation is that of Heinsius and supports our 
 understanding of the phrase secum in the couplet previously cited.
 
 xviii INTRODUCTION 
 
 history. Chassang * suggested that Aristides may have written 
 a history of Miletus and may have cited numerous tales illus- 
 trative of Milesian life. This suggestion of Chassang is 
 now quite convincing, since it has been definitely ascertained 
 that the term Milesiaca was applied to local histories of 
 Miletus.2 
 
 This view is still further supported by the fact that Aristides 
 wrote a number of local historical works of which the titles 
 and some fragments have been preserved. Compare, therefore, 
 his title, Milesiaca, which we conjecture to be primarily an 
 historical work, with his Italica, SiJielica and Persica, which 
 we know to be historical works.^ 
 
 We seem therefore reasonably justified in stating definitely 
 that the term Milesiaca was first applied to local histories of 
 the city, and then to tales illustrative^ of Milesian life and 
 characterized by lubricity, such tales in fact as are referred to 
 in Plutarch. 
 
 That Aristides was the collector of these tales rather than 
 their author, and that the term came to be applied to lewd 
 stories in general are at least suggested by a passage in the 
 Amoves of Lucian.^ It is generally conceded that this work is 
 falsely attributed to Lucian, but for our purpose the particular 
 author is a matter of indifference. A character in the work, 
 speaking of certain lewd stories, said that he might well 
 believe that he were Aristides listening in delight to Milesian 
 tales. 
 
 1 Histoire du Roman duns V Antiquity. 
 
 2 Vogt, Jahrb. f. Phil. Suppl. XXXVII, (509. For the general subject of local 
 histories see Christ, op. clt. 575. Cf. also, Rohde, 3(1 ed., Schmid's appendix, 
 p. (J17. 
 
 8 For the fragments of Aristides consult Miillcr, Hht. Grae.c. Vol. IV, 320 
 seq. Our argument presumes that the Aristides who wrote the Milesiaca and 
 he who wrote the liistorical works are one and the same indivi<lual. 
 
 * For a convincing refutation of the theory that the Milesiaca was a full- 
 lengtli novel rather than a collection of short stories, consult Rohde, Zum 
 Grirrhisrhpn Romtiii, Khcin. IMus. 4H, 110 seq. 
 
 <> Anwres, I.
 
 THE MILESIAN TALE xix 
 
 The first step therefore, in the use of the term Milesiaca, 
 was its application to local histories of Miletus ; the second 
 step, its use to signify stories illustrative of Milesian life and 
 generally characterized by lubricity. The third and last step 
 in the extension of the term is suggested by a passage in the 
 life of Albinus in the Augustan Histories} In a letter sent to 
 the Senate by Severus, he remarks that among other facts he 
 is grieved to see that many of them praise Albinus for his 
 devotion to literature, while as a matter of fact he, interested 
 in childish nursery rhymes, wastes his time on the tales of 
 Apuleius, and in literary dilettantism.^ Now in the Latin, 
 the adjective Milesia with the word fabida or historia under- 
 stood is usually employed to signify " Milesian Tale." In the 
 passage to which reference is made, the phrase iyiter Milesias 
 Punicas Apulei sui is used, and the word Milesias has to such 
 an extent lost its original meaning " Milesian," that it is used 
 as a noun and is itself modified by the adjective Punicas. 
 The two words mean " African Tales of Apuleius," so 
 called of course because Apuleius was a native of Africa. 
 A prettier bit of evidence could not be adduced to prove 
 that the word Milesia is here used in the general sense 
 of tale; and this is the third step in the application of the 
 term. 
 
 The interesting question arises as to how early this broader 
 interpretation was applied to the term, for it is highly prob- 
 able that such a meaning would be acquired only by gradual 
 growth. There is nothing very conclusive on this point, but 
 we may venture a suggestion. The episode of Cupid and 
 
 1 Scriptores Hist. Aug. Peter, Vol. I, Clodius Albinus, 12, 12, maior fuit 
 dolor quod ilium pro litterato laudandum plerique duxlstis, cum ille neniis 
 qxdhusdnm. anUihus occupatus inter Milesias Punicas Apulei sui et ludicra 
 litteraria consonpscpret. 
 
 2 In an earlier chapter, II, of the same work, we learn that Albinus' inter- 
 est in Milesian tales was not confined to reading them: Milesias nonnulli 
 eiusdem esse dicunt, quorum fama nonignobilis habetur quamvis mediocriter 
 scriptae sunt.
 
 XX INTRODUCTION 
 
 Psyche ^ in Apuleius is called by him a Milesian Tale.^ This 
 tale is undoubtedly of popular origin, and in no sense an in- 
 vention of Apuleius. The treatment of the myth as an erotic 
 romance is quite in the style and taste of the Alexandrian 
 School, which in its first or literary period flourished from 
 about 323 to 30 b.c. If this story in the form transmitted by 
 Apuleius owes its peculiar treatment as an erotic romance to 
 the influence of Alexandria, we may place it before 30 b.c. 
 and perhaps well along toward 100 b.c, the conjectured time 
 of Aristides' ^ death. 
 
 It may therefore be safe to say that the term Milesian 
 was applied certainly in the second century a.d. and perhaps 
 as early as 100 b.c, to any tale written or narrated for enter- 
 tainment and was, indeed, the short story of antiquity. That 
 this last statement is true will be seen more clearly after an 
 examination of the Metamorphoses, popularly known as the 
 Golden Ass of Apuleius, the immediate precursor of the Greek 
 Komance. There is, however, this difference among others 
 between the Metamorphoses as a whole and the Greek Romances : 
 the Greek works are erotic romances ; in Apuleius love is 
 entirely episodic. 
 
 That the work of Apuleius is nothing but a collection of 
 loosely connected Milesian tales in the broader sense of the 
 term is clearly indicated by the author himself in his intro- 
 
 1 On the folklore element in this tale consult Friedlander, Roman Life 
 anrl Maniiers under the Early Empire, Vol. 4, pp. 88-123, also Reitzenstein's 
 brilliant study, Das Marchen von Amor %md Psyche hei Apuleius. 
 
 J. E. Schroeder's De amoris et Psyches Fabella Apuleiana nova quadam 
 ratione explicata, is an application of Freud's sex obsession theory to the tale. 
 
 2 Apul. Met. IV, 33, propter Milesiae conditorem. Some suppose that the 
 word Milesidc refers to the work as a whole. It seems more natural to 
 understand it as referring to the particular tale then being told. This inter- 
 pretation is at least supported by the fact that the shrine of Apollo near 
 Miletus has been mentioned just previously in connection with this story. 
 It is also significant tha't the singular, Milexia, is used in this connection, 
 while the plural is used in the passage cited from the life of Albinus. 
 
 * Frag. Hist. Oraec Muller, p. 320.
 
 THE MILESIAN TALE Xxi 
 
 ductory remarks, where he writes : " I will now string to- 
 gether various tales in that Milesian style Avhich is familiar 
 to you." 1 As a matter of fact, the story of the Metamorplioses 
 told by Lucius, a young Greek, in the tirst person, from the 
 beginning of his adventures to the end, when he makes his 
 entrance into the order of the priests of Isis, serves as a 
 means of joining together a number of stories on a wide range 
 of subjects. These are in part stories of experiences of Lu- 
 cius himself and partly narratives entirely distinct from the 
 main plot, but told by characters appearing in it. This device 
 is familiar to us from its use in the Decameron of Boccaccio. 
 It is therefore by an examination of this treasure-house that 
 we form our clearest conception of the scope and character of 
 the Milesian tales as the term seems to have been used shortly 
 after the time of Aristides. There are readily detected thir- 
 teen tales entirely distinct from the main narrative ; fifteen, 
 if we divide the robber's tale into its three separate parts. 
 
 These tales are exceedingly varied in character. There is 
 the early lubricious Milesian type as exemplified by the Tale 
 of the Tub and the FuHer's Wife, both of which reappear in 
 Boccaccio ; the merely risque type, such as that of the Lost 
 Slippers; the tale of the Enamoured Stepmother; the cruel 
 vengeance of the Jealous Wife ; several tales of witchcraft, un- 
 doubtedly of folklore origin ; the celebrated tale of Cupid and 
 Psyche; the elaborately tragic story of Tlepolemus and Cha- 
 rite; and several others. 
 
 The plots vary from that of a simple incident as narrated 
 in the tale of Diophanes, the Chaldaean, to the intricate and 
 involved plot of the tale of the Jealous Wife. In length they 
 run from about a page of the Teubner text to the fifty pages 
 of Cupid and Psyche. 
 
 1 Apul. Met. I, I, At ego tibi sermone isto Milesio varias fahulas conseram. 
 These words, together with the evidence cited in connection with the story 
 of Cupid and Psyche and with that of the passage from the life of Albinus, 
 seem to prove the point conclusively.
 
 THE APULEIAN SHORT STORY 
 
 In reading over these tales with an idea of classification, one 
 finds that love or one of its debased relations, passion or lust, 
 may be said to form the foundation for the greater number of 
 them. But one loses sight of this in wonder at the involved 
 plot. Many of the tales show much unconscious humor which 
 renders them highly entertaining ; in some of the others we 
 enjoy laughing with the author instead of at him. 
 
 Diophanes the Chaldean. — The tale of the false prophet 
 simply makes an appeal to one's sense of humor. A merchant 
 whose only stock in trade is his nimble wit, and whose place 
 of business is any street corner, professes to be able to foretell 
 fortunate dates for journeys, and is prospering exceedingly. 
 
 A grateful merchant has just received definite information as 
 to exactly the best moment for dispatching a vessel laden with 
 rich merchandise and is generously counting out a hundred 
 pieces of gold for the seer, when the latter, feeling his cloak 
 pulled from behind, turns, recognizes an old friend, and en- 
 gages enthusiastically in conversation with him. " And tell 
 me," says the friend, "how did your journey speed after I left 
 you ? " 
 
 The seer carried away by the memories of his terrible mis- 
 fortunes overwhelms his friend with a sad tale of shipwreck 
 and loss of property which left him only his life to be grateful 
 for. Loud and mocking laughter from the throng about causes 
 him to turn in time to see his disillusioned patron hurriedly 
 seizing his gold and departing. 
 
 The Lost Slippers. — Tlie story of Senator Barbarus in the 
 tale of the Lost ISHppcrH, his jealousy of his beautiful wife, and 
 the pleasant denouement owing to the quick wit of her lover,
 
 THE ArULEIAN SHORT STORY XXIU 
 
 emphasizes this gentleman's cleverness to such an extent that 
 jealousy, intrigue and unfaithfulness become minor incidents 
 of the history. 
 
 That his beautiful wife may not even be looked upon by any 
 one other than himself is the chief desire of Senator Barbarus. 
 In a necessary absence he confides her to the care of a confiden- 
 tial slave, who is strictly warned not to lose sight of her ; indeed, 
 not to loose his grasp of her garment in his master's absence. 
 
 A young man who has heard rumors of the lady's beauty, 
 offers the slave a large sum of money for himself and another 
 for his mistress if she consents to receive him as a lover during 
 her husband's absence. Cupidity triumphs over the virtue of 
 both slave and lady. The lover is admitted, the doors barred, 
 but soon the master unexpectedly returns. The lover hastily 
 escapes by a back door ; the master comes in somewhat sus- 
 picious because of the locked door and the delay. In the 
 morning he sees a pair of slippers in his wife's room. He 
 orders the slave bound and is leading him to the torture when 
 the lover, seeing the sad procession, hurls himself upon the 
 bound slave, beating him and demanding his slippers which he 
 says the slave stole at the baths the day before. 
 
 The senator with that readiness to be convinced of the falsity 
 of his suspicions which goes far toward making such a tale 
 move smoothly, has the slave unbound, bids him return the 
 slippers, and feels gratitude toward the young man who has 
 saved him from ill treating a faithful servant. 
 
 The Robber's Tale. — The humor of the robbers' tales, the 
 three told by a member of the band, seems to lie mainly in 
 one's constant and somewhat ludicrous feeling of surprise at 
 being given the robber's point of view in sharp contrast to the 
 conventional attitude of the possessor of portable property. 
 
 The first tale is of the bravery and death of Lamachus. 
 The robbers approaching Thebes, inquire as to the financial 
 rating of the inhabitants and decide to turn their attention to 
 a certain miser.
 
 xxiv INTRODUCTION 
 
 In the dead of night the leader approaches the humble 
 dwelling. He put his hand through the orifice intended for 
 the insertion of the key, meaning to raise the bars. We are 
 told that he does this " in all the confidence of his tried valor." 
 But the miser, " that vilest of all two-footed things," was 
 ready for him. In a silence which seemed to the narrator 
 inexcusably deceitful, he crept to the door and drove a spike 
 through the hand of the brave Lamachus, pinning him to the 
 door. Then the miser, ascending to the roof, called upon his 
 neighbors for aid. 
 
 It is significant that he did not call for aid against the 
 robbers, but asked them to aid him in putting out a sudden 
 fire which from his house, where it had started, would threaten 
 theirs. This appeal to self interest was successful. As the 
 neighbors gathered, the robbers were in a quandary. They 
 must decide between saving themselves and deserting their 
 comrade. Finally they struck off the arm at the shoulder, 
 and took with them all that was left of their brave comrade. 
 
 It is explained that the wound was swathed in cloths " lest 
 the blood might betray our course." However, Lamachus 
 could not keep up. He begged his comrades to kill him. 
 When no one of them would do this, he kissed his sword 
 again and again and drove it into his breast with the hand 
 that was left him. They committed his body to the sea " and 
 there lies our brave Lamachus with a whole element for his 
 grave." 
 
 The next of the robber band to lose his life seems to have 
 been at fault in two respects. He was careless, for his comrade 
 tells us that upon breaking into an old woman's cottage, he 
 sliould liave strangled her. He neglected this precaution and 
 pi-(jc»'eded to throw her belongings out of the window to the 
 other members of the band who waited below. 
 
 When everything was gone except the coverlet which en- 
 wrapped the old woman sleeping all this time, the robber fell 
 a victim to his second failing. He was too greedy, for he felt
 
 THE APULEIAN SHORT STORY XXV 
 
 that he must have the coverlet. So he threw the occupant of 
 the bed upon the floor. The " wicked old woman " promptly 
 asked him why he was presenting all her belongings to her 
 rich neighbors, whose house the window overlooked. 
 
 Alcimus was of so simple a mind that he was deceived by 
 the cunning of this wily speech. He leaned out of the win- 
 dow ; that aged sinner gave him a push, and he fell upon a 
 stone and broke and shattered the framework of his ribs. 
 He lived long enough to tell his comrades what had happened. 
 Then he gave up the ghost and they buried him as they had 
 Lamachus. 
 
 We can but feel that the narrator has cleverly led up to a 
 climax, for the third tale is much more elaborate than the 
 other two. We are presented with a picture of a show of 
 gladiators to be given by Demochares of Plataea and hardly 
 enough can be said in praise of his gentle birth, his great 
 generosity and his wealth. 
 
 He has collected skilled gladiators, experienced huntsmen, 
 horribly guilty criminals, these last to be used as a feast for 
 the wild beasts. A wonderful contrivance of towers built of 
 wood, resembling a house on wheels, decorated with paintings, 
 is used as an ornamental cage for wild beasts. 
 
 Here follows a description of the animals. We learn that 
 Demochares " had been at great pains to procure these noble 
 sepulchres for the condemned felons, importing them even 
 from foreign lands." But he specialized in bears and bears 
 did not thrive. In every open space of the town they lay 
 dying in agony. In spite of the fact that the bears succumbed 
 to a pestilence, the poor people hastened to partake of these 
 banquets spread thus freely for them. 
 
 And now the stage being set, the actors appear. Two of 
 the robbers conceive a brilliant plan for making some of the 
 wealth of the good Demochares their own. Carrying the car- 
 cass of a very big bear to their abode, they skin it carefully, 
 leaving the head and claws entire. While the skin dries, they
 
 XXVi INTRODUCTION 
 
 enjoy a diet of the flesh and perfect their plan. Some one 
 very brave and strong is to hide himself in the skin and assume 
 the appearance of a bear. He is to be introduced into the 
 house of Demochares, and in the dead of the night to admit 
 his comrades. 
 
 There are many volunteers, but Thrasyllus is chosen. Sewn 
 into the skin, his head pushed into the cavity of the mouth, 
 holes pierced in the eyes and nostrils that he may not be 
 suffocated, he is placed, now a " perfect " beast, in a cage. 
 
 And now the subtlety of the plot becomes evident. The 
 robbers learning of a friend of Demochares, a hunter, forge a 
 letter from him in which he begs Demochares to accept the 
 first fruits of a hunting trip, the bear. The recipient, de- 
 lighted, gives orders to place the new bear with the others. 
 But when he is reminded by the robbers that the other bears 
 are ill, and that the new bear will be better out of the sun for 
 a time, in his house for choice, Demochares, with a commend- 
 able readiness to act upon a suggestion, promptly has the bear 
 placed in the house. 
 
 Everything seems propitious. The robbers strolling into 
 the country find an ancient tomb, and wrenching the tops 
 from the coffins, prepare to use them as a repository for the 
 rich booty they anticipate. Coming at the appointed time, 
 they find that Thrasyllus has done his part ; the guards are 
 dead and the doors open. 
 
 According to their plan, the robbers, with as much treasure as 
 they can carry, hasten to the tomb to deposit it, leaving only 
 one man on guard, for they argue that any one who might 
 awaken and see the fierce bear roaming about would hasten to 
 barricade himself in his own apartment. 
 
 A slave does ;iwake, but does not react as expected. He runs 
 away indeed, but only to alarm the household. A mob of men 
 gathers, every one armed. Shaggy dogs are there. Tlie uar- 
 I'ator, hiding behind a door, witnesses the thrilling conHiet. 
 Thrasyllus never for one moment forgets his character. He
 
 THE APULEIAN SHORT STORY XXvil 
 
 fights like a wild beast. The description of his brave struggle 
 is harrowing. Finally " mangled by hound's teeth and maimed 
 by steel, yet he roared and bellowed continually with the voice 
 of a wild beast ; he endured his sufferings with noble con- 
 stancy, and though he yielded up his life to fate, he made fame 
 his own for ever." 
 
 The Three Brothers. — A gloomy recital of murder and suicide 
 is the tale of the three brothers. These young men, sons of a 
 wealthy farmer, hasten to the support of a poor friend who is 
 in danger of being deprived of his small property by a rich 
 tyrant. 
 
 The oppressor, reminded by the youngest of the brothers 
 that the law is no respecter of persons and will protect the 
 poor against the brutality of the rich, becomes so angry that 
 he looses against the poor man and his friends a number of 
 great savage dogs. 
 
 One brother is pulled down and killed, in spite of the fact 
 that the others hasten to his rescue. After the second brother 
 is slain by a spear, the third, feigning to be wounded, avenges 
 his brothers by killing the tyrant and then, before he can be 
 taken by the slaves who rush upon him, ends his own life. 
 This is the most depressing of all the stories. 
 
 Eaten Alive. — Another, hardly less dark in hue, is that of 
 the slave who was devoured by ants. A certain slave, who had 
 entire charge of his master's household, loved a free woman 
 belonging to a neighboring family. 
 
 His wife, a slave of the same household as himself, was so 
 angered because of his unfaithfulness to her, that she burned 
 all his account books and indeed all the contents of the house. 
 Then she hanged herself and her child. 
 
 The master, to punish the slave whose conduct had impelled 
 his wife to this action, had him stripped and smeared all over 
 with honey. Then he was bound to a hollow lig-tree which 
 was infested with ants. Attracted by the smell of the honey, 
 they fastened upon the body of the slave in swarms. The
 
 xxviii INTRODUCTION 
 
 man's flesh was stripped from his bones, which were left gleam- 
 ing white on the tree. 
 
 In two of the stories under discussion, the witch motif is 
 brought out most prominently. While the superstructure of 
 the first tale rests upon the scorned affection and that of the 
 second upon the illicit love of the respective heroines, both 
 stories impress us principally because of the grewsome details 
 of the lopping off of noses and ears, the tearing out of hearts, 
 and the changing of shape which are characteristic of the true 
 witch tale. 
 
 Tale of Aristomenes, the Commercial Traveler. — With a mi- 
 nuteness of detail which goes far to make one feel that all 
 that follows is authentic, Aristomenes, a commercial traveller, 
 tells of his arrival in Hypata, how his business there had 
 sped, how, wearied, he went to the baths "just as the evening 
 star was rising." And how surprised he was at the sight of 
 his friend Socrates clad only in filthy rags. 
 
 When he had given Socrates all the home news and had fed 
 and clothed him, he was rewarded for his kindness by the his- 
 tory of all that had befallen his friend. Socrates on his way home 
 from Macedonia, whither he had gone on business, planned to 
 stop at Larissa to witness a show of gladiators, when he 
 was attacked bj^ robbers and lost everything that he possessed. 
 
 Arriving at an inn, he was fed, comforted, and accepted 
 as a lover by the landlady, whose name was Meroe. She had 
 taken all his earnings, even all the clothes the robbers had 
 left him ; l)ut when Aristomenes characterized her and her 
 conduct in an uncom])limentary manner, poor Socrates hastened 
 to exclaim, " Not a word against that divine woman, lest the 
 recklessness of your speech do you a hurt ! " 
 
 Thereupon Socrates described the power of Meroe. " She 
 can call down tlie sky, hang earth in heaven, freeze fountains, 
 melt iiif)untains, raise the spirits of the dead; send gods to 
 hell, i)iit out the stars and give light to Tartarus itself." 
 
 " I beseech you," said Aristomenes not unreasonably, " clear
 
 THE APULEIAN SHORT STORY XXlX 
 
 away your tragic curtain, roll up your drop scene and speak 
 in ordinary language." Thus besought Socrates told of the 
 horrors wrought by Meroe and of the dread punishment meted 
 out to any who tried to oppose her. Much territied, Aristom- 
 enes felt that the witch probably already knew all that they 
 had been saying. He counselled flight at dawn but found that 
 Socrates, very tired and having drunk much wine, was already 
 asleep. So Aristomenes made everything as secure as possi- 
 ble, placing his truckle against the door. 
 
 He was barely asleep when the hinges were broken, the 
 doors battered to the ground and his bed overturned. Falling 
 to the ground he was shielded by the bed, and saw two women 
 enter. One carried a bright lantern, the other a sponge and 
 naked sword. Meroe, standing by Socrates' bed, said to her 
 companion, " This, sister Panthia, is my sweet Endymion, my 
 Ganymede, who has made light of my love, and not content 
 with slandering me, he now seeks to fly from me, while I like 
 a second Calypso, deserted by the wily Ulysses, must bewail 
 my loneliness for ever." She also made it quite clear to Aris- 
 tomenes that she knew of his presence and of the fact that he 
 had proposed the departure. 
 
 As she talked she became enraged and proposed killing him 
 at once, but the " good Panthia " expressed a preference for 
 tearing Socrates limb from limb, and Meroe finally decided 
 that Aristomenes might live so that there would be some one 
 to bury Socrates. Plunging her dagger into Socrates' throat, 
 she caught the blood in a bladder, then thrust her hand into 
 the wound and dragged forth his heart. 
 
 All the time Socrates continued to utter a shriek which 
 gurgled indistinctly through the wound. The good Panthia 
 used her sponge to " block the wound where it gaped widest," 
 but she adjured it to have a care lest, " child of the sea, thou 
 cross running water." 
 
 Then the witches departed, the doors rose up and resumed 
 their former position and became bolted and barred.
 
 XXX INTRODUCTION 
 
 Aristomenes for the second time decided to fly. The porter 
 refused to open the door of the inn and became unpleasantly 
 personal in his inquiries as to the safety of Socrates. 
 
 With no course left to him but to return to the scene of the 
 murder, Aristomenes decided to end his life. Taking the rope 
 from the truckle bed, he cast one end over a beam and made 
 the other into a noose. Then he climbed upon the bed to 
 launch himself to destruction, but as he pushed away the sup- 
 port, the rope broke and he fell upon Socrates. They rolled 
 together to the floor. Just then the porter burst into the 
 room, loudly demanding the man who had been in such a 
 hurry to depart. Socrates arose. He complained of the 
 noise which had broken in upon his delightful sleep. Aristom- 
 enes was so overjoyed to find Socrates alive and to know 
 that he could not now be accused of murder that he em- 
 braced and kissed his friend, much to the indignation of the 
 latter, 
 
 Aristomenes urged that they start at once. Once well on 
 the way, he looked curiously at Socrates. No wound, no 
 sponge. He told himself that he had taken too much wine, 
 and confided to Socrates that he had passed a dreadful night 
 filled with horrid dreams. Socrates said that he too had a 
 dream in which he thought that his throat was cut. He added 
 that he was even then faint and needed food to restore his 
 strength. So they sat under a tree to eat their breakfast and 
 Socrates became thinner and thinner while his face grew 
 yellow and his strength failed fast. Then he became very 
 thirsty and went to a nearby stream to drink. But as he 
 knelt, " a wound gaped wide and deep in his throat," a sponge 
 dropped out and the body would have fallen into the stream 
 had not Aristomenes dragged it to the top of the bank. After 
 bewailing his comrade lie laid him in the shallow grave pre- 
 dicted by Meroc. 
 
 Telyphron's Tale of the Witches. — The second witch tale is 
 of a much more complicated nature. The favorite feature of
 
 THE APULEIAN SHORT STORY XXXI 
 
 the supernatural is introduced, and the climax is as great a sur- 
 prise to the reader as it was to the narrator of the tale. 
 
 Telyphron, a young man, tells us of his adventures. Reach- 
 ing Larissa in the course of his travels, he found himself in 
 pressing need of money. Hearing a crier offering his own 
 jirice to anyone who would watch a corpse, he somewhat 
 flippantly asked a passerby if the corpses were in the habit of 
 running away. 
 
 The man rebuked Telyphron, reminding him that he was 
 young and a stranger sojourning in the place peculiarly known 
 as the home of witches. The witches, he said, lay in wait to 
 mutilate the faces of the dead in order to procure ingredients 
 for their magic charms. If a watcher allowed the face of a 
 corpse to be mutilated, he must allow portions to be cut from 
 his own face to replace those taken. 
 
 Undismayed, Telyphron offered his services to the crier, who 
 at once led him to the beautiful lady whose husband was dead. 
 In the presence of seven witnesses the widow made an inven- 
 tory of the features and their condition at the time of Tely- 
 phron's arrival. The door locked, Telyphron, much exhausted, 
 went to sleep soon after he had driven away a weasel which 
 had approached and looked fixedly at him. 
 
 He did not awaken until dawn, when, filled with fear lest 
 the corpse had been mutilated, he rushed to look at it and 
 found that it was unimpaired. When the widow entered with 
 her witnesses she was overjoyed, ordered the watcher paid, 
 and said." that she should count him among her friends in the 
 future. Telyphron's reply to the effect that she might count 
 upon him whenever she had need of his services was consid- 
 ered of such ill omen that the lady's servants set upon him, 
 beat and bruised him and tore his clothes. 
 
 As he was recovering from this hard treatment, the funeral 
 procession of the young man passed through the market place. 
 An old man, weeping and tearing his hair, threw his arms 
 about the bier, and accused the widow of the dead man of hav-
 
 xxxii INTRODUCTION 
 
 iiig murdered him that she might have his money and please 
 lier lover. The widow denied her guilt, appealing with tears 
 to all the gods of heaven. 
 
 Thereupon the old man produced an Egyptian prophet, who 
 had agreed to recall the dead man to life for a brief space. 
 After an impressive ceremonial, the corpse sat up, begging to 
 be allowed to rest. But the prophet angrily commanded him 
 to throw light upon the mystery of his death. Thereupon the 
 dead man wearily said that his wife had poisoned him that she 
 might give herself to her lover. There ensued an argument 
 between the wife, who maintained her innocence, and the 
 corpse, and each had supporters in the throng about. 
 
 Finally, to prove his truthfulness, the corpse promised to 
 tell something that he alone knew. He said that the witches 
 had thrown a pall over the watcher of the night before. Then 
 they had repeatedly called the name of the corpse until he felt 
 that he must rise and go to them. 
 
 Strange to relate, his name and that of the watcher were 
 identical, and it was the latter who finally arose and went to 
 the door. There, reaching through the chink of the door, the 
 witches had loj)ped off the nose and ears of the young man, 
 and in order that he might not discover his loss, had put fea- 
 tures made of wax in place of those they had taken. 
 
 Ujjon hearing this astounding statement, Telyphron put his 
 hands to his ears and they dropped off ; to his nose, and it fell 
 off. He had no heart to return to his home, and was from 
 tln'ii an exile. 
 
 The Jealous Wife. — Of all these stories, none of which is 
 ])oor ill plot, the tale of the woman who murdered her husband's 
 sister is most notable because of its wealtli in this respect. 
 
 A woman, whose husband is about to start on a journey, is 
 told by him that if their child soon to be born is a girl, it must 
 1h' put to death. When the girl baby is born, the mother can- 
 not bear to have it killed. She places it in the family of a 
 iKMghbor to be reared.
 
 THE APULEIAN SHORT STORY XXXlll 
 
 When the girl has grown to a marriageable age, the fact that 
 she can give her daughter no dowry so oppresses the mother 
 that she confides the whole story to her son. He promptly 
 agrees to take the girl into his family, provide her with a 
 dowry and marry her to one of his own dear friends. 
 
 It is necessary to conceal the identity of the girl, and his 
 wife becomes jealous of her. Going into the country, she 
 sends a faithful slave with a message to the girl, requesting 
 her to come unattended to the country house. Since her 
 brother's signet ring is shown her when the message is deliv- 
 ered, the girl, who is devoted to her brother, has no hesitation 
 in obeying his command. 
 
 The jealous wife springs upon her from ambush, ill treats 
 and wounds her and tinally, in spite of the fact that the girl 
 discloses the true relationship between herself and her as- 
 sailant's husband, murders her in a manner too horrible to 
 relate. 
 
 The husband and the young girl's fiance bury her, and the 
 brother is so affected by grief that he becomes ill. The wife 
 goes to a physician and offers him a large sum of money if he 
 will sell her some poison. In the presence of the household 
 the physician offers the sick man the cup. To his horror, the 
 wife demands that he take part of the draught as proof that 
 he has no intention of poisoning her husband. 
 
 The physician, speechless before the audacity of this aban- 
 doned woman, drinks part of the poison, offering the remainder 
 to the sick man, who takes it readily. The wife manages to 
 keep the physician in the house so long that he cannot save 
 his life by an antidote. He lives long enough, however, to 
 tell his wife what has happened and to bid her collect the re- 
 ward promised him. 
 
 When the physician's widow asks for the money, it is prom- 
 ised her at once and she is asked if she cannot find a little 
 more of the same potion. Overjoyed at the promise of pay- 
 ment, she brings the whole casket.
 
 xxxiv INTRODUCTION 
 
 With this power for evil in her hands, the wicked woman 
 decides to murder her little daughter who will otherwise 
 inherit her father's property. Arranging a luncheon party, 
 she poisons not only her daughter, but the physician's widow 
 as well. The child dies at once, but the older victim lives 
 long enough to tell the governor about the crimes, and their 
 perpetrator is sentenced to be thrown to the wild beasts. 
 
 In addition to the fact that this somewhat tiresome tale has 
 such an involved plot, one notices the effect upon the narrator 
 as the story proceeds and the full enormity of the wickedness 
 of the principal character affects his judgment. .When the 
 physician is applied to for the poison, we are told that he is 
 notorious for his perfidious villainies ; when, tricked by the 
 woman to whom he has sold the poison, he dies, he is that 
 " most admirable physician." 
 
 The Enamoured Step-mother. — Only second to the tale just 
 told for depth of wickedness in its heroine, is that of the 
 stepmother who loved her husband's son. If the author had 
 been upholding the truth of the assertion that " hell hath no 
 fury like a woman scorned," he could have brought forward no 
 more convincing incidents. 
 
 The stepmother is beautiful and the mother of a son, but her 
 passion for her stepson is so great that she is ill because of it. 
 The stepson is pictured as a model youth devoted to his books. 
 When his stepmother declares her passion, he promptly sug- 
 gests that they must say nothing more of it until his father 
 goes away. 
 
 It is his intention to go away himself to escape the un- 
 welcome advances of his father's wife, but before he can do so, 
 liis father goes upon a long' journey. When the stepmother 
 is taught by the numerous excuses returned in answer to her 
 various messages that her affection is unwelcome, her love 
 turns to bitterest hate. 
 
 The usual faithful slave procures the usual poison to ad- 
 mhiister to the offender, but it is taken by the younger sou,
 
 THE APULEIAN SHORT STORY XXXV 
 
 who dies. The father,' hastily summoned, is told a horrible 
 tale of the depravity of his elder son. Because his stepmother 
 repelled his advances, he has poisoned her son in revenge, and 
 now plots to destroy her because she has detected his guilt. 
 Beside himself with grief, the poor father buries his dead son ; 
 then he rushes into the market place, demanding the punish- 
 ment of the living one. 
 
 The trial is held. The stepmother's faithful slave testifies 
 that the young man, angered because of his stepmother's ob- 
 duracy, had procured poison which he commanded the slave to 
 give to the little brother ; that he offered a rich reward and 
 threatened death if his command were not obeyed. That 
 finally he had administered the potion with his own hand, 
 fearful lest the slave should not do so. 
 
 The senators, all believing in the guilt of the accused, were 
 about to condemn him to death, when the most respected of 
 them, putting his hand over the mouth of the vase into which 
 the voting pebbles were to be cast, told a strange story. 
 
 The slave had applied to him for a swift poison for which he 
 offered to pay a large sum. He had given the potion, but as 
 his suspicions had been aroused, he had made an excuse by 
 which he had managed to have the slave's seal affixed to 
 the bag of coins paid him. Although the seal affixed to the 
 bag of coins proved to be the same as that on the slave's ring, 
 the latter still maintained the truth of his story. 
 
 Then the physician said that the drug which he had given to 
 the slave was mandrake, which did not kill but induced a deep 
 sleep. If it had been administered to the boy, he would now 
 be on the point of awaking. They went to the tomb and found 
 the boy just emerging from the trance. 
 
 The slave was sentenced to be crucified ; the stepmother was 
 banished for life ; the father who had believed himself bereft 
 of both sons, was now happy in their possession, 
 , The Tragedy of Tlepolemus and Charite. — The story of Tle- 
 polemus and Charite, their love for each other and their death,
 
 XXXVl INTRODUCTION 
 
 and of the villain of the piece, Thrasyllus, is the most sym- 
 metrically developed of all the tales we are to consider, 
 
 Charite, beautiful and charming, after being sought in 
 marriage by many suitors, is married to Tlepolemus, Thra- 
 syllus, violently in love with her, has been rejected by her 
 parents because of his dissipated life and evil associates. His 
 passion for the bride of Tlepolemus does not wane, and he in- 
 gratiates himself with the wedded pair and becomes an inti- 
 mate of the husband. 
 
 Together they go to hunt roe deer, for Charite fears some 
 injury to her husband if he seek hercer game. Tlepolemus and 
 Thrasyllus are mounted, their servants on foot. Suddenly a 
 wild boar springs from the forest. "With mighty muscles 
 standing out, with bristling hair rising along his spine, he 
 rushes out, gnashing his teeth in his rage, foaming at the 
 mouth, while his eyes seem to flash forth flame." 
 
 Upon the proposal of Thrasyllus, the friends start in pursuit 
 of the boar. It turns upon Tlepolemus and he, hard pressed, 
 calls to his friend for aid. The servants have already run 
 away. Thrasyllus attacks instead of aiding Tlepolemus, and 
 maims his horse. Fearful lest the tusks of the furious boar 
 may not inflict fatal wounds, he adds several thrusts of his spear. 
 
 When Charite learns of the death of her husband, she rushes 
 wildly through the street to throw herself upon his body, and 
 is only prevented by force from joining him in death. It is 
 Thrasyllus who later rouses her to take some interest in life. 
 And when slie seems reconciled to live, he urges his proposals 
 upon her and this time with the consent of her parents. 
 
 And now the shade of Tlepolemus appears to Charite in her 
 sleep and tells her of the guilt of Thrasyllus. Her whole 
 energy seems now to l)e directed to revenge. She conceals her 
 loathing of her wicked suitor, and gives hopeful promises for 
 the future. But when he urges her to accept him at once as 
 her lover, she apparently yields, only stipulating that he come 
 secretly, since her husband's death is so recent.
 
 THE APULEIAN SHORT STORY XXXVll 
 
 On his arrival, a servant plies liini with drugged wine. 
 When he is unconscious, Charite Llinds him by plunging 
 through his eyes again and again, a pin from her hair. Then, 
 in spite of those who would have restrained her, Charite kills 
 herself at her husband's tomb and Thrasyllus, awaking to the 
 horror of all that he has done, has himself locked in the tomb 
 of those he has so wronged, and dies of starvation. 
 
 The Tale of the Tub and the Fuller's Wife. — The tale of the 
 Tub and the story of the Fuller's Wife serve to bring into 
 prominence that element of lubricity which is recognized as 
 one of the characteristics of the early Milesian tale. The tale 
 of the Tub is well known, as Boccaccio has used it in his 
 Decameron. The story of the Fuller's Wife is an involved 
 tale of intrigue, and it also appears in the Decameron. 
 
 Cupid and Psyche. — The far-famed tale of Cupid and Psyche 
 is one of the best-known tales of antiquity. It has inspired 
 many a work of art, and if known to comparatively few in 
 the original, the exquisite translation of it in Walter Pater's 
 Marius the Epicurean, La Fontaine's version, and perhaps 
 above all, for English readers, the poetical rendering of 
 William Morris in the Earthly Paradise have made it well 
 known in modern times. It is undoubtedly folklore in origin 
 but worked over into the form of an erotic romance with a 
 very slight element of allegory. 
 
 With the possible exception of the tale of Diophanes, the 
 Chaldaean, these are tales of action. One readily sees the 
 tremendous possibilities open to a narrator of vivid imagina- 
 tion. When Socrates tremblingly tells of the dread deeds of 
 the witch in punishing her enemies, the reader is tempted to 
 add something of his own, so stimulated are his inventive 
 powers. 
 
 The supernatural element is a favorite and striking feature, 
 and the shades have as much individuality as their prototypes. 
 At times the appearance of the shade was necessary, as in the
 
 XXXVlll INTRODUCTION 
 
 second witch's tale. In the instance cited, the husband's 
 spirit came unwillingly, but having come, argued vigorously 
 with the wife who had poisoned him, and then, and there to 
 prove his veracity, furnished the point of the whole tale by 
 disclosing what the witch had done to Telyphron. In striking 
 contrast, the shade of Tlepolemus need not have come at all, 
 for Charite must already have suspected what he came to dis- 
 close. But he was a gentle, affectionate, resigned spirit, and 
 a decided aid in adding to the thrill which these tales could 
 not have failed to induce. 
 
 In the story of the Lost Slippers, the central figure is, 
 rather surprisingly, the lady's lover. His ready wit and kind 
 heart, as shown in saving a slave from torture, make him a 
 personality, a rare thing in the stories under discussion, in 
 which characterization is noticeably absent. Another person- 
 ality is Charite, a well delineated character, and the fact that 
 she is a virtuous wife is something of a relief after one has 
 read so many accounts of readily accepted lovers and deceived 
 husbands. 
 
 With very few exceptions we are shown puppets whose 
 strings are pulled by the author. As a result there is mani- 
 fest a striking readiness to act in a way to promote the plot. 
 And such a wealth of plot ! The villains are nearly all femi- 
 nine and are painted as absolutely unscrupulous. Confidential 
 slaves abound who are ever ready to plan murders and to 
 bring necessary potions from unscrupulous physicians. 
 
 In these days of psychological studies the very objectivity 
 of these always simple, though involved tales is somewhat 
 restful. One can feel sure that the person who is to be de- 
 ceived will yield readily to the most transparent attempt to 
 hoodwink him ; that the good will ultimately triumph in 
 almost every case; that punishments will be blood-curdling 
 in their cruelty ; that ghosts will walk, and that while robbers 
 nearly always die, yet undying fame is theirs forever. We 
 gain, too, an interesting picture of the time. In those days in
 
 THE APULEIAN SHORT STORY XXXIX 
 
 Thessaly, the land of magic, where wild beasts, robbers, inky- 
 blackness and every kind of danger threatened from without, 
 these melodramatic tales told in wayside inns by commercial 
 travellers, by servants, sometimes even by one of the leading 
 characters, could rarely fail to produce the most telling effect.
 
 TALE or ARISTOMENES THE OOMMEROIAL 
 TRAVELER 
 
 Sed ut prius noritis cuiatis sim ; Aegiensis ; audite et 
 quo quaestu me teneam : melle vel caseo et huiusce modi 
 cauponarum mercibus per Thessaliam, Aetoliam, Boeotiam 
 ultro citro discurrens. Comperto itaque Hypatae, quae 
 civitas cunctae Thessaliae antepollet, caseum recens et sciti 5 
 saporis admodum commodo pretio distrahi, festinus ad- 
 cucurri id omne praestinaturus. 
 
 Sed, ut fieri adsolet, sinistro pede profectum me spes 
 compendii frustrata est ; omne enim pridie Lupus negotiator 
 magnarius coemerat. Ergo igitur inefficaci celeritate fatiga- lo 
 tus commodum vespera oriente ad balneas processeram ; 
 ecce Socraten contubernalem meum conspicio. Humi sede- 
 bat scissili palliastro semiamictus, paene alius lurore, ad 
 miseram maciem deformatus, qualia solent fortunae de- 
 cermina stipes in triviis erogare. Hunc talem, quamquam 15 
 necessarium et summe cognitum, tamen dubia mente propius 
 accessi. 
 
 " Hem," inquam, " mi Socrates, quid istud ? quae facies ? 
 quod flagitium ? At vero domi tuae iam defletus et con- 
 clamatus es, liberis tuis tutores iuridici provincialis decreto 20 
 dati, uxor persolutis inferialibus officiis luctu et maerore 
 diuturno deformata, diffletis paene ad extremam captivita- 
 tem oculis suis, domus infortunium novarum nuptiarum 
 
 1
 
 2 Lucrus AruLEius 
 
 gaudiis a suis sibi parentibus hilarare compellitur. At tu 
 
 hie larvale simulacrum cum summo dedecore nostro viseris." 
 
 " Aristomene," inquit, '* ne tu fortunarum lubricas ambages 
 
 et instabiles incursiones et reciprocas vieissitudines ignoras ! " 
 
 5 et cum dicto sutili centunculo facieni suam iam dudum 
 punicantem prae pudore obtexit ita, ut ab umbilico pube 
 tenus cetera corporis renudaret. Nee denique perpessus 
 ego tam miserum aerumnae spectaculum iniecta manu ut 
 adsurgat enitor. 
 
 10 At ille, ut erat, capite velato, " Sine, sine," inquit, ** fru- 
 atur diutius trophaeo Fortuna, quod fixit ipsa." 
 
 Effeci sequatur et simul unam e duabus laciniis meis exuo 
 eumque propere vestio dicam an contego, et ilico lavacro 
 trado, quod unctui, quod tersui ipse praeministro, sordium 
 
 15 enormem eluviem operose effrico, probe curato, ad hospitium 
 lassus ipse fatigatum aegerrime sustinens perduco, lectulo 
 refoveo, cibo satio, poculo mitigo, fabulis permulceo. 
 
 Iam adlubentia proclivis est sermonis et ioci et scitum 
 etiam cavillum, iam dicacitas intimida, cum ille imo de 
 
 20pectore cruciabilem suspiritum ducens, dextra saeviente 
 frontem replaudens : *' Me miserum," infit, " qui, dum volup- 
 tatem gladiatorii spectaculi satis famigerabilis consector, in 
 has aerumnas incidi. Nam ut scis optime, secundum quaes- 
 tum Macedoniam profectus, dum mense decimo ibidem 
 
 25 attentus nummatior revortor, modico prius quam Larissam 
 accederem, per transitum spectaculum obiturus in quadam 
 avia et lacunosa convalli a vastissimis latronibus obsessus 
 atque omnibus privatus tandem evado et utpote ultime 
 adfectus ad quandam cauponam Meroen, anum sed ad- 
 
 30 modum scitulam, devorto eique causas et peregrinationis 
 diutumae et domuitionis anxiae et spoliationis miserae 
 refero ; quae me niiiiis r|uam humane tractare adorta, cenae
 
 TALE OF ARISTOMENES 3 
 
 gratae atque gratuitae adplicat. Et statim miser, ut cum ilia 
 adquievi, ab unico congressu annosam ac pestilentem servi- 
 tutem contraho et ipsas etiam lacinias, quas boni latrones 
 eontegendo mihi coucesserant, in earn coutuli, operulas etiam, 
 quas adhuc vegetus saccariam faciens merebam, quoad me 5 
 ad istam faciem quam paulo ante vidisti bona uxor et mala 
 fortuna perduxit." 
 
 " Pol quidem tu dignus," inquam, " es extrema sustinere, 
 si quid est tamen novissimo extremius, qui voluptatem 
 veneriam et scortum scorteum lari et liberis praetulisti." 10 
 At ille digitum a pollice proximum ori suo admovens et 
 in stuporem attonitus " Tace, tace," inquit et circumspiciens 
 tutamenta sermonis : " Parce," inquit, " in feminam divinam 
 ne quam tibi lingua intemperante noxam contralias." 
 
 " Ain tandem? " inquam, " potens ilia et regina caupona 15 
 quid mulieris est ? " 
 
 " Saga," inquit, " et divina, potens caelum deponere, 
 terram suspendere, fontes durare, montes diluere, manes 
 sublimare, deos infimare, sidera extinguere, Tartarum ipsum 
 inluminare." 20 
 
 " Oro te," inquam, "aulaeum tragicum dimoveto et si- 
 parium scaenicum complicato et cedo verbis communibus." 
 
 " Vis," inquit, " unum vel alterum, immo plurima eius 
 audire facta? Nam ut se ament efflictim non modo in- 
 colae, verum etiam Indi vel Aethiopes utrique vel ipsi25 
 Anticthones, folia sunt artis et nugae merae. Sed quod 
 in conspectum plurium perpetravit, audi, 
 
 " Cauponem quoque vicinum atque ob id aemulum defor- 
 mavit in ranam et nunc senex ille dolio innatans vini sui, 
 adventores pristinos in faece submissus officiosis roncis 30 
 raucus appellat. Alium de foro, quod adversus eam locutus 
 esset, in arietem deformavit et nunc aries ille causas agit.
 
 4 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 " Quae cum subinde faceret ac niulti nocerentur, publicitus 
 indignatio percrebruit statutumque ut in earn die altera 
 severissime saxorum iaculatiouibus vindicaretur. Quod 
 consilium virtutibus cantionum antevortit et ut ilia Medea 
 
 5 unius dieculae a Creone impetratis indutiis totam eius 
 domum filiamque cum ipso sene flammis coronalibus deus- 
 serat, sic haec devotionibus sepulcliralibus in scrobem pro- 
 curatis, ut mihi temulenta narravit proxime, cunctos in suis 
 sibi domibus tacita numinum violentia clausit, ut toto biduo 
 
 10 non claustra perf ringi, non fores evelli, non denique parietes 
 ij)si quiverint perforari, quoad mutua hortatione consone 
 clamitarent quam sanctissime deierantes sese neque ei manus 
 admolituros et, si quis aliud cogitarit, salutare laturos 
 subsidium, Et sic ilia propitiata totam civitatem absolvit. 
 
 15 " At vero coetus illius auctorem nocte intempesta cum tota 
 dome, id est parietibus et ipso solo et omni fundamento, ut 
 erat, clausa ad centesimum lapidem in aliam civitatem 
 summo vertice mentis exasperati sitam et ob id ad aquas 
 sterilem transtulit. At quoniam densa inliabitantium aedi- 
 
 20 ficia locum novo hospiti non dabant, ante portam j^roiecta 
 domo discessit." 
 
 " Mira," inquam, " nee minus saeva, mi Socrates, memoras. 
 Denique mihi quoque non parvam incussisti sollicitudinem, 
 immo vero formidinem, iniecto non scrupulo, sed lancea, ne 
 
 25 quo numinis ministerio similiter usa sermones istos nostros 
 anus ilia cognoscat. Itaque maturius quieti nos reponamus 
 et somno levata lassitudine noctis antelucio aufugiamus 
 istinc quam pote longissime." 
 
 Haec adliu(! inc suadente insolita vinolentia ac diu- 
 
 .30 turna fatigatione pertentatus bonus Socrates iam sopitus 
 stertebat altius. Ego vero adducta fore pessulis(iue tir- 
 matis grabatulo etiam pone cardines supposito et probe
 
 TALE OF ARISTOMENES 5 
 
 adgesto super eum me recipio. Ac primum prae metu 
 aliquantisper vigilo, dein circa tertiam ferme vigiliani 
 paululum coniveo. Commodum quieveram, et repente im- 
 pulsu maiore quam ut latrones crederes ianuae reserautur, 
 immo vero fractis et evolsis funditus cardinibus proster- 5 
 nuntur. Grabatulus alioquin breviculus et uno pede muti- 
 lus ac piitris impetus tanti violentia prosternitur, me 
 quoque evolutum atque excussum humi recideus in inver- 
 sum coperit ac tegit. 
 
 Tunc ego sensi naturalitus quosdam affectus in con- 10 
 trarium provenire. Nam ut lacrimae saepicule de gaudio 
 prodeunt, ita et in illo nimio pavore risum nequivi con- 
 tinere, de Aristomene testudo factus. Ac dum in fimum 
 deiectus obliquo aspectu, quid rei sit, grabatuli soliertia 
 munitus opperior, video mulieres duas altioris aetatis ; 15 
 lucernam lucidam gerebat una, spongiam et nudum gladium 
 altera. Hoc habitu Socratem bene quietum circumstetere. 
 
 Infit ilia cum gladio " Hie est, soror Panthia, carus En- 
 dymion, hie Catamitus mens, qui diebus ac noctibus inlusit 
 aetatulam meam, hie qui meis amoribus subterhabitis non20 
 solum me diffamat probris, verum etiam fugam instruit. 
 At ego scilicet Ulixi astu deserta vice Calypsonis aeternam 
 solitudinem flebo." Et porrecta dextera meque Panthiae 
 suae demonstrato, " At hie bonus," inquit, " consiliator 
 Aristomenes, qui fugae huius auctor fuit et nunc morti25 
 proximus iam humi prostratus grabatulo subcubans iacet et 
 haec omnia conspicit, impune se laturum meas contumelias 
 putat. Faxo eum sero, immo statim, immo vero iam nunc, 
 ut et praecedentis dicacitatis et instantis curiositatis paeni- 
 teat." 30 
 
 Haec ego ut accepi, sudore frigido miser perfluo, tre- 
 more viscera quatior, ut grabatulus etiam succussu meo
 
 6 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 inquietus super dorsum meum palpitando saltaret. At 
 bona Panthia " Quin igitur," inquit, " soror Meroe, hunc pri- 
 mum bacchatim discerpimus." 
 
 Ad haec Meroe — sic enim reapse nomen eius tunc 
 
 5 fabulis Socratis convenire sentiebam — ' Immo,' ait, ' su- 
 persit hie saltern, qui miselli huius corpus parvo con- 
 tumulet humo,' et capite Socratis in alterum dimoto latus 
 per iugulum sinistrum capulo tenus gladium totum ei de- 
 mergit et sanguinis eruptionem utriculo admoto excipit 
 
 10 diligenter, ut nulla stilla compareret usquam. 
 
 Haec ego meis oculis aspexi, Nam etiam, ne quid de- 
 mutaret, credo, a victimae religione, immissa dextera per 
 vulnus illud ad viscera penitus, cor miseri contubernalis 
 mei Meroe bona scrutata protulit, cum ille inj)etu teli prae- 
 
 issecata gula vocem, immo stridorem incertum per vulnus 
 effunderet et spiritum rebulliret. Quod vulnus, qua max- 
 ime patebat, spongia offulciens Panthia " Heus tu," inquit, 
 " spongia, cave in mari nata per fluvium transeas." His 
 editis abeunt. 
 
 20 Commodum limen evaserant, et fores ad pristinum statum 
 integrae resurgunt ; cardines ad foramina resident, ad 
 postes repagula redeunt, ad claustra pessuli recurrunt. 
 At ego, ut eram, etiam nunc humi proiectus, inanimis, nudus 
 et frigidus immo vero semimortuus, verum etiam ipse mihi 
 
 25 supervivens et postumus vel certe destinatae iam cruci can- 
 didatus, " Quid," inquam, " me tiet, ubi iste iugulatus mane 
 paruerit ? Cui videbor veri similia dicere proferens vera ? 
 * Proclamares saltem suppetiatum, si resistere vir tantus 
 mulieri nequibas ; sub oculis tuis homo iugulatur, et siles ? 
 
 30 Cur autera te simile latrocinium non peremit? Cur saeva 
 crudelitas vel propter indicium sceleris arbitro pepercit? 
 Ergo quouiam evasisti mortem, nunc illo redi.' "
 
 TALE OF ARISTOMENES 7 . 
 
 Haec identidein mecum replicabairi, et nox ibat in diem. 
 Optimum itaque factu visum est anteluculo furtim evadere 
 et viam licet trepido vestigio capessere. Sumo sarcinulam 
 meam, subdita clavi pessulos reduce ; at illae probae et 
 tideles ianuae, quae sua sponte reseratae nocte fuerant, 5 
 vix tandem et aegerrime tunc clavis suae crebra immissione 
 patefiunt. 
 
 Et " Heus tu, ubi es ? " inquam ; " valvas stabuli absolve, 
 antelucio volo ire." lanitor pone stabuli ostium Immi 
 cubitans etiam nunc semisomnus : " Quid ? tu," inquit, lo 
 " ignoras latronibus infestari vias, qui hoc noctis iter incipis ? 
 Nam etsi tu alicuius facinoris tibi conscius scilicet mori 
 cupis, nos cucurbitae caput non habemus, ut pro te mori- 
 amur." " Non longe," inquam, " lux abest. Et praeterea 
 quid viatori de summa pauperie latrones auferre possunt ? 15 
 An ignoras, inepte, nudum nee a decem palaestritis despoli- 
 ari posse ? " 
 
 Ad haec ille marcidus et semisopitus in alterum latus 
 evolutus " Unde autem," inquit, " scio, an convectore illo 
 tuo, cum quo sero devorteras, iugulato fugae mandes prae-20 
 sidium." 
 
 Illud horae memini me terra dehiscente ima Tartara 
 inque his canem Cerberum prorsus esurientem me pro- 
 spexisse. Ac recordabar profecto bonam Meroen non 
 misericordia iugulo meo pepercisse, sed saevitia cruci me 25 
 reseruasse. In cubiculum itaque reversus de genere tu- 
 multuario mortis mecum deliberabam. 
 
 Sed cum nullum aliud telum mortiferum Fortuna quam 
 solum mihi grabatulum subministraret, " lam iam graba- 
 tule," inquam, "animo meo carissime, qui mecum totaerum-30 
 nas exanclasti conscius et arbiter, quae nocte gesta sunt, 
 quem solum in meo reatu testem innocentiae citare
 
 8 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 possum, tu mihi ad inferos festinanti sumministra telum 
 salutare " ; et cum dicto restim, qua erat intextus, adgredior 
 expedire ac tigillo, quod fenestrae subditum altriusecus 
 promiuebat, iniecta atque obdita parte funicula et altera 
 
 5 firmiter in nodum coacta ascenso grabatulo ad exitium 
 sublimatus et immisso capite laqueum iiiduo. Sed dum pede 
 altero fulcimentum, quo sustinebar, repello, ut ponderis 
 deductu restis ad iugluviem adstricta spiritus ofiicia dis- 
 cluderet, repente putris alioquin et vetus funis dirumpitur 
 
 10 atque ego de alto recidens Socrateu — nam iuxta me iacebat 
 
 — superruo cumque eo in terram devolvor. Et ecce in ipso 
 
 momento ianitor introrumpit exerte clamitans " Ubi es tu, qui 
 
 alta nocte immodice festinabas et nunc stertis involutus? " 
 
 Ad haec nescio an casu nostro an illius absono clamore 
 
 15 experrectus Socrates exsurgit prior et " Xon," inquit, " in- 
 merito stabularios hos omnes hospites detestantur. Nam 
 iste curiosus dum inportune irrumpit — credo studio rapi- 
 endi aliquid — clamore vasto marcidum alioquin me altis- 
 simo somno excussit." 
 
 20 Emergo laetus atque alacer insperato gaudio perfusus et 
 " Ecce, ianitor fidelissime, comes et pater mens et frater 
 meus, quem nocte ebrius occisum a me calumniabaris," et 
 cum dicto Socratem deosculabar amplexus. At ille odore 
 alioquin spurcissimi humoris percussus, quo me Lamiae 
 
 25 illae infecerant, vehementer aspernatur : " Apage te," in- 
 quit, " fetorem extremae latrinae " et causas coepit huius 
 odoris comiter inquirere. At ego miser adficto ex tempore 
 absurdo ioco in alium sermonem intentionem eius denuo 
 derivo et iniecta dextra " Quin imus," inquam, " et itineris 
 
 30 matutini gratiam capimus." 
 
 Sumo sarcinulam et pretio mausionis stabulario persoluto 
 capessimus viam.
 
 TALE OF ARISTOMENES 9 
 
 Aliquantum processeramus, et iam iubaris exortu cuncta 
 conlustrantur. Et ego curiose sedulo arbitrabar iugulum 
 comitis, qua parte gladiuin delapsura videram, et mecum 
 " Vesane," aio, " qui poculis et vino sepultus extrema somni- 
 asti. Ecce Socrates integer, sanus, incolumis. Ubi vulnus, 5 
 ubi spongia ? ubi postremum cicatrix tam alta, tarn recens ? " 
 Et ad ilium : " Non," inquam, " immerito medici lidi cibo et 
 crapula distentos saeva et gravia somniare autumaut ; milii 
 denique, quod poculis vesperi minus temperavi, nox acerba 
 diras et truces imagines optulit, ut adhuc me credam cruore lO 
 humano aspersum atque impiatum." 
 
 Ad haec ille subridens " At tu," inquit, " non sanguine, 
 sed lotio perfusus ee, verum tamen et ipse per somnium 
 iugulari visus sum mihi. Nam et iugulum istum dolui et 
 cor ipsum mihi avelli putavi, et nunc etiam spiritu deli- is 
 cior et genua quatior et gradu titubo et aliquid cibatus 
 refovendo spiritu desidero." 
 
 " En," inquam, " paratum tibi adest ientaculum " et cum 
 dicto manticam meam humero exuo, caseum cum pane 
 propere ei porrigo et " luxta platanum istam residamus " aio, 20 
 
 Quo facto et ipse aliquid indidem sumo eumque avide 
 esitantem aspiciens aliquanto intentiore macie atque pal- 
 lore buxeo deficientem video. Sic denique eum vi talis color 
 turbaverat, ut mihi prae metu, nocturnas etiam Eurias illas 
 imaginanti, frustulum panis, quod primum sumpseram, quam- 25 
 vis admodum modicum mediis faucibus inhaereret ac neque 
 deorsum demeare neque sursum remeare posset. Nam et 
 crebritas ipsa commeantium metum mihi cumulabat. Quis 
 enim de duobus comitum alterum sine alterius noxa perem- 
 tum crederet ? Verum ille ut satis detruncaverat cibum, 30 
 sitire inpatienter coeperat ; nam et optimi casei bonam par- 
 tem avide devoraverat, et baud ita longe radices platani lenis
 
 10 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 fluvius in speciem placidae paludis ignavus ibat argento vel 
 vitro aemulus in colorem. 
 
 " En," inquam, " explere latice fontis lacteo." 
 
 Adsurgit ille et oppertus paululum planiorem ripae mar- 
 
 5 ginem complicitus in genua adpronat se avidus adfectans 
 poculum, Kecdum satis extremis labiis summum aquae ro- 
 rem attigerat, et iugulo eius vulnus deliiscit in profundum 
 patorem et ilia spongia de eo repente devolvitur eamque 
 parvus admodum comitatur cruor, Denique corpus exani- 
 
 10 matum in flumen paene cernuat, nisi ego altero eius pede 
 retento vix et aegre ad ripam superiorem adtraxi, ubi de- 
 fletum pro tempore comitem misellum arenosa humo in 
 amnis vicinia sempiterna contexi. 
 
 Ipse trepidus et eximie metuens mihi per diversas et 
 
 I5avias solitudines aufugi et quasi conscius mihi caedis hu- 
 manae, relicta patria et lare, ultroneum exilium amplexus, 
 nunc Aetoliam novo contracto matrimonio colo.
 
 n 
 
 DIOPHANES THE CHALDEAN 
 
 Nam die quadam cum frequentis populi circulo conseptus 
 coronae circumstantium fata donaret, Cerdo quidam nomine 
 negotiator accessit eum, diem commodum peregrinationi cu- 
 piens. Quern cum electum destinasset ille, iam deposita cru- 
 mina, iam profusis nummulis, iam dinumeratis centum de- 5 
 narium, quos mercedem divinationis auferret, ecce quidam de 
 nobilibus adulescentulus a tergo adrepens eum lacinia pre- 
 hendit et eonversum amplexus exosculatur artissime. 
 
 At ille ubi primum consaviatus eum iuxtim se ut adsidat 
 effecit, attonitus repentinae visionis stupore et praesentis lo 
 negotii quod gerebat oblitus, infit ad eum : " Quam olim 
 equidem exoptatus nobis advenis ? " 
 
 Respondit ad haec ille alius, " Commodum vespera orients. 
 Sed vicissim tu quoque, f rater, mihi memora quem ad modum 
 exinde, ut de Euboea insula festinus enavigasti, et maris et 15 
 viae confeceris iter." 
 
 Ad haec Diophanes ille Chaldaeus egregius mente viduus 
 necdum suus " Hostes," inquit, " et omnes inimici nostri 
 tam diram, immo vero Ulixeam peregrinationem incidant. 
 Nam et navis ipsa, qua vehebamur, variis turbinibus pro- 20 
 cellarum quassata, utroque regimine amisso aegre ad ulteri- 
 oris ripae marginem detrusa, praeceps demersa est et nos 
 omnibus amissis vix enatavimus. 
 
 " Quodcumque vel iguotorum miseratione vel amicorum 
 benivolentia contraximus, id omne latrocinalis invasit manus, 25 
 
 11
 
 12 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 quorum audaciae repugnaiis etiam Arignotus unicus f rater 
 meus sub istis oculis miser iugulatus est." 
 
 Haec eo adhuc narrante maesto Cerdo, ille negotiator cor- 
 reptis nummulis suis, quos divinationis mercedi destinaverat, 
 5 protinus aufugit. Ac dehinc tunc demum Diophanes ex- 
 pergitus sensit imprudentiae suae labem, cum etiam nos 
 omnis circumsecus adstantes in clarum cachinnum videret 
 elfusos.
 
 Ill 
 
 TELYPHEON'S TALE OF THE WITCHES 
 
 Pupillus ego Mileto profectus ad spectaculum Olym- 
 picurn cum haec etiain loca provinciae famigerabilis adire 
 cuperein, peragrata cuncta Thessalia fuscis avibus Larissam 
 accessi, Ac dimi singula pererrans tenuato admodum 
 viatico, paupertati meae fomenta conquiro, conspicor medio 5 
 foro procerum quendam senem. Insistebat lapidem cla- 
 raque voce praedicabat, si qui mortuum servare vellet, de 
 pretio liceretur. Et ad quempiam praetereuntium " Quid 
 hoc," inquam, " comperior? Hicine mortui solent aufugere?" 
 
 " Tace," respondit ille, " nam oppido puer et satis pere- lo 
 grinus es meritoque ignoras Thessaliae te consistere, ubi 
 sagae mulieres ora mortuorum passim demorsicant, eaque 
 sunt illis artis magicae supplementa." 
 
 Contra ego " Et quae, tu," inquam, " die sodes, custodela 
 ista feralis ? " " lam primum," respondit ille, " perpetem 15 
 noctem eximie vigilandum est exertis et inconivis oculis 
 semper in cadaver intentis nee acies usquani devertenda, 
 immo ne obliquanda quidem, quippe cum deterrimae versi- 
 pelles in quodvis animal ore converso latenter adrepant, ut 
 ipsos etiam oculos Solis et lustitiae facile f rustrentur ; nam 20 
 et aves et rursum canes et mures, immo vero etiam muscas 
 induunt. Tunc diris cantaminibus somno custodes obruunt. 
 Nee satis quisquam definire poterit quantas latebras ne- 
 quissimae mulieres pro libidine sua comminiscuntur, 
 
 13
 
 14 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 " Nec tamen huius tarn exitiabilis operae merces amplior 
 quam quaterni vel seni ferme offeruntur aurei. Ehem, et, 
 quod paene praeterieram, si qui non integrum corpus mane 
 restituerit, quidquid inde decerptum deminutumque fuerit, 
 
 6 id omne de facie sua desecto sarcire compellitur." 
 
 His cognitis animum meum conmasculo et ilico accedens 
 praeconem, " Clamare," inquam, " iam desine. Adest custos 
 paratus, cedo praemium." 
 
 "Mille," inquit, "nummum deponentur tibi. Sed heus 
 
 lOiuvenis, cave diligenter principum civitatis lilii cadaver a 
 malis Harpiis probe custodias." 
 
 " Ineptias," inquam, '* mihi narras et nugas meras. Vides 
 hominem ferreum et insomnem, certe perspicaciorem ipso 
 Lynceo vel Argo et oculeum totum." 
 
 15 Vix finieram, et ilico me perducit ad domum quampiam, 
 cuius ipsis foribus obseptis per quandam brevem posticulam 
 intro vocat me et conclave quoddam obseratis luminibus 
 umbrosum aperiens demonstrat matronam flebilem fusca 
 veste contectam, quam propter adsistens " Hie," inquit, " auc- 
 
 20 toratus ad custodiam mariti tui fidenter accessit." At ilia 
 crinibus antependulis liinc inde dimotis etiam in maerore 
 luculentam proferens faciem meque respectans " Vide oro," 
 inquit, " quam expergite munus obeas." 
 
 " Sine cura sis," inquam, " modo corollarium idoneum 
 
 25 compara." 
 
 Sic placito consurrexit et ad aliud me cubiculum inducit. 
 Ibi corpus splendentibus linteis coopertum, introductis 
 quibusdam septem testibus, manu revelat et diutine super 
 fleto, obtestata tidcin })raesentium singula demonstrat anxie, 
 
 30 verba con(;ei)ta de industria quodam tabulis praenotante. 
 " Ecce," inquit, " nasus integer, incolumes oculi, salvaeaures, 
 inlibatae labiae, mentum solidum, Vos in banc rem, boui
 
 TELYPHRON'S TALE 15 
 
 Quirites, testimonium perhibetote," et cum dicto consignatis 
 illis tabulis facessit. 
 
 At ego : " lube," inquam, '' domina, cuncta quae sunt usui 
 necessaria nobis exhiberi." 
 
 " At quae," inquit, " ista sunt ? " 5 
 
 " Lucerna," aio, " praegrandis et oleum ad lucem luci 
 sufficiens et calida cum oenophoris et calice cenarumque 
 reliquiis discus ornatus." 
 
 Tunc ilia capite quassanti, "Abi," inquit, " fatue, qui in 
 domo funesta cenas et partes requiris, in qua totiugis iam lo 
 diebus ne fumus quidem visus est ullus. An istuc comisa- 
 tum te venisse credis ? Quin sumis potius loco congruentes 
 luctus et lacrimas ? " Haec simul dicens respexit ancillulam 
 et " Myrrhine," inquit, " lucernam et oleum trade confestim 
 et incluso custode, cubiculo protinus facesse." 15 
 
 Sic desolatus ad cadaveris solacium perfrictis oculis et 
 obarmatis ad vigilias animum meum permulcebam canta- 
 tionibus, cum ecce crepusculum et nox provecta et nox altior 
 et dein concubia altiora et iam nox intempesta. Mihique 
 oppido formido cumulatior quidem, cum repente introrepens '20 
 mustula contra me constitit optutumque acerrimum in me 
 destituit, ut tantillula animalis prae nimia sui fiducia mihi 
 turbarit animum. Denique sic ad illam " Quin abis," in- 
 quam, " inpurata bestia, teque ad tui similes musculos recon- 
 dis, antequam nostri vim praesentariam experiaris ? Quin 25 
 abis?" 
 
 Terga vortit et cubiculo protinus exterminatur. Nee 
 mora, cum me somnus profundus in imum barathrum 
 repente demergit, ut ne deus quidem Delphicus ipse facile 
 discerneret, duobus nobis iacentibus, quis esset magis mor-30 
 tuus. Sic inanimis et indigens alio custode paene ibi non 
 eram.
 
 16 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 Commodum noctis indutias cantus perstrepebat cristatae 
 cohortis. Tandem expergitus et nimio pavore perterritus 
 cadaver accurro et ainmoto lumine revelataque eius facie 
 rimabar singula, quae cuncta convenerant ; ecce uxor misella 
 
 5 flens cum hesternis testibus introrumpit anxia et statim 
 corpori superruens multumque ac diu deosculata sub ar- 
 bitrio luminis recognoscit omnia. 
 
 Et conversa Philodespotum requirit actorem, ei praecipit, 
 bono custodi redderet sine mora praemium. Et oblato 
 
 10 statim ** Summas," inquit, " tibi, iuvenis, gratias agimus et 
 hercules ob sedulum istud ministerium inter ceteros fa- 
 miliares deliinc numerabimus." 
 
 Ad haec ego insperato lucro diffusus in gaudium et 
 in aureos refulgentes, quos identidem manu mea ventila- 
 
 15 bam, attonitus "Immo," inquam, " domina, de famulis tuis 
 unum putato, et quotiens operam nostram desiderabis, 
 fidenter impera." 
 
 Vix effatum me statim familiares omen nefarium exse- 
 crati raptis cuiusque modi telis insecuntur ; pugnis ille 
 
 20 malas oftendere, scapulas alius cubitis inpingere, palmis 
 infestis hie latera suft'odere, calcibus insultare, capillos 
 distrahere, vestem discindere. Sic in modum superbi 
 iuvenis Adonei vel musici vatis Pipleii laceratus atque 
 discerptus aomo proturbor. 
 
 25 Ac dum in proxima platea refovens animum infausti 
 atque inprovidi sermonis mei sero reminiscor dignumque 
 me pluribus etiam verberibus fuisse merito consentio, 
 ecce iam ultimum defletus atque conclamatus processerat 
 mortuus iitu(|U(' patrio, utpote unus de optimatibus, pompa 
 
 30 funcris puhlici ductabatur per forum. 
 
 Occurrit atratus quidam maestus in laciiinis genialem 
 canitiem revellens senex et manibus ambabus invadens
 
 TELYPHRON'S TALE 17 
 
 torum voce contenta quidem, sed adsiduis singultibus im- 
 pedita " Per fidem vestram," inquit, " Quirites, per pietatem 
 publicam perempto civi subsistite et extremum facinus in 
 uefariam scelestamque istam feminam severiter vindicate. 
 Haec enim nee ullus alius miserum adulescentem, sororis 5 
 meae filium, in adulteri gratiam et ob praedam heredita- 
 riam extinxit veneno." 
 
 Sic ille senior lamentabiles questus singulis instrepe- 
 bat. Saevire vulgus interdum et facti verisimilitudine 
 ad criminis credulitatem impelli. Conclamant ignem, re- 10 
 quirunt saxa, parvulos ad exitium mulieris hortantur. 
 Emeditatis ad haec ilia fletibus quamque sanctissime po- 
 terat adiurans cuncta numina tantum scelus abnuebat. 
 
 Ergo igitur senex ille " Veritatis arbitrium in divinam 
 providentiam reponamus. Zatchlas adest Aegyptius pro- 15 
 pheta primarius, qui mecum iam dudum grandi praemio 
 pepigit reducere paulisper ab inferis spiritum corpusque 
 istud postliminio mortis animare," et cum dicto iuvenem 
 quempiam linteis amiculis iniectum pedesque palmeis 
 baxeis inductum et adusque deraso capite producit in 20 
 medium, 
 
 Huius diu manus deosculatus et ipsa genua contingens 
 ** Miserere," ait, " sacerdos, miserere per caelestia sidera, 
 per inferna numina, per naturalia elementa, per nocturna 
 silentia et adyta Coptica et per incrementa Nilotica et25 
 arcana Memphytica et sistra Phariaca. Da brevem solis 
 usuram et in aeternum conditis oculis modicam lucem 
 infunde. Non obnitimur nee terrae rem suam denegamus, 
 sed ad ultionis solacium exiguum vitae spatium depre- 
 camur." 30 
 
 Propheta sic propitiatus lierbulam quampiam ob os cor- 
 poris et aliam pectori eius imponit. Tunc orientem ob-
 
 18 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 versus incrementa solis augusti tacitus imprecatus vene- 
 rabilis scaenae facie studia praesentium ad miraculum 
 tantum certatim adrexit. 
 
 Immitto me turbae socium et pone ipsum lectulum edi- 
 
 6 tiorem quendam lapidem insistens cuncta curiosis oculis 
 arbitrabar, iam tumore pectus extolli, iam salubris vena 
 pulsari, iam spiritu corpus impleri : et adsurgit cadaver et 
 profatur adulescens " Quid, oro, me post Lethaea pocula iam 
 Stygiis paludibus innatantem ad momentariae vitae re- 
 
 10 ducitis oflEicia ? Desine iam, precor, desine ac me in meam 
 quietem permitte." 
 
 Haec audita vox de corpore, sed aliquanto propheta com- 
 motior " Quiu refers," ait, " populo singula tuaque mortis 
 illuminas arcana? An non putas devotionibus meis posse 
 
 15 Diras invocari, posse tibi membra lassa torqueri ? " 
 
 Suscipit ille de lectulo et imo cum gemitu populum sic 
 adorat : " Malis novae nuptae peremptus artibus et addictus 
 noxio poculo torum tepentem adultero mancipavi." 
 
 Tunc uxor egregia capit praesentem audaciam et mente 
 
 20sacrilega coarguenti marito resistens altercat. Populus 
 aestuat, diversa tendeutes, hi pessimam feminam viventem 
 statim cum corpore mariti sepeliendam, alii mendacio 
 cadaveris fidem non habendam. 
 
 Sed banc cunctationem sequens adulescentis sermo dis- 
 
 25 tinxit ; nam rursus altius ingemescens " Dabo," inquit, " dabo 
 vobis intemeratae veritatis documenta ; perlucide quod 
 prorsus alius nemo cognoverit indicabo." Tunc digito me 
 demonstrans, " Nam cum corporis mei custos hie sagacissimus 
 exertam mihi teneret vigiliam, cantatrices anus exuviis meis 
 
 30inminentes atque ob id reformatae frustra saepius, cum 
 industriam sedulam eius fallere nequivissent, postremum 
 iniecta somni nebula eocjue in profundam quietem sepulto
 
 TELYPHRON'S TALE 19 
 
 me nomine ciere non prius desierunt, quam dum hebetes 
 artus et membra frigida pigris conatibus ad artis magicae 
 nituntur obsequia. 
 
 " Hie utpote vivus quidem, sed tantum non sopore mortuus, 
 quod eodem mecum vocabulo nuncupatur, ad suum nomen 5 
 ignarus exsurgit et in exanimis umbrae modum ultroneus 
 gradiens, quamquam foribus cubiculi diligenter obclusis, 
 per quoddam foramen prosectis naso prius ac mox auribus 
 vicariam pro me lanienam sustinuit. Utque fallaciae reliqua 
 convenirent, ceram in modum prosectarum formatam aurium 10 
 ei adplicant examussim nasoque ipsius similem comparant. 
 Et nunc adsistit miser hie praemium non industriae sed 
 debilitationis consecutus." 
 
 Hie dictis perterritus temptare formam adgredior. In- 
 iecta manu nasum prehendo, sequitur ; aures pertracto, 15 
 deruunt. Ac dum directis digitis et detortis nutibus prae- 
 sentium denotor, dum risus ebullit, inter pedes circum- 
 stantium frigido sudore defluens evado. Nee postea debilis 
 ac sic ridiculus lari me patrio reddere potui, sed capillis 
 hinc inde laterum deiectis aurium vulnera celavi, nasi vero 20 
 dedecus linteolo isto pressim adglutinato decenter obtexi.
 
 IV 
 
 THE EOBBER'S TALE 
 
 Vix enim Thebas heptapylos accessimus quod est huic 
 disciplinae primarium studium, sedulo fortunas inquire- 
 bamus popularis ; nee nos denique latuit Chryseros quidam 
 nummularius copiosae pecuniae dominus, qui metu officiorum 
 
 5 ac munerum publicorum magnis artibus uiagnam dissimula- 
 bat opulentiam. Denique solus ac solitarius, parva, sed 
 satis munita domuncula contentus, pannosus alioquin ac 
 sordidus, aureos folles incubabat. 
 
 Ergo placuit ad hunc primum ferremus aditum, ut con- 
 
 lOtempta pugna manus unicae nullo negotio cuuctis opibus 
 otiose potiremur. Nee mora, cum noctis initio foribus eius 
 praestolamur, quas neque sublevare neque dimovere ac ne 
 perfringere quidem nobis videbatur, ne valuarum sonus 
 cunctam viciniam nostro suscitaret exitio. 
 
 15 Tunc itaque sublimis ille vexillarius noster Lamachus 
 spectatae virtutis suae fiducia, qua clavi immittendae fora- 
 men patebat, sensim immissa manu claustrum evellere gestie- 
 bat, Sed dudum scilicet omnium bipedum nequissimus 
 Chryseros vigilans et singula rerum sentiens, lenem gradum 
 
 20 et oliuixum silentium tolerans ])aulatiin adrepit grandique 
 clavo iiianum ducis nostri repente nisu fortissimo ad ostii 
 tabuhun (jiligit et exitiabili nexu patibulatum relinquens 
 gurgustioli sui tectum ascendit atc^ue inde contentissima 
 voce clamitaus rogansque vicinos et unum quemque proprio 
 
 20
 
 THE ROBBER'S TALE 21 
 
 nomine ciens et salutis communis admonens diffamat incendio 
 repentino domum suam possideri. Sic unus quisque proximi 
 periculi confinio territus suppetiatum decurrunt anxii 
 Tunc nos in aneipiti periculo constituti vel opprimendi 
 nostri vel deserendi socii, remedium e re nata validum eo 5 
 volente comminiscimar. 
 
 Antesignani nostri partem qua manus umerum subit, ictu 
 per articulum medium temperato, prorsus abscidimus atque 
 ibi brachio relicto, multis laciniis offulto vulnere, ne stillae 
 sanguinis vestigium proderent, ceterum Lamachum raptim 10 
 reportamus. Ac dum trepidi religionis urguemur gravi 
 tumultu et instantis periculi metu terremur ad fugam nee 
 vel sequi propere vel remanere tuto potest vir sublimis 
 animi virtutisque praecipuus, multis nos adfatibus multis- 
 que precibus querens adhortatur per dexteram Martis, per is 
 fidem sacramenti, bonum commilitonem cruciatu simul et 
 captivitate liberaremus. Cur enim manui, quae rapere et 
 iugulare sola posset, fortem latronem supervivere ? Sat se 
 beatum, qui manu socia volens occumberet, Cumque nulli 
 nostrum spontale parricidium suadens persuadere posset, 20 
 manu reliqua sumptum gladium suum diuque deosculatum 
 per medium pectus ictu fortissimo transadigit. Tunc nos 
 magnanimi ducis vigore venerato corpus reliquum veste 
 lintea diligenter convolutum mari celandum commisimus. 
 Et nunc iacet noster Lamachus elemento toto sepultus. 25 
 
 Et ille quidem dignum virtutibus suis vitae terminum 
 posuit. Enim vero Alcimus sollertibus coeptis minus saevum 
 Eortunae nutum non potuit adducere. Qui cum dormientis 
 anus perfracto tuguriolo conscendisset cubiculum superius 
 iamque protinus oblisis faucibus interstinguere eam de-30 
 buisset, prius maluit rerum singula per latiorem fenestram 
 forinsecus nobis scilicet rapienda dispergere.
 
 22 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 Cumque iam cuncta rerum naviter emolitus nee toro 
 quidem aniculae quiescentis parcere vellet eaque lectulo suo 
 devoluta vestem stragulain subductam scilicet iactare simi- 
 liter destinaret, genibus eius profusa sic nequissima ilia 
 
 5 deprecatur " Quid, oro, fill, paupertinas pannosasque rescu- 
 las miserrimae anus donas vicinis divitibus, quorum haec 
 fenestra domum prospicit ? " 
 
 Quo sermone callido deceptus astu et vera quae dicta sunt 
 credens Alcimus, verens scilicet ne et ea quae prius miserat, 
 
 10 quaeque postea missurus foret, non sociis suis, sed in alienos 
 lares iam certus erroris abiceret, suspendit se fenestra 
 sagaciter perspecturus omnia, praesertim domus attiguae, 
 ut dixerat ilia, fortunas arbitraturus. Quod eum strenue 
 quidem, set satis inprovide conantem senile illud facinus, 
 
 I5quanquam invalido, repentino tamen et inopinato pulsu 
 nutantem ac pendulum et in prospectu alioquin attonitum 
 praeceps inegit. 
 
 Qui praeter altitudinem nimiam super quendam etiam 
 vastissimum lapidem propter iacentem decidens perfracta 
 
 20diffusaque crate costarum rivos sanguinis vomens imitus 
 narratisque nobis quae gesta sunt, non diu cruciatus vitam 
 evasit. Quern prioris exemplo sepulturae traditum bonum 
 secutorem Lamacho dedimus. 
 
 Tunc orbitatis duplici plaga petiti iamque Thebanis conati- 
 
 25l)us abnuentes Plataeas proximam conscendimus civitatem. 
 I hi fiuiuim celebrem super quodam Demochare munus edituro 
 gladiatorium deprehendimus. Nam vir et genere primarius 
 et opibus plurimus et liberalitate praecipuus digno fortunae 
 suae splendore publicas voluptates instruebat. Quis tantus 
 
 30 iiigenii, quis facundiae, quis singulas species apparatus mul- 
 tiiugi verbis idoneis posset explicare? Gladiatores isti 
 famosae manus, venatores illi probatae pernicitatis, alibi
 
 THE ROBBER'S TALE 23 
 
 noxii perdita securitate suis epulis ))estiarum saginas in- 
 struentes ; confixilis machinae sublicae, turres structae 
 tabularum nexibus ad instar circvimforaneae domus, floridae 
 picturae, decora futurae venatiouis receptacula. Qui prae- 
 terea numerus, quae facies ferarum ! Nam praecipuo studio 5 
 forinsecus etiam advexerat generosa ilia damnatorum capi- 
 tum funera. 
 
 Sed praeter ceteram speciosi muneris supellectilem 
 totis utcumque patrimonii viribus immanis ursae com- 
 parabat numerum copiosum. Nam praeter domesticis 10 
 veuationibus captas, praeter largis emptionibus partas ami- 
 corum, etiam donationibus variis certatim oblatas tutela 
 sumptuosa sollicite nutriebat. Nee ille tarn clarus tamque 
 splendidus publicae voluptatis apparatus Invidiae noxios 
 effugit oculos. 15 
 
 Nam diutina captivitate fatigatae simul et aestiva fla- 
 grantia maceratae, pigra etiam sessione languidae, repentiua 
 correptae pestilentia paeue ad nullum redivere numerum. 
 Passim per plateas plurimas cerneres iacere semivivorum 
 corporum ferina naufragia. Tunc vulgus ignobile, quos20 
 inculta pauperies sine delectu ciborum tenuato ventri cogit . 
 sordentia supplementa et dapes gratuitas conquirere, 
 passim iacentes epulas accurrunt. Tunc e re nata subtile 
 consilium ego et iste Babulus tale comminiscimur. 
 
 Unam, quae ceteris sarcina corporis praevalebat, quasi 25 
 cibo parandam portamus ad nostrum receptaculum eiusque 
 probe nudatum carnibus corium servatis sollerter totis 
 unguibus, ipso etiam bestiae capite adusque confinium 
 cervicis solido relicto, tergus omne rasura studiosa tenua- 
 mus et minuto cinere perspersum soli siccandum tradimus. 30 
 
 Ac dum caelestis vaporis flammis examurgatur, nos in- 
 terdum pulpis eius valenter saginantes sic instanti militiae
 
 24 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 disponimus sacramentiim, ut unus e uumero nostro, non 
 qui corporis adeo, sed auimi robore ceteris aiitistaret, atque 
 is iu primis voluutarius, pelle ilia eontectus, iirsae subiret 
 elfigiem domuinque Democharis iulatus per opportuna 
 
 5 noctis silentia nobis ianuae faciles praestaret aditus. Xec 
 paueos fortissimi collegii sollers species ad munus obeuu- 
 dum adrexerat. Quorum prae ceteris Thrasyleou factioiiis 
 optione delectus aucipitis macliinae subivit aleani. 
 
 lamque habili corio et mollitie tractabili vultu sereno 
 
 lOsese recondit. Tunc tenui sarcimine summas oras eius 
 adaequamus et iuncturae rimam, licet gracilein, setae cir- 
 cumfluentis densitate saepimus, ad ipsum confinium gulae, 
 qua cervix bestiae fuerat execta, Thrasyleonis caput subire 
 cogimus parvisque respiratui circa nares et oculos datis 
 
 15 f oraminibus fortissimum socium nostrum prorsus bestiam 
 factum inmittimus caveae modico praestinatae pretio, quam 
 constanti vigore festinus inrepsit ipse. 
 
 Ad hunc modum prioribus inchoatis sic ad reliqua falla- 
 ciae pergimus. Sciscitati nomen cuiusdam iSTicanoris, qui 
 
 20genere Thracio proditus ius amicitiae summum cum illo 
 Democliare colebat, litteras adfingimus, ut venationis suae 
 primitias bonus amicus videretur ornando muneri dedicasse, 
 lamque provecta vespera abusi praesidio tenebrarum 
 Thrasyleonis caveam Democliari cum litteris illis adulteriuis 
 
 25 offerimus ; qui miratus bestiae magnitudinem suique contu- 
 bernalis opportuna liberalitate laetatus iubet nobis protinus 
 gaudii sui gerulis decern aureos, ut ipse Labebat, e suis 
 loculis adnumerari. 
 
 Tunc, ut Dovitas consuevit ad repentinas visiones animos 
 
 aohominum pellere, multi numero niiial)undi bestiam conflue- 
 bant, (luorum satis callenter curiosos asjx'ctus Tlirasyleon 
 noster impetu minaci frequenter inbibebat ; consonaque
 
 THE ROBBER'S TALE 25 
 
 civium voce satis felix ac beatus Demochares ille saepe 
 celebratus, quod post tantam cladem ferarum novo proventu 
 quoquo modo fortunae resisteret, iubet novalibus suis con- 
 festim. bestiam summa cum diligentia deportari, Sed sus- 
 cipiens ego, " Caveas," inquam, " domine, fraglantia solis et 5 
 itineris spatio fatigatam coetui multarum et, ut audio, nou 
 recte valentium committere ferarum. Quin potius domus 
 tuae patulum ac perflabilem locum, immo et lacu aliquo 
 coutermiuum refrigerantemque prospicis ? An ignoras hoc 
 genus bestiae lucos consitos et specus roridos et fontes 10 
 amoenos semper incubare ? " 
 
 Talibus monitis Demochares perterritus numerumque 
 perditorum secum recensens non difficulter adsensus, ut 
 ex arbitrio nostro caveam locaremus, facile permisit. " Sed 
 et nos," inquam, " ipsi parati sumus hie ibidem pro cavea 15 
 ista excubare noctes, ut aestus et vexationis incommodo 
 bestiae fatigatae et cibum tempestiuum et potum solitum 
 aceuratius offeramus." 
 
 '•'Nihil indigemus labore isto vestro," respondit ille, 
 " iam paene tota familia per diutiuam consuetudinem nu- 20 
 triendis ursis exercitata est." 
 
 Post haec valefacto discessimus et portam civitatis 
 egressi monumentum quoddam conspicamur procul a via 
 remoto et abdito loco positum. Ibi capulos carie et vetu- 
 state semitectos, quis inhabitabant pulverei et iam cinerosi 25 
 mortui, passim ad futurae praedae receptacula resera- 
 mus et ex disciplina sectae servato noctis inlunio tem- 
 pore, quo somnus obvius impetu primo corda mortalium 
 validius invadit ac premit, cohortem nostram gladiis ar- 
 matam ante ipsas fores Democharis velut expilationis 30 
 vadimoniam sistimus. 
 
 Nee setius Thrasyleou examussim capto noctis latrocinali
 
 26 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 momento prorepit cavea statimque custodes, qui propter 
 sopiti quiescebant, omnes ad ununi, mox etiam ianitorem 
 ipsuni gladio conficit clavique subtracta fores ianuae re- 
 pandit nobisque prompte convolantibus et domus alveo 
 
 5 receptis demonstrat horreum, ubi vespera sagaciter argen- 
 tum copiosum recondi viderat. Quo protinus perfracto 
 confertae manus violentia, iubeo singulos conimilitonum 
 asportare quantum quisque poterat auri vel argenti, et in 
 illis aedibus fidelissimorum mortuorum occultare propere 
 
 10 rursumque concito gradu recurrentis sarcinas iterare ; quod 
 enim ex usu foret omnium, me solum resistentem pro domus 
 limine cuncta rerum exploraturum sollicite, dum redirent. 
 Nam et facies ursae mediis aedibus discurrentis ad proter- 
 rendos, si qui de familia forte evigilassent, videbatur op- 
 
 15 portuna. Quis enim, quamvis f ortis et intrepidus, immani 
 forma tantae bestiae noctu praesertim visitata non se ad 
 fugam statim concitaret, non obdito cellae pessulo pavens 
 et trepidus sese cohiberet ? 
 
 His omnibus salubri consilio recte dispositis occurrit 
 
 20scaevus eventus. Namque dum reduces socios nostros 
 suspensus opperior, quidam servulum strepitu scilicet vel 
 divinitus inquietus proserpit leniter visaque bestia, quae 
 libere discurrens totis aedibus comuieabat, premens obnixum 
 silentium vestigium suum replicat et utcumque cunctis in 
 
 25domo visa pronuntiat. 
 
 Nee mora, cum numerosae familiae frequentia domus tota 
 completur. Taedis, lucernis, cereis, sebaciis et ceteris 
 nocturni luminis instrumentis clarescunt tenebrae. Nee 
 inermis quisquam de tanta copia processit, sed singuli 
 
 30 fustibus, lanceis, destrietis denique gladiis armati muniunt 
 aditus. Nee secus canes etiam venatic^os aiivitos illos et 
 horricomes ad comprimendam bestiam culiortantur. Tunc
 
 THE ROBBER'S TALE 27 
 
 ego sensim gliscente adhuc illo tumultu retrogradi fuga 
 domo facesso, sed plane Thrasyleonein mire canibus repug- 
 nantem, latens pone ianuam ipse, prospicio. Quamquam 
 enim vitae metas ultimas obiret, non tamen sui nostrique 
 vel pristinae virtutis oblitus iam faucibus ipsis hiantis 5 
 Cerberi reluctabat. 
 
 Scaenam denique, quam sponte sumpserat, cum anima 
 retinens nunc fugiens, nunc resistens variis corporis sui 
 schemis ac motibus tandem domo prolapsus est. Nee 
 tamen, quamvis publica potitus libertate, salutem fuga 10 
 quaerere potuit. Quippe cuncti canes de proximo angi- 
 portu satis feri satisque copiosi venaticis illis, qui commo- 
 dum domo similiter insequentes processerant, se obmiscent 
 agminatim. Miserum funestumque spectamen aspexi, Thra- 
 syleonem nostrum catervis canum saevientium cinctum 15 
 atque obsessum multisque numero morsibus laniatum. 
 
 Denique tanti doloris impatiens populi circumfluentis 
 turbelis immisceor et in quo solo poteram celatum auxi- 
 lium bono ferre commilitoni, sic indaginis principes de- 
 hortabar : " grande," inquam, " et extremum flagitium, 20 
 magnam et vere pretiosam perdimus bestiam." 
 
 Nee tamen nostri sermonis artes infelicissimo profuerunt 
 iuveni ; quippe quidam procurrens e domo procerus et 
 validus incunctanter lanceam mediis iniecit ursae prae- 
 cordiis nee secus alius et ecce plurimi, iam timore discusso, 25 
 certatim gladios etiam de proximo congerunt. 
 
 Enimvero Thrasyleon egregium decus nostrae factionis 
 tandem immortalitate digno illo spiritu expugnato magis 
 quam patientia neque clamore ac ne ululatu quidem fidem 
 sacramenti prodidit, sed iam morsibus laceratus ferroqueSO 
 laniatus obnixo mugitu et ferino fremitu praesentem casum 
 generoso vigore tolerans gloriam sibi reservavit, vitam fato
 
 28 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 redidit. Tanto tamen torrore tantaque formidine coetum 
 ilium turbaverat, ut usque diluculum, immo et in multum 
 diem nemo quisquam fuerit ausus, quamvis iacentem, 
 bestiam vel digito contingere, nisi tandem pigre ac timide 
 
 5 quidam lanius paulo fidentior, utero bestiae resecto, ursae 
 magnificum despoliavit latronem. 
 
 Sic etiam Thrasyleon nobis perivit, sed a gloria non 
 perivit. Confestim itaque constrictis sarcinis illis, quas 
 nobis servaverant fideles mortui, Plataeae terniinos concito 
 
 10 gradu deserentes, istud apud nostros animos identidem re- 
 putabamus, merito nullam fidem in vita nostra repperiri, 
 quod ad manis iam et mortuos odio perlidiae nostrae de- 
 migrarit. Sic onere vecturae simul et asperitate viae toti 
 fatigati, tribus comitum desideratis, istas quas videtis 
 
 15 praedas adveximus.
 
 THE TKAGEDY OF TLEPOLEMUS AND OHAEITE 
 
 Equisones opilionesque, etiam busequae, fuit Cliarite nobis, 
 quae misella et quidem casu gravissimo nee vero incomitata 
 Manis adivit. Sed ut cuncta noritis, referam vobis a capite, 
 quae gesta sunt quaeque possent merito doctiores, quibus 
 stilos fortuna subministrat, iu historiae specimen chartis 5 
 iuvolvere. 
 
 Erat in proxima civitate iuvenis natalibus praenobilis, 
 quo clarus eo pecuniae fuit satis locuples, sed luxuriae 
 popinalis scortisque et diurnis potationibus exercitatus 
 atque ob id factionibus latronum male sociatus nee non 10 
 etiam manus infectus humano cruore, Thrasyllus nomine. 
 Idque sic erat et fama dicebat. 
 
 Hie, cum primum Charite nubendo maturuisset, inter 
 praecipuos procos summo studio petitionis eius munus 
 obierat et quanquam ceteris omnibus id genus viris anti-15 
 staret eximiisque muneribus parentum invitaret indicium, 
 morum tamen inprobatus repulsae contumelia fuerat as- 
 persus. Ac dum erilis puella in boni Tlepolemi manum 
 venerat, tirmiter deorsus delapsum nutriens amorem et 
 denegati thalami permiscens indignationem, cruento facinori 20 
 quaerebat accessum. 
 
 Nanctus denique praesentiae suae tempestivam occa- 
 sionem, sceleri quod diu eogitarat accingitur. Ac die quo 
 praedonum infestis mucronibus puella fuerat astu virtutibus- 
 
 29
 
 30 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 que sponsi sui liberata, turbae gratulantium exultans in- 
 signiter permiscuit sese salutique praeseuti ac futurae 
 suboli novorum maritorum gaudibundus ad honorem splen- 
 didae prosapiae inter praecipuos bospites domum nostram 
 
 5 receptus, oecultato consilio sceleris, amici fidelissimi per- 
 sonam mentiebatur. 
 
 lamque sermonibus assiduis et conversatione frequenti, 
 nonnunquam etiam cena poculoque communi carior eariorque 
 factus in profundam ruinam Cupidinis sese paulatim nescius 
 
 10 praecipitaverat. Quidni, cum flamma saevi amoris parva 
 quidem primo vapore delectet, sed fomentis consuetudinis 
 exaestuans inmodicis ardoribus totos amburat homines. 
 
 Diu denique deliberaverat secum Thrasyllus, quod nee 
 clandestinis colloquiis opportunum repperiret locum et 
 
 15 adulterinae Veneris magis magisque praeclusos aditus copia 
 custodientium cerneret novaeque atque gliscentis affectionis 
 firmissimum vinculum non posse dissociari perspiceret et 
 puellae, si vellet, quanquam velle non posset, furatrinae 
 coniugalis incommodaret rudimentum ; et tamen ad hoc 
 
 20 ipsum, quod non potest, contentiosa pernieie, quasi posset, 
 impellitur. Quod nunc arduum factu putatur, amore per 
 dies roborato facile videtur eii'ectu. Spectate denique, sed, 
 oro, sollicitis animis intendite, quorsum furiosae libidinis 
 proruperint impetus. 
 
 25 Die quadam venatum Tlepolemus assumpto Thrasyllo 
 petebat iudagaturus feras, si quid tamen in capreis feritatis 
 est ; nee enim Charite maritum suum quaerere patiebatur 
 bestias armatas dente vel coriiu. 
 
 lamque ajjud f'rondosum tumulum ramorumque densis 
 
 30 tegminihus umhrosuin prosjjectu vestigatorum oV)septi3 
 capreis canes veiiationis iudagini geiierosae, mandato cubili 
 resideutes iuvadereut bestias, immittuntur statimque sol-
 
 TLEPOLEMUS AiNl) CHAKITE 31 
 
 lertis disciplinae memores partitae totos praecingunt aditus 
 tacitaque prius servata mussitatione, signo sibi repentino 
 reddito, latratibus fervidis dissonisque miscent omnia. 
 
 Nee ulla caprea nee pavens dammula nee prae ceteris 
 feris mitior eerva, sed aper inimanis atque invisitatus ex- 5 
 surgit toris callosae eutis obesus, pilis inhorrentibus corio 
 squalidus, setis insurgentibus spinae hispidus, deutibus 
 attritu sonaci spumeus, oculis aspectu minaei flammeus, 
 impetu saevo frementis oris totus fulmineus. Et prinium 
 quidem canum procaeiores, quae comminus eontulerant 10 
 vestigium, genis hac illae iactatis consectas interlicit, dein 
 calcata retiola, qua primos impetus reduxerat, transabiit. 
 
 Et nos quidem cuncti pavore deterriti et alioquin innoxiis 
 venationibus consueti, tunc etiam inermes atque inmuniti 
 tegumentis frondis vel arboribus latenter abscondimus. 15 
 Thrasyllus vero nactus fraudium opportunum deeipulum sic 
 Tlepolemum eaiDtiose eompellat : " Quid stupore confusi vel 
 etiam cassa formidine similes humilitati servorum istorum 
 vel in modum pavoris feminei deieeti tarn opimam praedam 
 mediis manibus amittimus ? Quin equos inseendimus ? 20 
 Quin ocius indipiscimur ? En cape venabulum et ego sumo 
 lanceam " nee tantillum morati protinus insiliunt equos ex 
 summo studio bestiam insequentes. Nee tamen ilia genuini 
 vigoris oblita retorquet impetum et incendio feritatis 
 ardescens dente compulso, quern primum insiliat, euncta-25 
 bunda rimatur. 
 
 Sed prior Tlepolemus iaculum, quod gerebat, insuper dor- 
 sum bestiae contorsit. At Thrasyllus ferae quidem pepereit, 
 sed equi, quo vehebatur Tlepolemus, postremos poplites 
 lancea feriens amputat. Quadrupes reccidens, qua sanguis 30 
 effluxerat, toto tergo supinatus invitus dominum suum 
 devolvit ad terram.
 
 32 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 Nec diu, sed eum furens aper invadit iacentem ac primo 
 lacinias eius, mox ijDSum resurgentem multo dente laniavit. 
 Nee coepti nefarii bonum piguit amicum vel suae saevitiae 
 litatum saltern tanto periculo cernens potuit expleri, sed 
 
 5 percito atque plagosa crura contegenti suumque auxiliuin 
 miseriter roganti per femus dexterum dimisit lanceam tanto 
 ille quidem fidentius, quanto crederet ferri vulnera similia 
 futura prosectu dentium. Nee non tamen ipsam quoque 
 bestiam facili manu transadigit. 
 
 10 Ad hunc modum deliuito iuvene, exciti latibulo suo quisque 
 familia maesta concurrinius. At ille quamquam perfecto 
 voto, prostrate inimico laetus ageret, vultu tamen gaudium 
 tegit et frontem adseverat et dolorem simulat et cadaver, 
 quod ipse fecerat, avide circumplexus omnia quidem lugen- 
 
 15 tium officia sollerter adfinxit, sed solae lacrimae procedere 
 noluerunt. Sic ad nostri simultudinem, qui vere lamenta- 
 bamur, conformatus manus suae culpam bestiae dabat. 
 
 Necdum satis scelere transacto, fama dilabitur et cursus 
 primes ad domum Tlepolemi detorquet et aures infelicis 
 
 20 nuptae percutit. Quae quidem simul percepit tale nuntium, 
 quale non audiet aliud, amens et vecordia percita cursuque 
 bacchata furibundo per plateas populosas et arva rurestria 
 fertur insana voce casum mariti quiritans. Confluunt civium 
 maestae catervae, secuiitur obvii dolore sociato, civitas cuncta 
 
 25 va(niatur studio visionis. 
 
 Et ecce mariti cadaver accurrit labauti(jue spiritu totam 
 se super corpus effudit ac paenissime ibidem, quam devoverat 
 ei reddidit animam. Sed aegi-e manibus erepta suorum 
 invita remansit in vita, runus vero toto feralem pompam 
 
 30 prosequente populo deducituv ;i(l scpulturani. 
 
 Sed Thrasyllus nimium uiniius cl.'iinare, plangere et, (pias 
 in primo maerore lacrimas nou hahebat, iam scilicet ores-
 
 TLEl'OLEMUS AND CHAHrriC 33 
 
 cente gaudio reddere et multis caritatis nomiinbiis Verita- 
 tem ipsaiii fallere. Ilium amicuiu, coaetaneum, contuber- 
 nalem, fratrem denique addito nomine lugul)ri ciere, nee non 
 interdum mauus Cliarites a pulsandis uLeribus amovere, luc- 
 tum sedare, heiulatum eoercere, verbis palpantibus stimu- 5 
 lum doloris obtundere, variis exemplis multivagi casus solacia 
 nectere, cunctis tamen mentitae pietatis officiis studium 
 contrectandae mulieris adhibere odiosumque amorem suum 
 perperam delectando nutrire. 
 
 Sed officiis inferialilms statim exactis jjuella protinus fes-io 
 tinat ad maritum suum demeare cunctascpie prorsus per- 
 temptat vias, certe illam lenem otiosamque nee telis ullis 
 indigentem, sed placidae quieti consimilem ; inedia denique 
 misera et incuria squalida, tenebris imis abscondita, iani cum 
 luce transegerat. 15 
 
 Sed Thrasyllus instantia pervicaci partim per semet ipsum, 
 partim per ceteros familiares ac necessaries, ipsos denique 
 puellae parentes extorquet tandem, iam lurore et inluvie 
 paene conlapsa membra lavacro, cibo denique confoveret. 
 At ilia, parentum suorum alioquin reverens, invita quidem, 20 
 verum religiosae necessitati su])cumbens, vultu non quidem 
 hilaro, verum paulo sereniore obiens, ut iubebatur, viven- 
 tium munia, prorsus in pectore, immo vero penitus in medullis 
 luctu ac maerore carpebat animum ; et dies totos totasque 
 noctes insuniel)at luctuoso desiderio et imagines defuncti, 25 
 quas ad habitum dei Liberi f ormaverat, adfixo servitio divinis 
 percolens honoribus ipso se solacio cruciabat. Verum Thra- 
 syllus, praeceps alioquin et de ipso nomine temerarius, prius- 
 quam dolorem lacrimae satiarent et percitae mentis resideret 
 furor et in sese nimietatis senio lassesceret luctus, adhuc 30 
 flentem maritum, adhuc vestes lacerantem, adhuc capillos 
 distrahentem non dubitavit de nuptiis convenire et impu-
 
 34 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 dentiae labe tacita pectoris sui secreta fraudesque ineffabiles 
 detegere. Sed Charite vocem nefandam et horruit et de- 
 testata est et velut gravi tonitru procellaque sideris vel etiam 
 ipso diali fulinine percussa corruit corpus et obnubilavit 
 
 5 animam. 
 
 Sed intervallo revalescente paulatim spiritu, ferinos 
 mugitus iterans et iam scaenam pessimi Thrasylli perspiciens, 
 ad limam consili desiderium petitoris distulit. Tunc inter 
 moras umbra ilia misere trucidati Tlepolemi sanie cruentam 
 
 10 et pallore deformem attolleus faciem quietem pudicam 
 interpellat uxoris : '' Mi coniux, quod tibi prorsus ab alio 
 dici non licebit, etsi pectori tuo iam permarcet nostri memoria 
 vel acerbae mortis meae casus f oedus caritatis intercedit, — 
 quovis alio felicius maritare, modo ne in Thrasylli manum 
 
 15 sacrilegam convenias neve sermonem conferas nee mensam 
 accumbas nee toro adquiescas. Fuge mei percussoris cruen- 
 tam dexteram. Noli parricidio nuptias auspicari. Vulnera 
 ilia, quorum sanguinem tuae lacrimae proluerunt, non sunt 
 tota dentium vulnera ; lancea mali Thrasylli me tibi fecit 
 
 20alienum" et addidit cetera omnemque scaenam sceleris in- 
 luminavit. 
 
 At ilia, ut primum maesta quieverat toro faciem impressa, 
 etiamnunc dormiens, lacrimis emanantibus genas cohumidat 
 et velut quoddam tormentum inopinatum patiens luctu 
 
 25 redintegrato prolixum heiulat discissaque interula decora 
 brachia saevientibus palmulis converberat. Nee tamen cum 
 quoquam participatis nocturuis imaginibus, sed indicio 
 facinoris prorsus dissimulato et nequissimum percussorem 
 punire et aerumnabili vitae sese subtrahere tacita decernit. 
 
 30 E(;ce rursus improvidae voluj)tatis detestabilis petitor 
 aureS obseratas de nuptiis obtundens aderat. Sed ilia 
 clementer aspernata sermonem Thrasylli astuque miro per-
 
 TLEPOLEMUS AND CHAKITE 35 
 
 sonata instanter garrienti summisseque deprecanti " Adhuc," 
 inquit, " tui fratris meique carissimi mariti facies pulchra 
 ilia in meis deversatur oculis, adhuc odor cinnameus ainbrosei 
 corporis per nares meas percurrit, adhuc formonsus Tlepo- 
 lemus in meo vivit pectore. Boni ergo et optimi eonsules, 5 
 si luctui legitimo miserrimae feminae necessarium concesse- 
 ris tempus, quoad residuis mensibus spatium reliquum 
 compleatur anni, quae res cum meum pudorem, turn etiam 
 tuum salutare commoduni respicit, ne forte inmaturitate 
 nuptiarum indignatione iusta manes acerbos mariti ad 10 
 exitium salutis tuae suscitemus." 
 
 Nee isto sermone Thrasyllus sobriefactus vel saltern 
 tempestiva pollieitatione recreatus identidem pergit lingua 
 aestuanti susurros improbos inurguere, quoad simulanter 
 revicta Charite suscipit : " Istud equidem certe magnopere 15 
 deprecanti concedas necesse est mihi, Thrasylle, ut interdum 
 taciti clandestinos coitus obeamus nee quisquam persentiscat 
 familiarium quoad dies reliquos metiatur annus." 
 
 Promissioni fallaciosae mulieris oppressus subcubuit 
 Thrasyllus et prolixe consentit noctemque et opertas exoptat 20 
 ultro tenebras uno potiundi studio postponens omnia. 
 " Sed heus tu," inquit Charite, " quam probe veste contectus 
 omnique comite viduatus prima vigilia tacitus fores meas 
 accedas unoque sibilo contentus nutricem istam meam 
 opperiare, quae claustris adhaerens excubabit adventui tuo. 25 
 Nee setius patefactis aedibus acceptum te nullo lumine 
 conscio ad meum perducet cubiculum." 
 
 Placuit Thrasyllo scaena feralium nuptiarum. Nee 
 sequius aliquid suspicatus, sed expectatione turbidus de diei 
 tantum spatio et vesperae mora querebatur. Sed ubi sol 30 
 tandem nocti decessit, ex imperio Charites adornatus et nu- 
 tricis captiosa vigilia deceptus inrepit cubiculum pronus spei.
 
 36 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 Tunc anus de iussu clominae blandiens ei furtim de- 
 promptis calicibus et oenophoro, quod inmixtum vino sopori- 
 ferum gerebat venenum, crebris potionibus avide ac secure 
 liaurienteni mentita dominae tarditatem, quasi parentem 
 
 5. adsideret aegrotum, facile sepelivit ad sonmum. lamque eo 
 ad omnes iniurias exposito ac supinato, introvocata Charite 
 masculis animis impetuque diro fremens invadit ac super- 
 sistit sicarium. 
 
 "En,", inquit, "lidus coniugis mei comes, en venator 
 
 10 egregius, en earns maritus. Haec est ilia dextera, quae 
 meum sanguinem fudit, hoc pectus, quod fraudulentas 
 ambages in meum concinnavit exitium, oculi isti, quibus 
 male placui, qui quodam modo futuras tenebras auspicantes 
 venientes poenas antecedunt. Quiesce securus, beate som- 
 
 15 niare, Non ego te gladio, non f erro petam ; absit, ut simili 
 mortis genere cum marito meo coaequeris. Vivo tibi 
 morientur oculi nee quicquam videbis nisi dormiens. Faxo, 
 feliciorem necem inimici tui quam vitam tuam sentias. 
 Lumen certe non videbis, manu comitis indigebis, Chariten 
 
 20 non tenebis, nuptias non frueris, nee mortis quiete recreaberis 
 nee vitae voluptate laetaberis, sed incertum simulacrum 
 errabis inter Orcum et solem et diu quaeres dexteram, quae 
 tuas ex})Ugnavit pupulas, quodque est in aerumna miserri- 
 mum, nescies de quo queraris. At ego sepulchro mei 
 
 25Tlepolemi tuo luminum cruore libabo et Sanctis manibus 
 eius istis oculis })arental)o. Hcd (piid mora temporis dignum 
 cruciatum lucraris et nieos forsitan tibi pestiferos imaginaris 
 amplexus ? Relictis somnolentis tenebris ad aliam poenalem 
 evigila caliginem. Attolle vacuam faciem, vindictam re- 
 
 30 cognosce, inroitiiiiiuin intellege, aerumnas conqjuta. Sic 
 ])udi(;a(! mulicri tui |»hu!uerunt oculi, sic faces nuptiales 
 tuos illuiiiiuariint tlialamos. Ultrices habebis pronubas
 
 TLEPOLEMUS AND CHAKITE 37 
 
 et orbitatem comitem et perpetuae conscientiae stim- 
 ulum." 
 
 Ad hunc modum vaticinata niulier acu crinali capite 
 depromta Thrasylli convulnerat tota lumina eumque prorsus 
 exoculatum relinqueus, dum dolore nescio crapulam cum 5 
 somno discutit, arrepto nudo gladio, quo se Tlepolemus 
 solebat incingere, per mediam civitatem cursu furioso pro- 
 ripit se et procul dubio nescio quod scelus gestieus recta 
 monumentum mariti contendit. At nos et omnis populus, 
 nudatis totis aedibus, studiose coiisequimur hortati mutuo 10 
 ferrum vesanis extorquere manibus. 
 
 Sed Charite capulum Tlepolenii propter assistens gladioque 
 fulgenti singulos abigens, ubi fietus uberes et lamentationes 
 varias cunctorum intuetur, " Abicite," inquit, " importunas 
 lacrimas, abicite luctum meis virtutibus alienum. Vindi-15 
 cavi in niei mariti cruentum peremptorem, punita sum 
 funestum mearum nuptiarum praedonem. lam tempus est 
 ut isto gladio deorsus ad meum Tlepolemum viam quaeram." 
 
 Et enarratis ordine singulis, quae sibi per somnium nun- 
 tiaverat maritus quoque astu Thrasyllum inductum petisset, 20 
 ferro sub papillam dexteram transadacto cbrruit et in suo 
 sibi pervolutata sanguine postremo balbuttiens incerto 
 sermone efflavit animam virilem. Tunc propere familiares 
 miserae Charites accuratissime corpus ablutum unita sepul- 
 tura ibidem marito perpetuam coniungem reddidere. 25 
 
 Thrasyllus vero cognitis omnibus, nequiens idoneum 
 exitura praesenti cladi reddere certusque tanto facinori nee 
 gladium sufficere, sponte delatus ibidem ad sepulchrum", 
 " Ultronea vobis, infesti Manes, en adest victima " saepe 
 clamitans, valvis super sese diligenter obseratis inediaso 
 statuit elidere sua sententia damnatum spiritum.
 
 VI 
 
 EATEN ALIVE 
 
 Servus quidam, cui cunctam familiae tutelam dominus 
 permiserat suus quique possessionem maximain illam, in 
 quam deverteramus, villicabat, habens ex eodem famulitio 
 conservam coniugam, liberae cuiusdam extrariaeque mulieris 
 
 5 flagrabat cupidine. Quo dolore paelicatus uxor eius instricta 
 cunctas mariti rationes et quicquid horreo reconditum con- 
 tinebatur adnioto combussit igne. 
 
 Nee tali damno tori sui contumeliam vindicasse contenta, 
 iam contra sua saeviens viscera laqueum sibi nectit infantu- 
 
 lolumque, quern de eodem marito iam dudum susceperat, 
 eodem funiculo nectit seque per altissimum puteum adpen- 
 dicem parvulum trahens praecipitat. Quam mortem domi- 
 nus eorum aegerrime sustinens adreptum servulum, qui 
 causam tanti sceleris uxori suae praestiterat, nudum ac 
 
 15totum melle perlitum iirmiter alligavit arbori ficulneae, 
 cuius in ipso carioso stipite inhabitantium formicarum 
 iiidititda borriebant et ultro citro commeabant multiiuga 
 scaturrigine. 
 
 Quae simul dulcem ac mellitum corporis nidorem per- 
 
 20 sentiscunt, parvis quidem, sed numerosis et continuis morsi- 
 unculis penitus inhaerentes, i)er longi teniporis cruciatum 
 ita, carnibus atque ipsis visceribus adesis, homine consumpto 
 membra nudarunt, ut ossa tantum viduata pulpis nitore 
 nimio candentia funestae cohaererent arbori. 
 
 .88
 
 VII 
 
 THE LOST SLIPPERS 
 
 Barbarus iste cum necessariam profectionem pararet 
 pudicitiamque carae coniugis conservare summa diligentia 
 cuperet, servulum suum Myrmecem fidelitate praecipua 
 cognitum secreto commonet suaeque dominae custodelam 
 omnem permittit, carcerem et perpetua vincula, mortem 5 
 denique violentam defamem comminatus, si quisquam 
 hominum vel in transitu digito tenus eam contigisset, idque 
 deierans etiam coniirmat per omnia divina numina. 
 
 Ergo igitur summo pavore perculsum Myrmecem acer- 
 rimum relinquens uxori secutorem, securam dirigit profec- 10 
 tionem. Tunc obstinato animo vehementer anxius Myrmex 
 nee usquam dominam suam progredi sinebat et lanificio 
 domestico destrictam inseparabilis adsidebat ac tantum 
 necessario vespertini lavacri progressu adiixus atque couglu- 
 tinatus extremas manu prendens lacinias, mira sagacitate 15 
 commissae provinciae fidem tuebatur. 
 
 Sed ardentem Philesitheri vigilantiam matronae nobilis 
 pulchritudo latere non potuit. Atque hac ipsa potissimum 
 famosa castitate et insignis tutelae nimietate instinctus at- 
 que inflammatus, quidvis facere, quidvis pati paratus, ad 20 
 expugnandam tenacem domus disciplinam totis accingitur 
 viribus certusque fragilitatis humanae fidei et quod pecuniae 
 cunctae sint difficultates perviae auroque soleant adaman- 
 tinae etiam perfringi fores, opportune uanctus Myrmecis 
 solitatem, ei amorem suum aperit et supplex eum medellam 25 
 
 39
 
 40 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 cruciatui deprecatur ; nam sibi statutam decretamque 
 mortem proximare, ni maturius cupito potiatur ; nee eum 
 tamen quicquam in re facili formidare deLere, quippe cum 
 vespera solus iide tenebrarum coutectus atque absconditus 
 
 5 introrepere et intra momentum temporis remeare posset. 
 
 His et huiusce modi suadelis validum addebat cuneum, qui 
 
 rigentem prorsus servi tenacitatem violenter diffinderet ; 
 
 porrecta enim manu sua demonstrat ei novitate nimia can- 
 
 dentes solidos aureos, quorum viginti quidem puellae destin- 
 
 10 asset, ipsi vero decem libenter offerret. Exhorruit Myrmex 
 inauditum facinus et occlusis auribus effugit protinus. 
 Nee auri tamen splendor fiammeus oculos ijjsius exire 
 potuit, sed quam procul semotus et domum celeri gradu 
 pervectus, videbat tamen decora ilia monetae lumina et 
 
 15 opulentam praedam iam tenebat animo miroque mentis salo 
 et cogitationum dissensione misellus in diversas sententias 
 carpebatur ac distrahebatur ; illic fides, hie lucrum, illic eru- 
 ciatus, hie voluptas. Ad postremum tamen formidinem 
 mortis vicit aurum. 
 
 20 iSTec saltem spatio cupido formonsae pecuniae leniebatur, 
 sed nocturnas etiam curas invaserat pestilens avarita, ut, 
 quamvis erilis eum comminatio domi cohiberet, aurum tamen 
 foras evocaret. Tunc, devorato pudore et dimota cuncta- 
 tione, sic ad aures dominae mandatum perfert. Nee a 
 
 25 genuina levitate descivit niulier, sed execrando metallo 
 pudicitiam suam ])rotinus auctorata est. 
 
 Ita gaudio perfusus ad suae iidei praecipitium properat 
 Myrmex, non modo capere, verum saltem contingere, quam 
 exitio suo viderat, ])e('uniam cui)iens, et magnis suis labori- 
 
 .30 bus perfectum desid(!riuni Philesithero laetitia percitus 
 nuntiat statimque destinatum praemium reposcit, et tenet 
 nummos aureos manus Myrmecis, quae nee aereos norat.
 
 THE LOST SLIPPERS 41 
 
 lamque nocte promota solum perducit ad domum pro- 
 beque capite contectum amatorem strenuum infert adusque 
 dominae cubiculum. 
 
 Contra omnium opinionem captata noctis opportunitate 
 improvisus maritus adsistit suae domus ianuam. lam 5 
 pulsat, iam clamat, iam saxo fores verberat et ipsa tarditate 
 magis magisque suspectus dira comminatur Myrmeci 
 supplicia. 
 
 At ille repentino malo perturbatus et misera trepidatione 
 ad inopiam eonsilii deductus, quod solum poterat, nocturnas 10 
 tenebras sibi causabatur obsistere, quin clavem curiose 
 absconditam repperiret. Interdum Pliilesitherus cognito 
 strepitu raptim tunicas iniectus, sed plane prae turbatione 
 pedibus intectis procurrit cubiculo. Tunc Myrmex tandem 
 clave pessulis subiecta repandit fores et recipit etiam tunc 15 
 fidem deum boantem dominum eoque propere cubiculum 
 petente clandestino transcursu dimittit Pbilesitherum. Quo 
 iam pro limine liberato securus sui clausa domo rursum se 
 reddidit quieti. 
 
 Sed dum prima luce Barbarus procedit cubiculo, videt sub 20 
 lectulo soleas incognitas, quibus inductus Philesitherus 
 inrepserat suspectisque e re nata quae gesta sunt, non uxori, 
 non ulli familiarium cordolio patefacto, sublatis iis et in 
 sinum furtim absconditis, iusso tantum Myrmece per con- 
 servos vincto forum versus adtrahi, tacitos secum mugitus 25 
 iterans rapidum dirigit gressum, certus solearum indicio 
 vestigium adulteri posse se perfacile indipisei. 
 
 Sed ecce per plateam dum Barbarus vultu turgido sub- 
 ductisque superciliis incedit iratus ac pone eum Myrmex 
 vinculis obrutus, non quidem coram noxae prehensus, con- 30 
 scientia tamen pessima permixtus lacrimis uberibus ac 
 postremis lamentationibus inefticacem commovet misera-
 
 42 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 tionem, opportune Philesitherus occurrens, quanquam 
 diverso quodam negotio destiuatus, repentina tamen facie 
 permotiis, non enim deterritus, recolens festinationis suae 
 delictum ac cetera consequenter suspicatus sagaciter ex- 
 
 5 temple sumpta familiari constantia, dimotis servulis invadit 
 cum summo clamore Myrmecem pugnisque malas eius 
 clementer obtundens, " At te," inquit, " nequissimum et 
 periurum caput, dominus iste tuus et cuncta caeli numina, 
 quae deierando temere devorasti, pessimum pessime per- 
 
 10 duint, qui de balneis soleas hesterna die mihi furatus es, 
 dignus, qui et ista vincula conteras et insuper carceris etiam 
 tenebras perferas." 
 
 Hac opportuna fallacia vigorati invenis inductus, immo 
 sublatus et ad credulitatem delapsus Barbarus, postliminio 
 
 15 domum regressus, vocato Myrmece, soleas illas offerens et 
 ignovit ex animo et uti domiuo redderet, cui surripuerat, 
 suasit.
 
 VIII 
 THE FULLEE'S WIFE 
 
 Contubernalis mei fullonis uxor, alioquin servati pudoris 
 ut videbatur, femina, quae semper secuiido rumore gloriosa 
 larem mariti pudice gubernabat, occulta libidine prorumpit 
 in adulterum quempiam. 
 
 Ergo nostra repents turbata praesentia, subitario ducta 5 
 consilio, eundem ilium subiectum contegit viminea cavea, 
 quae fustium flexu tereti in rectum aggerata cumulum 
 lacinias circumdatas suffusa candido fumo sulpuris inalba- 
 bat, eoque iam ut sibi videbatur, tutissime celato mensam 
 nobiscum secura participat. Interdum acerrimo gravique 10 
 odore sulpuris iuvenis inescatus atque obnubilatus inter- 
 cluso spiritu diffluebat, utque est ingenium vivacis metalli, 
 crebras ei sternutationes commovebat. Atque ut primum 
 e regions mulieris pone tergum eius maritus accspsrat' 
 sonum sternutationis — quod enim putaret ab ea prof ectum 15 
 -^solito sermone salutem ei fuerat imprecatus et iterato 
 rursum et frequentato saepius, donee rei nimietate com- 
 motus quod rss erat tandem suspicatur. 
 
 Et impulsa mensa protenus remotaque cavsa producit 
 hominsm crebros anhelitus aegre rsflantem inflammatusque 20 
 indignations contumeliae, gladium flagitans, iugulare mori- 
 turum gestiebat, ni respecto communi periculo vix eum ab 
 impetu furioso cohibuissem adsevsrans brsvi absque noxa 
 nostri suapte inimicum eius violentia sulpuris psriturum. 
 
 43
 
 44 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 Nec suadela mea, sed ipsius rei necessitate lenitus, quippe 
 iam semivivum, ilium in proximum deportat angiportum. 
 Turn uxorem eius tacite suasi ac denique persuasi secederet 
 paululum atque ultra limen tabernae ad quampiam tantisper 
 5 deverteret familiarem sibi mulierem, quoad spatio fervens 
 mariti sedaretur animus, qui tanto calore tantaque rabie 
 perculsus non erat dubius aliquid etiam de se suaque 
 coniuge tristius profecto cogitare. Talium contubernalis 
 epularum taedio fugatus larem reveni meum.
 
 IX 
 
 THE THREE BEOTHERS 
 
 Namque is adultis iam tribus liberis doctrina instructis 
 et verecundia praeditis vivebat gloriosus. His adulescenti- 
 bus erat cum quodam paupere modicae casulae domino 
 vetus familiaritas. At enim casulae parvulae conterminos 
 magnos et beatos agros possidebat vicinus potens et dives 5 
 et iuvenis, sed prosapiae maiorum gloria male utens pollens- 
 que factionibus et cuncta facile faciens in civitate ; hie 
 hostili modo vicini tenuis incursabat pauperiem pecua truci- 
 dando, boves abigendo, fruges adhuc immaturas obterendo. 
 
 lamque tota frugalitate spoliatum ipsis etiam glebulis ex- lo 
 terminare gestiebat finiumque inani commota quaestione 
 terram totam sibi vindicabat. Tunc agrestis, verecundus 
 alioquin, avaritia divitis iam spoliatus, ut suo saltem sepul- 
 cliro paternum retineret solum, amicos plurimos ad demon- 
 strationem finium trepidans eximie corrogarat, Aderant 15 
 inter alios tres illi fratres cladibus amici quantulum quan- 
 tulum ferentes auxilium. 
 
 Nee tamen ille vesanus tantillum praesentia multorum 
 civium territus vel etiam confusus, licet non rapinis, saltem 
 verbis temperare voluit, sed illis clementer expostulantibus 20 
 fervidosque eius mores blanditiis permulcentibus repente 
 suam suorumque carorum salutem quam sanctissime 
 adiurans adseverat parvi se pendere tot mediatorum prae- 
 sentiam, denique vicinum ilium auriculis per suos servulos 
 sublatum de casula longissime statimque proiectum iri. 25 
 Quo dicto insignis indignatio totos audientium pertemptavit 
 animos. 
 
 45
 
 46 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 Tunc unus e tribus fratribus incunctanter et paulo 
 liberius respondit frustra eum suis opibus confisum tyran- 
 nica superbia comminari, cum alioquin pauperes etiam lib- 
 eral! legum praesidio de insolentia locupletum consueverint 
 
 5 vindicari. Quod oleum flammae, quod sulpur incendio, 
 quod flagellum Furiae, hoc et iste sermo truculentiae homi- 
 nis nutrimento fuit. 
 
 lamque ad extremam insaniam vecors, suspendium sese et 
 totis illis et ipsis legibus mandare proclamans, canes pas- 
 
 10 toricios villaticos feros atque immanes, adsuetos abiecta per 
 agros esitare cadavera, praeterea etiam transeuntium via- 
 torum passivis morsibus alumnatos, laxari atque in eorum 
 exitium inhortatos immitti praecepit. Qui simul signo so- 
 lito pastorum incensi atque inflammati sunt, furiosa rabie 
 
 isconciti et latratibus etiam absonis horribiles eunt in ho- 
 mines eosque variis adgressi vulneribus distrahunt ac 
 lacerant nee fugientibus saltern compercunt, sed eo magis 
 inritatiores secuntur. 
 
 Tunc inter confertam trepidae multitudinis stragem e 
 
 20 tribus iunior oifenso lapide atque obtunsis digitis terrae 
 prosternitur saevisque illis et ferocissimis canibus instruit 
 nefariam dapem ; protenus enim nancti praedam iacentem 
 miserum ilium adolescentem frustatim discerpunt. Atque 
 ut eius letalem ululatum cognovere ceteri fratres, accurrunt 
 
 25 raaesti suppetias obvolutiscpie lacinia laevis manibus lapi- 
 dum crebris iactibus propuguare fratri atque abigere canes 
 adgrediuntur. 
 
 Nee tamen eorum ferociam vel conterrere vel expugnare 
 potuere, quippe cum miserrimus adulescens ultima voce 
 
 30 prolata, vindicarent de pollutissimo divite mortem fratris 
 iunioris, ilico laniatus interisset. Tunc reliqui fratres non 
 tam hercules desperata quam ultro ueglecta sua salute con-
 
 thp: three brothers 47 
 
 tendunt ad divitem atque ardentibus animis impetuque 
 vesano lapidibus crebris in euin velitantur. At ille cruen- 
 tus et multis ante flagitiis similibus exercitatus percussor 
 iniecta lancea duorum alteram per pectus medium transa- 
 degit. ■ Nee tamen peremptus ac prorsum exanimatus 5 
 adulescens ille terrae concidit ; nam telura transvectum 
 atque ex maxima parte pone tergum elapsum soloque nisus 
 violentia defixum rigore librato suspenderat corpus. Sed 
 et quidam de servulis procerus et validus sicario illi ferens 
 auxilium lapide contorto tertii illius iuvenis dexterum 10 
 brachium longo iactu petierat, sed impetu casso per extre- 
 mes digitos transcurrens lapis contra omnium opinionem 
 deciderat innoxius. 
 
 Non nullam tamen sagacissimo iuveni proventus huma- 
 nior vindictae speculam subministravit. Ficta namque 15 
 manus suae debilitate sic crudelissimum iuvenem compellat : 
 " Fruere exitio totius nostrae familiae et sanguine trium 
 fratrum insatiabilem tuam crudelitatem pasce et de pros- 
 tratis tuis civibus gloriose triumpba, dum scias, licet pri- 
 vate suis possessionibus paupere fines usque et usque 20 
 proterminaveris, habiturum te tamen vicinum aliquem. 
 Nam haec etiam dextera, quae tuum prorsus amputasset 
 caput, iniquitate fati contusa decidit." 
 
 Quo sermone alioquin exasperatus, furiosus latro rapto 
 gladio sua miserrimum iuvenem manu perempturus invadit 25 
 avidus. Nee tamen sui molliorem provocarat ; quippe in- 
 sperato et longe contra eius opinionem resistens iuvenis 
 complexu fortissimo arripit eius dexteram magnoque nisu 
 ferro librato multis et crebris ictibus inpuram elidit divitis 
 animam et, ut accurrentium etiam familiarium manu se 30 
 liberaret, confestim adhuc inimici sanguine delibuto mu- 
 crone gulam sibi prorsus exsecuit.
 
 X 
 
 THE ENAMOEED STEPMOTHER 
 
 Dominus aediiim habebat iuvenein lilium probe litteratum 
 atque ob id consequenter pietate, modestia praecipuum, 
 quern tibi quoqiie provenisse cuperes vel talem. Huius 
 matre multo ante defuncta rursum matrimonium sibi re- 
 
 5 paraverat ductaque alia filium procreaverat alium, qui 
 adaeque iam duodecimum amium aetatis supercesserat. 
 
 Sed noverca forma magis quam moribus in domo mariti 
 praepollens, seu naturaliter impudica seu fato ad extremum 
 impulsa flagitium, oculos ad privignum adiecit. Iain ergo, 
 
 10 lector optime, scito te tragoediam, non fabulam legere et a 
 socco ad coturnum ascendere. Sed mulier ilia, quamdiu 
 primis elementis Cupido jjarvulus nutriebatur, inbecillis 
 adhuc eius virilms facile fervorem tenuem deprimens silentio 
 resistebat. At ubi completis igne vesano totis praecordiia 
 
 15 inmodice baceluitus Amor exaestuabat, saevienti deo iam 
 suecubuit, et languore simulato vulnus animi mentitur in 
 corporis valetudine. 
 
 Iam cetera salutis vultusque detrimenta et aegris et 
 amantibus examussim con venire nemo qui nesciat: pallor 
 
 2odeforinis, marcentes oculi, lassa genua, quies turbida et 
 suspiritus cruciatus tarditate vehementior. Crederes et 
 ilhmi fiuctuare tantuiii va})()ri])us f('l)viuin, nisi quod et 
 fleljat. lieu niedicorum ignarae mentes, quid venae piilsus, 
 quid coloris intemperantia, quid fatigatus anhelitus et 
 
 48
 
 THE ENAMORED STEPMOTHER 49 
 
 utrimqueseciis iactatae crebriter laterum mutuae vicissitu- 
 dines ? Dii boni, quam facilis licet non artitici medico, 
 cuivis tamen docto Veneriae cupidinis comprehensio, cum 
 videas aliquem sine corporis calore flagrantem. 
 
 Ergo igitur inpatientia furoris altius agitata diutinum 5 
 rupit silentmm et ad se vocari praecipit filium — quod 
 nomen in eo, si posset, ne ruboris admoneretur, libenter 
 eraderet. Nee adulescens aegrae parentis moratus imperium, 
 senili tristitie striatam gerens frontem, cubiculum petit, 
 uxori patris matrique fratris utcumque debitum sistens 10 
 obsequium. Sed ilia cruciabili silentio diutissime fatigata 
 et ut in quodam vado dubitationis haerens omne verbum, 
 quod praesenti sermoni putabat aptissimum, rursum impro- 
 bans nutante etiam nunc pudore, unde potissimum caperet 
 exordium, decunctatur. 15 
 
 At iuvenis nihil etiam tunc sequius suspicatus summisso 
 vultu rogat ultro praesentis causas aegritudinis. Tunc ilia 
 nancta solitudiuis damnosam occasionem prorumpit in 
 audaciam et ubertim adlacrimans laciniaque contegens 
 faciem voce trepida sic eum breviter adfatur : " Causa omnis 20 
 et origo praesentis doloris et etiam medela ipsa et salus 
 unica mihi tute ipse es. Isti enim tui oculi per meos oculos 
 ad intima delapsi praecordia meis medullis acerrimum com- 
 movent incendium. Ergo miserere tua causa pereuntis nee 
 te religio patris omnino deterreat, cui morituram prorsus 25 
 servabis uxorem. Illius enim recognoscens imaginem in 
 tua facie merito te diligo. Habes solitudinis plenam 
 fiduciam, habes capax necessarii facinoris otium. Nam 
 quod nemo novit, paene non tit." 
 
 Repentino malo perturbatus adolescens, quanquam tale 30 
 facinus protinus exhorruisset, non tamen negationis in- 
 tempestiva severitate putavit exasperandum, sed cautae
 
 50 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 promissionis dilatione lenieudum. Ergo prolixe pollicetur 
 et, bonum caperet animum refectionique se ac saluti 
 redderet, impendio suadet, donee patris aliqua profeetione 
 liberum voluptati concederetur spatium, statiinque se refert 
 
 5 a noxio conspectu novercae. Et tarn magnam domus 
 cladem ratus indigere consilio pleniore ad quendam com- 
 pertae gravitatis educatorem senem protinus refert. Xec 
 quicquam diutina deliberatione tam salubre visum quam 
 fuga celeri procellam fortunae saevientis evadere. 
 
 10 Sed impatiens vel exiguae dilationis mulier ficta qualibet 
 causa confestim marito miris persuadet artibus ad longis- 
 sime dissitas festiuare villulas. Quo facto maturatae spei 
 vesania praeceps promissae libidinis flagitat vadimonium. 
 Sed iuvenis, modo istud modo aliud causae faciens, execra- 
 
 15 bilem frustratur eius conspectum, quoad ilia, nuntiorum 
 varietate pollicitationem sibi denegatam manifesto per- 
 spiciens, mobilitate lubrica nefarium amorem ad longe 
 deterius transtulisset odium. 
 
 Et adsumpto statim nequissimo et ad omne facinus 
 
 20emancipato quodam dotali servulo perlidiae suae consilia 
 communicat ; nee quicquam melius videtur quam vita mise- 
 rum privare iuvenem. Ergo missus continuo furcifer 
 venenum praesentarium comparat idque vino diligenter 
 dilutum insontis privigni praeparat exitio. Ac dum de 
 
 LT) oblationis opportunitate secum noxii deliberant homines, 
 forte fortuna puer ille iunior, pr()i)rius pessimae feminae 
 filius, post matutinum lalwrem studiorum domum se re- 
 cipiens, prandio iam capto sitiens repertum vini poculum, 
 in quo venenum latebat inclusum, nescius fraudis occultae 
 
 ;«) cont iiiiio pfrduxit liaustu. 
 
 Atque uhi frati'i suo ])aratani mortem ebibit, exanimis 
 terrae procumbit, illicoque repentina pueri pernicie paeda-
 
 THE ENAMORED STEPMOTHER 51 
 
 gogus commotus ululabili clamore matrem totamque ciet 
 familiam, lamque cognito casu noxiae potionis varie quis- 
 que praesentium auctores insimulabant extremi facinoris. 
 Sed dira ilia femina et malitiae novercalis exemplar unicum 
 non acerba filii morte, non parricidii conscientia, non infor- 5 
 tuuio domus, non luctu mariti vel aerumna funeris commota 
 cladem familiae in vindictae compendium traxit, missoque 
 protinus cursore, qui vianti marito domus expugnationem 
 nuntiaret, ac mox eodem ocius ab itinere regresso per- 
 sonata nimia temeritate insimulat privigni veneno filium 10 
 suum interceptum. 
 
 Et hoc quidem non adeo mentiebatur, quod iam destinatam 
 iuveni mortem praevenisset puer, sed fratrem iuniorem 
 fingebat ideo privigni scelere peremptum, quod eius pro- 
 brosae libidini, qua se comprimere temptaverat, noluisset 15 
 succumbere. Nee tam inmanibus contenta mendaciis adde- 
 bat sibi quoque ob detectum flagitium eundem ilium gla- 
 dium comminari. Tunc infelix duplici iiliorum morte 
 percussus magnis aerumnarum procellis aestuat. Nam et 
 iuniorem incoram sui funerari videbat et alterum ob inces- 20 
 tum parrieidiumque capitis scilicet damnatum iri certo 
 sciebat. Ad hoc uxoris dilectae uimium mentitis lamenta- 
 tionibus ad extremum subolis impellebatur odium. 
 
 Vixdum pompae funebres et sepultura filii fuerant ex- 
 plicatae, et statim ab ipso eius rogo senex infelix, ora sua 25 
 recentibus adhue rigans lacrimis trahensque cinere sorden- 
 tem canitiem, foro se festinus immittit. Atque ibi tum 
 fletu, tum precibus genua etiam decurionum contingens 
 nescius fraudium pessimae mulieris in exitium reliqui filii 
 plenis operabatur affectibus : ilium incestum paterno 30 
 thalamo, ilium parricidam fraterno exitio et in comminata 
 novercae caede sicarium. Tanta denique miseratione tan-
 
 52 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 taque indignatione curiam, sed et plebem maerens inflamma- 
 verat, ut remoto iudicandi taedio et accusatiouis manifestis 
 probationibus et responsionis uieditatis ambagibus cuncti 
 couclamariiit lapidibus obrutum publicum malum publics 
 
 5 vindicari. 
 
 Magistratus interim metu periculi proprii, ne de parvis 
 indignationis elementis ad exitium disciplinae civitatisque 
 seditio procederet, partim decuriones deprecari, partim 
 populares compescere, ut rite et more maiorum iudicio red- 
 
 lodito et utrimquesecus allegationibus examinatis civiliter 
 
 senteutia promeretur nee ad instar barbaricae feritatis vel 
 
 tyrannicae impotentiae damnaretur aliquis inauditus et in 
 
 pace placida tam dirum saeculo proderetur exemplum. 
 
 Placuit salubre consilium et ilico iussus praeco pronun- 
 
 15 tiat, patres in curiam convenirent. Quibus protinus digni- 
 tatis iure consueta loca residentibus rursum praeconis 
 vocatu primus accusator incedit. Tunc demum clamatus 
 inducitur etiam reus, et exemplo legis Atticae Martiique 
 iudicii causae patronis denuntiat praeco neque priucipia 
 
 20 dicere neque miserationem commovere. 
 
 Haec ad istum modum gesta compluribus mutuo sermo- 
 cinantibus cognovi. Quibus autem verbis accusator urserit, 
 quibus rebus diluerit reus ac prorus orationes altercatio- 
 nesque neque ipse absens apud praesepium scire neque ad 
 
 25VOS quae ignoravi possum enuntiare sed quae plane com- 
 peri ad istas litteras proferam. Simul enim finita est 
 dicentium contentio, veritatem criminum fidemque proba- 
 tionibus certis instrui nee suspicionibus tantam coniecturam 
 permitti placuit atque ilium potissimum servum, qui solus 
 
 30 haec ita gesta esse scire diceretur, sisti modis omnibus 
 oportere. 
 
 Nee tantillum cruciarius ille vel fortuua tam magni
 
 THE ENAMORED STEPMOTHER 5o 
 
 iudicii vel confertae conspectu curiae vel certe noxia con- 
 scientia sua deterritus, quae ipse finxerat, quasi vera, 
 adseverare atque adserere incipit: quod se vocasset indig- 
 natus fastidio novercae iuvenis, quod, ulciscens iniuriam, 
 filii eius mandaverit necem, quod promisisset grands silentii 5 
 praemium, quod recusanti mortem sit comminatus, quod 
 venenum sua manu temperatum dandum fratri reddiderit, 
 quod ad criminis probationem reservatum poculum nec- 
 lexisse suspicatus sua postremum manu porrexerit puero. 
 
 Haec eximie ac nimis ad veritatis imaginem verberone lO 
 illo simulata cum trepidatione proferente finitum est indi- 
 cium. Nee quisquam decurionum tam aequus remanserat 
 iuveni, quin eum evidenter noxae compertum insui culleo 
 pronuntiaret. Cum iam sententiae pares, cunctorum stilis 
 ad unum sermonem congruentibus, ex more perpetuo in 15 
 urnam aeream deberent conici, quo semel conditis calculis, 
 iam cum rei fortuna transacto, nihil postea commutari 
 licebat, sed mancipabatur potestas capitis in manum carni- 
 ficis, unus e curia senior prae ceteris compertae fidei atque 
 auctoritatis praecipuae medicus orificium urnae manu con- 20 
 tegens, ne quis mitteret calculum temere, haec ad ordinem 
 pertulit : " Quod aetatis sum, vobis adprobatum me vixisse 
 gaudeo, nee patiar falsis criminibus petito reo manifestum 
 homicidium perpetrari nee vos, qui iure iurando adstricti 
 iudicatis, inductos servuli mendacio peierare. Ipse non pos- 25 
 sum calcata numinum religions conscientiam meam fallens 
 perperam pronuntiare. Ergo, ut res est, de me cognoscite. 
 
 " Furcifer iste, venenum praesentarium comparare solli- 
 citus centumque aureos solidos offerens pretium, me non 
 olim convenerat, quod aegroto cuidam dicebat necessarium, 30 
 qui morbi inextricabilis veterno vehementer implicitus 
 vitae se cruciatui subtrahere gestiret.
 
 54 LUCIUS ArULEIUS 
 
 '* At ego, perspiciens malum istum verberonem blate- 
 rantem atque inconcinne causificantem certusque aliquod 
 moliri flagitium, dedi quidem potionem, dedi ; sed futurae 
 quaestioni praecavens non statim pretium, quod offerebatur, 
 5 accepi, sed ' Ne forte aliquis,' inquam, ' istorum, quos 
 offers, aureorum nequam vel adulter repperiatur, in hoc 
 ipso sacculo conditos eos anulo tuo praenota, donee altera 
 die nummulario praesente comprobentur.' 
 
 " Sic inductus signavit pecuniam, quam exinde, ut iste 
 
 10 repraesentatus est iudicio, iussi de meis aliquem curriculo 
 
 taberna promptam adferre et en ecce perlatam coram 
 
 exhibeo. Videat et suum sigillum recognoscat. Nam 
 
 quem ad modum eius veueni frater insimulari potest, quod 
 
 iste comparaverit ? " 
 
 15 Ingens exinde verberonem corripit trepidatio et in vicem 
 
 humani coloris succedit pallor infernus perque universa 
 
 membra frigidus sudor emanabat ; tunc pedes incertis alter- 
 
 nationibus commovere, modo banc, modo illam capitis 
 
 partem scalpere et ore semiclauso balbuttiens nescio quas 
 
 20afannas effutire, ut eum nemo prorsus a culpa vacuum 
 
 merito crederet ; sed revalescente rursus astutia constan- 
 
 tissime negare et accersere mendacii non desinit medicum. 
 
 Qui praeter iudicii religionem cum tidem suam coram lace- 
 
 rari videret, multiplicato studio verberonem ilium contendit 
 
 25 redarguere, donee iussu magistratuum ministeria publica 
 
 contrectatis nequissimi servi manibus anulum ferreum 
 
 deprehensum cum signo sacculi conferunt, quae comparatio 
 
 praecedentem roboravit suspicionem. Nee rota vel eculeus 
 
 more Graecorum tormentis eius apparata iam deerant, sed 
 
 sooffirmatus mira praesumptione nullis verberibus ac ne ipso 
 
 quidem succumbit igni. 
 
 Turn medicus : " Non patiar," iuciuit, " hercules, non
 
 THE ENAMORED STEPMOTHER 5o 
 
 patiar vel contra fas de innocente isto iuvene supplicium 
 vos sumere vel hunc ludilicato nostro iudicio poenarn noxii 
 facinoris evadere. Dabo enim rei praesentis evidens argu- 
 mentum. Nam cum venerium peremptorium comparare 
 pessimus iste gestiret nee meae sectae crederem convenire 5 
 causas ulli praebere mortis nee exitio, sed saluti hominum 
 medicinam quaesitam esse didicissem, verens ne si daturum 
 me negassem, intempestiva repulsa viam sceleri subminis- 
 trarem et ab alio quopiam exitiabilem mercatus hie potionem 
 vel postremum gladio vel quovis telo nefas inclioatum per- lo 
 iiceret, dedi venenum, sed somniferum, mandragoram ilium 
 gravedinis compertae famosum et morti simillimi soporia 
 efficacem. Nee mirum desperatissimum istum latronem 
 certum extremae poenae, quae more maiorum in eum com- 
 petit, cruciatus istos ut leviores facile tolerare. Sed si vere 15 
 puer meis temperatam manibus sumpsit potionem, vivit et 
 quiescit et dormit et protinus marcido sopore discusso 
 remeabit ad diem lucidam ; quod sive peremptus est sive 
 morte praeventus est, quaeratis licet causas mortis eius 
 alias." 20 
 
 Ad istum modum seniore adorante placuit, et itur con- 
 festim magna cum festinatione ad illud sepulchrum, quo 
 corpus pueri depositum iacebat. Nemo de curia, de opti- 
 matibus nemo ac ne de ipso quidem populo quisquam, qui 
 non illuc curiose confluxerit. Ecce pater, suis ipse manibus 25 
 coperculo capuli remoto, commodum discusso mortifero 
 sopore surgentem postliminio mortis deprehendit filium 
 eumque complexus artissime, verbis impar praesenti gaudio, 
 producit ad populum. Atque ut erat adhuc feralibus ami- 
 culis instrictus atque obditus deportatur ad indicium puer. 30 
 
 lamque liquido servi nequissimi atque mulieris nequioris 
 patefactis sceleribus procedit in medium nuda Veritas et
 
 56 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 uovercae quidem perpetuum indicitur exilium, servus vero 
 patibulo suffigitur et omnium consensu bono medico sinuntur 
 aurei, opportuni somni pretium. Et illius quidem senis 
 famosa atque fabulosa fortuna providentiae divinae condig- 
 num accepit exitum, qui momento modico immo puncto 
 exiguo post orbitatis periculum adulescentium duorum 
 pater repente factus est.
 
 XI 
 
 THE JEALOUS WIFE 
 
 Maritum liabuit, cuius pater peregre proficiscens man- 
 davit uxori suae, matri eiusdem iuvenis — quod enim 
 sarcina praegnationis oneratam earn relinquebat — ut, si 
 sexus sequioris edidisset fetum, protinus quod esset editum 
 necaretur. At ilia, per absentiam mariti nata puella, insita 5 
 matribus pietate praeventa descivit ab obsequio mariti 
 eamque prodidit vicinis alumnandam, regressoque iam 
 marito natam necatamque nuntiavit. 
 
 Sed ubi flos aetatis nuptialem virgini diem flagitabat nee 
 ignaro marito dotare filiam pro natalibus quibat, quod lo 
 solum potuit, filio suo taciturn secretum aperuit. Nam et 
 oppido verebatur ne quo casu, caloris iuvenalis impetu 
 lapsus, nescius nesciam sororem incurreret. Sed pietatis 
 spectatae iuvenis et matris obsequium et sororis officium 
 religiose dispensat et arcanis domus venerabilis silentiii5 
 custodiae traditis, plebeiam facie tenus praetendens liuma- 
 nitatem, sic necessarium sanguinis sui munus adgreditur, 
 ut desolatam vicinam puellam parentumque praesidio vidua- 
 tam domus suae tutela receptaret ac mox artissimo multum- 
 que sibi dilecto contubernali, largitus de proprio dotem, 20 
 liberalissime traderet. 
 
 Sed haec bene atque optima plenaque cum sanctimonia 
 disposita feralem Fortunae nutum latere non potuerunt, 
 cuius instinctu domum iuvenis protinus se direxit saeva 
 
 57
 
 58 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 Rivalitas. Et ilico haee eadem uxor eius, quae nunc bestiis 
 propter haec ipsa fuerat addicta, coepit puellam velut 
 aemulain tori succubamque primo suspicari, dehiuc detes- 
 tari, dehinc crudelissimis laqueis mortis insidiari. Tale 
 
 5 deuique commiuiscitur facinus. 
 
 Anulo mariti surrepto rus profecta mittit quendam servu- 
 lum sibi quidem fidelem, sed de ipsa Fide pessime meren- 
 tem, qui puellae nuntiaret, quod earn iuvenis profectus ad 
 villulam vocaret ad sese, addito ut sola et sine ullo comite 
 
 10 quam maturissime perveniret. Et ne qua forte nasceretur 
 veniendi cunctatio, tradit anulum marito subtractum, qui 
 monstratus tidem verbis adstipularetur. 
 
 At ilia mandatu fratris obsequens — hoc enim nomen 
 sola sciebat — respecto etiam signo eius, quod offerebatur, 
 
 15 naviter, ut praeceptum fuerat, incomitata festinat. Sed 
 ubi fraudis extremae lapsa decipulo laqueos insidiarum ac- 
 cessit, tunc ilia uxor egregia sororem mariti libidinosae 
 furiae stimulis efferata primum quidem nudam flagris 
 ultime verberat, dehinc quod res erat clamantem quodque 
 
 20 f rustra paelicatus indignatione bulliret f ratrisque nomen 
 saepius iterantem velut mentitam atque cuncta fingentera 
 crudelissime necavit. 
 
 Tunc acerbae mortis exciti nuntiis frater et maritus ac- 
 currunt variisque lamentationibus defletam puellam tradunt 
 
 25 sepulturae. Nee iuvenis sororis suae mortem tam miseram 
 et quae minime par erat inlatam aequo tolerare quivit 
 animo, sed medullitus dolore commotus acerrimaeque bills 
 noxio furore perfusus exin flagrantissimis febribus ardebat, 
 ut ipsi quoque iam medela videretur esse necessaria. Sed 
 
 ;}() uxor, (luae iam pridem nomen uxoris cum fide perdiderat, 
 iiK'ilicuin (;oiiv('iiit (luendam notae perfidae, qui iam multa- 
 ruiii pjiluuuuiu spectatus })roeliis magna dexterae suae tro-
 
 TIIK JEALOUS WIFE 50 
 
 paea numerabat, eique protinus quinquaginta promittit 
 sestertia, ut ille quidem momentarium venenum venderet, 
 ipsa autein emeret mortem mariti sui. Quo confecto simu- 
 latur necessaria praecordiis leniendis bilique subtrahendae 
 ilia praenobilis potio, quam sacram doctiores nominant, sed 5 
 in eius vicem subditur alia Proserpinae sacra Saluti. 
 
 lamque praesente familia et nonnullis amicis et adfinibus 
 aegroto medicus poculum probe temperatum manu sua 
 porrigebat. Sed audax ilia mulier, ut simul et conscium 
 sceleris amoliretur et quam desponderat pecuniam lucrare- 10 
 tur, coram detento calice '' Non prius," inquit, " medicorum 
 optime, non prius carissimo mihi marito trades istam potio- 
 nem quam de ea bonam partem hauseris ipse. Unde enim 
 scio an noxium in ea lateat venenum? Quae res utique 
 te tarn prudentem tamque doctum virum nequaquam offen- 15 
 det, si religiosa uxor circa salutem mariti sollicita necessa- 
 riam adfero pietatem." 
 
 Qua mira desperations truculentae feminae repente per- 
 turbatus medicus excussusque toto consilio et ob angustiam 
 temporis spatio cogitandi privatus, antequam trepidatione 20 
 aliqua vel cunctatione ipsa daret malae conscientiae suspi- 
 cionem, indidem de potione gustavit ampliter. Quam 
 fidem secutus adulescens etiam, sumpto calice, quod offere- 
 batur hausit. 
 
 Ad istum modum praesenti transacto negotio medicus 25 
 quam celerrime domum remeabat, salutifera potione pestem 
 praecedentis veneni festinans extinguere. Nee eum ob- 
 stinatione sacrilega, qua semel coeperat, truculenta mulier 
 ungue latius a se discedere passa est — " Priusquam," inquit, 
 " digesta potione medicinae proventus appareat " — , sed 30 
 aegre precibus et obtestationibus eius multum ac diu fati- 
 gata tandem abire concessit. Interdum perniciem caecam
 
 60 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 totis visceribus furentem medullae penitus adtraxerant, 
 multum denique saucius et gravedine somnulenta iam de- 
 mersus domum pervadit aegerrime. Vixque, euarratis 
 cunctis, ad uxorem mandato saltern promissam mercedem 
 5 mortis geminatae deposceret, sic elisus violenter spectatis- 
 simus medicus effundit spiritum. 
 
 Nee ille tanien iuvenis diutius vitam tenuerat, sed inter 
 
 fictas mentitasque lacrimas uxoris pari casu mortis fiierat 
 
 extinctus. lamque eo sepulto, paucis interiectis diebus, 
 
 10 quis feralia mortuis litantur obsequia, uxor medici pretium 
 
 geminae mortis petens aderat. Sed mulier usquequaque 
 
 sui similis, fidei supprimens faciem, praetendens imaginem, 
 
 blandicule respoudit et omnia prolixe adcumulateque polli- 
 
 cetur et statutum praemium sine mora se reddituram con- 
 
 15 stituit, modo pauxillum de ea potione largiri sibi vellet ob 
 
 incepti negotii persecutionem. Quid pluribus ? Laqueis 
 
 fraudium pessimarum uxor inducta medici facile consensit 
 
 et, quo se gratiorem locupleti feminae faceret, properiter 
 
 domo petitam totam prorsus veneni pyxidem mulieri tradi- 
 
 20dit. Quae grandem scelerum nancta materiam longe late- 
 
 que cruentas suas manus porrigit. 
 
 Habebat filiam parvulam de marito, quern nuper necave- 
 rat. Huic infantulae quod leges necessariam patris succes- 
 sionem deferrent, sustinebat aegerrime inliiansque toto 
 25liliae patrimonio inminebat et capiti. 
 
 Ergo certa defunctorum liberorum matres sceleratas 
 hereditates excipere, talem parentem praebuit, qualem ex- 
 hibuerat uxorem, prandioque commento pro tempore et 
 uxorem medici simul et suani liliam veneno eodem percutit. 
 30 Sed parvulae quidem tenuem spiritum et delicata ac tenera 
 praecordia conlicit protinus virus infestum, at uxor medici, 
 dum noxiis ambagibus pulmones eius pererrat tempestas
 
 THE JEALOUS WIFE Gl 
 
 detestabilis potionis, primum suspicata, quod res erat, mox 
 urgente spiritu iam certo certior contendit ad ipsam prae- 
 sidis domum magnoque lidem eius protestata clamore et 
 populi concitato tumultu, utpote tarn immania detectura 
 flagitia, efficit statim sibi simul et domus et aures praesidis 5 
 patefierent. 
 
 lamque ab ipso exordio crudelissimae mulieris cunctis 
 atrocitatibus diligenter expositis, repente mentis nubilo 
 turbine correpta semihiantes adhuc compressit labias et, at- 
 tritu dentium longo stridore reddito, ante ipsos praesidis 10 
 pedes exanimis corruit. 
 
 Nee ille vir, alioquin exercitus, tarn multiforme facinus 
 excetrae venenatae dilatione languida passus marcescere, 
 confestim cubiculariis mulieris adtractis vi tormentorum 
 veritatem emit atque illam, minus quidem quam mereba-i5 
 tur, sed quod dignus cruciatus alius excogitari nou poterat, 
 certe bestiis obiciendam pronuntiavit.
 
 XII 
 
 TALE OF THE TUB 
 
 Is gracili pauperie laborans fabriles operas praebendo 
 parvis illis mercedibus vitam tenebat, Erat ei tamen 
 uxorcula etiam satis quidem tenuis et ipsa, verum tamen 
 postrema lascivia famigerabilis. Sed die quadam, dum 
 5 niatutino ille ad opus susceptum proficiscitur, statim la- 
 tenter inrepit eius hospitium temerarius adulter. 
 
 Ac dum Veneris conluctationibus securius operantur, 
 
 maritus ignarus rerum ac nihil etiam turn tale suspicans 
 
 inprovisus hospitium repetit. lamque clausis et obseratis 
 
 10 foribus uxoris laudata continentia ianuam pulsat, sibilo 
 
 etiam praesentiam suam denuntiante. 
 
 Tunc mulier callida et ad huius modi flagitia perastutula 
 tenacissimis amplexibus expeditum hominem dolio, quod 
 erat in angulo semiobrutum, sed alias vacuum, dissimulanter 
 mabscondit, et patefactis aedibus adhuc introemitem maritum 
 asjtero sermone acci])it : " Sicine vacuus et otiosus insinuatis 
 nianibus ambulabis mihi nee obito consueto labore vitae 
 nostrae prospicies et aliquid cibatui parabis ? At ego 
 misera pernox et per diem laniii(do nervos meos contorqueo, 
 20 ut intra cellulam iiostram saltern lucerna luceat. Quanto 
 me f'elicior J)ap]nie vicuna, (juae mero et prandio matutino 
 saucia cum suis adulteris volutatur ! " 
 
 Sic coniutatus iiuiritus " Kt cpiid istic est?" ait; "nam 
 
 02
 
 TALE OF THE TUB 63 
 
 licet forensi negotio officinator noster attentus ferias nobis 
 fecerit, tamen hodiernae cenulae uostrae prospexi. Vide 
 sis, ut dolium, quod semper vacuum, frustra locum detinet 
 tantum et re vera praeter impedimentum conversationis 
 nostrae niliil praestat amplius ? Istud ego quinque denariis 5 
 cuidam venditavi, et adest, ut dato pretio secum rem suam 
 ferat. Quin itaque praecingeris mihique manum tantisper 
 accommodas, ut exobrutum protinus tradatur emptori." 
 
 E re nata fallaciosa mulier temerarium tollens cachinnum, 
 " Magnum," inquit, ** istum virum acstrenuum negotiatorem lo 
 nacta sum, qui rem, quam ego mulier et intra hospitium 
 contenta iam dudum septem denariis vendidi, minoris 
 distraxit." 
 
 Additamento pretii laetus maritus " Et quis est ille," ait, 
 " qui tanto praestinavit ? " 15 
 
 At ilia " Olim, inepte," inquit, " descendit in dolium 
 sedulo soliditatem eius probaturus." 
 
 Nee ille sermoni mulieris defuit, sed exsurgens alacriter 
 " Vis," inquit, " verum scire, mater familias ? Hoc tibi 
 dolium nimis vetustum est et multifariam rimis hiantibus 20 
 quassum " ad maritumque eius dissimulanter conversus 
 " Quin tu, quicumque es, homuncio, lucernam," ait, " actutum 
 mihi expedis, ut erasis intrinsecus sordibus diligenter, 
 aptumne usui, possim dinoscere, nisi nos putas aes de malo 
 habere ? " 25 
 
 Nee quicquam moratus ac suspicatus acer et egregius ille 
 maritus accensa lucerna " Discede," inquit, " f rater, et otiosus 
 a.dsiste, donee probe percuratum istud tibi repraesentem ; " 
 et cum dicto nudatus ipse delato lumine scabiem vetustam 
 cariosae testae occipit exculpere. At vero adulter bellis-30 
 simus ille pusio inelinatam dolio pronam uxorem fabri 
 superincurvatus secure dedolabat.
 
 64 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 Ast ilia capite in dolium demisso maritum suum astu 
 meretricio tractabat ludicre ; hoc et illud et aliud et rursus 
 aliud purgandum demonstrat digito suo, donee utroque opere 
 perfecto acceptis septem denariis calamitosus faber collo 
 suo gerens dolium coactus est ad hospitium adulteri per- 
 ferre.
 
 XIII 
 
 OUPID AND PSYCHE 
 
 Erant in quadam civitate rex et regina. Hi tres numero 
 filias forma conspicuas habuere, sed maiores quidem natu, 
 quamvis gratissima specie, idonee tanien celebrari posse 
 laudibus humanis credebantur, at vero puellae iunioris tam 
 praecipua, tam praeclara pulchritudo nee exprimi ac ne 5 
 siifficienter quidem laudari sermonis humani penuria pote- 
 rat, Multi denique civium et advenae copiosi, quos eximii 
 spectaculi rumor studiosa celebritate congregabat, inaccessae 
 formonsitatis admiratione stupidi et admoventes oribus suis 
 dexteram primore digito in erectum pollicem residente earn lO 
 ut ipsam prorsus deam Venerem religiosis venerabantur ado- 
 rationibus. 
 
 lamque proximas civitates et attiguas regiones fama per- 
 vaserat deam, quam caerulum profundum pelagi peperit et 
 ros spumantiuni iluctuum educavit, iam numinis sui passim 15 
 tributa venia in mediis conversari populi coetibus, vel certe 
 rursum novo caelestium stillarum germine non maria, sed 
 terras Venerem aliam virginali flore praeditam pullulasse. 
 Sic immensum procedit in dies opinio, sic insulas iam proxu- 
 mas et terrae plusculum provinciasque plurimas fama por- 20 
 recta pervagatur. 
 
 Iam multi mortaliuni longis itineribus atque altissimis 
 maris meatibus ad saeculi specimen gloriosum confluebant. 
 Paphon nemo, Cnidon nemo ac ne ipsa quidem Cythera ad 
 
 65
 
 66 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 conspectum deae Veneris navigabant ; sacra differuntur, 
 templa deformantur, pulvinaria praetereuntur, caerimoniae 
 negleguntur ; incoronata simulacra et arae viduae f rigido 
 cinere foedatae. Puellae supplicatur et in humanis vulti- 
 
 5 bus deae tantae numina placantur, et in matutino progressu 
 virginis victimis et epulis Veneris absentis nomen propitia- 
 tur, iamque per plateas commeantem populi frequenter flori- 
 bus sertis et solutis adprecantur. 
 
 Haec honorum caelestium ad puellae mortalis cultum in- 
 
 10 modica translatio verae Veneris vehementer incendit animos 
 et inpatiens indignationis capite quassanti fremens altius 
 sic secum disserit : '' En rerum naturae prisca parens, en 
 elementorum origo initialis, en orbis totius alma Venus, 
 quae cum mortali puella partiario maiestatis honore tractor 
 
 15 et nomen meum caelo conditum terrenis sordibus profana- 
 tur ! Nimirum communi numinis piamento vicariae vene- 
 rationis incertum sustinebo et imaginem meam circumferet 
 puella moritura. Frustra me pastor ille, cuius iustitiam 
 fidemque magnus comprobavit luppiter, ob eximiam spe- 
 
 20 ciem tantis praetulit deabus. Sed non adeo gaudens ista, 
 quaecumque est, meos honores usurpabit : iam faxo eam 
 huius etiam ipsius inlicitae formonsitatis paeniteat." 
 
 Et vocat confestim puerum suum pinnatum ilium et satis 
 temerarium, qui malis suis moribus contempta disciplina 
 
 25 pul)li('a, Hamniis et sagittis arinatus, per alienas domos 
 
 nocte discurrens et onniiuni niatrimonia corrumpens im- 
 
 pune committit tanta flagitia et nihil prorsus boni facit. 
 
 Hunc, quanc^uam genuina licentia procacem, verbis quoque 
 
 iusuper stimulat et perducit ad illam civitatem et Psychen 
 
 :«} — hoc enim nomine puella uuucupabatur — coram ostendit 
 et tota ilia perlata de formonsitatis aemulatione fabula 
 gemens ac fremens indignatione : " Per ego te," inquit,
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE (37 
 
 " maternae caritatis foedera deprecor, per tuae sagittae dul- 
 cia vulnera, per flammae istius mellitas uredines, viudictam 
 tuae parent! sed plenaiu tribue et in pulchritudinem contu- 
 macem severiter vindica idque unum et pro omnibus unicum 
 volens eftice : virgo ista amore fraglantissimo teneatur ho- 5 
 minis extremi, quem et dignitatis et patrimonii simul et 
 incolumitatis ipsius Fortuna damnavit, tamque infirmi, ut 
 per totum orbem non inveniat miseriae suae comparem." 
 
 Sic effata et osculis hiantibus tilium diu ac pressule savi- 
 ata proximas oras reflui litoris petit plantisque roseis vibran- 10 
 tium fluctuum summo rore calcato ecce iam profundum maris 
 sudo resedit vertice, et ipsum quod incipit velle, quasi pri- 
 dem praeceperit, non moratur marinum obsequium. Adsunt 
 Kerei filiae chorum canentes et Portunus caerulis barbis 
 hispidus et gravis piscoso sinu Salacia et auriga parvulus 15 
 delfini Palaemon ; iam passim maria persultantes Tritonum 
 catervae hie concha sonaci leniter bucinat, ille serico teg- 
 mine flagrantiae solis obsistit inimici, alius sub oculis domi- 
 nae speculum progerit, curru biiuges alii subnatant. Talis 
 ad Oceanum pergentem Venerem comitatur exercitus. 20 
 
 Interea Psyche cum sua sibi perspicua pulchritudine 
 nullum decoris sui fructum percipit. Spectatur ab omni- 
 bus, laudatur ab omnibus nee quisquam, non rex, non 
 regius, nee de plebe saltem cupiens eius nuptiarum petitor 
 accedit. Mirantur quidem divinam speciem, sed ut simu-23 
 lacrum fabre politum mirantur omnes, 
 
 Olim duae maiores sorores, quarum temperatam formon- 
 sitatem nulli diifamarant populi, procis regibus desponsae 
 iam beatas nuptias adeptae, sed Psyche virgo vidua domi 
 residens deflet desertam suam solitudinem aegra corporis, 30 
 animi saucia et quamvis gentibus totis complacitam odit in 
 SB suam formonsitatem.
 
 68 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 Sic infortunatissimae filiae miserrimus pater suspectatis 
 caelestibus odiis et irae superum metuens dei Milesii vetus- 
 tissimum percontatur oraculum et a tanto numine precibus 
 et victimis ingratae virgin! petit nuptias et maritum. Sed 
 5 Apollo, quanquaui Graecus et lonicus, propter Milesiae con- 
 ditorem sic Latina sorte respondit 
 
 '' Montis in excelsi scopulo, rex, siste puellam 
 
 ornatam mundo fimerei thalami, 
 nee speres generum mortali stirpe creatum, 
 10 sed saevum atque ferum vipereumque malum, 
 
 quod pinnis volitans super aethera cuncta fatigat 
 
 flammaque et ferro singula debilitat, 
 quod tremit ipse lovis, quo numina terrilieantur 
 
 fluminaque borrescunt et Stygiae tenebrae." 
 
 15 Rex olim beatus affatu sanctae vaticinationis accepto pi- 
 gens tristisque retro domum pergit suaeque coniugi prae- 
 cepta sortis enodat infaustae. Maeretur, fletur, lamentatur 
 diebus plusculis. Sed dirae sortis iam urget taeter effectus. 
 lam feralium nuptiarum miserrimae virgin! choragium 
 
 20 struitur, iam taedae lumen atrae f uliginis cinere marcescit, 
 et sonus tibiae zygiae mutatur in querulum Ludii modum 
 cantusque laetus bymenaei lugubri iinitur ululatu et puella 
 nuptura deterget lacrinias ipso suo flammeo. Sic adfectae 
 domus triste latum cuncta etiam ci vitas congemebat luctu- 
 
 25 que publico confestim congruens edicitur iustitium. 
 
 Sed monitis caelestibus parendi necessitas misellam 
 Psycben ad destinatam poenam ettlagitabat. Perfectis igi- 
 tur feralis thalami cum summo maerore sollemnibus toto 
 lu-osequciitc ])()pulo vivum producitur funus ct lacrimosa 
 
 ;«) Psyche comitatur iion nuptias, sed cxequias suas. Ac dum 
 maesti parentes et tanto malo perciti nefarium facinus per-
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE 69 
 
 ficere cunctantur, ipsa ilia tilia talibus eos adhortatur voci- 
 bus. " Quid infelicem senectam fletu diutino cruciatis ? 
 Quid spiritum vestrum, qui magis meus est, crebris eiulati- 
 bus fatigatis ? Quid lacrimis inefficacibus ora mihi vene- 
 randa foedatis ? Quid laceratis in vestris oculis mea 5 
 lumina ? Quid canitiem sciuditis ? Quid pectora, quid 
 ubera sancta tunditis ? Haec erunt vobis egregiae for- 
 monsitatis meae praeclara praemia. Invidiae nefariae letali 
 plaga percussi sero sentitis. Cum gentes et populi cele- 
 brarent nos divinis honoribus, cum novam me Venerem ore lo 
 consono nuncuparent, tunc dolere, tunc fiere, tunc me iani 
 quasi peremptam lugere debuistis. lam sentio, iam video 
 solo me nomine Veneris perisse. Ducite me et cui sors ad- 
 dixit scopulo sistite. Festino felices istas nuptias obire, 
 festino generosuni ilium maritum meum videre. Quid dif- 15 
 fero, quid detrecto venientem, qui totius orbis exitio natus 
 est ? " 
 
 Sic profata virgo conticuit ingressuque iam valido pompae 
 populi prosequentis sese miscuit. Itur ad constitutum 
 scopulum montis ardui, cuius in summo cacumine statutam 20 
 puellam cuncti deserunt, taedasque nuptiales quibus prae- 
 luxerant ibidem lacrimis suis extinctas relinquentes deiectis 
 capitibus domuitionem parant. Et miseri quidem parentes 
 eius tanta clade defessi, clausae domus abstrusi tenebris, 
 perpetuae nocti sese dedidere. Psychen autem paventem 25 
 ac trepidam et in ipso scopuli vertice deflentem mitis aura 
 molliter spirantis Zephyri, vibratis hinc inde laciniis et re- 
 flato sinu sensim levatam suo tranquillo spiritu vehens 
 paulatim per devexa rupis excelsae, vallis subditae florentis 
 cespitis gremio leniter delapsam reclinat, 30 
 
 Psyche teneris et herbosis locis in ipso toro roscidi gra- 
 minis suave recubans, tanta mentis perturbatione sedata, dulce
 
 70 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 conquievit. lamque sufficienti recreata somno placido re- 
 surgit animo. Videt lucum proceris et vastis arboribus 
 consitum, videt fontem vitreo latice perlucidum ; medio 
 luci meditullio prope fontis adlapsum domus regia est, 
 
 5 aedificata non humanis manibus, sed diviuis artibus. lam 
 scies ab introitu primo dei cuiuspiam luculentum et amoe- 
 num videre te diversorium. Nam summa laquearia citro et 
 ebore curiose cavata subeunt aureae columnae, parietes 
 omnes argenteo caelamiue conteguntur bestiis et id gemis 
 
 10 pecudibus occurrentibus ob os introeuntium. Mirus pror- 
 sum homo, immo semideus vel certe deus, qui magnae artis 
 suptilitate tantum efferavit argentum. Enimvero pavi- 
 menta ipsa lapide pretioso caesim deminuto in varia pic- 
 turae genera discrimmantur ; vehementer, iterum ac saepius 
 
 15 beatos illos qui super gemmas et monilia calcant. 
 
 lam ceterae partes longe lateque dispositae domus sine 
 pretio pretiosae totique parietes solidati massis aureis 
 splendore proprio coruscant, ut diem suum sibi domus 
 faciat licet sole nolente : sic cubicula, sic portions, sic ipsae 
 
 20 valuae fulgurant. Nee setins opes ceterae maiestati domus 
 respondent, ut equidem illud recte videatur ad conversatio- 
 nem humanam magno lovi fabricatum caeleste palatium. 
 
 Invitata Psyche talium locorum oblectatione propius 
 accessit et paulo fidentior intra limen sese tacit, mox pro- 
 
 25 lectante studio pulcherrimae visionis rimatur singula et 
 altrinsecus aedium horrea sublimi fabrica perfecta mag- 
 nisque congesta gazis conspicit. Nee est quicquam, quod 
 ibi non est. Sed praeter ceteram tantarum divitiarum ad- 
 mirationem hoc erat praecipue mirificum, quod nullo vin- 
 
 .'50 culo, iiullo claustro, nullo oustode totius orbis thensaurus 
 ille muniebatur. 
 
 Haec ei summa cum voluptate visenti offert sese vox
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE " 71 
 
 quaedam corporis sui nuda et " Quid," iiiquit, " domina, 
 tantis obstupescis opilms '.' Tua sunt liaec omnia. Prohinc 
 cubiculo te refer et let^tulo lassitudinem refove et ex arbitrio 
 lavacrum pete. Kos, quarum voces accipis, tuae famulae 
 sedulo tibi praeministrabimus nee corporis curatae tibi regales 5 
 epulae morabuntur." 
 
 Sensit Psyche divinae providentiae beatitudinem mo- 
 nitusque, voces informes audieus, et prius sonino et mox 
 lavacro fatigationem sui diluit, visoque statim proximo 
 semirotundo suggestu, propter instrumentum cenatorium 10 
 rata refectui suo commodum, libeus accumbit. 
 
 Et ilico vini nectarei eduliumque variorum fercula copiosa 
 nullo serviente, sed tantum spiritu quodam impulsa submini- 
 strantur, iSTec quemquam tamen ilia videre poterat, sed 
 verba tantum audiebat excidentia et solas voces famulas 15 
 habebat. Post opimas dapes quidam introcessit et can- 
 tavit invisus et alius citharam pulsavit, quae videbatur 
 nee ipsa. Tunc modulatae multitudinis conferta vox aures 
 eius affertur, ut, quamvis hominum nemo pareret, chorus 
 tamen esse pateret. 20 
 
 Finitis voluptatibus vespera suadente concedit Psyche 
 cubitum. lamque provecta nocte clemens quidam sonus 
 aures eius accedit. Tunc virginitati suae pro tanta solitudine 
 metuens et pavet et horrescit et quovis malo plus timet quod 
 ignorat. lamque aderat ignobilis maritus et torum inscende-25 
 rat et uxorem sibi Psychen fecerat et ante lucis exortum 
 propere discesserat. 
 
 Statim voces cubiculo praestolatae novam nuptam inter- 
 fectae virginitatis curant. Haec diutino tempore sic age- 
 bantur. Atque ut est natura redditum, novitas per assiduam 30 
 consuetudinem delectationem ei commendarat et sonus vocis 
 incertae solitudinis erat solacium.
 
 72 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 Interea parentes eius indefesso luctu atque maerore con- 
 senescebant, latiusijue porrecta fama sorores illae maiores 
 cuncta cognorant propereque uiaestae attpie lugubres deserto 
 lare certatim ad parentum suorum conspectum adfatunique 
 
 5 perrexerant. Ea nocte ad suam Psyclien sic iiifit maritus — 
 namque praeter oculos et manibus et auribus sentiebatur 
 " Psyche dulcissima et cara uxor, exitiabile tibi periculum 
 minatur f ortuna saevior, quod observandum pressiore cautela 
 censeo. Sorores iam tuae mortis opinione turbatae tuumque 
 
 10 vestigium requireutes scopulum istum protinus aderunt, 
 
 quarum si quas forte lamentationes aeceperis, neque respon- 
 
 deas, immo nee prospicias omnino ; ceterum mihi quidem 
 
 gravissimum dolorem, tibi vero summum creabis exitium." 
 
 Aimuit et ex arbitrio mariti se facturam spopondit, sed 
 
 15 eo simul cum nocte dilapso diem totum lacrimis ac plangori- 
 bus misella consumit, se nunc maxime prorsus perisse iterans, 
 quae beati carceris custodia septa et humanae conversationis 
 colloquio viduata nee sororibus quidem suis de se maerenti- 
 bus opem salutarem ferre ac ne videre eas quidem omnino 
 
 20 posset. iSTec lavacro nee eibo nee ulla denique refectione 
 recreata, flens ubertim decessit ad somnum. Nee mora, 
 cum paulo maturius leetum maritus aecubans eamque etiam 
 nunc lacrimantem complexus sic expostulat " Haecine mihi 
 pollicebare, Psyche mea? Quid iam de te tuus maritus 
 
 25expecto, quid spero? Et perdia et jDcrnox nee inter am- 
 
 plexus coniugales desinis cruciatum. Age iam nunc, ut 
 
 voles, et animo tuo damnosa poscenti pareto! Tantum memi- 
 
 neris meae seriae monitionis, cum coeperis sero paenitere." 
 
 Tunc ilia precibus et dum se morituram comminatur 
 
 SOextonjuet a marito, cupitis adnuat ut sorores videat, luctus 
 mul(;eat, ora (HMiferat. Sic ille novae nuptae precibus ve- 
 niam tribuit et insuper, quibuscumque vellet eas auri vel
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE T3 
 
 monilium donare, concessit, seel identidem monuit ac saepe 
 terruit, ne quando sororum peruicioso consilio suasa de 
 forma mariti quaerat ueve se sacrilega curiositate de tanto 
 fortunarum suggestu pessuin deiciat nee suum postea con- 
 tingat amplexuni. 5 
 
 Gratias egit marito iauique laetior animo " Sed prius," 
 inquit, " centies moriar quam tuo isto dulcissimo conubio 
 caream. Amo enim et efflictim te, quicumque es, diligo 
 aeque ut meurn spiritum, nee ipsi Cupidini comparo. Sed 
 istud etiam meis precibus, oro, largire et illi tuo famulo lO 
 Zepliyro praecipe, simili vectura sorores hie mihi sistat " ; et 
 imprimens oscula suasoria et iugerens verba mulcentia et 
 inserens membra cogentia haec etiam blanditiis astruit " Mi 
 mellite, mi marite, tuae Psychae dulcis anima." Vi ac 
 potestate Venerii susurrus invitus succubuit maritus et 15 
 cuncta se facturum spopondit atque, etiam luce proxumaute, 
 de manibus uxoris evanuit. 
 
 At illae sorores percontatae scopulum locumque ilium, 
 quo fuerat Psyche deserta, festinauter adveuiunt ibique 
 dililebant oculos et plangebant ubera, quoad crebris earum 20 
 heiulatibus saxa cautesque parilem sonum resultarent. 
 lamque nomine proprio sororem miseram ciebant, quoad 
 sono penetrabili vocis ululabilis per prona delapso amens 
 et trepida Psyche procurrit e domo et " Quid," inquit, " vos 
 miseris lamentationibus necquicquam effligitis? Quam 25 
 lugetis, adsum. Lugubres voces desinite et diutiuis lacri- 
 mis madentes genas siccate tandem, quippe cum iam possitis 
 quam plangebatis amplecti." 
 
 Tunc vocatum Zephyrum praecepti maritalis admonet. 
 Nee mora, cum ille parens imperio statim clementissimis 30 
 flatibus innoxia vectura deportat illas. Iam mutuis am- 
 plexibus et festinantibus saviis sese jjerfruuntur et illae
 
 74 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 sedatae lacrimae postliminio redeunt prolectante gaudio. 
 " Sed et tectum," inquit, " et larem nostrum laetae succedite 
 et afflictas animas cum Psyche vestra recreate." 
 
 Sic allocuta summas opes domus aureae vocumque ser- 
 
 5 vieutium populosam familiam demonstrat auribus earum 
 lavacroque pulcherrimo et inhumanae mensae lautitiis eas 
 opipare relicit, ut illarum prorsus caelestium divitiarum 
 copiis affluentibus satiatae iam praecordiis penitus nutrirent 
 invidiam. Denique altera earum satis scrupulose curioseque 
 
 10 percontari non desinit, quis illarum caelestium rerum domi- 
 nus, quisve vel qualis ipsius sit maritus. 
 
 Nee tamen Psyche coniugale illud praeceptum ullo pacto 
 temerat vel pectoris arcanis exigit, sed e re nata confingit 
 esse iuvenem quendam et speciosum, commodum lanoso 
 
 15 barbitio genas inumbrantem, plerumque rurestribus ac mon- 
 tanis venatibus occupatum, et ne qua sermonis procedentis 
 labe consilium taciturn proderetur, auro facto gemmosisque 
 monilibus onustas eas statim vocato Zephyro tradit repor- 
 tandas. 
 
 20 Quo protenus perpetrate sorores egregiae domum re- 
 deuntes iamque gliscentis invidiae felle fraglantes multa 
 secum sermonibus mutuis perstrepebant. Sic denique infit 
 altera " En orba et saeva et iniqua Fortuna ! Hocine tibi 
 complacuit, ut utroque parente prognatae diversam sortem 
 
 '2r> sustineremus ? Et nos quidem, quae natu maiores sumus, 
 maritis advenis ancillae deditae, extorres et lare et ipsa 
 patria degamus longe parentum velut exulantes, haec autem 
 novissinia, ({uam fetu satiante postremus partus effudit, 
 tantis opibus et deo marito i)()tita sit, quae nee uti recte 
 
 ;jo tanta bonorum copia novit ? Vidisti, soror, quanta in domo 
 iacent et qualia monilia, quae praenitent vestes, quae splen- 
 dicant gemmae, quantum praeterea passim calcatur aurum.
 
 CUriD AND PSYCHE 75 
 
 *' Quodsi maritum etiam tarn formonsum tenet, ut affirmat, 
 nulla nunc in orbe toto felicior vivit. Fortassis tamen pro- 
 cedente consuetudine et adfectione roborata deam quoque 
 illam deus maritus efficiet. Sic est hercules, sic se gerebat 
 ferebatque. lam iam sursum respicit et deam spirat mu- 5 
 lier, quae voces ancillas habet et ventis ipsis imperat. At 
 ego misera primum patre meo senioreni maritum sortita 
 sum, dein cucurbita calviorem et quovis puero pusilliorem, 
 cunctam domum seris et catenis obditam custodientem," 
 
 Suscipit alia " Ego vero maritum articulari etiam morbo 10 
 complicatum curvatumque ac per hoc rarissimo venerem 
 meam recollentem sustineo, plerumque detortos et duratos 
 in lapidem digitos eius perfricans, fomentis olidis et pannis 
 sordidis et faetidis cataplasmatibus manus tam delicatas 
 istas adurens nee uxoris officiosam faciem, sed medicae 15 
 laboriosam personam sustinens. i^ 
 
 " Et tu quidem soror videris, quam patienti vel potius 
 servili — dicam enim libere quod sentio — haec perferas 
 animo ; enimvero ego nequeo sustinere ulterius tam beatam 
 fortunam allapsam indignae. Recordare enim, quam su-20 
 perbe, quam adroganter nobiscum egerit et ipsa iactatione 
 immodicae ostentationis tumentem suum prodiderit ani- 
 mum deque tantis divitiis exigua nobis invita proiecerit 
 confestimque praesentia nostra gravata propelli et efflari 
 exsibilarique nos iusserit. Nee sum mulier nee omnino 25 
 spiro, nisi eam pessum de tantis opibus deicero. 
 
 " Ac si tibi etiam, ut par est, inacuit nostra contumelia, 
 consilium validum requiramus ambae. lamque ista, quae 
 ferimus, non parentibus nostris ac nee ulli monstremus alii, 
 immo nee omnino quicquam de eius salute norimus. Sat 30 
 est quod ipsae vidimus quae vidisse paenituit, nedum ut 
 genitoribus et omnibus populis tam beatum eius differamus
 
 76 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 praeconium. Nee sunt eniin beati, quorum divitias nemo 
 novit. Sciet se non ancillas, sed sorores habere maiores. 
 Et nunc quidem concedamus ad maritos et lares pauperes 
 nostros, sed plane sobrios revisamus diuque cogitationibus 
 
 5 pressioribus instructae, ad superbiam poeniendam firmiores 
 redeamus." 
 
 Placet pro bono duabus malis malum consilium totisque 
 illis tarn pretiosis muneribus absconditis comam trahentes 
 et proinde ut merebantur ora lacerantes simulatos redinte- 
 
 10 grant fletus. Ac sic parentes quoque redulcerato prorsum 
 dolore raptim deterrentes, vesania turgidae, domus suas 
 contendunt dolum scelestum, immo vero parricidium stru- 
 entes contra sororem insontem. 
 
 Interea Psychen maritus ille, quem nescit, rursum suis 
 
 15 illis nocturnis sermonibus sic commonet " Videsne, quan- 
 tum tibi periculum? Velitatur Fortuna eminus, ac nisi 
 longe lirmiter praecaves, mox comminus congredietur, 
 Perlidae lupulae magnis conatibus nefarias insidias tibi 
 comparant, quarum summa est, ut te suadeant meos explo- 
 
 20 rare vultus, quos, ut tibi saepe praedixi, non videbis si 
 videris. 
 
 " Ergo igitur si posthac pessimae illae lamiae noxiis animis 
 armatae venerint — venient autem, scio — , neque omnino 
 sermonem conferas et si id tolerare pro genuina simplicitate 
 
 25 proque animi tui teneritudine non j)otueris, certe de marito 
 nil quicquam vel audias vel respondeas. Nam et familiam 
 nostram iam propagabimus et hie adhuc infantilis uterus 
 gestat nobis infantem alium, si texeris nostra secreta silen- 
 tio, divinum ; si profanaveris, mortalem." 
 
 :«) Nuntio Psyche laeta florebat et divinae subolis solacio 
 plaudel)at et futuri pignoris gloria gestiebat et materni 
 nominis dignitate gaudebat.
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE 77 
 
 Sed iam pestes illae taeterrimaeque Furiae anhelantes 
 vipereuin virus et festinantes impia celeritate navigabant. 
 Tunc sic iterum momentarius maritus suam Psycheu ad- 
 monet " Dies ultima et casus extremus et sexus inf estus et 
 sanguis inimicus iam sumpsit arma et castra commovit et 5 
 aciem direxit et classicum personavit ; iam mucrone de- 
 stricto iugulum tuum nefariae tuae sorores petunt. Heu 
 quantis urguemur cladibus, Psyche dulcissima. Tui nos- 
 trique miserere religiosaque continentia domum maritum 
 teque et istum parvulum nostrum imminentis ruinae infor- 10 
 tunio libera. Nee illas scelestas f eminas, quas tibi post inter- 
 necivum odium et calcata sanguinis foedera sorores appellare 
 non licet, vel videas vel audias, cum in morem Sirenum 
 scopulo prominentes funestis vocibus saxa personabunt." 
 
 Suscipit Psyche singultu lacrimoso sermonem incertans 15 
 " Iam dudum, quod sciam, fidei atque parciloquio meo per- 
 pendisti documenta, nee eo setius adprobabitur tibi nunc 
 etiam firmitas animi mei. Tu modo Zephyro nostro rur- 
 sum praecipe fungatur obsequio, et in vicem denegatae sa- 
 crosanctae imaginis tuae redde saltern conspectum sororum. 20 
 Per istos cinnameos et undique pendulos crines tuos, per 
 teneras et teretis et mei similes genas, per pectus nescio 
 quo calore fervidum, sic in hoc saltem parvulo cognoscam 
 faciem tuam ; supplicis anxiae piis preeibus erogatus ger- 
 mani complexus indulge f ructum et tibi devotae Psychae 25 
 animam gaudio recrea. Nee quiquam amplius in tuo vultu 
 requiro, iam nil officiunt mihi nee ipsae nocturnae tene- 
 brae ; teneo te, meum lumen." 
 
 His verbis et amplexibus mollibus decantatus maritus 
 lacrimasque eius suis crinibus detergens se facturum spo-30 
 pondit et praevertit statim lumen nascentis diei. 
 
 lugum sororium consponsae factiouis ne pareutibus
 
 78 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 quidem visis recta de navibus scopuluin petunt ilium prae- 
 cipiti cum velocitate nee veuti fereutis oppertae praesen- 
 tiam licentiosa cum temeritate prosiliunt in altum. Nee 
 immemor Zephyrus regalis edicti, quamvis invitus, sus- 
 
 5 ceptas eas gremio spirantis aurae solo reddidit. 
 
 At illae incunctatae statim conferto vestigio domum ■ 
 penetrant complexaeque praedam suam sorores nomine 
 mentientes thensaurumque penitus abditae fraudis vultu 
 laeto tegentes sic adulant : " Psyche, non ita ut pridem 
 
 10 parvula, et ipsa iam mater es. Quantum, pjutas, boni nobis 
 in ista geris perula ! Quantis gaudiis totam domum nostram 
 hilarabis I nos beatas, quos iufantis aurei nutrimenta 
 laetabuut ! Qui si parentum, ut oportet, pulchritudini 
 responderit, prorsus Cupido nascetur." 
 
 15 Sic adfectione simulata paulatim sororis invadunt ani- 
 mum, Statimque eas lassitudine viae sedilibus refotas et 
 balnearum vaporosis fontibus curatas pulcherrime triclinio 
 mirisque illis et beatis edulibus atque tuccetis oblectat. 
 lubet citliaram loqui, psallitur ; tibiasagere, sonatur; chores 
 
 20canere, cantatur. Quae cuncta nullo praesente dulcissimis 
 modulis animos audientium remulcebant. 
 
 Nee tamen scelestarum feminarum nequitia vel ilia 
 mellita cantus dulcedine mollita conquievit, sed ad desti- 
 natam fraudium pedicam sermonem conferentes dissimu- 
 
 25lanter occipiunt sciscitari, qualis ei maritus et undo 
 natalium, secta cuia proveniret. Tunc ilia simplicitate 
 nimia pristini sermonis oblita novum commentum instruit 
 aitque maritum suum de provincia proxima magnis pecu- 
 niis negotiantem iam medium cursum aetatis agere, inter- 
 
 aospersum rara canitie. Nee in sermone isto tantillum 
 morata rursum opiparis muneribus eas onustas ventoso 
 vehiculo reddidit.
 
 CUriD AND PSYCHE 79 
 
 Sed dum Zephyri tranquillo spiritu sublimatae domum 
 redeunt, sic secum altercantes : " Quid, soror, dicimus de 
 tarn monstruoso fatuae illius mendacio ? Tunc adolescens 
 modo florenti lanugiue barbam instruens, nunc aetate 
 media candenti canitie lucidus. Quis ille, quern temporis 5 
 modici spatium repentina senecta reformavit ? Nil aliud 
 repperies, mi soror, quam vel mendacia istam pessimam 
 feminam confingere vel formam mariti sui nescire ; quorum 
 utrum verum est, opibus istis quam primum exterminanda 
 est. Quodsi viri sui faciem ignorat, deo profecto denupsit lo 
 et deum nobis praegnatione ista gerit. Certe si divini 
 puelli — quod absit — haec mater audierit, statim me 
 laqueo nexili suspendam. Ergo interim ad parentes nostros 
 redeamus et exordio sermouis liuius quam concolores fal- 
 lacias adtexamus." 15 
 
 Sic inflammatae, parentibus fastidienter appellatis et 
 nocte turbata vigiliis, perditae matutino scopulum per- 
 volant et inde solito venti praesidio vehementer devolant 
 lacrimisque pressura palpebrarum coactis hoc astu puel- 
 1am appellant : " Tu quidem f elix et ipsa tanti mali igno- 20 
 rantia beata sedes incuriosa periculi tui, nos autem, quae 
 pervigili cura rebus tuis excubamus, cladibus tuis misere 
 cruciamur. 
 
 " Pro vero namque comperimus nee te, sociae scilicet doloris 
 casusque tui, celare possumus immanem colubrum multi-25 
 nodis volumiDibus serpentem, veneno noxio colla sanguinan- 
 tem hiantemque ingluvie profunda tecum noctibus latenter 
 adquiescere. Nunc recordare sortis Pythicae, quae te 
 trucis bestiae nuptiis destinatam esse clamavit. Et multi 
 coloni quique circumsecus veuantur et accolae plurinii vide- 30 
 runt eum vespera redeuntem e pastu proximique lluminis 
 vadis innatantem.
 
 80 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 " Nec diu blandis alimoniarum obsequiis te saginaturum 
 omnes adfirniant, sed, cum primum praegnationem tuam 
 plenus maturaverit uterus, opimiore fructu praeditam 
 devoraturum. Ad haec iam tua est existimatio, utrum 
 
 5 sororibus pro tua cara salute sollicitis adsentiri velis et 
 declinata morte nobiscum secura periculi vivere an saevis- 
 simae bestiae sepeliri visceribus. Quodsi te ruris huius 
 vocalis solitudo vel clandestinae veneris faetidi periculosique 
 concubitus et venenati serpentis amplexus delectant, certe 
 
 10 piae sorores nostrum f ecerimus." 
 
 Tunc Psyche misella, utpote simplex et animi tenella, 
 rapitur verborum tarn tristium formidine ; extra terminum 
 mentis suae posita prorsus omnium mariti monitionum 
 suarumque promissionum memoriam effudit et in profun- 
 
 I5dum calamitatis sese praecipitavit tremensque et exangui 
 colore lurida tertiata verba semihianti voce substrepens sic 
 ad illas ait " Vos quidem, carissimae sorores, ut par erat, in 
 officio vestrae pietatis permanetis, verum et illi qui talia 
 vobis adfirmant, non videntur mihi mendacium fingere. 
 
 20 Nee enim umquam viri mei vidi faciem vel omnino cuiatis 
 sit novi, sed tantum nocturnis subaudiens vocibus maritum 
 incerti status et prorsus lucifugam tolero bestiamque 
 aliquam recte dicentibus vobis merito consentio. Meque 
 magnopere semper a suis terret aspectibus malumque 
 
 25grande de vultus curiositate praeminatur. Nunc si quam 
 salutarem opem periclitanti sorori vestrae potestis adferre, 
 iam nunc subsistite ; ceterum incuria sequens prioris pro- 
 videntiae beneficia conrumpet." 
 
 Tunc nanctae iam portis patentibus nudatum sororis 
 
 ."JOaiiiiiiuin fiKuui'i-osae mulicres, omissis tectae macliinae lati- 
 bulis, d(;stri(;tis gladiis fraudium simplicis puellae paventes 
 cogitationes invadunt.
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE 81 
 
 Sic denique altera : " Quoniain nos originis nexus pro tua 
 incolumitate ne periculum quidem ullum ante oculos habere 
 eompellit, viam, quae sola deducit iter ad salutem, diu diuque 
 cogitatam monstrabimus tibi. Novaculam praeacutam, ad- 
 pulsu etiam palmulae lenientis exasperatam, tori qua parte 5 
 cubare consuesti, latenter absconde lucernamque concinnem, 
 completam oleo, claro lumine praemicantem subde aliquo 
 claudentis aululae tegmine omnique isto apparatu tenacissime 
 dissimulato, postquam sulcatos intrabens gressus cubile 
 solitum conscenderit iamque porrectus et exordio somni pre- lo 
 mentis implicitus altum soporeni flare coeperit, toro delapsa 
 nudoque vestigio pensilem gradum paullulatim minuens, cae- 
 cae tenebrae custodia liberata lucerna, praeclari tui facinoris 
 opportunitatem de luminis consilio mutuare et ancipiti telo 
 illo audaciter, prius dextera sursum elata, nisu quam valido 15 
 noxii serpentis nodum cervicis et capitis abscinde. Nee 
 nostrum tibi deerit subsidium ; sed cum primum illius morte 
 salutem tibi feceris, anxiae praestolabimur cunctisque istis 
 manibus sociis tecum relatis votivis nuptiis hominem te 
 iungemus homini." 20 
 
 Tali verborum incendio flammata viscera sororis iam pror- 
 sus ardentis deserentes ipsae protinus, tanti mali confinium 
 sibi etiam eximie metuentes, flatus alitis impulsu solito por- 
 rectae super scopulum ilico pernici se fuga proripiunt statim- 
 que conscensis navibus abeunt. 25 
 
 At Psyche relicta sola, nisi quod inf estis Furiis agitata sola 
 non est, aestu pelagi simile maerendo fluctuat et, quamvis 
 statuto consilio et obstinato auimo, iam tamen facinori 
 manus admovens adhuc incerta consilii titubat multisque 
 calamitatis suae distrahitur affectibus. Festinat differt, 30 
 audet trepidat, dittidit iraseitur et, quod est ultimum, in 
 eodem corpore odit bestiam, diligit maritum. Vespera tamen
 
 82 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 iam noctem trahente praecipiti festinatione nefarii sceleris 
 instruit apparatum. 
 
 Nox aderat et maritus advenerat. Tunc Psyche, et 
 corporis et animi alioquin iniirina, fati tamen saevitia sub- 
 
 5 uiiiiistrante, viribus roboratur et prolata lucerna et adrepta 
 novacula sexum audacia mutatur. Sed cum primum luminis 
 oblatione tori secreta claruerunt, videt omnium ferarum 
 mitissimam dulcissimamque bestiam, ipsum ilium Cupidinem 
 formonsum deum formonse cubantem, cuius aspectulucernae 
 
 10 quoque lumen hilaratum increbruit et acuminis sacrilegi 
 novacula praenitebat. 
 
 At vero Psyche tanto aspectu deterrita et impos animi, 
 marcido pallore defecta tremeusque desedit in imos poplites 
 et ferrum quaerit abscondere, sed in suo pectore ; quod pro- 
 
 15 fecto fecisset, nisi ferrum timore tanti fiagitii manibus 
 temerariis delapsum evolasset. 
 
 lamque lassa, salute defecta, dum saepius divini vultus 
 intuetur pulcliritudiuem, recreatur animi. Videt capitis 
 aurei genialem caesariem ambrosia temulentam, cervices 
 
 20 lacteas genasque purpureas pererrantes crinium globos deco- 
 riter impeditos, alios antependulos, alios retropendulos, 
 quorum splendore nimio fulgurante iam et ipsum lumen 
 lucernae vacillabat ; per umeros volatilis dei pinnae roscidae 
 micanti flore candicant et quamvis alls quiescentibus exti- 
 
 25 mae plumulae tenellae ac delicatae tremule resultantes 
 iufjuieta lasciviunt; ceterura corpus glabelluni atque lucu- 
 lentum et quale peperisse Venerem non paeniteret. 
 
 Ante lectuli pedes iaeebat arcus et faretra et sagittae, 
 magni dei propitia tela. Qmm' (hiin insatiabili auimo Psyche, 
 
 30 satis et curiosa, riiuatur atcpie pertrectat et mariti sui 
 miratur arma, depromit unam de pharetra sagittam et puncto 
 pollicis extremam aciem periclitabunda trementis etiam nunc
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE 83 
 
 articuli nisu fortiore pupugit altius, ut per summam cutem 
 roraverint parvulae sanguinis rosei guttae. Sic ignara 
 Psyche sponte in Amoris incidit amoreni. Tunc magis 
 magisque cupidine fraglans Cupidinis, prona in eum efflictim 
 inhians, patulis ac petulantibus saviis festinanter iugestis 5 
 de somni mensura metuebat. Sed dum bono tanto percita 
 saucia mente fluctuat, lucerna ilia sive perfidia pessima 
 sive invidia noxia sive quod tale corpus contingere et quasi 
 basiare et ipsa gestiebat, evomuit de summa luminis sui 
 stillam ferventis olei super umerum dei dexterum. Hem ! lo 
 audax et temeraria lucerna et amoris vile ministerium, 
 ipsum ignis totius deum aduris, cum te scilicet amator 
 aliquis, ut diutius cupitis etiam nocte potiretur, primus 
 invenerit. 
 
 Sic inustus exiluit deus visaque detectae fidei colluvie 15 
 prorsus ex osculis et manibus infelicissimae coniugis tacitus 
 avolavit. At Psyche statim resurgentis eius crure dextero 
 manibus ambabus adrepto sublimis evectionis adpendix 
 miseranda et per nubilas plagas penduli comitatus extrema 
 consequia tandem fessa delabitur solo. 20 
 
 Kec deus amator humi iacentem deserens involavit proxi- 
 mam cupressum deque eius alto cacumine sic eam graviter 
 commotus adfatur " Ego quidem, simplicissima Psyche, 
 parentis meae Veneris praeceptorum immemor, quae te 
 miseri extremique hominis devinctam cupidine infimo ma- 25 
 trimonio addici iusserat, ipse potius amator advolavi tibi. 
 Sed hoc feci leviter, scio, et praeclarus ille Sagittarius ipse 
 me telo meo percussi teque coniugem meam feci, ut bestia 
 scilicet tibi viderer et ferro caput excideres meum, quod 
 istos amatores tuos oculos gerit. 30 
 
 " Haec tibi identidem semper cavenda censebam, haec 
 benivole remonebam, Sed illae quidem consiliatrices egre-
 
 84 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 giae tuae tarn perniciosi magisterii dabuut actutum mihi 
 poenas, te vero tautum fuga mea punivero." Et cum ter- 
 mino sermonis piiinis iu altum se proripuit. 
 
 Psyche vero humi prostrata et, quantum visi poterat, 
 
 5 volatus mariti prospiciens extremis affligebat lamentatio- 
 nibus animum. Sed ubi remigio plumae raptum maritum 
 proceritas spatii fecerat alieuum, per proximi flumiuis 
 marginem praecipitem sese dedit. Sed mitis fluvius in 
 honorem dei scilicet, qui et ipsas aquas urere consuevit, 
 
 10 metuens sibi, confestim eam innoxio volumine super ripam 
 fiorentem herbis exposuit. Tunc forte Pan deus rusticus 
 iuxta supercilium amnis sedebat complexus Echo montanam 
 deam eamque voculas omnimodas edocens reccinere, proxime 
 ripam vago pastu lasciviunt comani fluvii tondentes capellae. 
 
 l5Hircuosus deus sauciam Psychen atque defectam, utcum- 
 que casus eius non inscius, clementer ad se vocatam sic 
 permulcet verbis lenientibus *' Puella scitula, sum quidem 
 rusticanus et upilio, sed senectutis prolixae benelicio multis 
 experimentis instructus. 
 
 20 " Verum si recte coniecto, quod profecto prudentes viri di- 
 vinationem autumant, ab isto titubante et saepius vaccillante 
 vestigio deque nimio pallore corporis et assiduo suspiritu, 
 immo et ipsis maerentibus oculis tuis, amore nimio laboras. 
 Ergo mihi ausculta nee te rursus praecipitio vel ullo mortis 
 
 25accersitae genere perimas. Luctum desine et pone maero- 
 rera precibusque potius Cupidinem deorum maximum percole 
 et utpote adolescentem delicatum luxuriosumque blandis 
 obsequiis promere." 
 
 Sic locuto deo pastore nulloque sermone reddito, sed 
 
 30ad(jrat(j tantum numine salutari Psyche pergit ire. Sed 
 cum alitpiaiu inultum viae hiboranti vestigio pererrasset, 
 inscio quodam tramite lain die hibente accedit quaudam
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE 85 
 
 civitatem, in qua regnum maritus unius sororis eius optine- 
 bat. 
 
 Qua re cognita Psyche nuntiari praesentiam suam sorori 
 desiderat ; inox inducta mutuis amplexibus alternae saluta- 
 tionis expletis percontauti causas adventus sui sic incipit : 5 
 " Meministi consilium vestrum, scilicet quo mihi suasistis 
 ut bestiam, quae mariti mentito nomine mecum quiescebat, 
 prius quam ingluvie voraci me misellam hauriret, ancipiti 
 novacula peremerem. Set cum primum, ut aeque placuerat, 
 conscio lumine vultus eius aspexi, video mirum divinumque 10 
 prorsus spectaculum, ipsum ilium deae Veneris filium, 
 ipsum inquam Cupidinem, leni quiete sopitum. Ac dum 
 tanti boni spectaculo percita et nimia voluptatis copia tur- 
 bata fruendi laborarem inopia, casu scilicet pessumo lucerna 
 fervens oleum rebullivit in eius umerum. 15 
 
 " Quo dolore statim somno recussus, ubi me ferro et igni 
 conspexit armatam, ' Tu quidem,' inquit, ' ob istud tam 
 dirum facinus confestim tore meo divorte tibique res tuas 
 habeto, ego vero sororem tuam ' — et nomen quo tu censeris 
 aiebat — ' iam mihi confarreatis nuptiis coniugabo ' et 20 
 statim Zephyro praecipit, ultra terminos me domus eius 
 efflaret." 
 
 Necdum sermonem Psyche finierat ; ilia vesanae libidinis 
 et invidiae noxiae stimulis agitata, vafre concinnato men- 
 dacio fallens maritum, quasi de morte parentum aliquid 25 
 conperisset, statim navem ascendit et ad ilium scopulum 
 protinus pergit et quamvis alio flante vento, caeca spe 
 tamen inhians, " Accipe me," dicens, " Cupido, dignam te 
 coniugem et tu, Zephyre, suscipe dominam " saltu se max- 
 imo praecipitem dedit. 30 
 
 Nee tamen ad ilium locum vel saltern mortua pervenire 
 potuit. Nam per saxa cautium membris iactatis atque
 
 86 ' LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 dissipatis et proinde, ut merebatur, laceratis visceribus suis 
 alitibus bestiisque obvium ferens pabulum interiit. 
 
 ISTec vindictae sequentis poena tardavit. Nam Psyche 
 rursus errabundo gradu pervenit ad civitatem aliam, in qua 
 5 pari modo soror morabatur alia. Nee setius et ipsa fallacie 
 germanitatis inducta et in sororis sceleratas nuptias aemula 
 festinavit ad scopulum inque simile mortis exitium 
 cecidit. 
 
 Interim, dum Psyche quaesitioni Cupidinis intenta po- 
 lo pulos circumibat, ille vulnere lucernae dolens in ipso 
 thalamo matris iacens ingemebat. Tunc avis peralba ilia 
 gavia, quae super fluctus marines pinnis natat, demergit 
 sese propere ad Oceani profundum gremium. 
 
 Ibi commodum Venerem lavantem natantemque propter 
 15 assistens indicat : adustum filium eius, gravi vulneris dolore 
 maerentem, dubium salutis iacere iamque per cunctoruni 
 ora populorum rumoribus conviciisque variis omnem 
 Veneris familiam male audire, quod ille quidem montano 
 scortatu, tu vero marino natatu secesseritis ac per hoc non 
 20 voluptas ulla, non gratia, non lepos, sed incorapta et agrestia 
 et horrida cuncta sint, non nuptiae coniugales, non ami- 
 citiae sociales, non liberum caritates, sed enormis eluvies 
 et squalentium foederuni insuave fastidium. 
 
 Haec ilia verbosa et satis curiosa avis in auribus Veneris 
 25lili lacerans existimationem ganniebat. At Venus irata 
 solidum exclamat repente "Ergo iam ille bonus filius mens 
 habet amicam aliquam? Prome agedum, quae sola mihi 
 servis amanter, nomen eius, quae puerum ingenuum et 
 investem sollicitavit, sive ilia de Nympharum populo seu 
 30 de Horarum numero seu de Musarum ohoro vel de mearum 
 Gratiarum ministerio." 
 
 Nee loquax ilia conticuit avis, sed " Nescio," inquit,
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE 87 
 
 " domina ; puto puellam — si probe meiuini, Psyches nomine ^ 
 
 dicitur — eum efflicte cujiere." /T-^ 
 
 Tunc indignata Venus exclamavit vel niaxime : " Psychen 
 ille meae formae succubani, mei nominis aemulani si vere 
 diligit, nimirum illud incrementum lenam me putavit, cuius 5 
 monstratu puellam illam cognosceret." 
 
 Haec quiritans properiter emergit e mari suumque pro- 
 tinus aureum thalamum petit et reperto, sicut audierat, 
 aegroto puero iam inde a foribus quam maxime boans 
 " Honesta," inquit, " haec et natalibus nostris bonaeque tuae lO 
 frugi congruentia, ut primum quidem tuae parentis, immo 
 dominae praecepta calcares nee sordidis amoribus inimicam 
 meam cruciares, verum etiam hoc aetatis puer tuis licentio- 
 sis et immaturis iungeres amplexibus, ut ego nurum scilicet 
 tolerarem inimicam ? 15 
 
 " Sed utique praesumis nugo et corruptor et inamabilis te 
 solum generosum nee me iam per aetatem posse concipere. 
 Velim ergo scias multo te meliorem filium alium me genitu- 
 ram, immo ut contumeliam niagis sentias, aliquem de meis 
 adoptaturam vernulis eique donaturam istas pinnas et flam- 20 
 mas et arcum et ipsas sagittas et omnem meam supellecti- 
 lem, quam tibi non ad hos usus dederam ; nee enim de pa- 
 tris tui bonis ad instructionem istam quicquam concessum 
 est. Sed male prima pueritia inductus es et acutas manus 
 habes et maiores tuos irreverenter pulsasti totiens et ipsam 25 
 matrem tuam, me inquam ipsam, parricida denudas cotidie 
 et percussisti saepius et quasi viduam utique contemnis nee 
 vitricum tuum fortissimum ilium maximumque bellatorem 
 metuis. Quidni ? Cui saepius in angorem mei paelieatus 
 puellas propinare consuesti. Sed iam faxo te lusus huius 30 
 paeniteat et sentias acidas et amaras istas nuptias. 
 
 " Sed nunc inrisui habita quid agam ? Quo me conferam ?
 
 88 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 Quibus modis stelionem istum cohibeam ? Petanme auxi- 
 lium ab inimica mea Sobrietate, quam propter huius ipsius 
 luxuriam offendi saepius ? At rusticae squalentisque femi- 
 nae conloquium prorsus horresco. Nee tamen vindictae 
 
 5 solacium undeunde spernendum est. 
 
 " Ilia mihi prorsus adhibenda est nee ulla alia, quae casti- 
 get asperrime nugonem istum, faretram explicet et sagittas 
 dearmet, arcuui enodet, taedam deflammet, inimo et ipsum 
 corpus eius acrioribus remediis coerceat. Tuuc iuiuriae 
 
 10 meae litatum crediderim, cum eius comas, quas istis mani- 
 bus meis subinde aureo nitore perstrinxi, deraserit, pinnas, 
 quas meo gremio nectarei fontis infeci, praetotonderit." 
 
 Sic effata foras sese proripit infesta et stomachata biles 
 Venerias. Sed iam protiuus Ceres et luno continantur 
 
 15 visamque vultu tumido quaesiere, cur truci supercilio tan- 
 tam venustatem micantium oculorum coerceret. At ilia 
 " Oportune," inquit, " ardenti prorsus isto meo pectori 
 volentiam scilicet perpetraturae venitis. Sed totis, oro, 
 vestris viribus Psyclien illam fugitivam volaticam mihi 
 
 20 requirite. Nee enim vos utique domus meae famosa fabula 
 et non dicendi filii mei facta latuerunt." 
 
 Tunc illae non ignarae, quae gesta sunt, palpare Veneris 
 iram saevientem sic adortae : " Quid tale, domina, deliquit 
 tuus filius, ut animo pervicaci voluptates illius impugnes et, 
 
 25 quam ille diligit, tu quidem perdere gestias ? Quod autem, 
 oramus, isti crimen, si puellae lepidae libenter adrisit? An 
 iguoras eum mas(ailum et iuvenem esse vel certe iam quot 
 sit anuorum, ol)]ita es ? An, quod aetatem portat bellule, 
 puer tibi semper videtur? Mater autem tu et praeterea 
 
 30 cordata mulier lilii tui lusus semper explorabis curiose et in 
 eo luxuriem culpabis et amores revinces et tuas artes tuas- 
 quL' (iflicias ill lonuonscj iilio ri^prcliciulL'S '/ Quis autem te,
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE 89 
 
 deum, quis hominum patietur passim cupidines populis dis- 
 semiuantem, cum tuae domus amores amare coerceas et 
 vitiorum muliebrium publicam praecludas officinam ? " 
 
 Sic illae metu sagittarum patrocinio gratioso Cupidiui, 
 quamvis absenti, blandiebantur. Sed Venus indignata ri- 5 
 dicule tractari suas iniurias praeversis illis alterorsus con- 
 cito gradu pelago viam capessit. 
 
 Interea Psyche variis iactabatur discursibus, dies noctes- 
 que mariti vestigationibus intenta et quanto magis inquieta 
 auimo, tanto cupidior iratum licet, si non uxoriis blaudi-10 
 tiis lenire, certe servilibus precibus propitiare. 
 
 Et prospecto templo quodam in ardui mentis vertice 
 " Unde autem," inquit, " scio, an istic meus degat domi- 
 nus ? " Et ilico dirigit citatum gradum, quem defectum 
 prorsus adsiduis laboribus spes incitabat et votum, lamque 15 
 naviter emensis celsioribus iugis pulvinaribus sese proxi- 
 mani intulit. /^vr5 
 
 Videt spicas frumentarias in acervo et alias flexiles in 
 corona et spicas hordei. Erant et falces et operae messoriae 
 mundus omnis, sed cuncta passim iacentia et incuria con- 20 
 fusa et, ut solet aestu, laborantium manibus proiecta. Haec 
 singula Psyche curiose dividit et discretim remota rite 
 componit, rata scilicet nullius dei fana et caerimonias 
 neclegere se debere, sed omnium benivolam misericordiam 
 corrogare. 25 
 
 Haec eam sollicite seduloque curantem Ceres alma 
 deprehendit et longum exclamat protinus : " Ain, Psyche 
 miseranda? Totum per orbem Venus anxia disquisitions 
 tuum vestigium furens animi requirit teque ad extremum 
 supplicium expetit et totis numinis sui viribus ultiouemSO 
 flagitat ; tu vero rerum mearum tutelam nunc geris et 
 aliud quicquam cogitas nisi de tua salute ? "
 
 90 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 Tunc Psyche pedes eius advoluta et uberi fletu ri- 
 gans deae vestigia humumque verrens crinibus suis mul- 
 tiiugis precibus editis veuiam postulabat : " Per ego te 
 frugiferam tuam dexteram istam deprecor, per laetificas 
 
 5 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 
 
 lOsilentio tegit Eleusinis Atticae sacrarium, miserandae 
 Psyches animae, supplicis tuae, subsiste. Inter istam spi- 
 carum congeriem patere vel pauculos dies delitescam, 
 quoad deae tantae saeviens ira spatio temporis mitigetur 
 vel certe meae vires diutino labore fessae quietis inter- 
 
 15 vallo leniantur." 
 
 Suscipit Ceres : " Tuis quidem lacrlmosis precibus et 
 commoveor et opitulari cupio, sed cognatae meae, cum 
 qua etiam foedus antiquum amicitiae colo, bonae prae- 
 terea feminae, malam gratiam subire nequeo. Decede 
 
 20itaque istis aedibus protinus et quod a me retenta custo- 
 ditaque non fueris, optimi consule." 
 
 Contra spem suam repulsa Psyche et afflicta duplici 
 maestitia iter retrorsum porrigens inter subsitae convallis 
 sublucidum lucum prospicit fanum sollerti fabrica structum 
 
 25 nee ullam vel dubiam spei melioris viam volens omittere, 
 sed adire cuiuscumque dei veniam, sacratis foribus proxi- 
 mat. Videt dona pretiosa et laciiiias auro litteratas 
 ramis arborum postibusque suffixas, quae cum gratia facti 
 nomen deae, cui fuerant dicata, testabantur. 
 
 30 Tunc geim nixa et manibus aram tepentem amplexa 
 detersis ante lacrimis sic adprecatur : " Magni lovis germana 
 et coniuga, sive tu Sami, quae sola partu vagitu(iue et ali-
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE 91 
 
 monia tua gloriatur, tenes vetusta delubra, sive celsae 
 Carthaginis, quae te virginem vectura leonis caelo com- 
 meantem percolit, beatas sedes frequentas, seu prope ripas 
 Inachij qui te iam nuptam Tonantis et reginam dearum me- 
 morat, inclitis Argivorum praesides moenibus, quam cunc- 5 
 tus oriens Zygiam veneratur et omnis occidens Lucinam 
 appellat, sis meis extremis casibus luno Sospita meque in 
 tantis exanclatis laboribus defessam imminentis periculi 
 metu libera. Quod sciam, soles praegnatibus periclitantibus 
 ultro subvenire." 10 
 
 Ad istum modum supplicanti statim sese luno cum 
 totius sui numinis augusta 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 pudori5 
 non sinit. Tunc etiam legibus, quae servos alienos perfugas 
 invitis dominis vetant suscipi, prohibeor." 
 
 Isto quoque fortunae naufragio Psyche perterrita nee 
 indipisci iam maritum volatilem quiens, tota spe salutis 
 deposita, sic ipsa suas cogitationes consuluit : " Iam quae 20 
 possunt alia meis aerumnis temptari vel adhiberi sub- 
 sidia, cui nee dearum quidem, quamquam volentium, 
 potuerunt prodesse suffragia? Quo rursum itaque tantis 
 laqueis inclusa vestigium porrigam quibusque tectis vel 
 etiam tenebris abscondita magnae Veneris inevitabiles 25 
 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 ? Qui scias, an etiam, quem diu 
 quaeritas, illic in domo matris repperias ? " Sic ad du- 30 
 bium obsequium, immo ad certum exitium praeparata, 
 principium futurae secum meditabatur obsecrationis.
 
 92 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 At Venus terrenis remediis inquisitionis abnuens caelum 
 petit. lubet instrui currum, quern ei Vulcanus aurifex 
 subtili fabrica studiose poliverat et ante thalami rudi men- 
 turn nuptiale munus obtulerat, limae tenuantis det];imento 
 
 5 conspicuum et ipsius auri damno pretiosum. 
 
 De multis, quae circa cubiculum dominae stabulant, pro- 
 cedunt quattuor candidae columbae et hilaris incessibus 
 picta colla torquentes iugum gemmeum subeunt suscepta- 
 que domina laetae subvolant. Currum deae prosequentes 
 
 lOgannitu constrepenti lasciviunt passeres et ceterae, quae 
 dulce cantitant, aves melleis modulis suave resonantes ad- 
 ventum deae pronuntiant. Cedunt nubes et Caelum filiae 
 panditur et summus aether cum gaudio suscipit deam, nee 
 obvias aquilas vel accipitres rapaces pertimescit magnae 
 
 15 Veneris canora familia. 
 
 Tunc se protinus ad lovis regias arces dirigit et petitu 
 superbo, Mercuri, dei vocalis, operae necessariam usuram 
 postulat. Nee rennuit lovis caerulum supercilium. Tunc 
 ovans ilico, comitante etiam Mercuric, Venus caelo demeat 
 
 20 eique sollicite serit verba : " Frater Arcadi, scis nempe soro- 
 rem tuam Venerem sine Mercuri praesentia nil unquam 
 fecisse nee te praeterit utique, quanto iam tempore delites- 
 centem ancillam nequiverim repperire. Nil ergo superest 
 quam tuo praeconio praemium investigationis publicitus 
 
 25 edicere. 
 
 " Fac ergo mandatum matures meum et indicia, qui possit 
 agnosci, manifeste designes, ne, si quis occultationis illicitae 
 crimen subierit, ignorantiae se possit excusatione defen- 
 dere " ; et simul dicens libellum ei porrigit, ubi Psyches nomen 
 
 30 continebatur et cetera. Quo facto protinus domum secessit. 
 
 Nee Mercurius omisit obsequium. Nam per omnium ora 
 
 populorum passim discurrens sic mandatae praedicationis
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE 93 
 
 munus exsequebatur : " Si 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 5 
 longe mellitum." 
 
 Ad hunc modum pronuntiante Mercurio tanti praemii 
 cupido certatim omnium mortalium studium adrexerat. 
 Quae res nunc vel maxime sustulit Psyches omnem cuncta- 
 tionem. lamque fores ei dominae proximanti occurrit una 10 
 de famulitione Veneris nomine Consuetudo statimque, quan- 
 tum maxime potuit, exclamat : " Tandem, ancilla nequissima, 
 dominam habere te scire coepisti? An pro cetera morum 
 tuorum temeritate istud quoque nescire te fingis, quantos 
 labores circa tuas inquisitiones sustinuerimus ? Sed bene, 15 
 quod meas potissimum manus incidisti et inter Orci cancros 
 iam ipsos haesisti datura scilicet actutum tantae contumaciae 
 poenas," et audaciter in capillos eius inmissa manu trahebat 
 eam nequaquam renitentem. 
 
 Quam ubi primum inductam oblatamque sibi conspexit20 
 Venus, latissimum cachinnum extollit et qualem solent 
 furenter irati, caputque quatiens et ascalpens aurem dex- 
 teram " Tandem," inquit, " dignata es socrum tuam salu- 
 tare ? An potius maritum, qui tuo vulnere periclitatur, 
 intervisere venisti ? Sed esto secura, iam enim excipiam te, 25 
 ut bonam nurum condecet " ; et " Ubi 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 30 
 conspectui redduut. Tunc rursus sublato risu Venus *'Et 
 ecce," inquit, " nobis turgidi ventris sui lenocinio commovet
 
 94 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 miserationem, unde me praeclara subole aviam beatam 
 scilicet faciat. Felix vero ego, quae in ipso aetatis meae 
 flore vocabor avia et vilis ancillae filius nepos Veneris audiet. 
 Quanquam inepta ego frustra filium dicam; impares enim 
 
 5 nuptiae et praeterea in villa sine testil)us et patre non con- 
 sentiente factae, legitimae non possunt videri ac per hoc 
 spurius iste nascetur, si tamen partum omnino perferre te 
 patiemur." 
 
 His editis involat earn vestemque plurifariam diloricat 
 
 10 capilloque discisso et capite conquassato graviter affligit et 
 accepto frumento et hordeo et milio et papavere et cicere et 
 lente et faba commixtisque acervatim confusis in unum 
 grumulum sic ad illam : " Videris enim mihi tam deformis 
 ancilla nullo alio, sed tantum sedulo ministerio amatores 
 
 15 tuos promereri ; iam ergo et ipsa f rugem 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 nup- 
 
 20 tiali concessit. Nee Psyche manus admolitur inconditae illi 
 et inextricabili moli, sed immanitate praecepti consternata 
 silens obstupescit. Tunc formicula ilia parvula atque ruri- 
 cola, certa difficultatis tantae laborisque, miserta contuber- 
 nalis magni dei socrusque saevitiam execrata, discurrens 
 
 26naviter convocat corrogatque cunctam formicarum accola- 
 rum classem : " Miseremini terrae omniparentis agiles alum- 
 nae, miseremini et Amoris uxori, puelhie lepidae, periclitanti 
 prompta velocitate succurrite." 
 
 Ruunt aliae superque aliae sepedum populorum undae 
 
 SOsummoque studio singulae granatin! totum digerunt acervum 
 separatimque distributis dissitisque generibus e conspectu 
 perniciter abeunt.
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE 95 
 
 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, nee tuarum manuum istud 
 opus, sed illius, cui tuo, immo et ipsius malo placuisti " ; 5 
 et frusto cibarii panis ei proiecto cubitum facessit. In- 
 terim 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 nno tecto separatis amatoribus tetraio 
 nox exanclata. 
 
 Sed Aurora commodum inequitante vocatae Psychae 
 Venus infit talia. " Videsne illud nemus, quod fluvio prae- 
 terluenti ripisque longis attenditur, cuius imi gurgites 
 vicinum fontem despiciunt ? Oves ibi nitentes aurique co- 15 
 lore florentes incustodito pastu vagantur. Inde de coma 
 pretiosi velleris floccum mihi confestim quoquo modo quae- 
 situm afferas censeo." 
 
 Perrexit Psyche volenter non obsequium quidem ilia 
 functura, sed requiem malorum praecipitio fluvialis rupis 20 
 habitura. Sed inde de fluvio musicae suavis nutricula 
 leni crepitu dulcis aurae divinitus inspirata sic vaticinatur 
 arundo viridis : " Psyche, tantis aerumnis exercita, neque 
 tua miserrima morte meas sanctas aquas polluas nee vero 
 istud horae contra formidabiles oves f eras aditum, quoad de 25 
 solis fraglantia mutuatae calorem truci rabie solent efferi 
 cornuque acuto et fronte saxea et non nunquam venenatis 
 morsibus in exitium saevire mortalium ; sed dum meridies 
 solis sedaverit vaporem et pecua spiritus fluvialis serenitate 
 conquieverint, poteris sub ilia procerissima platano, quae 30 
 mecum simul unum fluentum bibit, latenter abscondere. Et 
 cum primum mitigata furia laxaverint oves animum, per-
 
 96 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 cussis frondibus attigui nemoris lanosum aurum repperies, 
 quod passim stirpibus convexis obhaerescit." 
 
 Sic arundo simplex et humana Psychen aegerrimam 
 salutem suam docebat. Nee auscultatu inpaenitendo dili- 
 
 5 genter instructa ilia cessavit, sed observatis omnibus fura- 
 trina facili flaventis auri mollitie congestum gremiura 
 Veneri reportat. 
 
 Nee tamen apud dominam saltem secundi laboris pericu- 
 lum secundum testimonium meruit, sed contortis suj^erciliis 
 
 10 subridens amarum sic inquit : " Nee me praeterit huius 
 quoque facti auctor adulterinus. 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 
 
 15 undae proxumaeque conceptaculo vallis inclusae Stygias 
 inrigant paludes et rauca Cocyti fluenta nutriunt ? Indidem 
 mihi de summi fontis penita scaturrigiue rorem rigentem 
 hauritum ista confestim defer urnula." Sic aiens crustallo 
 dedolatum vasculum, insuper ei graviora comminata, 
 
 20 tradidit. 
 
 At ilia studiose gradum celerans montis extremum petit 
 tumulum certe vel illic inventura vitae pessimae finem. Sed 
 cum primum praedicti iugi conterminos locos appulit, videt 
 rei vastae letalem difficultatem. Namque saxum immani 
 
 25 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 con- 
 vallem latenter incidebant. 
 
 30 Dextra laevaque cautibus cavatis proserpunt et longa 
 colla i)orrecti saevi dracones inconivae vigiliae luminibus 
 addictis et in perpetuam lucem pupulis excubantibus. Iam-
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE 97 
 
 que et ipsae semet muniebant vocales aquae. Nam et 
 " Discede " et " quid facis ? vide " et " quid agis ? Cave " 
 et " fuge " et " peribis " subinde clamant. Sic impossibili- 
 tate ipsa mutata in lapidem Psyche, quamvis praesenti 
 corpore, sensibus tamen aberat et inextricabilis periculi mole 5 
 prorsus obruta lacrumarum etiam extreme solacio carebat. 
 
 Nee Providentiae bonae graves oculos innocentis animae 
 latuit aerumna. Nam sujjremi lovis regalis ales ilia repente 
 propansis utrimque pinuis affuit rapax aquila memorque 
 veteris obsequii, quo ducto Cupidinis lovi pocillatorem Fry-lO 
 gium substulerat, oportunam ferens opem deique numen 
 in uxoris laboribus percolens alti culminis diales vias deserit 
 et ob OS puellae praevolans incipit : " At tu, simplex alio- 
 quin et expers rerum talium, sperasne te sanctissimi nee 
 minus truculenti fontis vel unam stillam posse furari vel 15 
 omnino contingere ? Diis etiam ipsique lovi f ormidabiles 
 aquas istas Stygias vel fando comperisti, quodque vos de- 
 ieratis per numiua deorum, deos per Stygis maiestatem 
 solere ? Sed cedo istam urnulam " et protinus adreptam 
 complexamque festinat libratisque pinnarum nutantium20 
 molibus inter genas saevientium dentium et trisulca vibra- 
 mina draconum remigium dextra laevaque porrigens vo- 
 lentes aquas et, ut abiret innoxius, praestantes excipit, 
 commentus ob iussum Veneris petere eique se praeminis- 
 trare, quare paulo f acilor adeundi fuit copia. Sic acceptam 25 
 cum gaudio plenam urnulam Psyche Veneri citata rettulit. 
 
 Nee tamen nutum deae saevientis vel tunc expiare potuit. 
 Nam sic eam maiora atcj^ue peiora fiagitia comniinans ap- 
 pellat renidens exitiabile : " lam tu quidem magna videris 
 quaedam mihi et alta prorsus maletica, quae talibus prae-30 
 ceptis meis obtemperasti naviter. Sed adhuc istud, mea 
 pupula, ministrare debebis. Sume istam pyxidem," et
 
 98 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 dedit ; " protinus usque ad inferos et ipsius Orel ferales 
 penates te derige. Tunc conferen pyxidem Proserpinae : 
 * Petit de te Venus,' dicito, ' modicum de tua mittas ei for- 
 monsitate vel ad unam saltem dieculam sufficiens. Nam 
 
 5 quod habuit, dum filium curat aegrotum, consumpsit atque 
 
 contrivit omne.' Sed baud immaturius redito, quia me 
 
 necesse est indidem delitam theatrum deorum frequentare." 
 
 Tunc Psyche vel maxime sensit ultimas fortunas suas et 
 
 velamento reiecto ad promptum exitium sese eompelli mani- 
 
 10 feste comperit. Quidni ? Quae suis pedibus ultro ad Tar- 
 tarum manesque commeare cogeretur. Nee cunctata diutius 
 pergit ad quampiam turrim praealtam, indidem sese datura 
 praecipitem ; sic enim rebatur ad inferos recte atque pul- 
 cherrime se posse descendere. 
 
 15 Sed turris prorumpit in vocem subitam et, *' Quid te/' 
 inquit, " praecipitem, o misella, quaeris extinguere ? Quid- 
 que iam novissimo periculo laborique isto temere succumbis ? 
 Nam si spiritus corpore tuo semel fuerit seiugatus, ibis 
 quidem profecto ad imum Tartarum, sed inde nullo pacto 
 
 20 redire poteris. Mihi ausculta. Lacedaemo Achaiae nobilis 
 civitas non longe sita est ; liuius conterminam deviis abdi- 
 tam locis quaere Taenarum. Inibi spiraculum Ditis, et per 
 portas hiantes monstratur iter invium, cui te limine trans- 
 meato simul commiseris, iam canale directo perges ad ipsam 
 
 25 Orci regiam. Sed non hactenus vacua debebis per illas 
 tenebras incedere, sed offas polentae mulso concretas am- 
 babus gestare manibus, at in ipso ore duas ferre stipes. 
 
 " lamque confecta bona parte mortiferae viae continaberis 
 clauduin asiiiuiii lignonun gerulum cum agasone simili, qui 
 
 :JOte rogabit, dccidentis sarciuae fusticulos aliciuos porrigas ei, 
 sed til nulla voc(! dc.proinijta tacita prat't(n'it(). Nee mora, 
 cum ad flumcu nioiluuiu veiiies, cui })ra('rc!('tus Charon, pro-
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE 99 
 
 tenus expetens portorium, sic ;id rii)aiii iilteriorein sutili 
 cumba deducit commeautes. Ergo et inter mortuos avaritia 
 vivit nee Charon ille vel Ditis pater, tantus deus, quicquam 
 gratuito facit, set moriens pauper viaticum debet quaerere 
 et aes si forte prae manu non fuerit, nemo eum expirare 5 
 patietur. Huic squalido seni dabis nauli nomine de stipibus, 
 quas feres, alteram, sic tamen, ut ipse sua manu de tuo 
 sumat ore. 
 
 "Nee setius tibi pigrum fluentum transmeanti quidam 
 supernatans senex mortuus putris adtollens manus orabit, lO 
 ut eum intra navigium trahas, nee tu tamen inlicita adflec- 
 tare pietate. Transito fluvio modicum te progressara tex- 
 trices orabunt anus telam struentes manus paulisper accom- 
 modes, nee id tamen tibi contingere fas est. Nam haec 
 omnia tibi et multa alia de Veneris insidiis orientur, ut 15 
 vel unam de manibus omittas offulam. 
 
 " Nee putes futile istud polentacium damnum leve ; altera 
 enim perdita, lux haec tibi prorsus denegabitur. Canis 
 namque praegrandis, teriugo et satis amplo capite praeditus, 
 immanis et f ormidabilis, tonantibus oblatrans faucibus mor- 20 
 tuos, 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 Pro- 
 serpinam introibis, quae te comiter excipiet ac benigne, ut25 
 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 reservaveras, stipe tran-30 
 sitoque eius fluvio, recolens priora vestigia ad istum caeles- 
 tium siderum redies chorum, Sed inter omnia hoc
 
 100 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 observandum praecipue tibi censeo ne velis aperire vel 
 inspicere illam, quam feres, pyxidein vel omnino divinae 
 formonsitatis abdituni scrutari curiosiiis thensaurum." 
 Sic turris ilia prospicua vaticinationis niunus explicuit. 
 
 5 Nee morata Psyche pergit Taenarum sumptisque rite stipi- 
 bus 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 
 
 10 dornuni Proserpinae penetrat. 
 
 Nee offerentis hospitae sedile delicatum vel cibum beatum 
 amplexa, sed ante pedes eius residens humilis cibario pane 
 contenta Veneriam pertulit legationem. Statimque secreto 
 repletam conclusamque pyxidem suscipit et otfulae sequentis 
 
 15 f raude caninis latratibus obseratis residuaque navitae red- 
 dita stipe longe vegetior ab inferis recurrit. Et repetita 
 atque adorata Candida ista luce, quanquam festinans obse- 
 quium terminare, mentem capitur temeraria curiositate et 
 " Ecce," inquit, " inepta ego divinae formonsitatis gerula, 
 
 20 quae nee tautillum quidem indidem milii delibo vel sic illi 
 amatori ineo formonso placitura," et cum dicto reserat 
 pyxidem. 
 
 Nee quicquam ibi rerum nee formonsitas ulla, sed infernus 
 somnus ac vere Stygius, qui statim coperculo revelatus 
 
 25 invadit earn crassaque soporis nebula cunctis eius membris 
 perfunditur et in ipso vestigio ipsaque semita conlapsam 
 possidet. Et iacebat immobilis ct nihil aliud quam dormiens 
 cadaver. 
 
 Sed Cupido iam cicatrice solida revalescens nee diutinam 
 
 30 suae Psyches absentiam tolerans per altissimam cubiculi, 
 quo cohibebatur, elapsus fenestrain refectiscjue peunis ali- 
 quanta quiete longe velocius provolaus Psychen accurrit
 
 CUPID AND PSYCHE 101 
 
 suam detersoque somno curiose et rursum in pristinam 
 pyxidis sedem recondito Psychen iunoxio 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, 5 
 cetera egomet videro." His dictis amator levis in pinnas 
 se dedit, Psyche vero confestim Veneri munus reportat 
 Proserpinae. 
 
 Interea Cupido amore nimio peresus et aegra facie, matris 
 suae repentinam sobrietatem pertimescens, ad armillum redit 10 
 alisque pernicibus caeli penetrate vertice magno lovi sup- 
 plicat suamque causam probat. 
 
 Tunc luppiter prehensa Cupidinis buccula manuque ad os 
 suum relata consaviat atque sic ad ilium " Licet tu," inquit, 
 " domine fili, numquam mihi concessu deum decretum serva- 15 
 ris honorem, sed istud pectus meum, quo leges elenientorum 
 et vices siderum disponuutur, convulneraris assiduis ictibus 
 crebrisque terrenae libidinis foedaveris casibus contraque 
 leges et ipsam luliam disciplinamque publicam turpibus 
 adulteriis existimationem famamque meam laeseris in ser-20 
 pentes, in ignes, in feras, in aves et gregalia pecua serenos 
 vultus meos sordide reformando, at tamen modestiae meae 
 memor quodque inter istas meas manus creveris, cuneta 
 proficiam, dum tamen scias aemulos tuos cavere ac, si qua 
 nunc in terris puella praepollet pulcritudine, praesentis25 
 beneficii vicem per eam mihi repensare te debere." 
 
 Sic fatus iubet Mercurium deos omnes ad contionem 
 protinus convocare ac, si qui coetu caelestium defuisset, in 
 poenam decern milium nummum conventum iri pronuntiare. 
 Quo metu statim completo caelesti theatro pro sede sublimi 30 
 sedens procerus luppiter sic enuntiat : " Dei conscripti Mu- 
 sarum albo, adolescentem istum quod manibus meis alum-
 
 102 LUCIUS APULEIUS 
 
 natus sim, profecto scitis omnes. Cuius primae inventutis 
 caloratos impetus f reno quodam coercendos existimavi ; sat 
 est cotidianis eum fabulis ob adulteria cunctasque cor- 
 ruptelas infamatum. Tollenda est omnis occasio et luxuria 
 
 5 puerilis nuptialibus pedicis alliganda. Puellam elegit et 
 virginitate privavit ; teneat, possideat, amplexus Psychen 
 semper suis amoribus perfruatur." 
 
 Et ad Venerem conlata facie "Nee tu," inquit, "filia, 
 quicquam contristere nee prosapiae tantae tuae statuque de 
 
 10 matrimonio mortali metuas, lam faxo nuptias non impares, 
 sed legitimas et iure civili congruas," et ilico per Mercurium 
 arripi Psychen et in caelum perduci iubet. Porrecto am- 
 brosiae poculo " Sume," inquit, " Psyche, et immortalis esto 
 nee umquam digredietur a tuo nexu Cupido, sed istae vobis 
 
 15 erunt perpetuae nuptiae." 
 
 Nee mora, cum cena nuptialis affluens exhibetur. Ac- 
 cumbebat summum torum maritus, Psychen gremio suo 
 complexus. Sic et cum sua lunone luppiter ac deinde per 
 ordinem toti dei. Tunc poculum nectaris, quod vinum 
 
 20deorum est, lovi 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 ; 
 Apollo cantavit ad citharam, Venus suavi musicae suppari 
 
 25gressu formonsa saltavit, scaena sibi sic concinnata, ut 
 Musae quidem chorum canerent aut tibias inflarent, Saturus 
 et Paniscus ad fistulam dicerent. Sic rite Psyche convenit 
 in manum Cupidinis et nascitur illis maturo partu filia, 
 quam Voluptatem nominamus.
 
 NOTES
 
 ABBREVIATIONS 
 
 Apol. = Apuleius' Apologia. 
 Apul. Met. = Apuleius' Metamor- 
 phoses. 
 c. = chapter, 
 cf. = compare. 
 
 Cic. Topica = Cicero's Topica. 
 etc. = and so forth. 
 i.e. = that is. 
 Her. Epist. = Horace's Epistles. 
 
 Hor. Od. = Horace's Odes. 
 1. = Une. 
 p. = page. 
 
 PL Capt. — Plautus' Captivi. 
 Sal. Jug. = Sallust's Jugurtha. 
 sc. = supply, 
 seq. -= and following. 
 Suet. Tit. = Suetonius' Life 
 Titus. 
 
 of
 
 NOTES 
 
 I. TALE OF ARISTOMENES 
 
 (Apuleius, Metamorphoses^ I, 6-19.) 
 
 Page 1. 1. cuiatis : archaic for cuias. sim : the stoiy is narrated 
 to Lucius by a couimercial traveller (see Introduction, p. xxviii) as they 
 are travelling together to Thessaly. 
 
 3. cauponarum : caupona is a retail shop. The buyer purchased 
 these commodities wholesale to resell them at retail. 
 
 4. Comperto : ablative absolute ; the substantive is the following in- 
 finitive clause. 
 
 6. distrabi : " be disposed of . " The verb here has the general mean- 
 ing of "sell," not the specific meaning, "sell at retail." 
 
 7. praestiiiatunis : praestinare is ante- and post-classical for eniere. 
 9. negotiator magnariua : " wholesale dealer. " 
 
 11. commodum : "just, " adverb modifying one?iie. 
 
 13. palliastro : "ragged cloak." Apuleian ; note the force of the 
 termination -astrum. 
 
 14. decermina : "outcasts"; literally, dead leaves or branches 
 plucked from the living plant. 
 
 20. iuridici : "judge" ; the word is used in the Digests of Justinian. 
 22. captivitatem : " blindness " ; cf. the common phrases, capi oculis, 
 auribus, rnembris, etc. 
 
 Page 2. 1. suis sibi : sibi emphasizes the possessive adjective pro- 
 noun suis ; "by her own parents." She is forced by her parents to 
 change the sorrow of the family to joy, by a new marriage. 
 
 2. cum Bummo dedecore nostro : that is, for allowing him to be in 
 such a plight. 
 
 3. ne : the emphatic particle equivalent to immo ; "you are indeed 
 ignorant. ' ' 
 
 5. sutili centunculo : " his patchwork robe. " 
 
 6. ab umbilico pube tenua : freely, " from the waist down. " The 
 prepositional phrase modilies cetera corporis. 
 
 11. diutius : "still further." 
 
 105
 
 106 NOTES [Page 2 
 
 12. effeci sequatur : efficio may in classical prose be followed by a 
 substantive clause of purpose or result. It is only in poetry, however, 
 that the ut may be omitted. laciniis : post-classical for vestibus. 
 
 14. quod unctui quod tersui : datives of purpose ; supply erat. 
 
 15. curato : ablative absolute for the normal curatum. 
 
 18. adlubentia : Apuleian for voluntas. scitum etiam cavillum : 
 "clever raillery too." 
 
 19. intimida : this adjective does not occur elsewhere ; cf. adverb 
 intimide. 
 
 23. secundum: " in pursuit of" ; "following" ; equivalent here to 
 propter. 
 
 24. mense decimo ibidem attentus : "after being detained there 
 ten months." 
 
 25. modico prius : sc. tempore; " just before." 
 
 26. per transitum : "en passant." obiturus : may mean either 
 "to visit " or "to vie w. " 
 
 29. admodum scitulam : " quite attractive. " 
 
 32. nimis quam : the intensive adverb for the classical perquam, 
 nimis being in this sense archaic. 
 
 Page 3. 1. ut cum ilia adquievi : "from the very time that I was 
 entertained by her." 
 
 2. ab unico congressu : " as a result of this one meeting." 
 
 4. operulas : " earnings," post-classical. 
 
 5. saccariam : saccarius, "ones who carrie sacks"; saccaria, the 
 labor itself. The latter is found only here and is probably an adjective 
 with ellipsis of ars. 
 
 10. scortum scorteum : note play on woi-ds, "wrinkled harlot." 
 Scorteum, "like leather"; cf. post-classical meaning of scortum, 
 " leather." 
 
 11. digitum a pollice proximum : also known as the index or salu- 
 taris. The next finger is known as the medlus ; the i-ing finger was 
 called minimo proxtmus or medicinalis. 
 
 12. circumspiciens tutamenta sermonis : " looking around to see 
 whether it was safe to speak." 
 
 15. ain tandem : ain = aisne : " What do you mean, pray ? " 
 
 16. quid mulieris : "what kind of wonuui? " 
 
 21. aulaeum : Ihe large curtain of the stage ; siparium, the small 
 curtain raised between the scenes. 
 
 22. cedo : "speak"; literally, "here," "give." An archaic 
 imperative.
 
 Page 5] TALE OF ARISTOMENES 107 
 
 25. Aethiopes utrique :" both tribes of the Aethiopians." Aethiopia 
 was divided into eastern and western. Cf. Hor. Od. 2, 2, 11, uterque 
 Poenus. 
 
 26. Anticthones : "antipodes." She could influence the most out 
 of the way people. folia: "trifles"; practically synonymous with 
 nugae. 
 
 30. adventorea : "customers." roncis : "croakings"; also 
 spelled rhonchis. 
 
 31. de foro : prepositional phrase modifying aliuiyi, " a lawyer." 
 
 Page 4. 1. nocerentur : note the very rare personal passive con- 
 struction. Cf. Hor. Epiiit. 1, 5, 21. publicitus : ante- and post-clas- 
 sical iov puhlice. 
 
 2. die altera : meaning after the deliberation. 
 
 4. virtutibus : "by the efficacy " or " potency." 
 
 5. iinius dieculae . . . indutiis : "truce of one short day" ; the 
 time Medea was allowed by Creon to remain, after he had decided to send 
 her away. 
 
 6. coronalibus : according to one account the consuming poison was 
 smeared on the bride's crown ; according to another, upon her robe. 
 
 7. in scrobem : " on," that is, " over a trench." 
 
 8. suis sibi : see note, p. 2, 1. 1. 
 
 9. numinum : that is, of the nether divinities she invoked. 
 15. coetus illius : i.e. of those who had condemned her. 
 
 20. novo hospiti : i.e. for the occupant of the house she was carry- 
 ing off and consequently for the house itself. 
 
 27. noctis antelucio : antelucio is an adverb ; noctis a genitive de- 
 pending thereon ; " that part of night just before dawn." 
 
 32. grabatulo . . . adgesto : " drawing up and propping my bed 
 well against the door." 
 
 Page 5. 1. super eum me recipio : "I stretched myself upon it." 
 
 3. commodum quieveram : " I had just gone to sleep." 
 
 10. tunc . . . provenire : " I then experienced that not uncommon 
 revulsion of feeling " ; naturalitus post-classical for naturaliter. 
 
 13. testudo factus : the bed formed his shell, as it were. 
 19. Catamitus : the Latin transliteration of Ganymede. 
 
 28. sero : "too late," as usual. The passage, however, well brings 
 out the real meaning of sero, " late " rather than " too late," for she adds 
 immo statim, immo vero iam nunc.
 
 108 NOTES [Page 5 
 
 32. quatior : "my very vitals quake with fear"; middle force of 
 passive . 
 
 Page 6. 4. reapse : "in fact." 
 16. rebiilliret : as active verb. 
 
 18. cave. . . transeaa : " see to it that thou, born in the sea, crosseth 
 no running stream." 
 
 21. resurgunt : they had been knocked down. resident: "settle 
 into the sockets." It will be remembered that the cardo was a peg-and- 
 socket arrangement. 
 
 22. repagula : "bars." pessuli : "pin.s." 
 
 26. Quid me fiet : me, it will be remembered, is ablative in this idiom. 
 
 28. proclamares saltern suppetiatum : " at least you should have 
 called for aid." Sujypetiatum is the supine of suppetior, an Apuleian 
 word. In classical style the supine in urn is restricted to its ordinary use 
 and to the phrases formed with dare, nuptum, venum, pessuin. 
 
 31. crudelitas : abstract for concrete. vel propter indicium : 
 "even to bear testimony to the crime." Sceleris is in double construc- 
 tion, being felt with arbitro also. 
 
 32. illo : adverb, i.e. ad mortem. 
 
 Page 7. 1. replicabam : more commonly volveham ; post-classical in 
 this sense. 
 
 2. anteluculo : adverb ; cf. antelncio, p. 4, 1. 27. 
 
 3. licet : equivalent to quamquam or in post-Ciceronian Latin quam- 
 vis ; to be construed with trepido vestigia. 
 
 4. subdita clavi : "inserting the key " ; literally, placing the key be- 
 neath, becaiLse one form of the Roman key consisted of a hook which 
 caught the bolt and raised or shot it. Cf. p. 20, 1. 17, where the robber 
 uses his arm in place of a clavis. 
 
 8. stabuli : "tavern," as frequently. 
 
 13. cucurbitae : in the sense of blockhead. Cf. the Greek term 
 apocnlori/ntdsis used of Claudius. 
 
 15. de summa pauperie : the use of the preposition, approximating 
 its use in the Koniaufi' lani^Miagcs, is noteworthy. 
 
 19. convectore : '• Icilow-lravcllcr '' ; cf. use of verb reho, both in 
 active and passivi^ coiistructioii. 
 
 20. fugae mandes praesidium : "you are .seeking .safety in flight" ; 
 literally, " entrusting .safety to flight." 
 
 23. esurientem me : the transitive use of this verb is rather rare.
 
 Page 11] DIOPHANES THE CHALDEAN 109 
 
 Page 8. 2. intextus : this refers to the meshes of rope which served 
 the purpose of the inoderii spring. 
 4. obdita : "fastened." 
 6. sublimatus : ante- and post-classical for sublimis. 
 
 12. exerte : equivalent to ciare. 
 
 18. marcidum alioquin : "notwithstanding my exhaustion." 
 23. odore : the witches had drenched Aristomenes with refuse. 
 
 Page 9. 1. iubaris : a purely poetic word. 
 
 2. arbitrabar : "viewed " ; ante- and post-classical meaning. 
 4. extrema somniasti : " have had awful dreams. " 
 
 8. autumant : " affirm " ; ante-classical. 
 
 14. iugulum istum : doleo with accusative of part affected is a late 
 Latin construction. Genua, 1. 16, is a similar construction. 
 
 23. vitalis color turbaverat : " he had become deadly pale." 
 
 28. crebritas . . . commeantium : ' ' the great number as well of 
 those travelling in the same direction." 
 
 30. satis detruncaverat : " had well punished the food." 
 
 32. radices ; accusative following longe. 
 
 Page 10. 2. in colorem : the ordinary construction would be abla- 
 tive of specification, but cf. the classical in altitudinem. 
 
 3. explere : middle with reiiexive force. lacteo : "pure"; Hieron. 
 Epist. 53, 1, Livius lacteo eloquentiae fonte manans. 
 
 4. oppertus : note the spelling ; from opperior, not operlo. 
 6. poculum : "a drink." 
 
 8. patorem : "gap"; post-classical. 
 
 10. cernuat : ante- and post-classical iov praecipltatur. 
 
 13. sempiterna : adverb ; a poetical use of the neuter plural of the 
 adjective. 
 
 16. ultroneum : late Latin for voluntarium. 
 
 II. DIOPHANES THE CHALDEAN 
 
 (Apuleius, Metamorphoses, II, 13-14.) 
 
 Page 11. 1. Nam : the following tale is related to Lucius by his 
 Thessalian host, Milo. 
 
 2. donaret : the subject of the verb is Diophanes, a Chaldean or 
 astrologer, of whom Lucius and Milo have been speaking.
 
 110 NOTES [Page 11 
 
 4. electum destinasset : " had selected and determined." 
 
 5. centum denarium : centum is here vLsed as an indeclinable noun, 
 a construction seemingly not mentioned by the grammars. The earlier 
 genitive form denarium is more common than denariorum. The same is 
 true of the genitive form nummum. 
 
 7. lacinia : cf. note, p. 2, 1. 12. 
 
 11. Quam olim : " hovp long ago ? " 
 
 13. Commodum : .see note, p. 5, 1. 3. 
 
 18. necdum suus : " not yet quite himself." 
 
 19. incidant : the classical construction requires in and the accusa- 
 tive, or the dative. 
 
 21. regimine : poetical for gubernaculo. 
 
 Page 12. 4. mercedi destinaverat : " had intended to pay." 
 7. circumsecuB : " around about " ; only found in Apuleius. 
 
 III. TELYPHRON'S TALE OF THE WITCHES 
 
 (Apuleius, Metamorphoses, II, 21-30.) 
 
 Page 13. 1. Pupillus : he VFas still a minor. ego : Telyphron tells 
 the following tale at the request of Byrrena, a lady who is entertaining 
 Lucius at an elaborate dinner party. 
 
 2. provinciae : Achaea. 
 
 3. fuscis avibus : the adjectives malus or sinister are more commonly 
 used in this connection. 
 
 5. f omenta : "remediess." 
 
 8. liceretur : " make a bid," from liceor. 
 
 10. oppido : the colloquial adverb. 
 
 11. Thessaliae : locative ; a poetical use. 
 
 12. demorsicant : Apuleian for demordent. 
 
 13. Bupplementa : "ingredients." 
 
 15. perpetem : perpes is ante- and post-classical for perpetuus. 
 
 16. exertis : Apuleian for apertis. 
 
 Page 14. 3. si qui : for the more common .si quis. 
 5. desecto : ablative of instrument with sarcire. 
 
 8. cedo : see note, p. 3, 1. 22. 
 
 9. Mille : liere construed as noun, a construction generally restricted 
 to ;ii)t,c- and post-classical Latin ; for nummum see note, p. 11, 1. 6. 
 deponentur : " will be set aside."
 
 Page 16] TELYPHRON'S TALE OF THE WITCHES 111 
 
 14. oculeum : adjective agreeing with hominem. 
 
 23. quam expergite : " how wide awake," introducing an indirect 
 question. 
 
 24. corollarium : "gratuity." 
 
 26. sic placito : " with this understanding" ; ablative absolute. 
 
 29. fleto : ablative absolute ; cf . note, p. 2, 1. 15. 
 
 30. concepta de industria : "carefully formulated"; the exact 
 words are quoted below. 
 
 Page 15. 7. calida : so. aqua. 
 8. discus : " a plate," late Latin. 
 
 10. partes : equivalent to reliquiae cenarum. totiugis : from to- 
 tiugus, " so many," an Apuleian word. 
 16. ad cadaveris solacium •. " to keep the corpse company." 
 
 19. concubia altiora : "deeper night when all men are asleep." 
 nox intempesta : " the dead of night." 
 
 20. oppido : modifying cumulatior with the force of multo ; cf. note, 
 p. 13, 1. 10. 
 
 25. nostri : for the more usual nostrum. vim praesentariam : 
 
 "the effect of my strength." 
 
 27. exterminatur : "banishes itself from the room," with middle 
 force. 
 
 30. quis : for the more exact uter. 
 
 Page 16. 1. commodum : see note, p. 5, 1. 3. 
 
 2. expergitus : the word used in ordinary prose is experrectus. 
 
 4. quae cuncta convenerant : this claase, mistranslated in our 
 opinion by Butler and in the Loeb Library, means "all of which had 
 been agreed upon," or, more freely, " with reference to all of which the 
 agreement had been made," that is, in the presence of the witnesses; 
 cf. the enumeration on p. 14, 1. 31, seq. 
 
 8. actorem : " steward." 
 
 14. in aureos : the classical construction would be ablative of cause, 
 but is influenced by the preceding in gaudium ; cf. note, p. 7, 1. 15. 
 ventilabam : " was jingling." 
 
 15. attonitus : " beside myself." 
 
 23. Adonei : Helm reads Aonii. musici vatis Pipleii : "the musi- 
 cal bard of I'inipla " ; Orpheus is meant. 
 
 31. genialem : "luxuriant."
 
 112 NOTES [Page 17 
 
 Page 17. 11. parvuloa : "gamins." 
 
 18. postliminiQ mortis: "after death"; postllminio as adverbial 
 ablative in the sense of "after" or "again" is Apuleian ; cf. note, 
 p. 74, 1. 1. 
 
 19. pedesque : Greek accusative with inductum; "his feet 
 covered." 
 
 20. bazeis : rare ante- and post-classical word for a kind of woven 
 sandal or solea. adusque : adverb modifying deraso ; "entirely 
 shaved." 
 
 25. adyta Coptica : the shrine of Isis at Coptos. 
 
 26. arcana Memphytica : "the mysteries of Memphis." sistra 
 Phariaca : " the sistra of Pharos." 
 
 32. obversus : obversus with simple accusative is Apuleian. 
 
 Page 18. 1. venerabilis scaenae facie .- " by tlic theatrical im- 
 pressiveness of the act." 
 
 5. lapidem : the accasative with insisto in place of the dative or the 
 ablative is poetic. 
 
 6. arbitrabar : "was observing" ; ante- and post-classical meaning. 
 salubris vena pulsari : " the pulse of life began to beat " ; for the pas- 
 sive cf. the expression venae nioventur. 
 
 9. momentariae : post-classical for 6rer is. 
 
 17. adorat : archaic for alloquitur. addictus : a legal term, 
 " bound over to," "given over to." 
 
 18. mancipavl : also a legal term, " gave into the hand." 
 
 19. praesentem audaciam : " ever ready audacity." 
 
 20. altercat : ante- and post-classical for aliercatur. 
 24. distinxit : " ended " ; in this sense Apuleian. 
 
 29. exertam : cf. note, p. 12, 1. 16. cantatricea : Apuleian in this 
 sense. exuviis : " the garb of flesh which I had cast off." 
 
 30. reformatae saepius : "having repeatedly changed their 
 forms." 
 
 Page 19. 1. quam dum : for simple quam. 
 
 6. ultroneua : ('(juivalciit here to the cla.ssical ultro. 
 
 9. ut . . . convenirent : the Helm text reads convenisscnt. 
 
 11. examussim : modifies acIpZicani; " lifted perfectly to him. "
 
 Page 22] THE ROBBER'S TALE 118 
 
 IV. THE ROBBERS TALE 
 
 (Apuleiiis, Metamorphoses, IV, 9-21.) 
 
 Page 20. 1. accessimus : the following story is narrated by a 
 member of a robber band, which after a rather unsucce.ssful venture in 
 Boeotia has returned and joined in their lair the band which had cap- 
 tured Lucius, who .stands by and hears the following account. hep- 
 tapylos : a Greek word ; " of the .seven gates." 
 5. munerum publicorum : "public games." 
 8. incubabat : the accusative with the verb is Apuleian. 
 
 11. Nee mora, cum: "immediately"; a favorite expres.sion with 
 Apuleius. 
 
 12. praestolamur : with the dative case and the force of j)racsto esse ; 
 the u.se is archaic. 
 
 16. clavi immittendae foramen : see note, p. 7, 1. 4. 
 
 17. gestiebat : note how in Apuleius the meaning of this verb ap- 
 proaches that of an intensified conabatur. 
 
 19. gradum et obnixum silentium : note the collocation of the ab- 
 stract and conci-ete, in the style of Tacitus. 
 
 22. patibulatum : "crucified"; archaic. 
 
 Page 21. 3. confinio : a favorite word with Apuleius, for vicinitas. 
 suppetiatum : .see note, p. 0, 1. 28. 
 
 4. opprimendi nostri : " of being caught ourselves." 
 
 5. e re nata : prepositional phrase modifying remedium ; '• that arose 
 from the necessity," or " as the circumstances required." 
 
 8. temperato : " carefullj^ directed. " 
 
 11. religionis . . . tumultu : " perturbation aroused by our ob- 
 ligation." 
 
 18. supervivere : rhetorical question in indirect discour.se ; hence 
 infinitive. 
 
 20. spontale : post-classical for voluntarium. 
 
 27. minus saevTim adducere : " to draw a more kindly nod from 
 fortune" ; j/itnus, the reading of Bluemner, for the meaningless eum, is 
 adopted. 
 
 Page 22. 5. paupertinas : ante- and post-classical ior pauperes. 
 
 8. astu : sc. (tnus. 
 
 11. certus erroris : " informed of his mistake. "
 
 114 NOTES [Page 22 
 
 16: attonitum : the usual meaning of the word is "stunned." It 
 seems here to have the meaning of " absorbed." 
 20. imitus : post-classical for /u?idttus. 
 
 28. fortunae : genitive following dignus, a poetic construction. 
 30. multiiugi : cf. totiugis, p. 15, 1. 10. 
 
 Page 23. 1. perdita securitate : "beyond hope of redemption"; 
 the construction may be regarded as ablative of characteristic or possibly 
 ablative absolute. suis epulis : " with the feast they furnished." 
 
 2. confixilis machinae sublicae : " beams that formed a contrivance 
 that could be joined together" ; confixilis is Apuleian. turres . . . 
 ne^bus : " towers built with several platforms." 
 
 3. ad instar circumforaneae domus : "like a movable house." 
 floridae picturae : " gayly painted " ; the expression is best disposed of 
 as an appositive with turres. 
 
 4. decora . . . receptacula : " fitting cages to contain the beasts that 
 were to appear in the hunt." 
 
 6. forinsecus : literally, " from without " ; seems to be used here with 
 the force of peregre. generosa . . . funera : "noble tombs" ; that 
 is, the beasts who were to devom- the criminals. 
 
 9. totis utcumque : "with practically all." Cf. p. 26, 1. 24 and 
 note. immanis ursae : " of huge bears" ; generic singular. 
 
 20. quos : constructio ad sensum. 
 
 21. ventri : dative with supplementa. 
 
 23. accurrunt : the classical coustruction requires ad or in. e re 
 nata : a favorite expression with Apuleius ; see note, p. 21, 1. 5. 
 
 26. cibo : dative. The more common classical prose construction is, 
 perhaps, ad and the accusative. 
 
 31. examurgatur : " was being cured " ; an Apuleian word. 
 
 32. instanti . . . sacramentum : " make the following solemn agree- 
 ment for our impending campaign." 
 
 Page 24. 6. sollers species :" the cunning device." 
 
 8. ancipitis . . . aleam : " took the risk of playing the dangerous 
 rOle." 
 
 9. habili corio : iti would ordinai'ily he used in prose unless the con- 
 struction be viewed as instrumental ablative. MoUitie is ablative of cause 
 with tractahili. 
 
 10. sarcimiue : an Apuleian word, eciuivalent to sulura. 
 16. praestinatae : the classical word is emptae. 
 
 19. Sciscitati : " having learned by (juesUoning."
 
 Page 28] THE ROBBER'S TALE 115 
 
 20. proditus : ordinaiily thus used of plants ; equivalent to ortus. 
 27. ut ipse habebat : " as he was constituted," i.e. ius ho was natu- 
 rally generous ; se habere is the more common idiom. 
 
 29. ad repentinas visiones : " to satisfy immediately their eyes. " 
 
 30. mirabiuidi bestiam : adjectives in -bundus have so nearly the 
 force of present participles that in Apuleius they often take an object. 
 
 31. satis callenter curiosos aspectus : " very cunningly prying 
 gaze." 
 
 Page 25. 5. fraglantia : this is the usual spelling in Apuleius, both 
 for the noun and all forms of the verb, instead otflagro. 
 
 9. contenninum : poetical for vicinum. 
 
 11. incubare : the classical construction of this, the literal meaning 
 of tlie verb, requires in with the ablative or the dative ; cf. the figurative 
 use, p. 20, 1. 8 and note. 
 
 22. valefacto : ablative absolute with siibject unexpressed. 
 
 30. velut expilationis vadimonium : " as a guaranty of our pur- 
 pose to plunder the house." 
 
 32. examussim : "precisely"; archaic. latrocinali : "suitable 
 for robbeiy . ' ' 
 
 Page 26. 3. clavl subtracta : sc. ianitori. 
 
 6. Quo . . . violentia : " and when we had immediately broken this 
 open by the force of our united band." 
 
 16. visitata : ante- and post-classical in this sense. 
 
 21. vel divinitus : " or else by divine will." 
 
 23. premens obnixum silentiiim : " maintaining strict silence." 
 
 24. utcumque cunctis : "to all, whoever they might be" ; cf. totis 
 utcumque., p. 23, 1. 9 and note. 
 
 27. sebaciis : sebacius, " a tallow candle," is Apuleian. 
 
 Page 27. 1. retrogradi : from the nominative retrogradis. 
 
 7. scaenam : "rdle." 
 
 9. schemis : "postures"; ante-classical. 
 14. agminatim : late Latin for agmine. 
 18. turbelis : the diminutive is colloquial. 
 27. factionis : "band." 
 
 Page 28. 4. vel : " even." 
 
 5. ursae : dative following despoliavit ; " stript him of the bear." 
 Though the construction is without precedent, it seems more natural than 
 it would to consider ursae as appositional genitive.
 
 116 NOTES ' [Page 28 
 
 7. nobis . . . perivit, etc. : " lost to us but not vanislied from 
 glory" ; cf. PL Cupt. riS7,peristi e p atria tua. 
 
 11. nostra : i.e. " of inau's. " 
 
 12. demigrarit : that is, in the persons of Laniachus and Thrasyleon. 
 
 V. TRAGEDY OF TLEPOLEMUS AND CHARITE 
 
 (Apuleius, Metamorphoses, YIII, 1-14.) 
 
 Lucias, in the form of an ass, stabled near by, hears the following 
 stoiy told by one of the servants of Charite. 
 
 Page 29. l. fuit : i.e. "has passed away."' 
 
 5. in historiae specimen, etc. : not "in the guise of histoiy," as it 
 is sometimes taken, but •' embody in writing in the manner of formal 
 narrative," as contrasted with his off-hand account; chartis is probably 
 ablative of instrument. 
 
 8. quo . . . eo : equivalent to quanto . . . tanto, the idea being that 
 his wealth corresponded to his high birth. The ablative of degree of 
 difference is used in classical Latin in connection with the comparative of 
 the adjective or adverb. luxuriae popinalis : ijredicate genitive ; 
 supply fuit. 
 
 14. petitionis eius : it is difficult to say whether eius agrees with 
 petitionis or is the objective genitive following it. In either case the 
 meaning is " of courting her." 
 
 15. id genus viris : "men of that class"; i.e. of suitors. The ac- 
 cusative is adverbial. 
 
 17. morum : genitive with inprobatus. 
 
 18. erilis puella : "our young mistress." in nianum venerat : 
 convenire is more common. See note, p. 102, 1. 27. 
 
 22. praesentiae suae : probably dative ; the idea is, an occasion 
 .suitable for ])iH'sentiiig himsflf. 
 
 24. praedonum mucronibus . . . liberata : this refers to Charite's 
 rescue from the robber liaml, an adventure previously narrated by 
 Lucius. 
 
 Page 30. 2. salutique praesenti . . . gaudibundus: (hitive case 
 following (jaudibundus, a peculiar construction. A slight zeugma is felt 
 in connection witli the second dative suboli. The idea is that of con- 
 gratulating them on their present safety and expivssiug tlit; hope that 
 the union would be Ijicsscd witii oiTsi)ring. 
 
 4. prosapiae : "of his (/.c. Thrasyiius) hi^h biith."
 
 pagk 3.",] tra(5p:dy of tlepolemus and ciiarite 117 
 
 7. conversatione : caro should be taken lo give the proper meaning 
 to this word. 
 
 16. affectionis firmissimum vinculum : that is, between Charite and 
 her Imsband. Note the post-Ciceronian meaning of affectio. 
 
 18. furatrinae coniugalia . . . rudimentum : "inexperience in 
 conjugal deception. ' ' 
 
 20. contentiosa pemicie : the phrase suggests persistence in a course 
 that would result disastmnsly. 
 
 31. venationis indagini generosae : indagini, dative of purpose ; 
 "hue bred d(jgs (and trained) to nur down game." mandato . . . in- 
 vaderent : the subject of the ablative absolute is the clause of which 
 invaderent is the verb. 
 
 Page 31. 1. partitae : i.e. in different packs. 
 
 11. genis : i.e. his tusks. 
 
 12. qua : either " where " or " because of which." 
 
 13. alioquin : see note, p. 97, 1. 13. 
 
 16. fraudium opportunum decipulum : liteially, " an opportune 
 snare of treachery," i.e. an opportunity to ensnare his friend treacher- 
 ously. 
 
 21. indipiscimur : "begin," a rare meaning; also found in Aulus 
 Gellius. The verb is ante- and post-classical for adipiscor. 
 
 30. amputat : " cut through " or " deep into." 
 
 Page 32. 2. lacinias : see note, p. 2, 1. 12. 
 
 3. vel suae saevitiae . . . expleri : " nor when he saw success 
 smile upon his cruel purpose was he content with the great danger to 
 which his companion was exposed." The force of the preceding negative 
 is carried over into this clause. 
 
 5. plagosa : " covered with blows " ; a post-classical meaning. 
 
 8. prosectu : dative case. 
 
 11. familia maesta : in apposition with the subject of concurrimus. 
 
 12. laetuB ageret : note idiom ayere, "to behave" ; the more usual 
 expression is ,se ugere. 
 
 27. paenissime : " veiy nearly " ; the superlative is an archaism. 
 29. funus : ecpiivalent to cadaver, a poetical use. 
 
 31. nimium nimius : a forced expression, but quite characteristic ; 
 nimium is adverb, nimius adjective; " in excess beyond measure." 
 
 Page 33. 3. nomine lugubri : a difficult phrase ; perhaps we may 
 give lugubri adverbial force and say, "adding his name in sorrowful 
 tones."
 
 118 NOTES [Page 33 
 
 7. studium adhibere : the idea is that he made his zealous services 
 as commiserating friend the pretext of caressing her. 
 
 19. confoveret : this forms the object of extorquet ; " prevailed upon 
 her to care for. ' ' 
 
 20. parentum : genitive following reverens. The accusative is also 
 used. 
 
 26. adfizo servitio : this would seem to mean " with devoted ser- 
 vice," rather than " appointing slaves," as it is sometimes understood. 
 
 28. alioquin : see note, p. 97, 1. 13. de ipso nomine : Thrasyllus 
 is a name connected with a Greek adjective, dpaais, meaning " bold." 
 
 32. impudentiae labe : " with disgraceful shamelessness. " 
 
 Page 34. 3. procella sideris: "violent wind of heaven" ; sideris 
 suggests the violent winds that attend the rising or setting of certain con- 
 stellations. The word may, however, suggest the baleful influence of 
 some constellation. 
 
 4. diali : see note, p. 97, 1. 12. corruit : unusual transitive use. 
 This seems better than to construe corpus as Greek accusative. 
 
 7. scaenam : " the deception." 
 
 8. ad limam, etc. : ' ' put off her ardent suitor in order to sharpen her 
 own wits." 
 
 12. permarcet : "fades" ; the compound does not occur elsewhere. 
 Pectori is to be construed as dative of reference, though it may possibly 
 be an archaic locative not found elsewhere. 
 
 14. in manum convenias : see note, p. 102, 1. 27. 
 
 17. parricidio . . . auspicari : the technical meaning of auspicari 
 is to be kept in mind ; the idea is that of marriage under the auspices of 
 murder. 
 
 20. scaenam sceleris : the phrase means not so much the tragedy of 
 the crime as tlic trickery and deception in which the crime had been 
 veiled. 
 
 25. prolizum : adverb; not "greatly" or "violently," as given in 
 Harper's lexicon, but " gave utterance to a prolonged wail." Cf. Suet. 
 Tit. 7, 2, fovere prolixius = "longer." 
 
 Page 35. 2. fratris: tliat is, companion. 
 
 5. Boni et optimi consules : " take it in good part, nay, for the 
 best " ; the giaiitives are predicate genitives. 
 
 14. simulanter revicta : " apparently overcome." 
 
 17. clandestinos coitus obeamus : " have secret meetings."
 
 Page 38] EATEN ALIVE 119 
 
 19. oppressuB : "caught." 
 
 20. prolixe : " readily " or " eagerly." 
 
 21. uno . . . studio : dative ; note archaic form uno. The construc- 
 tion could be taken as an ablative of cause. 
 
 26. Nee setius : " so too." 
 
 28. scaena feralium nuptiarum : " the funeral setting of his mar- 
 riage " ; feralium suggests both the darkness and mystery of the arrange- 
 ment and the fact that the union was to work his doom. 
 
 29. sequius aliquid : " anything untoward. " 
 
 32. pronus spei : much stronger than our " inclined to hope." 
 
 Page 36. 4. quasi: introducing an alleged reason, as often hi Tacitus. 
 
 13. male placui : " it was my ill fate to please." qui . . . aute- 
 cedunt : " wliich, as it were, by eagerly awaiting the coming darkness, 
 anticipate their coming doom." Note the not displeasing conceit. 
 
 14. somniare : the rare deponent use. 
 
 20. nuptlas : archaic accusative construction. 
 24. de quo queraris : " of whom you have to complain." 
 26. dlgnum cruclatum lucraris : a peculiar expression, " gain a 
 profit from the torture you deserve " ; that is to say, by not suffering at 
 once the penalty he so richly deserves, he is gaining an advantage. 
 
 Page 37. 1. orbitatem : "blindness"; cf. the similar use of the 
 adjective orbus. 
 
 5. nescio : from nescius, in the rare passive sense. The source of the 
 pain is unknown. 
 
 8. nescio quod scelus gestiens : " eagerly intent upon some awful 
 deed." 
 
 9. monumentum : for classical ad monurnentuin. 
 
 16. punita sum : note deponent form of verb, which also occurs in 
 Ciceronian Latin. 
 
 18. isto : see note, p. 72, 1. 10. 
 29. Ultronea : see note, p. 9, 1. 27. 
 
 VI. EATEN ALIVE 
 
 (Apuleius, Metamorphoses, VIII, 22.) 
 
 Page 38. 3. deverteramus : "had put up." This story was sug- 
 gested to Lucius by a certain locality where the former servants of Charite
 
 120 NOTES [Page 38 
 
 stopped in their flight to rest. famulitio : ante- and post-classical for 
 fnmilin. 
 
 5. Quo dolore paelicatus : "Now by her resentment at this in- 
 fidelity." instricta : "incited.'" 
 
 9. infantulum : post-classical. 
 
 13. servulum : note force of the diminutive "miserable slave." 
 
 15. arbori ficulneae : archaic and poetic iov fico. 
 
 17. nidificia : nklijicium is Apuleian for nidus. borriebant : 
 "swarm," Apuleian for the prosaic concurrebant. 
 
 18. scaturrigine : "gushing stream"; the word occurs in other 
 authors usually in the plural. 
 
 23. nitore nimio candentia : "gleaming with excessive whiteness." 
 
 24. cohaererent arbori : the classical prose construction is prefera- 
 bly cu)ii and the ablative. 
 
 VII. THE LOST SLIPPERS 
 
 (Apuleius, Metamorphoses, IX, 17-21.) 
 
 Page 39. l. Barbarus iste : this Barbarus, a senator, has just been 
 mentioned, and Lucius overhears a disreputable old woman narrate the 
 following tale to the wife of a baker, Lucius' present master. 
 
 4. custodelam : ante-classical and vulgar Latin for custodia. 
 
 6. defamem : defamis is Apuleian for infamis. 
 
 8. deierans : ante- and post-classical for iurans. 
 
 13. destrictam : "busy." 
 
 25. Bolitatem : ante- and post-classical for solituJlnem. 
 
 Page 40. 2. cupito potiatur : " compass his desires." 
 6. suadelis : suddcla is ante- and post-classical for suasio. 
 
 12. oculos : the accusative with exirc iu the sense of " leave " is 
 Apuleian. 
 
 13. quam procul : " however far." 
 
 15. salo : "curient." The word is also used by Cicero as applied to 
 agitation of spirit. 
 
 20. Nee saltern : the emphatic word is fretiuently placed between nee 
 and sitUein; see note;, p. (i7, 1. 2i. spatio : "by space," that is, by 
 
 Ijeing ii\v;iy ficjui the temptation. 
 
 26. auctorata est: a legal term like uddicere ; hence the dative 
 lacLaUo ; exccrdudo has adjectival force.
 
 Page 45] THE FULLER'S WIFE 121 
 
 Page 41. 2. Btrenuum : "persistent." 
 
 15. clave . . . subiecta : .see note, p. 7,1. 4. 
 
 20. cubiculo : for e cubiculo. 
 
 22. e re nata : " as was natural " ; cf . note, p. 21, 1. 5. 
 
 23. cordolio : ante- and po.st-classical for dolore animi. 
 30. coram noxae : the genitive with coram is Apuleian. 
 
 Page 42. 3. enini : with its intensive, not inferential, force. 
 7. clementer : that is, he was apparently beating him severely. 
 9. perduint : archaic for perdant. 
 
 14. postlimiiiio : adverb ; post-cla.ssical for rursus or denuu ; cf. note, 
 p. 74, 1. 1. 
 
 VIII. THE FULLER'S WIFE 
 
 (Apuleius, Metamorphoses^ IX, 24-25.) 
 
 The baker, Lucius' present owner, narrates to his wife the following 
 experience at the home of his friend the fuller. 
 
 Page 43. l. alioquin : see note, p. 97, 1. 13. 
 
 5. nostra : that is, of himself and the fuller, who had unexpectedly 
 arrived. 
 
 6. ilium : the adulterum mentioned above. subiectum contegit : 
 " placed him beneath and ccjncealed him.''' 
 
 7. quae . . . inalbabat : " which, constrvicted with flexible rounded 
 twigs in the form of a rising mound and tilled with the white fumes of 
 sulphur, was iised to bleach the garments that were hung around it." 
 
 12. vivacis metalli : " of the pungent mineral." 
 
 16. solito sermone : he probably said salve ; cf. Petronius, c. 98. 
 imprecatus : this word is usually used in a bad sense ; not so here. 
 
 21. moriturum : he was already half suffocated. 
 
 24. suapte : supply noxa, i.e. not by our, but because of his own guilt. 
 The alternative is to make it agree with violentia and refer to the oblique 
 case sulpur'is. 
 
 Page 44. 3. secederet : object of persuasi. 
 
 8. cogitare : inliuilive following non erat dublus. 
 
 IX. THE THREE BROTHERS 
 
 (Apuleius, Metaiiwrplwses, IX, 35-38.) 
 Page 45. l. is : the pronoun refers to a certain householder who, 
 having been entertained at the house of Lucius' ma.ster, returns the coar-
 
 122 NOTES [Page 45 
 
 tesy. While they are at table certain prodigies occur which give warn- 
 ing of coming disaster. As a matter of fact, a slave soon ai-rives and 
 reports the matter that is incorporated in the following tale. 
 6. pollens factioni bus : " strong with his political backing. " 
 11. gestiebat : on the force of the word, see note, p. 20, 1. 17. inani 
 commota quaestione : "starting litigation for which there was no 
 ground. ' ' 
 
 13. suo saltern sepulchro : " if only to serve for his grave " ; dative 
 of purpose. All but the land had been taken ; that he resolved to keep. 
 
 14. ad demonstrationem finium : "to bear testimony as to the 
 boundaries." 
 
 16. quantulum quantulum : " such little as they could." 
 
 19. licet non rapinis : " though not his plundering." 
 
 20. volixit : note that he is said to have been at first moderate in his 
 language. 
 
 Page 46. 3. liberal! legum praesidio : " by the generous protection 
 of the laws." 
 
 6. iste : see note, p. 72, 1. 10. 
 
 8. suspend! um sese . . . mandare proclamans : "telling all of 
 them and their laws to go hang." 
 
 11. esitare : ante- and post-classical for edo. 
 
 12. passivis : ante- and post-classical for passmi. lazari : the in- 
 finitive construction following praecipere is classical but not so common 
 as the ui-coiLstruction. 
 
 17. comperciuit : also spelled comparcunt. nee . . . saltern : of. 
 note, p. ()7, 1. 24. 
 
 20. offenso lapide atque obtunsis digit! s : "stubbing his toes 
 against a stone." terrae : this maybe dative of direction, but more 
 likely a locative construction, in imitation of humi prosterni. 
 
 24. accurrunt suppetias : cf . the more common ire or venire suppe- 
 tias, and .similar expressions. 
 
 Page 47. 2. velitantur : "attack him like skirmishers" ; ante- and 
 post-classical. 
 
 5. Nee : the negative modifies the verb concidit. 
 
 6. terrae : dative of direction. 
 
 7. nisuB violentia : " by the force of the cast. " 
 
 8. rigore librato : literally " its stiffness balanced in the air." 
 
 11. per . . . transcurrens : that is, it simply grazed his finger tips.
 
 Page 50] THE ENAMORED STEPMOTHER 123 
 
 14. humanior : that is, than the spear which had slain his brother. 
 
 15. speculam : the diminutive of spes. 
 
 26. svii moUiorem : "milder than himself." The genitive with the 
 comparative is occasionally found in early and late Latin. 
 
 X. THE ENAMORED STEPMOTHER 
 
 (Apuleius, Metamorphoses, X, 2-12.) 
 
 Page 48. l. Dominus aedium : Lucius recalls a most abominable 
 crime which took place in the house where he was stabled, and narrates 
 it in the following tale. 
 
 3. vel : " even " or "just." 
 
 6. adaeque : the meaning of the word here seems to be "just" or 
 ' ' about. ' ' 
 
 16. vulnuB animi . . . valetudine : "falsely attributed her heart's 
 wound to bodily illness." The expression is a forced one and probably 
 was suggested by the constructions mentiri aliquid and mentiri in 
 aliqua re. 
 
 18. cetera, etc.: "the other ravages, that is, to health and coun- 
 tenance." 
 
 19. examussim : see note, p. 19, 1. 11. 
 
 24. colons intemperantia : " flushing of cheeks. " 
 
 Page 49. l. utrimquesecua : instead of the more common ittrimgue. 
 
 6. vocari praecipit : see note, p. 46, 1. 12. 
 
 10. utcumque debitum : " in a certain sense due." 
 
 14. nutante etiam nunc pudore : the idea is that she still possessed 
 some sense of shanie, though it was on the point of disappearing. 
 
 15. decunctatur : A puleian for cunctoiur. 
 21. medela : post-classical for cura. 
 
 32. exasperandum : earn is to be supplied as object, according to the 
 archaic construction of which Lucretius presents several examples. 
 
 Page 50. 1. prolixe : see note, p. 35, 1. 20. 
 3. impendio : "earnestly"; a colloquialism. 
 10. vel : see note, p. 48, 1. 3. 
 
 12. maturatae spei vesania : "with the madness of a hope to be 
 fulfilled." 
 
 20. emancipato : figuratively, "ready for any crime."
 
 124 NOTES [Page 50 
 
 23. praesentarium : ante- and post-classical tor prompturn. 
 32. terrae : see note, p. 46, 1. 20. 
 
 Page 51. 2. varie quisqvie : "each according to liLs own views." 
 7. in vindictae compendium : " to compass her vengeance. " 
 12. Et hoc . . . mentiebatur : the preceding expression, privigni 
 veneno, changes its meaning according as one regards privigni as sub- 
 jective or objective genitive, hence the present remark. 
 
 20. incoram : Apuleian for coram. For genitive, see note, p. 41, 1. 30. 
 
 29. in exitium : the verb operor in classical style is construed with 
 the dative. 
 
 30. plenis affectibus : ''with all the force of his will.'" ilium in- 
 cestum, etc. : the indirect discourse depends upon a verb of saying sug- 
 gested by the words Jletu and precibus. 
 
 Page 52. 2. remoto iudicandi taedio : "without the tedium of a 
 trial." liemotis is to be supplied with probaiiunibus and ambagibus. 
 
 5. vindicari : classical prose usage would recjuire an ut construction. 
 
 10. utrimquesecus : see note, p. 40, 1. 1. 
 
 16. loca residentibus : residentibus from resideo, not resido. This 
 accusative outside of Apuleias is very rare. Cf. meum dorsum residebat, 
 Apul. Met. 8, 17, and me . . . residens, Met. 10, 18. The ordinary con- 
 struction is in with the ablative. 
 
 18. Martii iudicii : " of the court of the Areopagus." 
 
 19. principia dicere : "deliver introductory speeches"; the usual 
 construction with dcnuntio in this sense would be ne and the subjunctive. 
 
 21. ad istum modum : see note, p. 72, 1. 10. 
 
 26. ad istas litteras : "in this accoimt to you." Simul : poetic for 
 simnl <ir. 
 
 30. sisti : " 1)(' brought: into court." 
 
 Page 53. 3. quod se vocasset : " lln' fact that he had summoned 
 him " ; the subjunctive is that of implied indirect discourse. 
 
 7. sua manu : not the speaker's, but the young man's. reddiderit : 
 sc. Hibi or better ?7).s?, reforring to the speaker. 
 
 8. reservatum poculum neclexisse : tliat is, had not administered 
 tlic f'up, l)iil- had kept il in evidence. 
 
 9. Bua raanu : (lie direct, nse df ,s(/((.s'. 
 
 10. eximie ac nimis . . . imaginem : "skilfully and only too .strik- 
 ingly like the truth." 
 
 15. ad unum aermonem : that i.s, to the one word rondcmno.
 
 Page 57] THE JEALOUS WIFE 125 
 
 17. cum rei fortuna transacto : " the culprit's fate being sealed once 
 for all"; trunsucto is ablative abtiohite without substantive. Rei is 
 probably genitive of reus. 
 
 20. orificium : post-classical for os. 
 
 21. ad ordinem : ordo is the regular word for the provincial senate. 
 
 22. Quod aetatis sum : " all my life. " 
 29'. non olim : " not long ago." 
 
 31. veterno : the word suggests the loss of physical and mental power. 
 
 Page 54. l. blaterantem : blatero is colloquial. 
 2. causificantem : caustjicor is very rare, being used for the classical 
 causor. 
 
 10. repraesentatus : " produced in court" ; iudicio is dative. 
 
 20. afamias : A pulei an for nii(/ as. 
 
 26. contrectatis : "examined." 
 29. tormentis : dative of purpose. 
 
 Page 55. 3. rei praesentis : "of the point at is.sue." 
 5. sectae : the word is also used by Seneca in the sense of a school of 
 medicine. 
 
 11. mandragoram : "mandrake." 
 
 12. gravedinis compertae : descriptive genitive ; "of tested leth- 
 argy-producing properties. " 
 
 14. in eum competit : " fit his case. " 
 
 18. quod sive : " but whether. " 
 
 21. adorante : cf. note, p. 18, 1. 17. 
 
 27. postlimiiiio mortis : see note, p. 17, 1. 18. 
 
 Page 56. 3. somni : that is, the trance into which he had cast the 
 boy. 
 
 XI. THE JEALOUS WIFE 
 
 (Apuleius, Metamoi-phoses, X, 23-28.) 
 
 Page 57. l. habuit: "she had." The subject is a woman con- 
 demned to be thrown to the beasts. The story of her crime is narrated 
 by LucivLs. 
 
 2. eiusdem iuvenis : that is, the husband just mentioned. 
 
 4. sexus sequioris : "of the inferior sex" ; genitive of character- 
 istic; seiyuiy;- is post-classical. protinus quod : "as soon as."
 
 126 NOTES [Page 57 
 
 6. praeventa : " prevented " ; the word agi-ees with ilia. 
 10. pro natalibus : "in accordance with her birth " ; natales in the 
 plural, meaning "origin" or "birth," is post-Augustan. 
 
 13. incurreret : " do violence to." 
 
 14. matris . . . dispensat : " scrupulously carried out his mother's 
 wish and did his duty by liis sister." 
 
 16. plebeiam humanitatem : "ordinary feeling." facie tenus : 
 "as far as appearances went." 
 
 19. receptaret : " received " ; but traderet, below, is to be rendered 
 " would betroth," as indicated by the word mox. 
 
 22. plenaque cum sanctimonia : correlative with the two preceding 
 adverbs. 
 
 Page 58. 1. bestiis . . . addicta : see note, p. 57, 1. 1. 
 
 3. succubam : " supplanter. " In this sense swccu6a is Apuleian. 
 
 8. quod : note quod-clauae instead of the classical infinitive construc- 
 tion. 
 
 12. adstipularetur : " to cause to agi-ee with " ; adsiipuior as a transi- 
 tive verb is Apuleian. 
 
 13. mandatu : dative. 
 
 19. quod res erat : "the truth of the matter." quodque : note 
 ^uocZ-clause instead of classical infinitive constrviction. 
 
 20. frustra . . . bulliret : that is, that there was no cause for her 
 jealovLsy ; paelicatus is objective genitive following indignatione. 
 
 23. maritus : "he who was to be her husband." Generis used in 
 the same anticipatoiy sense in Latin. 
 
 29. medela: for classical cura. 
 
 31. multarum palmarum, etc. : note the figurative language taken 
 from the military sphere. 
 
 Page 59. 6. Proserpinae Saluti : that is, death. Saluti is in appo- 
 sition with fruserphme. 
 
 25. Ad istrum moduzn : .see note, p. 72, 1. 10. 
 
 30. proventuB : "the issue." 
 
 Page 60. 2. saucius : tlie word is also u.sed of the drowsiness of in- 
 toxiciitinii. 
 
 4. mandate : the substantive of this ablative absolute is the clause 
 of wliicli dejjosreret is the verb. 
 
 5. elisuB : "in (convulsions." BpectatissimuB : "most worthy." 
 Tiie expression is probably not ircjiiicai. The narrator seems to have 
 forgotten, in the pliysician's terrible plight, his previous reputation.
 
 Pace 65] TALE OF THE TUB 127- 
 
 10. quia : ablative case. 
 
 12. faciem : " the reality. " 
 
 13. blandicule : Apuleian. proline : see note, p. 35, 1. 20. 
 24. toto : archaic for toti. Cf. uno, note, p. 35, 1. 21. 
 
 Page 61. 2. urgente spiritu : "by the diiiiculty of breathing." 
 praesidis : ' ' governor's. ' ' 
 
 6. patefierent : note omission of ut, which is ordinarily used with 
 efficio ; cf. note, p. 2, 1. 12. 
 
 13. excetrae venenatae : " venomous serpent." 
 
 XII. TALE OF THE TUB 
 
 (Apuleius, Metamorphoses, IX, 1-7.) 
 Page 62. See Introduction, xxxvii. 
 
 XIII. CUPID AND PSYCHE 
 
 (Apuleius, Metamorphoses, IV, 28- VI, 24.) 
 
 Page 65. 1. civitate : for urbe, as often. 
 
 6. Bufficienter : a word found only in late Latin ; satis would be the 
 classical word. 
 
 7. denique : often a weak inferential " then" in Apuleius. 
 
 8. studiosa celebritate : "in curious throngs." inaccessae : 
 poetic ; sinijularis or unicus would be the ordinary word. 
 
 9. formonsitatis : archaic spelling. 
 
 10. primore digito . . . residente : "the thumb held upright with 
 the tip of the finger resting thereon." To kiss one's hand was a common 
 mark of reverence to the gods. Why the particular position of the 
 thumb and finger here indicated we cannot say. 
 
 11. ipsam prorsuB deam : " the very goddess in person." 
 
 13. attiguaB : a rare and late word ; vicinus is the ordinaiy word. 
 
 15. iam numinis . . . venia : ' ' now ble.ssing all vsith the gift of her 
 divine presence." The coiLstrviction is ablative absolute. 
 
 16. populi : the poetic use of populus as synonymous with homines. 
 18. pullulaase : the rare transitive use of pullulare. It will be 
 
 remembered that the real Venus was fabled to have sprung from the 
 foam of the sea.
 
 128 NOTES [Page 65 
 
 19. immensum : adverbial use ; tlie more usual expression is in im- 
 mensum. 
 
 20. plusculum : " quite a bit."' 
 
 22. altissimis : transferred epithet. 
 
 23. saeculi specimen: "perfection of the age." As we say, "the 
 greatest beauty of her day." 
 
 Page 66. 4. supplicatur : impersonal construction. 
 
 5. in matutino progressu : that is, as she came forth of a morning, 
 fresh and beautiful. 
 
 6. absentis : the idea is, though no Veiuis was there. 
 
 12. En rerum . . . parens : c.f. Lucretius' invocation to Venus, 
 iJe Eer 11171 Natura I, 1 seq. 
 
 13. orbis : probably po.ssessive. 
 
 14. partiario : construed with cum jmella, " shared with a mortal 
 girl" ; partiarius is used by the legal writers. honore tractor : this 
 seems to mean "treated or handled with," rather than " dragged in the 
 dust," as rendered by Purser. 
 
 15. caelo conditum : "with heaven as its home " ; in caelo is more 
 common, while in caelum is the ordinary expression. 
 
 16. Nimirum . . . sustinebo : " I am forsooth to submit to the 
 dubious honor of a vicarious worship by sharing the offering to my 
 divinity with another." 
 
 18. pastor ille : Paris. 
 
 20. deabus : Juno and Minerva. 
 
 21. faxo . . . paeniteat : " I warrant she will repent" ; faxo is the 
 archaic form so common in Plautus. 
 
 24. disciplina publica : " public morality." 
 
 28. genuina licentia : " by reason of ingrained wantonness." 
 
 31. perlata . . . fabula : "going over the story." 
 
 32. Per : this governs foedcra. 
 
 Page 67. l. deprecor : here tli(! inlensilieil prccor ; the other mean- 
 ing is "deprecate." 
 
 2. uredines : "stings." 
 
 3. sed plenam : "full, you understand." 
 
 4. severiter : tiie usual wcu'd is sa-ere. 
 
 5. fraglantissimo : see note, p. 2.'), 1. 5. 
 
 6. extrenii : " of tin; lowest sort. "" 
 
 7. damnavit : " condeunied to be deprived of"; the genitives are 
 lho.se of tiie penalty.
 
 Page (i8] CUPID AND I'SYCHE 129 
 
 9. pressule : tliis adverb and tlie adjective prei^sulus are ApiUeian. 
 I'rc.ssc is tlic ('iassical word. 
 
 10. reflui litoris : a bold use of rejluus to express the idea of the 
 shore from wliieli the waves recede. 
 
 11. ecce iam prof undum marls : "behold at length the deep sea !" 
 i.e. the goddess hatl at length reached the deep sea. Profundum may be 
 either nominative or accusative. 
 
 12. sudo resedit vertice : "and she paused upon its bright sur- 
 face." 
 
 13. marinum obsequium : "the obedience of the sea, " abstract for 
 the concrete "the obedient dieties of the sea." 
 
 14. Portunus : the god of harbors. 
 
 15. Salacia : goddess of the salt waves. 
 
 19. curru : dative. biiuges : "in pairs." 
 
 21. sua sibi : see note, p. 2, 1. 1. perspicua : conspicuus is more 
 usual in this sense. 
 
 24. regius : "prince." In classical style the word is always used 
 with a noun. nee . . . saltern: equivalent to nee . . . quidem,oiten 
 used by Apuleius with the force of ne . . . quidem. 
 
 27. Olim : " long ago " ; slightly exaggerated expre.ssion for iam. 
 
 28. diffamarant : elsewhere the word has a bad meaning. populi : 
 use of plural ot po2)ulus for the classical homines. For singular, of. note, 
 p. 65, 1. 10. 
 
 30. corporis : poetic construction for corpore ; animi, however, is 
 probably locative. 
 
 Page 68. 2. irae : genitive with metuens ; the dative would mean 
 ' ' fearing for. ' ' del Milesii . . . oraculum : an oracle situated at 
 Didymi, about ten miles from Miletus. On the possible significance of 
 the words dei Milesii, see Introduction, p. xx, note 2. 
 
 5. propter Milesiae conditorem : "on account of the writer of the 
 story." That is, because he wrote in Latin. On the force of Milesia 
 here, see Introduction, p. xx, note 2. 
 
 8. mundo : "apparel." 
 
 13. lovis : archaic nominative. 
 
 15. pigens : "with regret" ; this form is not found in the classical 
 period. 
 
 17. maeretur : note impersonal passive construction. 
 
 19. choragium : " the paraphernalia. " Note the mingling of the idea 
 of funeral and marriage in the whole passage. 
 
 20. marcescit : " grows dim."
 
 130 NOTES [Page 68 
 
 21. zygiae : a Greek word derived from (;vy6u, "yoke." Cf. the 
 Latin Ju7io jugalis. Ludii : i.e. Lydii ; moduli is understood. Cf. 
 modulus Phrygius and modulus Darius. 
 
 23. Sic adfectae : " thus affected. " 
 
 24. luctu : dative with congruens. 
 
 29. vivum funus : funus is occasionally used in poetic style for 
 "corpse." The living corpse is, of course, Psyche. 
 
 Page 69. 5. Quid laceratis . . . lumina : Psyche means that it is 
 torture for her to see the tears in her parents' eyes. 
 
 9. percussi . . . aentitis : the Greek idiom for the Latin, vos per- 
 cussos sentitis. 
 
 14. scopulo : for the usual in scopulo. 
 
 16. exitio : dative of purpose. 
 
 18. pompae : dative of association, a poetic construction. 
 
 21. quibus praeluxerant : " with which they had lighted her on her 
 way." 
 
 23. domuitionem : archaic. 
 
 27. vibratis . . . sinu : "swaying her raiment on either side and 
 filling its folds. ' ' 
 
 29. per devexa : " over the slopes. " 
 
 Page 70. 3. medio meditullio : "in the very centre"; meditul- 
 lium, an archaism, is a favorite word with Apuleius. Cicero says the 
 force of tullius, from tellus, had long been lost ; cf. Cic. Topica 36. 
 
 6. scies : "you may know " ; cf. the poetic use of future indicative 
 with imperative force. Subjunctive of the second person indefinite would 
 be the ordinary construction. 
 
 9. id genus pecudibus : ' ' herds of that type, " i.e. wild animals. Id 
 genus refers to Ijestiis luid the expression is tautological. Purser's expla- 
 nation, " herds of that kind, i.e. of the type of wild beasts, as wild horses 
 and asses," seems somewhat forced. ob : the usual construction with 
 occurrere is dative. 
 
 12. efferavit argentum : a strained but striking way of saying " fash- 
 ioned th(! silver into the forms of wild beasts." pavimentum . . . dis- 
 criminantiir : "for even the floors are marked off by the use of precious 
 sti)M(;s cut into .small pieces .so a.s to represent objects of various sort. " 
 'l']\(: rcfci'cncc is of course to the commonly used ino.saic work. 
 
 16. sine pretio pretiosae : note the alliteration. 
 
 18. suum sibi : .see note, p. 2, 1. L
 
 Page 72J CUPID AND PSYCHE 131 
 
 19. licet: "although"; cf. the dassical construction of nisi with 
 the ablative absolute. 
 
 21. ad conversationem humanam : " for his sojourning among 
 men." 
 
 24. sese facit : "betakes herself." A late Latin use; the simple 
 verb is also so used. In addition to the cases referred to in Purser's note, 
 the Y>hrase aquarn facientes, Pereyrinatio Sanctae Silvae, 37, is Interesting. 
 
 26. altrinsecus : "on the other side of"; this prepositional use of 
 the wortl is only met with in Apvdeius. horrea . . . perfecta : "loft- 
 ily constructed store rooms. ■■ ' 
 
 30. thensauruB : the word may mean either " treasure " or " treasure 
 chamber. ' ' The form is archaic for thesaurus. 
 
 Page 71. 1. corporis sni: poetic genitive instead of ablative with nuda. 
 
 2. prohinc : "accordingly." 
 
 3. cubiculo : poetic dative of direction. 
 
 5. corporis curatae tibi : "for you when you have cared for your 
 person" ; cor2)orls is genitive with curatae, an extension of the poetic 
 genitive construction with adjectives. Purser explains otherwise, citing 
 the words interfectae virginitatis curant, p. 71, 1. 28, as an example of 
 the genitive case with euro ; but should this not be taken as descriptive 
 genitive, with novam nuptam, "the bride who had lost her virginity," 
 making nuptam the object of curant, and taking praestolantes absolutely? 
 
 9. fatigationem sm : sui equivalent to suam, a construction con- 
 stantly employed by Apuleius. 
 
 10. semirotundo suggestu : this would be a semicircular table. 
 17. quae . . . ipsa: ■• nor was this seen either." 
 
 23. aures accedit : for the usual ad aures. pro tanta solitudine : 
 "seeing that she was absolutely alone." 
 
 24. malo : the ablative with the comparative. 
 
 28. cubiculo : for in cubiculo. interfectae virginitatis : " who 
 had lost her virginity" ; descriptive genitive ; but see note, p. 71, 1. 5. 
 30. natura redditum : " ordained by nature." 
 
 Page 72. 6. namque praeter oculos, etc. : "for he is perceived by 
 the sense of touch and hearing, but not by that of sight." The manu- 
 script reading ius nihil sentiebatur, makes no sense. For the con- 
 jectures, see Purser's note on the passage. The text given is quite in 
 Apuleian style. 
 
 10. scopulum istum : cf. similar construction with accedo, p. 35, 
 1. 71, note. Istum is probably equivalent to hunc, aa it certainly is in
 
 132 NOTES [Page 72 
 
 the common Apuleian phrase ad istum modum (cf. p. 91, 1. 11), and in 
 other expressions. This is interesting as indicating the beginning of a 
 practice which resulted in the entire disappearance of hie in popular 
 speech and the employment of isle instead, as the testimony of the 
 Romance Languages proves. 
 
 11. neque : for the more usual neve. 
 
 12. ceterum : in place of alioquin; a frequent use in Apuleius. 
 
 21. nee mora, cum : .see note, p. 20, 1. 11. 
 
 22. lectum accubans : Apuleius frequently uses the accusative with 
 accubare. 
 
 25. perdia et pernox : equivalent to noctu atque interdlu; perdius is 
 post-classical and pernox is poetical. 
 
 26. desinis cruciatum : cruciatu would be the cla.ssical construction. 
 
 29. dum . . . comminatur : this use of dum is well rendered in 
 English by the participial construction " threatening." 
 
 30. adnuat : this verb follows extorquet without ut ; the introduction 
 of ut before videat would indicate that this clause depends directly upon 
 cupitis. Note the striking rhythm of the sentence. 
 
 31. ora conferat : "hold converse with them " ; ora is equivalent to 
 the usual sennones. 
 
 Page 73. 2. suasa : suadere is commonly con.strued with the dative 
 of the person. Apuleius frequently uses the accusative, hence the per- 
 sonal passive con-struction here. 
 
 4. pessum : this adverb is common in Plautus and late Latin. 
 
 8. efflictim : Purser remarks, "the only difficulty in this pa.ssage is 
 effikti7n used with the weaker verb dil'ujo.'' He cites, however, an ex- 
 ample of this use from Symmachus. But it is possible and quite in 
 accord with Apuleian style to construe thus : " for I love you even to 
 distraction, whoever you are ; I value you as my life, nor would I com- 
 pare you to Cupid." As Psyche little dreams that she is speaking to 
 Cupid, Purser calls attention to the " injiiy " of the passage. 
 
 12. imprimens : note the effect of the repetition of the syllable in of 
 the words iinpriinens, ingerens, inserens ; in fact, the whole structure of 
 the stnitciicc is rhythmically .striking. 
 
 15. BUBurruB : genitive. succubuit : u.sed aUsolutely. 
 
 21. parilem : poetic for ^>«rem. 
 
 25. effligitia : this rather rare verb is imifh stronger than the more 
 common ujjlujere. For adverb, cf. p. 73, 1. 8. 
 
 26. voces : for construction, .see note, p. 72, 1. 20. 
 30. nee mora cum : .see note, p. 2U, 1. 11.
 
 Page 75] ' CUPID AND PSYCHE 133 
 
 32. sese perfruuntur : the archaic construction of the accusative with 
 frui; the phrase is interesting, as it is used in connection with the abla- 
 tive of means saviis. 
 
 Page 74. 1. postliminio : "back again," a meaning confined to 
 Apuleius ; wlien followed by genitive, as on p. 17, 1. 18, it means "back 
 again from." In classical times posiizminmm was a legal term meaning 
 the right of return to one's native country with all civil rights. pro- 
 lectante gaudio : " led by the allurement of joy." 
 
 6. inhumanae : "supernatural" ; only so used in Apuleius. 
 
 13. e re nata : see note, p. 21, 1. 5. 
 
 14. commodum : "just." 
 
 15. barbitio : only found in Apuleius ; the classical word is barba. 
 
 16. ne qua . . . labe : "lest by any .slip as the conversation con- 
 tinued." 
 
 17. consilium taciturn: "the secret." auro facto: "golden 
 gifts." 
 
 21. fraglantes : on the form, see note, p. 25, 1. 5. 
 
 22. perstrepebant : that is, the discourse was long and loud. 
 
 23. orba : sc. oculis. 
 
 24. utroque parents prognatae : " born of the same parents." 
 
 27. degamus : "are we to pass our days?" This .subjunctive, as 
 well as potita sit, expresses the indignation of the speaker. longe pa- 
 rentum : "far from our parents" ; a Graecism ; procul ab is the ordi- 
 nary prose idiom. 
 
 28. quam . . . effudit : "to whom our mother, already weary with 
 the bearing of children, gave birth as her last offspring." 
 
 31. iacent : the indicative in an indirect question ; a colloquialism 
 often occurring in Plautus and Terence. splendicant : splendicare is 
 Apuleian for splendere. 
 
 Page 75. 5. deam spirat : " aspires to be a goddess " ; dea7n is cog- 
 nate accusative. 
 
 8. pusilUorem : "more puny" ; she means that he is an unsatisfac- 
 tory bed-fellow. Note the alliteration which indicates her contempt. 
 
 10. articulari . . . morbo : " rheumatism " or " gout. " 
 
 11. venerem meam recolentem : "satisfying my amorous moods." 
 15. istas ; she shows her hands as she pronounces this word. Cf. 
 
 note, p. 72,1. 10. uxoris . . . sustinens : " not appearing as a duti- 
 ful wife, but playing the r61e of an overworked nurse " ; offi,ciosam and 
 laboriosam are transferred epithets.
 
 134 NOTES [Page 75 
 
 17. videris : future perfect. It may be rendered "it is for you to 
 consider " ; video is tlie only verb so used in classical prose. 
 
 26. pessum : cf . note, p. 73, 1. 4. 
 
 27. inacuit : from inacesco "to become bitter"; inacuit therefore 
 means " is bitter." 
 
 29. ac nee : the use of ac gives nee an intensive force, "and not in- 
 deed." 
 
 31. nediim : "much less." 
 
 32. beatum . . . praeconium : "spread the news of her good for- 
 tune." 
 
 Page 76. 4. sed plane : on the force of sed, cf. note, p. 67, 1. 3. 
 diuque . . . instructae : " and having equipped ourselves with long and 
 carefully considered plans" ; strictly, diu modifies instructae, which has 
 middle force. 
 
 8. comam trahentes : Purser remarks that the usual word is scindere. 
 But the phrase must surely mean "trailing their locks." 
 
 10. ac sic . . . deterrentes : "and thus quickly frightening their 
 parents too with this fresh bm-st of grief." 
 
 17. longe : that is, eminus. 
 
 18. lupulae : ' ' wretches ' ' ; the word lupa is common in the sense of 
 abandoned woman. 
 
 19. te 8uadeant : cf. note, p. 73, 1. 2. ezplorare : the poetical 
 construction of the infinitive with suadere. 
 
 20. non videbis si videris : "you will not see if but once you see " ; 
 the expression is purposely mystical ; he means that he will disappear 
 forever if she gets but a glimpse of him. 
 
 24. pro: "in virtue of." 
 
 31. plaudebat : "was exulting." Note the assonance of the four 
 imperfect endings. 
 
 Page 77. 3. momentarius : "who stays but a short time." Else- 
 where in Apuleius the word has the meaning of "instantaneous" ; cf. 
 p. 59, 1. 2. 
 
 4. sexuB infeatus et sangms inimicus: "your sisters hostile and 
 your kill tiiriu'd foe." 
 
 6. classicum : the accusative is cognate. 
 
 10. istum : see note, p. 72, 1. 10. 
 
 11. nee . . . vel . . . vel : for the ordinary nete . . . neve. 
 
 14. Bcopulo prominentes : " perched on a jutting crag." 
 
 15. singultu . . . incertans :" her words broken with tearful sobs."
 
 Page 79] CUPID AND PSYCHE 136 
 
 16. quod sciam : "I imagine"; literally, "as far as I know." 
 fidei . . . perpendisti : " you have weighed the proofs of my fidelity 
 and discretion" ; literally, "for my fidelity" ; the dative is that of 
 reference. 
 
 24. germani complexus . . . fructum : "the enjoyment of my sis- 
 ters' embraces." 
 
 32. iugum . . . factionis : "the pair of sisters who concocted the 
 plot" ; the genitive is that of description. The compound conspondere 
 is very rare. 
 
 Page 78. 3. licentiosa : a post-Augustan word used with the force 
 of immoderatus. 
 
 6. incunctatae : in is the negative particle. The word is found only 
 here. conferto vestigio : the expression means little more than " to- 
 gether." One naturally thinks of the idiom gradum conferre, and prob- 
 ably Apuleius used the word confertus, strange in this connection, pur- 
 posely. 
 
 7. nomine mentientes : "lying in respect to the name." Purser 
 adopts the conjecture, sororis nomen ementientes. The reading as given 
 appeals to us, however, as Apuleian in tone. 
 
 8. thensaurumque . . . fraudis : ' ' the gxiile stored deep and treas- 
 ured in their hearts." For the form thensaurus, cf. note, p. 70, 1. 30. 
 
 9. adulant : the classical word is deponent. ut pridem : " as a 
 short time before." 
 
 10. et ipsa : equivalent as frequently to ipsa etiam. 
 
 11. perula : affectionately used for uterus intumescens. 
 
 12. aurei : on the force of this word, cf. Introduction, p. xii. 
 
 13. laetabunt : the classical word is deponent. 
 
 14. prorsus Cupido : " a veritable Cupid " ; another case of dramatic 
 irony ; cf. p. 70, 1. 8, and note. 
 
 18. tuccetis : tuccetum was a rich sausage or, rather, meat pudding. 
 
 19. agere : "to play" ; cf. the idiom partes agere, "to play a role." 
 
 24. sermonem conferentes : " guiding the talk. " 
 
 25. tinde natalium : Piirser's note is confusing. He remarks that 
 classical Latin used the ablative. Unde of course replaces the ablative. 
 Natalium is partitive, as he correctly states. 
 
 26. secta cuia : "of what calling" ; literally, "of whose calling." 
 
 27. pristini sermonis ; cf. what she had said, p. 74, 1. 14 seq. 
 
 Page 79. 1. Bublimatae : sublimes sublatae would be the classical 
 expression.
 
 136 NOTES [Page 79 
 
 2. altercantes : the word is probably used because of the doubt aris- 
 ing in tlieir minds as to tlie true state of affairs. Note that the principal 
 verb "said " is omitted in the sentence. 
 
 9. utnun : "whichever." The indefinite use of this word is occa- 
 sionally met with in classical Latin. The ordinary word is utrumcumque. 
 
 11. nobis : ethical dative. 
 
 12. puelli : the diminutive, puellus, is archaic. mater audierit : 
 "shall have the fame of being mother." Cf. the colloquial expression, 
 male or bene audire, in classical Latin. 
 
 14. quam concolores : " quite harmonious. " The use of guam with 
 the positive of the adjective is rather rare in classical style, though not 
 uncommon in Apuleius. Its use with positive adverbs is a common collo- 
 quialism. 
 
 16. fastidi enter : the classical word is fastidlose. 
 
 17. matutino : late Latin for mane. 
 
 19. astu : the Ciceronian word is astutia. 
 22. rebus tuis : dative of interest. 
 
 26. sanguinantem : the poetic use of neuter verb as transitive. 
 
 28. sortis Pythicae : "Apollo's oracle." Fytho was the ancient 
 name of Delphi, Apollo's most celebrated shrine. As the oracle was given 
 near Miletus (see note, p. 68, 1. 5), the adjective is loosely used. 
 
 30. circumsecus : cf. note, p. 12, 1. 7. 
 
 Page 80. 1. blandis alimoniarum obsequiis : "by serving you 
 with dainties " ; ^ZtouZis is a transferred epithet. ^it»io?iia is an archaism. 
 
 11. misella . . . tenella : the partiality of Apuleius for the diminu- 
 tive form of the adjective is noticeable. 
 
 16. tertiata substrepens : "stammering and uttering her words in a 
 low, half -audible voice." Tertiata literally means that each word was 
 uttered three times. Purser's stand that the expression does not mean 
 stanunering does not seem well taken. 
 
 20. cuiatis : for the classical cuias, an archaism. The accent cuids 
 is a reminisciMu^e of the earlier form. 
 
 21. subaudiens : "giving dutiful obedience to." 
 
 30. tectae machinae : there is a play ujjou the meaning of machinae, 
 "secret machination " and " mantlet." The whole sentence bri.stles with 
 military terms. 
 
 Page 81. 4. praeacutam :" very sharp " rather than " sharp edged. " 
 adpulsu . . . exasperatam : "an edge put on by the stroke of the
 
 Page 82] CUPID AND PSYCHE 137 
 
 smoothing palm." She is to rub the blade over the palm to put, as it 
 were, the tiuishiug touch of keenness. 
 
 6. concimiem : "delicate little lamp." The size is probably the 
 important idea. The classical form is concinnus. 
 
 8. avilulae : the diminutive form of olla, "pot," the archaic form of 
 whicli was aula. (Hilda also occuivs. 
 
 12. pensilem . . . minuena : literally, " diminishing little by little 
 your suspended step. ' ' That is, walking on tiptoe and more slowly the 
 nearer she approaches. 
 
 15. quam valido : see note, p. 79, 1. 14. The rhythm of this long 
 sentence is striking. It will be felt by reading with a slight pause after 
 each clause. 
 
 21. viscera : "heart." The word is also used by the poets with the 
 meaning " flesh." 
 
 26. nisi . . . non est: "except that harried by baleful furies she 
 cannot be said to be alone." 
 
 27. aestu . . . fluctuat : " her grief surges like the tide of the sea " ; 
 aestu, dative ; maerendo, ablative of manner with the same force as that 
 of a present participle ; simile, adverbial. 
 
 Page 82. 6. sezum audacia mutatur : " and becomes a man in 
 boldness." Sexum is probably the direct object of mutatur used with 
 middle force, though in the phrase mentem capitur, p. 100, 1. 18, we are 
 forced to take mentem as the Greek accusative, and this may also be the 
 construction of sexum in the present passage. 
 
 10. hilaratum : the flame is conceived as rendered joyous by the sight. 
 acuminis sacrilegi : genitive of description. 
 
 11. praenitebat : " gleamed forth." Purser adopts the conjecture of 
 Lipsius, paenitebat, and renders " and the razor felt a pang of son-ow for 
 its wicked edge." 
 
 12. impos animi : "distracted"; cf. the legal term non compos 
 mentis. 
 
 13. desedit in imos poplites : that is, she sank down with her knees 
 doubled under her. 
 
 17. salute defecta : " in utter despair. " Z>e/ec<a is nominative case 
 of the participle, "abandoned by safety," not the ablative absolute, which 
 would indeed be a strange expression, as Purser objects. I cannot, how- 
 ever, follow him in the interpretation "overcome by the sense of being 
 safe, " which seems forced and out of harmony with the rest of the passage. 
 
 19. geuialem : " gladsome " ; his locks were a delight and joy to see.
 
 138 NOTES [Page 82 
 
 ambrosia temulentam : "steeped in divine perfume " ; avihrosla means 
 unguent of the gods as well as food of the gods. cervices . . . im- 
 peditos : " the prettily tangled locks, sweeping the snow-white neck and 
 rosy cheeks" ; cervices is governed hj pererrantes. 
 
 21. antependulos : a word found only here. 
 
 23. pinnae . . . candicant : "the dewy pinions are as bright as 
 gleaming blossoms." 
 
 26. inqtiieta lasciviunt : " play restlessly. " /n^wie^a, poetic adver- 
 bial use of neuter plural of the adjective. 
 
 30. satis et : poetic post position of the conjunction. 
 
 31. puncto pollicis : " with the end of her thumb." 
 
 32. periclitabimda : this adjective has so much the force of a present 
 participle that it is construed with a direct object. Cf. note, p. 24, 1. 30. 
 
 Page 83. 1. articuli : " finger," that is, thumb ; a somewhat poetic 
 use of the word. 
 
 2. roraverint : " stood out like dew\ " 
 
 4. prona . . . inhians : " bending over him with distracted gaze. " 
 
 6. de Bomni mensura : that is, she was afraid that he might soon 
 awaken. 
 
 9. et ipsa : "it too." 
 
 13. cupitis : "his heart's desires." 
 
 15. visaque . . . colluvie : " seeing the ruin of his trust betrayed. " 
 detectae, literally, "disclosed," with a slight play upon the two meanings. 
 
 18. sublimis . . . consequia : " trailing pitifully after him in his 
 lofty flight and following him for the last time as she hmig upon him, 
 accompanying him through the realm of clouds" ; an almost repellently 
 artificial passage. Consequia is an adjective used substantively and 
 comitatus genitive depending thereon. 
 
 25. hominis : modifies cupidine, but is also felt with matrimonio. 
 
 26. addici : "be assigned to," a legal term. 
 
 30. istoB . . . oculos : "these eyes that loved you " ; cf. note, p. 72, 
 1.10. 
 
 31. semper cavenda : that is, she was ever to be on her guard 
 agaiii.st doing just, what she had done, prying into Ids identity. 
 
 32. remonebam : the word does not seem to occur elsewhere. 
 
 Page 84. l. magisterii : "instruction," which they had given 
 Psyche. 
 
 2. punlvero : if this differs at all from the simple future it emphasizes 
 ilie iiuniudiate act.
 
 Page 85] CUriD AND PSYCHE 139 
 
 4. quantum visi poterat : " as far as her eyes could see" ; visi is 
 probably impersonal. 
 
 7. proceritas spatii : proceritns emphasizes the height of his flight as 
 well as the length. fecerat alienum : " had taken him from her." 
 
 12. Bupercilium amnis : " brow of the river," means bank of the 
 river. Echo : accusative case. 
 
 13. voculas omnimodas : "soft notes of every kind." Note the 
 force of the diminutive. The adjective omnimodus is po.st-classical. 
 
 14. comam fluvii : this means the grass growing on the bank of the 
 river ; of. the common poetic use of coma to indicate foliage. 
 
 15. aauciam : the word is often used to express the woes of love. 
 utcumque : " somehow or other," an adverb modifying non inscius. 
 
 17. Puella Bcitula : " pretty little girl " ; both scitus and scitulus in 
 the sense of pretty are ante- and post-classical. 
 
 21. autumant : "af3firm"; the word is chiefly ante-classical or 
 poetic. 
 
 27. utpote . . . luxuriosum : "since he is a youth given to self- 
 indulgence and pleasure." blandis obsequiis promere : " win him 
 over by loving service." 
 
 31. aliquam multum viae: "quite a distance"; viae is partitive 
 genitive with multinn, and aliquam is adverb. The idiom aliquam 
 multus is found elsewhere in Apuleius. In Apol. 4, aliquam multum a 
 me remota est, it is adverbial. In Apol. 72, aliquam multis diebus de- 
 cumbo, we have the adjective use. 
 
 32. inscio : "unknown" ; elsewhere inscius has the active meaning. 
 
 Page 85. 13. percita : "amazed." turbata : "troubled." 
 14. fruendi laborarem inopia : "I was distressed at not being able 
 to enjoy it." The classical construction is dum laboro. 
 
 16. quo dolore : " by the pain of which " ; the ordinary idiom. 
 
 18. divorte : " be divorced " ; the technical term; cf. divortium. 
 tibique . . . habeto : the regular phrase used in announcing {renun- 
 tiatio) a divorce. 
 
 19. quo tu censeris : "by which you are called"; literally, by 
 which you are enrolled. 
 
 20. confarreatis nuptiis : referring to the confarriatio or formal 
 ceremony by which originally patricians were united in marriage. Even 
 in strictly classical times this form had been largely supenseded by the 
 form known as usus. 
 
 22. efflaret : principal clause imperative in indirect discourse ; the 
 omission of the ut is common in Apuleius.
 
 140 NOTES [Page 85 
 
 27. caeca spe inhians : "yet eager with groundless hope " ; the ab- 
 lative is one of cause. The natural expression would be caecae spei 
 dative. 
 
 31. nee . . . vel saltern: vel intensifies saltern; literally, "not 
 even at least." 
 
 Page 86. 2. alitibus . . . ferens : "providing a ready prey for 
 beasts and birds *' ; the dative follows obvium. 
 
 6. genuanitatis : abstract for concrete germanae. in sororis . . . 
 festinavit : the claase in nuptias is governed by festinacit, but may also 
 be fflt with aemula. 
 
 7. mortis exitium : " doom of death. " 
 
 9. quaesitioni : Plautus uses quaestio in this sense. In classical 
 Latin the latter word is usually used in its technical sense. 
 
 12. gavia : "sea-mew." 
 
 14. Venerem . . . propter assistens : as Apuleius does use the 
 accusative after assistere, it is difficult to decide whether propter is 
 preposition or adverb. The imagination may play between the possibilities. 
 
 16. dubium salutis : poetic genitive with adjective. 
 
 18. male audire : consult note, p. 79, 1. 12. Quod ille, etc. : with 
 these words the construction pa.s.ses from indirect to direct discourse. 
 
 21. non nuptiae . . . fastidimn : " there are no marriage bonds nor 
 social ties, no love for children, but filth unbounded and disgustingly 
 repellent unions of low degree " ; foederum is genitive of definition, not 
 objective as Butler seems to take it. 
 
 24. haec . . . ganniebat : "was uttering the.se complaints." Butler's 
 rendering "chattered" would in Latin be expressed by garrio rather 
 than gannio. 
 
 25. irata solidum : "thoroughly angered." Solidum is the poetic 
 use of the neuter accusative of the adjective with adverbial force, a con- 
 struction restricted in cla.ssical pro.se to adjectives expressing quantity. 
 
 28. ingenuum et investem : consult lexicon for both meanings. 
 
 30. Horarum, etc. : the Ilorae, or godde.sses of the seasons, particu- 
 larly of tlie s])ring, were naturally connected with Venus, as were the 
 Graces and Muses. 
 
 Page 87. 1. puellam : object of cupere. 
 
 2. efflicte : tliis is an unusual word, per dite being more common in 
 tills conTicctiiin. ('(. however efflictim, p. 73, 1. 8, and elsewhere. 
 
 4. formae succubam : " .supplanter of my charms. " 
 
 5. illud incrementum : " that young upstart " ; literally, "sprout."
 
 Page 88] CUPID AND PSYCHE 141 
 
 7. quintans : "shrieking out." properiter : the word is some- 
 what art'haic ; propere is the classical word. 
 
 10. Honesta haec : "honorable conduct this." bonaeque . . . 
 congruentia : " in harmony with thy moral worth " ; said ironically. 
 
 12. sordidis amoribus : "with passion for a degraded creature"; 
 cf. Venus' command, p. 07, 1. 5 seq. 
 
 16. te solum generosum : " that you alone are nobly born." Venus 
 means that Cupid thinks that he is her only offspring. 
 
 22. patris : Mars, his foster father. His real father is not known. 
 
 23. ad instructionem istam : "for your equipment" ; tha pinnae, 
 flammae, arcus, and scif/UUie mentioned above. 
 
 24. male . . . inductus es : " you have been a bad boy from your 
 earliest years." acutas manus habes : "you are light-tingered " ; 
 cf. the charming lines of Hor., Od. I, 12, U-42 ; there is, however, a slight 
 play upon the word acutas, for in its relation to the words muiores 
 pulsasti it means "impulsive." 
 
 29. cui . . . consuesti : ' ' whom you are constantly accustomed to 
 provide with mistresses to make me jealous." Butler renders in anyorem 
 mei paelicatus, "because thou art angry with my love for him," which 
 is surely not the meaning. The literal rendering is "for grief at the 
 concubinage I put up with." 
 
 32. imrisTii : dative of purpose. 
 
 Page 88. l. stelionem : "swindler." 
 
 5. imdeimde : "from any source." 
 
 6. ilia . . . adhibenda est : she makes up her mind that she will 
 have to employ Sobriety after all (prorsus). 
 
 10. litatmn : impersonal perfect passive infinitive. 
 
 11. subinde : "forthwith " ; "often," the rendering given by Purser 
 does not seem to suit the context. 
 
 12. quas . . • infeci : "which as I held him in my arms I steeped 
 with streams of nectar." The genitive seems to be used in imitation of 
 the Greek construction with verbs of filling. 
 
 13. biles: cognate accusative. continantur : " join," or " meet " ; 
 this seems to be the proper spelling rather than cuntinuuntur. The verb is 
 late and rare. 
 
 18. volentiam . . . perpetraturae : "intending doubtless to ac- 
 complish the desire of my angiy heart '" ; said ironically. 
 
 19. volaticam : "elusive." 
 
 28. portat bellule : " carries his years so prettily. " 
 31. revinces : " will you suppress ? "
 
 142 NOTES [Page 89 
 
 Page 89. 2. amores amare : note the assonance ; amare is the ad- 
 verb. 
 
 3. vitionim . . . officinam : " close up the pubUc source of female 
 frailties" ; officina, literally, "manufactory." 
 
 6. praeversis alterorsus : "passing by them on the other side." 
 
 7. pelago : poetic dative of direction. 
 
 9. inquieta animo : anlmi is the usual construction. 
 
 10. iratum licet : " angry though he be." 
 
 13. Unde autem scio an : " how do I know but that." Scio an with 
 the subjunctive in the sense of "know but that" occurs elsewhere in 
 Apuleius ; cf. p. 91, 1. 29. 
 
 20. mundus : ' ' tools. ' ' 
 
 27. longum exclamat ; as we say, " cried o\it long and loud." 
 
 Page 90. 1. pedes eius advoluta : the more usual construction is 
 the dative with advolcere. Tacitus, too, uses the accusative. 
 
 2. multiiugis . . . editis : "uttering manifold prayers," as indi- 
 cated by the repeated per-clauses. 
 
 5. cistanun : the cista was a cylindrical, covered basket containing 
 sacred food used iii the Eleusinian mysteries. 
 
 6. pinnata curricula : the winged car was drawn by dragons. 
 
 7. sulcamina : "furrows" ; because Sicily was a great corn-growing 
 land. Tlie word does not occur elsewhere. Sulcus is the ordinary word. 
 cumim . . . remeacula : "by the car that stole her and the land that 
 held her, by the descent of Proserpina to her lampless wedding, by dis- 
 covery with the lamp and her return. ' ' 
 
 21. optimi conaule : " consider it most lucky"; opitj/ii is pi-edicate 
 genitive. 
 
 26. proximat : Apuleius is fond of this post-classical verb. Appro- 
 pinqidj is till' ordinaiy word. 
 
 32. coniuga : the cla.ssical word is coniunx. 
 
 Page 91. 2. Carthaginis : the Oriental goddess Tanit was identified 
 with Juno. caelo : tlative of direction. 
 
 6. Zygiam : a (iieek word applied to Juno ;vs goddess of marriage. 
 CL note, p. 08, 1. 21. 
 
 8. exanclatis : "endured." 
 
 11. ad istum modum : sec note, p. 72, 1. 10. 
 
 14. contra voluntatem . . . praestare : " to oppose the vdshes." 
 
 27. ultroneani : late Latin for colnnldr'utin. 
 
 29. Qui Bciaa an etiam . . . repperias : .see note, p. 89, 1. 13.
 
 Page 93] CUl'ID AND I'SYCIIE 143 
 
 32. principium . . . meditabatur obsecrationis : " was studying 
 the way she should begin her plea." 
 
 Page 92. 1. remediis abnuens : the common construction is the 
 accusative. We would at least expect de ; cf. Sal. Jug. 84, 3 : neque 
 ille senatus de ullo negotio abnuere audebat. 
 
 3. ante thalami rudimentum : " before the consummation of their 
 union." 
 
 5. ipsius auri damno pretiosum : "costly by the loss of the gold 
 itself." The filing away of the valuable metal added to the artistic value 
 of the object. Purser's rendering " and costly by the lavish use of gold 
 itself," is palpably a misunderstanding of the author's rather striking 
 expression. 
 
 11. suave : adverbial use of neuter of the adjective. The classical 
 prose word is suaviter. 
 
 12. filiae : Venus was daughter of Heaven and of Day. 
 
 17. operae necessariam : "as necessary for her purpose." 
 
 18. caerulum supercilium : the poetic use of the word supercilium, 
 in the sense of " nod." 
 
 19. demeat : a word peculiar to Apuleius, for the classical descendere. 
 
 20. Arcadi : called Arcadian because born on Mt. Cyllene in Arcadia. 
 26. qui : the archaic adverbial form ; here equivalent to quibus. 
 
 29. libellum : this word is used to indicate any kind of a placard or 
 notice. 
 
 31. per omnium ora populorum : ' ' before the eyes of all the peoples 
 of the world." 
 
 Page 93. 3. retro metas Murtias : " behind the metae of Mmtia " ; 
 those were the southern metae of the Circus Maximus, so called from 
 the neighboring shrine of Murtia, sometimes identified with VeniLS. 
 Retro, preposition in place of pos^, is not found in classical Latin. 
 
 4. indicivae : sc. pemniae ; the word is exceedingly rare. 
 
 5. blandientis adpulsu linguae: "with the touch of her caressing 
 tongi;e. " ' 
 
 6. longe mellitum : longe is not used with the positive of the adjec- 
 tive in classical Latin. 
 
 11. famulitlone : the classical word \s famulatus. 
 
 15. circa tuas inquisitiones : "on account of searching for 
 you" ; tut would be more usual. Circa in the sense of de seems to be 
 Apuleian.
 
 144 NOTES [Page 93 
 
 16. manus incidisti : the classical construction is in manus, oi- at 
 least the dative case. inter Orci cancroa : "within the claws of 
 Orcus," as we say, " in the jaws of death." 
 
 21. latissimum : the idea is " copious " ; "a wild burst of laughter " 
 is perhaps a fair rendering. 
 
 22. ascalpens aurem : as a sign of impatience ; ascalpens occurs only 
 here. 
 
 25. intervisere : the poetic infinitive of purpose. 
 32. lenocinio : " by the enticement. " 
 
 Page 94. 3. audiet : "shall be called " ; see note, p. 79, 1. 12. 
 
 4. dicam : probably subjunctive mood. impares : that is, between 
 persons of unequal social position ; in villa, that is, in an out-of-the-way 
 place ; hence there had not been the necessary publicity to make the 
 marriage legally binding. 
 
 9. involat earn : the usual construction in this sense is in earn. 
 plurifariam diloricat : "rent her garments in pieces" ; plurifariam is 
 adverb. 
 
 13. grumulum : the usual word is cumulus or crceruus. 
 
 15. frugem : "capability." 
 
 16. passivam congeriem : " confused heap. " 
 
 18. opus . . . mihi : " perform the task to my satisfaction. " 
 
 19. cenae : poetic dative of direction. 
 
 23. certa difficultatis : "a.ssured of the difficulty." 
 
 26. classem : " army " ; an archaic use. 
 
 29. sepedum populorum : " six-footed host." 
 
 Page 95. 2. fraglans balsama : the usual construction with fragro 
 is tlie ablative. revincta corpus : corpus is the accusative of specifica- 
 tion, or object of revincta used as middle voice. 
 
 6. cibarii panis : "a ration of bread." The word cibarin is also 
 ased substantively with the meaning "rations." cubitum facessit : 
 " went off to bed " ; cubitum is supine. 
 
 9. cum sua cupita : " with his innamorata." 
 
 11. exanclata : sec note. p. 91, 1. 8. 
 
 12. commodum inequitante : " just as Aurora was riding in," a pic- 
 ture.sque pluasc. Siie w;us just appearing in her car drawn by the Ilorae. 
 
 14. attenditur : " is bordered." cuius imi gurgites . . . despici- 
 unt : a dillicult passage to wliich I can assign no meaning. See Purser's 
 elaborate note. 1 should prefer the emendation of I'lasberg, recipiunt, and 
 render " whose deep pools receive the waters of an adjacent spring."
 
 Page 97] CUPID AND PSYCHE 146 
 
 18. afferas censeo : " I suggest that you bring," said with irony. 
 
 19. obsequium : the archaic construction of the accusative case with 
 fungor. 
 
 25. istud horae : "this hour." See note, p. 72, 1. 10. quoad: 
 " as long as." 
 28. dum : "until." 
 
 31. fluentum : in classical Latin this woi'd is poetical. 
 
 32. furia : classical word furor. 
 
 Page 96. l. attigm : classical word vicinus. 
 
 4. Nee . . . cessavit: "and carefully instructed, by giving ear to 
 the advice she did not regret, she was not remiss." Inpaenitendo is 
 Apuleian. 
 
 5. furatrina : for the classical /«rium. 
 
 8. aecundi laboris, . . . secundum testimonium : a play upon the 
 meanings of secundus ; "second task " and "favorable recognition." 
 
 10. Bubridens amarum : the poetical adverbial construction of the 
 adjective in place of the adverb amare. 
 
 11. auctor adulterinus : that is, Cupid ; so called because Venus 
 views his connection with Psyche as illicit. 
 
 12. oppido : the adverb. 
 
 15. proxumae . . . inclusae : " enclo.sed within the confines of the 
 adjacent valley." Conceptaculum is for the classical receptaculum. 
 
 16. indidem . . . urnula : "from this same place draw the icy 
 liquid from the deep bubbling water of the top of the spring and bring it 
 straightway to me in this pitcher. ' ' The adjective penitus is archaic. 
 
 18. crustallo dedolatum : " cut from a crystal." 
 
 23. locos : for ad locos. appulit : in classical Latin appello is a 
 nautical term meaning " to dock." 
 
 25. inaccessa salebritate : " by a ruggedness that prevents its being 
 scaled." Salebritns is Apuleian. 
 
 27. proni . . . editi : " is.suing from the rift of the sloping opening." 
 
 28. angusti . . . tramite : " concealed by the course it had hollowed 
 out in a narrow channel." convallem : for in convallem. 
 
 31. colla : object of porrecti, used with middle force ; a poetic usage. 
 inconivae . . . addictis : "their eyes dedicated to a wakefulness that 
 never closed a lid." 
 
 Page 97. 3. impossibilitate : post-classical. The ablative is that of 
 cause with mutata, which agrees with Psyche.
 
 146 NOTES [Page 97 
 
 7. graves oculos : "grave eyes " ; a somewhat unusual meaning for 
 gravis. The expression would ordmarily mean "heavy eyes," as with 
 sleep or pain. 
 
 10. pocillatorem Frygium : Ganymede. 
 
 12. diales : in this sensf the word is purely poetical. 
 
 13. simplex alioquin : "simple indeed." Alioquin frequently has 
 this weakened force in Apuleius. 
 
 17. vel f ando : " at least by hearsay. " quodque vos deieratis : 
 " and whereas you swear " ; literally, " as to the fact that you swear." 
 19. cedo : the archaic imperative. See note, p. 3, 1. 22. 
 
 21. genas : "jaws," poetical for maxiHas. trisulca vibramina : 
 " the darting of the forked tongues." 
 
 22. remigium : pc^etical for alas. 
 
 23. ut abiret innoxius, praestantes : " allowing him to depart un- 
 harmed." Innoxius agrees with ales, which is common gender and was 
 used as a feminine at the beginning of the passage in line 8. 
 
 27. nutum expiare : " satisfy the will. " 
 29. exitiabile : adverbial use of accusative. 
 
 32. pupula : a diminutive of affection ironically used. In classical 
 Latin it means either " female ward " or " pupil of the eye." 
 
 Page 98. 7. Indidem delitam : "anointed with the same." 
 theatrum : "assembly." 
 
 13. praecipitem : that is, by thi'owing herself headlong. 
 
 17. isto : tor classical isti. 
 
 21. huiua conterminam : " adjacent to which. " 
 
 24. simul : for sininl ar, a poetical use. canale : "track"; lit- 
 erally, " channel." 
 
 26. offas . . . concretaa : " pellets of meal moistened with mead." 
 
 27. stipes : that is, Charon's obolus. 
 
 28. continaberis : see note, p. 88, 1. 14. 
 
 29. simili : that is, cluudo. 
 
 31. nee mora cum : see note, j). 17, 1. 11. 
 
 Page 99. l. sutili cumba : the boat was made of hides stitched to- 
 gether. The same ('xi)ic.ssioii is found in the Aeneid, VI, 413. 
 3. Ditis : nominative. The usual form is ])is. 
 
 5. prae manu : "at hand." nemo . . . patietur : that is, no one 
 will allow him to die without it, but will provide it himself. 
 
 6. nauli : nnulum is a Greek word meaning "passage money." 
 9. fluentum : see note, p. 1)5, 1. 31.
 
 Page 101] CUPID AND PSYCHE 147 
 
 11. adflectare : short form of adjlectaris. 
 
 17. leve : ill the predicate. 
 
 27. esto : future iinperative of edo. 
 
 28. qviid adveneris : this indirect question is the logical subject of 
 the ablative absolute nuntiato. 
 
 32. redies : archaic for redibis. 
 
 Page 100. 3. abditum : some infinitive form has been lost after this 
 word ; scrutari has been supplied ; curare has also been suggested. 
 4. prospicua : " clear sighted " or " far seeing." 
 
 6. meatum : cognate accusative. 
 
 7. amnica : amnicus is post-classical. 
 
 12. cibario pane : see note, p. 95, 1. 6. 
 
 18. mentem capitur : Greek accusative of specification ; see note, 
 p. 82, 1. (i. 
 
 20. nee . . quidem : see note, p. 67, 1.24. vel sic: "even in 
 this way " ; that is, if not by her unadorned beauty. 
 
 24. coperculo revelatus : "revealed by the cover"; a forced 
 expression. 
 
 32. Paychen : for ad Psychen. 
 
 Page 101. 3. perieras : " you had perished. " The emphatic hypo- 
 thetical indicative, instead of the subjunctive. The idea is that she would 
 have inevitably perished had he not arrived. 
 
 10. ad armillum redit : "returns to his old tricks"; proverbial; 
 according to popular etymology, armillum meant " wine-jar." 
 
 13. buccula : diminutive of affection. 
 
 15. domine fili : "dear son " ; dominus, even as early as Pliny's time, 
 had become a title indicating respect or affection. servaris : shorter 
 form for servaveris, as also the perfects that follow. 
 
 19. ipsam luliam : even the Julian law, de adulter iis coercendls, 
 passed in 17 h.c. 
 
 22. modestiae : "clemency." 
 
 25. puella praepoUet pulcritudine : note alliteration. 
 
 26. vicem : this may be taken as object of repensare. Purser's stand 
 that this should be avoided because we can cite no instance of vicem as 
 direct object when modified by a genitive does not seem convincing. 
 
 29. in poenam . . . conventum iri : " he would be sued for 10,000 
 sesterces. ' ' 
 
 31. Dei conscripti : "gods enrolled on the records of the Muses" ; 
 the Muses kept the records.
 
 148 NOTES [Page 101 
 
 32. adolescentem . . . scitis : "you all know that I have brought 
 up this youth with my own hands " ; literally, "know this youth that " ; 
 note substantive 7Mod-clause following scire. 
 
 Page 102. 9. statuque : dative ; correlative with prosapiae. de : 
 tliis expresses cause. 
 
 11. congruas : archaic. 
 
 19. toti dei : for the usual omnes dei. Totus is tlie word that has 
 sui-vived in French. 
 
 24. suppari : " in time to." 
 
 25. scaena . . . concinnata : " the celebration having been so ar- 
 ranged ' ' ; ablative absolute. 
 
 27. convenit in tnanum Cupidinis : conoentio in manum was a legal 
 term used to signify the coming of a woman into the power of her husband 
 by marriage.
 
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