and while I beheld the running water, which seemed to spring and leap
under the feet of the goddesse, I marked the grapes which hanged in the
water, which were like in every point to the grapes of the vine, and
seemed to move and stir by the violence of the streame. Moreover,
amongst the branches of the stone appeared the image of Acteon: and
how that Diana (which was carved within the same stone, standing in the
water) because he did see her naked, did turne him into an hart, and
so he was torne and slaine of his owne hounds. And while I was greatly
delighted with the view of these things, Byrrhena spake to me and sayd,
Cousin all things here be at your commandement. And therewithall shee
willed secretly the residue to depart: who being gone she sayd, My
most deare Cousin Lucius, I do sweare by the goddesse Diana, that I doe
greatly tender your safety, and am as carefull for you as if you were
myne owne naturall childe, beware I say, beware of the evil arts and
wicked allurements of that Pamphiles who is the wife of Milo, whom
you call your Host, for she is accounted the most chief and principall
Magitian and Enchantresse living, who by breathing out certain words and
charmes over bowes, stones and other frivolous things, can throw down
all the powers of the heavens into the deep bottome of hell, and reduce
all the whole world againe to the old Chaos. For as soone as she espieth
any comely yong man, shee is forthwith stricken with his love, and
presently setteth her whole minde and affection on him. She soweth
her seed of flattery, she invades his spirit and intangleth him with
continuall snares of unmeasurable love.
And then if any accord not to her filthy desire, or if they seeme
loathsome in her eye, by and by in the moment of an houre she turneth
them into stones, sheep or some other beast, as her selfe pleaseth, and
some she presently slayeth and murthereth, of whom I would you should
earnestly beware. For she burneth continually, and you by reason of your
tender age and comely beauty are capable of her fire and love.
Thus with great care Byrrhena gave me in charge, but I (that always
coveted and desired, after that I had heard talk of such Sorceries and
Witchcrafts, to be experienced in the same) little esteemed to beware
of Pamphiles, but willingly determined to bestow my money in learning of
that art, and now wholly to become a Witch. And so I waxed joyful, and
wringing my selfe out of her company, as out of linkes or chaines, I
bade her farewell, and departed toward the house of myne host Milo,
by the way reasoning thus with my selfe: O Lucius now take heed, be
vigilant, have a good care, for now thou hast time and place to satisfie
thy desire, now shake off thy childishnesse and shew thy selfe a man,
but especially temper thy selfe from the love of thyne hostesse, and
abstain from violation of the bed of Milo, but hardly attempt to winne
the maiden Fotis, for she is beautifull, wanton and pleasant in talke.
And soone when thou goest to sleepe, and when shee bringeth you gently
into thy chamber, and tenderly layeth thee downe in thy bed, and
lovingly covereth thee, and kisseth thee sweetly, and departeth
unwillingly, and casteth her eyes oftentimes backe, and stands still,
then hast thou a good occasion ministred to thee to prove and try the
mind of Fotis. Thus while I reasoned to myselfe I came to Milos doore,
persevering still in my purpose, but I found neither Milo nor his wife
at home.
THE NINTH CHAPTER
How Apuleius fell in love with Fotis.
When I was within the house I found my deare and sweet love Fotis
mincing of meat and making pottage for her master and mistresse, the
Cupboord was all set with wines, and I thought I smelled the savor of
some dainty meats: she had about her middle a white and clean apron,
and shee was girded about her body under the paps with a swathell of
red silke, and she stirred the pot and turned the meat with her fair and
white hands, in such sort that with stirring and turning the same, her
loynes and hips did likewise move and shake, which was in my mind a
comely sight to see.
These things when I saw I was halfe amazed, and stood musing with my
selfe, and my courage came then upon mee, which before was scant. And I
spake unto Fotis merrily and sayd, O Fotis how trimmely you can stirre
the pot, and how finely, with shaking your buttockes, you can make
pottage. The shee beeing likewise merrily disposed, made answer, Depart
I say, Miser from me, depart from my fire, for if the flame thereof doe
never so little blaze forth, it will burne thee extreamely and none can
extinguish the heat thereof but I alone, who in stirring the pot and
making the bed can so finely shake my selfe. When she had sayd these
words shee cast her eyes upon me and laughed, but I did not depart from
thence until such time as I had viewed her in every point. But what
should I speak of others, when as I doe accustome abroad to marke the
face and haire of every dame, and afterwards delight my selfe therewith
privately at home, and thereby judge the residue of their shape, because
the face is the principall part of all the body, and is first open to
our eyes. And whatsoever flourishing and gorgeous apparell doth work and
set forth in the corporal parts of a woman, the same doth the naturall
and comely beauty set out in the face. Moreover there be divers, that to
the intent to shew their grace and feature, wil cast off their partlets,
collars, habiliments, fronts, cornets and krippins, and doe more delight
to shew the fairnesse of their skinne, than to deck themselves up in
gold and pretious stones. But because it is a crime unto me to say so,
and to give no example thereof, know ye, that if you spoyle and cut the
haire of any woman or deprive her of the colour of her face, though shee
were never so excellent in beauty, though shee were throwne downe from
heaven, sprung of the Seas, nourished of the flouds, though shee were
Venus her selfe, though shee were waited upon by all the Court of Cupid,
though were girded with her beautifull skarfe of Love, and though shee
smelled of perfumes and musks, yet if shee appeared bald, shee could in
no wise please, no not her owne Vulcanus.
O how well doth a faire colour and a shining face agree with glittering
hair! Behold, it encountreth with the beams of the Sunne, and pleaseth
the eye marvellously. Sometimes the beauty of the haire resembleth the
colour of gold and honey, sometimes the blew plumes and azured feathers
about the neckes of Doves, especially when it is either anointed with
the gumme of Arabia, or trimmely tuft out with the teeth of a fine
combe, which if it be tyed up in the pole of the necke, it seemeth to
the lover that beholdeth the same, as a glasse that yeeldeth forth a
more pleasant and gracious comelinesse than if it should be sparsed
abroad on the shoulders of the woman, or hang down scattering behind.
Finally there is such a dignity in the haire, that whatsoever shee
be, though she be never to bravely attyred with gold, silks, pretious
stones, and other rich and gorgeous ornaments, yet if her hair be
not curiously set forth shee cannot seeme faire. But in my Fotis, her
garments unbrast and unlaste increased her beauty, her haire hanged
about her shoulders, and was dispersed abroad upon her partlet, and in
every part of her necke, howbeit the greater part was trussed upon her
pole with a lace. Then I unable to sustain the broiling heat that I was
in, ran upon her and kissed the place where she had thus laid her haire.
Whereat she turned her face, and cast her rolling eyes upon me, saying,
O Scholler, thou hast tasted now both hony and gall, take heed that thy
pleasure do not turn unto repentance. Tush (quoth I) my sweet heart, I
am contented for such another kiss to be broiled here upon this fire,
wherwithall I embraced and kissed her more often, and shee embraced and
kissed me likewise, and moreover her breath smelled like Cinnamon, and
the liquor of her tongue was like unto sweet Nectar, wherewith when my
mind was greatly delighted I sayd, Behold Fotis I am yours, and shall
presently dye unlesse you take pitty upon me. Which when I had said she
eftsoone kissed me, and bid me be of good courage, and I will (quoth
shee) satisfie your whole desire, and it shall be no longer delayed than
until night, when as assure your selfe I will come and lie with you;
wherfore go your wayes and prepare your selfe, for I intend valiantly
and couragiously to encounter with you this night. Thus when we had
lovingly talked and reasoned together, we departed for that time.
THE TENTH CHAPTER
How Byrrhena sent victuals unto Apuleius, and how hee talked with Milo
of Diophanes, and how he lay with Fotis.
When noone was come, Byrrhena sent to me a fat Pigge, five hennes, and a
flagon of old wine. Then I called Fotis and sayd, Behold how Bacchus the
egger and stirrer of Venery, doth offer him self of his owne accord, let
us therefore drink up this wine, that we may prepare our selves and
get us courage against soone, for Venus wanteth no other provision than
this, that the Lamp may be all the night replenished with oyle, and the
cups with wine. The residue of the day I passed away at the Bains and
in banquetting, and towards evening I went to supper, for I was bid by
Milo, and so I sate downe at the table, out of Pamphiles sight as
much as I could, being mindfull of the commandement of Byrrhena, and
sometimes I would cast myne eyes upon her as upon the furies of hell,
but I eftsoones turning my face behinde me, and beholding my Fotis
ministring at the table, was again refreshed and made merry. And behold
when Pamphiles did see the candle standing on the table, she said,
Verily wee shall have much raine to morrow. Which when her husband did
heare, he demanded of her by what reason she knew it? Mary (quoth shee)
the light on the table sheweth the same. Then Milo laughed and said,
Verily we nourish a Sybel prophesier, which by the view of a candle doth
divine of Celestiall things, and of the Sunne it selfe. Then I mused in
my minde and said unto Milo, Of truth it is a good experience and proof
of divination. Neither is it any marvell, for although this light is but
a small light, and made by the hands of men, yet hath it a remembrance
of that great and heavenly light, as of his parent, and doth shew unto
us what will happen in the Skies above. For I knew at Corinth a certain
man of Assyria, who would give answers in every part of the City, and
for the gaine of money would tell every man his fortune, to some he
would tel the dayes of their marriages, to others he would tell when
they should build, that their edifices should continue. To others, when
they should best go e about their affaires. To others, when they should
goe by sea or land: to me, purposing to take my journey hither, he
declared many things strange and variable. For sometimes hee sayd that
I should win glory enough: sometimes he sayd I should write a great
Historie: sometimes againe hee sayd that I should devise an incredible
tale: and sometimes that I should make Bookes. Whereat Milo laughed
againe, and enquired of me, of what stature this man of Assyria was,
and what he was named. In faith (quoth I) he is a tall man and somewhat
blacke, and hee is called Diophanes. Then sayd Milo, the same is he and
no other, who semblably hath declared many things here unto us, whereby
hee got and obtained great substance and Treasure.
But the poore miser fell at length into the hands of unpittifull and
cruell fortune: For beeing on a day amongst a great assembly of people,
to tell the simple sort their fortune, a certaine Cobler came unto
him, and desired him to tel when it should be best for him to take his
voyage, the which hee promised to do: the Cobler opened his purse and
told a hundred pence to him for his paines. Whereupon came a certaine
young gentleman and took Diophanes by the Garment. Then he turning
himselfe, embraced and kissed him, and desired the Gentleman, who
was one of his acquaintance, to sit downe by him: and Diophanes being
astonied with this sudden change, forgot what he was doing, and sayd, O
deare friend you are heartily welcome, I pray you when arrived you into
these parts? Then answered he, I will tell you soone, but brother I pray
you tell mee of your comming from the isle of Euboea, and how you sped
by the way? Whereunto Diophanes this notable Assyrian (not yet come unto
his minde, but halfe amased) soone answered and sayd, I would to god
that all our enemies and evil willers might fall into the like dangerous
peregrination and trouble. For the ship where we were in, after it was
by the waves of the seas and by the great tempests tossed hither
and thither, in great peril, and after that the mast and stern brake
likewise in pieces, could in no wise be brought to shore, but sunk into
the water, and so we did swim, and hardly escaped to land. And after
that, whatsoever was given unto us in recompense of our losses, either
by the pitty of strangers, or by the benevolence of our friends, was
taken away from us by theeves, whose violence when my brother Arisuatus
did assay to resist, hee was cruelly murthered by them before my face.
These things when he had sadly declared, the Cobler tooke up his money
againe which he had told out to pay for the telling of his fortune, and
ran away. The Diophanes comming to himselfe perceived what he had done,
and we all that stood by laughed greatly. But that (quoth Milo) which
Diophanes did tell unto you Lucius, that you should be happy and have a
prosperous journey, was only true. Thus Milo reasoned with me. But I
was not a little sorry that I had traind him into such a vaine of talke,
that I lost a good part of the night, and the sweete pleasure thereof:
but at length I boldly said to Milo, Let Diophanes fare well with his
evil fortune, and get againe that which he lost by sea and land, for
I verily do yet feel the wearinesse of my travell, whereof I pray you
pardon mee, and give me licence to depart to bed: wherewithall I rose up
and went unto my chamber, where I found all things finely prepared and
the childrens bed (because they should not heare what we did in the
night) was removed far off without the chamber doore. The table was all
covered with those meats that were left at supper, the cups were filled
halfe full with water, to temper and delay the wines, the flagon stood
ready prepared, and there lacked nothing that was necessary for the
preparation of Venus. And when I was entring into the bed, behold my
Fotis (who had brought her mistresse to bed) came in and gave me roses
and floures which she had in her apron, and some she threw about the
bed, and kissed mee sweetly, and tied a garland about my head, and
bespred the chamber with the residue. Which when shee had done, shee
tooke a cup of wine and delaied it with hot water, and profered it me to
drinke; and before I had drunk it all off she pulled it from my mouth,
and then gave it me againe, and in this manner we emptied the pot twice
or thrice together. Thus when I had well replenished my self with wine,
and was now ready unto Venery not onely in minde but also in body, I
removed my cloathes, and shewing to Fotis my great impatiencie I sayd, O
my sweet heart take pitty upon me and helpe me, for as you see I am now
prepared unto the battell, which you your selfe did appoint: for after
that I felt the first Arrow of cruell Cupid within my breast, I bent my
bow very strong, and now feare, (because it is bended so hard) lest my
string should breake: but that thou mayst the better please me, undresse
thy haire and come and embrace me lovingly: whereupon shee made no long
delay, but set aside all the meat and wine, and then she unapparelled
her selfe, and unattyred her haire, presenting her amiable body unto me
in manner of faire Venus, when shee goeth under the waves of the sea.
Now (quoth shee) is come the houre of justing, now is come the time of
warre, wherefore shew thy selfe like unto a man, for I will not retyre,
I will not fly the field, see then thou bee valiant, see thou be
couragious, since there is no time appointed when our skirmish shall
cease. In saying these words shee came to me to bed, and embraced me
sweetly, and so wee passed all the night in pastime and pleasure,
and never slept until it was day: but we would eftsoones refresh our
wearinesse, and provoke our pleasure, and renew our venery by drinking
of wine. In which sort we pleasantly passed away many other nights
following.
THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER
How Apuleius supped with Byrrhena, and what a strange tale Bellephoron
told at the table.
It fortuned on a day, that Byrrhena desired me earnestly to suppe with
her; and shee would in no wise take any excusation. Whereupon I went to
Fotis, to aske counsell of her as of some Divine, who although she was
unwilling that I should depart one foot from her company, yet at length
shee gave me license to bee absent for a while, saying, Beware that
you tarry not long at supper there, for there is a rabblement of common
Barrettors and disturbers of the publique peace, that rove about in
the streets and murther all such as they may take, neither can law nor
justice redress them in any case. And they will the sooner set upon you,
by reason of your comelinesse and audacity, in that you are not afeared
at any time to walke in the streets.
Then I answered and sayd, Have no care of me Fotis, for I esteeme the
pleasure which I have with thee, above the dainty meats that I eat
abroad, and therefore I will returne againe quickly. Neverthelesse I
minde not to come without company, for I have here my sword, wherby I
hope to defend my selfe.
And so in this sort I went to supper, and behold I found in Byrrhena's
house a great company of strangers, and the chiefe and principall of the
city: the beds made of Citron and Ivory, were richly adorned and spread
with cloath of gold, the Cups were garnished pretiously, and there were
divers other things of sundry fashion, but of like estimation and price:
here stood a glasse gorgeously wrought, there stood another of Christall
finely painted. There stood a cup of glittering silver, and there stood
another of shining gold, and here was another of amber artificially
carved and made with pretious stones. Finally, there was all things
that might be desired: the Servitors waited orderly at the table in rich
apparell, the pages arrayed in silke robes, did fill great gemmes and
pearles made in the forme of cups, with excellent wine. Then one brought
in Candles and Torches, and when we were set down and placed in order,
we began to talke, to laugh, and to be merry. And Byrrhena spake unto
mee and sayd, I pray you Cousine how like you our countrey? Verily I
think there is no other City which hath the like Temples, Baynes, and
other commodities which we have here. Further we have abundance of
household stuffe, we have pleasure, we have ease, and when the Roman
merchants arrive in this City they are gently and quietly entertained,
and all that dwell within this province (when they purpose to solace and
repose themselves) do come to this city. Whereunto I answered, Verily
(quoth I) you tell truth, for I can finde no place in all the world
which I like better than this, but I greatly feare the blind inevitable
trenches of witches, for they say that the dead bodies are digged out of
their graves, and the bones of them that are burnt be stollen away, and
the toes and fingers of such as are slaine are cut off, and afflict and
torment such as live. And the old Witches as soone as they heare of the
death of any person, do forthwith goe and uncover the hearse and spoyle
the corpse, to work their inchantments. Then another sitting at the
table spake and sayd, In faith you say true, neither yet do they spare
or favor the living. For I know one not farre hence that was cruelly
handled by them, who being not contented with cutting off his nose, did
likewise cut off his eares, whereat all the people laughed heartily,
and looked at one that sate at the boords end, who being amased at their
gazing, and somewhat angry withall, would have risen from the table, had
not Byrrhena spake unto him and sayd, I pray thee friend Bellerophon sit
still and according to thy accustomed curtesie declare unto us the losse
of thy nose and eares, to the end that my cousin Lucius may be delighted
with the pleasantnes of the tale. To whom he answered, Madam in the
office of your bounty shall prevaile herein, but the insolencie of some
is not to be supported. This hee spake very angerly: But Byrrhena was
earnest upon him, and assured him hee should have no wrong at any mans
hand. Whereby he was inforced to declare the same, and so lapping up the
end of the Table cloath and carpet together, hee leaned with his elbow
thereon, and held out three forefingers of his right hand in manner of
an orator, and sayd, When I was a young man I went unto a certaine city
called Milet, to see the games and triumphs there named Olympia, and
being desirous to come into this famous province, after that I had
travelled over all Thessaly, I fortuned in an evil hour to come to the
City Larissa, where while I went up and down to view the streets to
seeke some reliefe for my poore estate (for I had spent all my money)
I espied an old man standing on a stone in the middest of the market
place, crying with a loud voice and saying, that if any man would watch
a dead corps that night hee should be reasonably rewarded for this
paines. Which when I heard, I sayd to one who passed by, What is here
to doe? Do dead men use to run away in this Countrey? Then answered he,
Hold your peace, for you are but a Babe and a stranger here, and not
without cause you are ignorant how you are in Thessaly, where the women
Witches bite off by morsels the flesh and faces of dead men, and thereby
work their sorceries and inchantments. Then quoth I, In good fellowship
tell me the order of this custody and how it is. Marry (quoth he) first
you must watch all the night, with your eyes bent continually upon the
Corps, never looking off, nor moving aside. For these Witches do turn
themselves into sundry kindes of beasts, whereby they deceive the eyes
of all men, sometimes they are transformed into birds, sometimes into
Dogs and Mice, and sometimes into flies. Moreover they will charme the
keepers of the corps asleepe, neither can it be declared what meanes and
shifts these wicked women do use, to bring their purpose to passe: and
the reward for such dangerous watching is no more than foure or sixe
shillings. But hearken further (for I had well nigh forgotten) if the
keeper of the dead body doe not render on the morning following, the
corps whole and sound as he received the same, he shall be punished in
this sort: That is, if the corps be diminished or spoyled in any part of
his face, hands or toes, the same shall be diminished and spoyled in the
keeper. Which when I heard him I tooke a good heart, and went unto the
Crier and bid him cease, for I would take the matter in hand, and so
I demanded what I should have. Marry (quoth he) a thousand pence, but
beware I say you young man, that you do wel defend the dead corps from
the wicked witches, for hee was the son of one of the chiefest of the
city. Tush (sayd I) you speak you cannot tell what, behold I am a man
made all of iron, and have never desire to sleepe, and am more quicke of
sight than Lynx or Argus. I had scarse spoken these words, when he tooke
me by the hand and brought mee to a certaine house, the gate whereof was
closed fast, so that I went through the wicket, then he brought me into
a chamber somewhat darke, and shewed me a Matron cloathed in mourning
vesture, and weeping in lamentable wise. And he spake unto her and said,
Behold here is one that will enterprise to watch the corpes of your
husband this night. Which when she heard she turned her blubbered face
covered with haire unto me saying, I pray you good man take good heed,
and see well to your office. Have no care (quoth I) so you will give
mee any thing above that which is due to be given. Wherewith shee was
contented, and then she arose and brought me into a chamber whereas the
corps lay covered with white sheets, and shee called seven witnesses,
before whom she shewed the dead body, and every part and parcell
thereof, and with weeping eyes desired them all to testifie the matter.
Which done, she sayd these words of course as follow: Behold, his nose
is whole, his eyes safe, his eares without scarre, his lips untouched,
and his chin sound: all which was written and noted in tables, and
subscribed with the hands of witnesses to confirme the same. Which done
I sayd unto the matron, Madam I pray you that I may have all things here
necessary. What is that? (quoth she). Marry (quoth I) a great lampe with
oyle, pots of wine, and water to delay the same, and some other drinke
and dainty dish that was left at supper. Then she shaked her head and
sayd, Away fool as thou art, thinkest thou to play the glutton here and
to looke for dainty meats where so long time hath not been seene any
smoke at all? Commest thou hither to eat, where we should weepe and
lament? And therewithall she turned backe, and commanded her maiden
Myrrhena to deliver me a lampe with oyle, which when shee had done they
closed the chamber doore and departed. Now when I was alone, I rubbed
myne eyes, and armed my selfe to keep the corpes, and to the intent I
would not sleepe, I began to sing, and so I passed the time until it was
midnight, when as behold there crept in a Wesel into the chamber, and
she came against me and put me in very great feare, insomuch that I
marvelled greatly at the audacity of so little a beast. To whom I said,
get thou hence thou whore and hie thee to thy fellowes, lest thou feele
my fingers. Why wilt thou not goe? Then incontinently she ranne away,
and when she was gon, I fell on the ground so fast asleepe, that Apollo
himself could not discern which of us two was the dead corps, for I lay
prostrat as one without life, and needed a keeper likewise. At length
the cockes began to crow, declaring that it was day: wherewithall I
awaked, and being greatly afeard ran to the dead body with the lamp
in my hand, and I viewed him round about: and immediately came in the
matron weeping with her Witnesses, and ran to the corps, and eftsoons
kissing him, she turned his body and found no part diminished. Then she
willed Philodespotus her steward to pay me my wages forthwith. Which
when he had done he sayd, We thanke you gentle young man for your paines
and verily for your diligence herein we will account you as one of the
family. Whereunto I (being joyous of by unhoped gaine, and ratling my
money in my hand) did answer, I pray you madam esteeme me as one of
your servants, and if you want my service at any time, I am at your
commandement. I had not fully declared these words, when as behold all
the servants of the house were assembled with weapons to drive me away,
one buffeted me about the face, another about the shoulders, some strook
me in the sides, some kicked me, and some tare my garments, and so I was
handled amongst them and driven from the house, as the proud young man
Adonis who was torn by a Bore. And when I was come into the next street,
I mused with my selfe, and remembred myne unwise and unadvised words
which I had spoken, whereby I considered that I had deserved much more
punishment, and that I was worthily beaten for my folly. And by and by
the corps came forth, which because it was the body of one of the chiefe
of the city, was carried in funeral pompe round about the market place,
according to the right of the countrey there. And forthwith stepped out
an old man weeping and lamenting, and ranne unto the Biere and embraced
it, and with deepe sighes and sobs cried out in this sort, O masters, I
pray you by the faith which you professe, and by the duty which you owe
unto the weale publique, take pitty and mercy upon this dead corps, who
is miserably murdered, and doe vengeance on this wicked and cursed woman
his wife which hath committed this fact: for it is shee and no other
which hath poysoned her husband my sisters sonne, to the intent to
maintaine her whoredome, and to get his heritage. In this sort the old
man complained before the face of all people. Then they (astonied at
these sayings, and because the thing seemed to be true) cried out, Burne
her, burne her, and they sought for stones to throw at her, and willed
the boys in the street to doe the same. But shee weeping in lamentable
wise, did swear by all the gods, that shee was not culpable of this
crime. No quoth the old man, here is one sent by the providence of
God to try out the matter, even Zachlas an Egypptian, who is the most
principall Prophecier in all this countrey, and who was hired of me for
money to reduce the soule of this man from hell, and to revive his body
for the triall hereof. And therewithall he brought forth a certaine
young man cloathed in linnen rayment, having on his feet a paire of
pantofiles, and his crowne shaven, who kissed his hands and knees,
saying, O priest have mercy, have mercy I pray thee by the Celestiall
Planets, by the Powers infernall, by the vertue of the naturall
elements, by the silences of the night, by the building of Swallows nigh
unto the towne Copton, by the increase of the floud Nilus, by the secret
mysteries of Memphis, and by the instruments and trumpets of the Isle
Pharos, have mercy I say, and call to life this dead body, and make that
his eyes which he closed and shut, may be open and see. Howbeit we meane
not to strive against the law of death, neither intend we to deprive the
earth of his right, but to the end this fact may be knowne, we crave
but a small time and space of life. Whereat this Prophet was mooved, and
took a certaine herb and layd it three times against the mouth of the
dead, and he took another and laid upon his breast in like sort. Thus
when hee had done hee turned himself into the East, and made certaine
orisons unto the Sunne, which caused all the people to marvell greatly,
and to looke for this strange miracle that should happen. Then I pressed
in amongst them nigh unto the biere, and got upon a stone to see this
mysterie, and behold incontinently the dead body began to receive
spirit, his principall veines did moove, his life came again and he held
up his head and spake in this sort: Why doe you call mee backe againe to
this transitorie life, that have already tasted of the water of Lethe,
and likewise been in the deadly den of Styx? Leave off, I pray, leave
off, and let me lie in quiet rest. When these words were uttered by the
dead corps, the Prophet drew nigh unto the Biere and sayd, I charge
thee to tell before the face of all the people here the occasion of thy
death: What, dost thou thinke that I cannot by my conjurations call up
the dead, and by my puissance torment thy body? Then the corps moved
his head again, and made reverence to the people and sayd, Verily I was
poisoned by the meanes of my wicked wife, and so thereby yeelded my
bed unto an adulterer. Whereat his wife taking present audacity, and
reproving his sayings, with a cursed minde did deny it. The people were
bent against her sundry wayes, some thought best that shee should be
buried alive with her husband: but some said that there ought no credit
to be given to the dead body. Which opinion was cleane taken away, by
the words which the corps spoke againe and sayd, Behold I will give
you some evident token, which never yet any other man knew, whereby
you shall perceive that I declare the truth: and by and by he pointed
towards me that stood on the stone, and sayd, When this the good Gard of
my body watched me diligently in the night, and that the wicked Witches
and enchantresses came into the chamber to spoyle mee of my limbes, and
to bring such their purpose did transforme themselves into the shape
of beasts: and when as they could in no wise deceive or beguile his
vigilant eyes, they cast him into so dead and sound a sleepe, that by
their witchcraft he seemed without spirit or life. After this they did
call me by my name, and never did cease til as the cold members of my
body began by little and little and little to revive. Then he being of
more lively soule, howbeit buried in sleep, in that he and I were named
by one name, and because he knew not that they called me, rose up first,
and as one without sence or perseverance passed by the dore fast closed,
unto a certain hole, whereas the Witches cut off first his nose, and
then his ears, and so that was done to him which was appointed to be
done to me. And that such their subtility might not be perceived, they
made him a like paire of eares and nose of wax: wherfore you may see
that the poore miser for lucre of a little mony sustained losse of his
members. Which when he had said I was greatly astonied, and minding to
prove whether his words were true or no, put my hand to my nose, and my
nose fell off, and put my hand to my ears and my ears fell off. Wherat
all the people wondred greatly, and laughed me to scorne: but I beeing
strucken in a cold sweat, crept between their legs for shame and escaped
away. So I disfigured returned home againe, and covered the losse of
myne ears with my long hair, and glewed this clout to my face to hide my
shame. As soon as Bellephoron had told his tale, they which sate at the
table replenished with wine, laughed heartily. And while they drank one
to another, Byrrhena spake to me and said, from the first foundation of
this city we have a custome to celebrate the festivall day of the god
Risus, and to-morrow is the feast when as I pray you to bee present, to
set out the same more honourably, and I would with all my heart that you
could find or devise somewhat of your selfe, that might be in honour
of so great a god. To whom I answered, verily cousin I will do as you
command me, and right glad would I be, if I might invent any laughing
or merry matter to please of satisfy Risus withall. Then I rose from the
table and took leave of Byrrhena and departed. And when I came into the
first street my torch went out, that with great pain I could scarce get
home, by reason it was so dark, for ear of stumbling: and when I was
well nigh come unto the dore, behold I saw three men of great stature,
heaving and lifting at Milos gates to get in: and when they saw me they
were nothing afeard, but assaied with more force to break down the dores
whereby they gave mee occasion, and not without cause, to thinke that
they were strong theeves. Whereupon I by and by drew out my sword which
I carried for that purpose under my cloak, and ran in amongst them, and
wounded them in such sort that they fell downe dead before my face.
Thus when I had slaine them all, I knocked sweating and breathing at
the doore til Fotis let me in. And then full weary with the slaughter of
those Theeves, like Hercules when he fought against the king Gerion, I
went to my chamber and layd me down to sleep.
THE THIRD BOOKE
THE TWELFTH CHAPTER
How Apuleius was taken and put in prison for murther.
When morning was come, and that I was awaked from sleep, my heart burned
sore with remembrance of the murther I had committed the night before:
and I rose and sate downe on the side of the bed with my legges acrosse,
and wringing my hands, I weeped in most miserable sort. For I imagined
with my selfe, that I was brought before the Judge in the Judgement
place, and that he awarded sentence against me, and that the hangman was
ready to lead me to the gallows. And further I imagined and sayd, Alasse
what Judge is he that is so gentle or benigne, that will thinke that I
am unguilty of the slaughter and murther of these three men. Howbeit the
Assyrian Diophanes did firmely assure unto me, that my peregrination
and voyage hither should be prosperous. But while I did thus unfold my
sorrowes, and greatly bewail my fortune, behold I heard a great noyse
and cry at the dore, and in came the Magistrates and officers, who
commanded two sergeants to binde and leade me to prison, whereunto I was
willingly obedient, and as they led me through the street, all the City
gathered together and followed me, and although I looked always on the
ground for very shame, yet sometimes I cast my head aside and marvelled
greatly that among so many thousand people there was not one but laughed
exceedingly. Finally, when they had brought me through all the streets
of the city, in manner of those that go in procession, and do sacrifice
to mitigate the ire of the gods, they placed mee in the Judgement hall,
before the seat of the Judges: and after that the Crier had commanded
all men to keep silence, and people desired the Judges to give sentence
in the great Theatre, by reason of the great multitude that was there,
whereby they were in danger of stifling. And behold the prease of people
increased stil, some climed to the top of the house, some got upon the
beames, some upon the Images, and some thrust their heads through the
windowes, little regarding the dangers they were in, so they might see
me.
Then the officers brought mee forth openly into the middle of the hall,
that every man might behold me. And after that the Cryer had made a
noise, and willed all such that would bring any evidence against me,
should come forth, there stept out an old man with a glasse of water in
his hand, dropping out softly, who desired that hee might have liberty
to speake during the time of the continuance of the water. Which when it
was granted, he began his oration in this sort.
THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTER
How Apuleius was accused by an old man, and how he answered for
himselfe.
O most reverend and just Judges, the thing which I propose to declare to
you is no small matter, but toucheth the estate and tranquillity of this
whole City, and the punishment thereof may be a right good example to
others. Wherefore I pray you most venerable Fathers, to whom and every
one of whom it doth appertain, to provide for the dignity and safety of
the Commonweale, that you would in no wise suffer this wicked Homicide,
embrued with the bloud of so many murthered citisens, to escape
unpunished. And thinke you not that I am moved thereunto by envy or
hatred, but by reason of my office, in that I am captain of the night
Watch, and because no man alive should accuse mee to bee remisse in the
same I wil declare all the whole matter, orderly as it was done last
night.
This night past, when as at our accustomed houre I diligently searched
every part of the City, behold I fortuned to espy this cruell young man
drawing out his sword against three Citisens, and after a long combat
foughten between them, he murthered one after another miserably: which
when hee had done, moved in his conscience at so great a crime hee ran
away, and aided by the reason of darknes, slipt into a house, and there
lay hidden all night, but by the providence of the Gods, which suffereth
no heynous offence to pass unpunished, hee was taken by us this morning
before he escaped any further, and so brought hither to your honourable
presence to receive his desert accordingly.
So have you here a guilty person, a culpable homicide, and an accused
stranger, wherefore pronounce you judgement against this man beeing
an alien, when as you would most severely and sharply revenge such
an offence found in a known Citisen. In this sort the cruell accuser
finished and ended his terrible tale. Then the Crier commanded me to
speake, if I had any thing to say for my selfe, but I could in no wise
utter any word at all for weeping. And on the other side I esteemed not
so much his rigorous accusation, as I did consider myne owne miserable
conscience. Howbeit, beeing inspired by divine Audacity, at length I gan
say, Verily I know that it is an hard thing for him that is accused to
have slaine three persons, to perswade you that he is innocent, although
he should declare the whole truth, and confesse the matter how it was
indeed, but if your honours will vouchsafe to give me audience, I will
shew you, that if I am condemned to die, I have not deserved it as myne
owne desert, but that I was mooved by fortune and reasonable cause to
doe that fact. For returning somewhat late from supper yester night
(beeing well tippled with wine, which I will not deny) and approaching
nigh to my common lodging, which was in the house of one Milo a Citisen
of this city, I fortuned to espy three great theeves attempting to break
down his walls and gates, and to open the locks to enter in. And when
they had removed the dores out of the hookes, they consulted amongst
themselves, how they would handle such as they found in the house. And
one of them being of more courage, and of greater stature than the
rest, spake unto his fellows and sayd, Tush you are but boyes, take mens
hearts unto you, and let us enter into every part of the house, and such
as we find asleep let us kill, and so by that meanes we shall escape
without danger. Verily ye three Judges, I confess that I drew out my
sword against those three Citizens, but I thought it was the office and
duty of one that beareth good will to this weale publique, so to doe,
especially since they put me in great fear, and assayed to rob and spoyl
my friend Milo. But when those cruell and terrible men would in no case
run away, nor feare my naked sword, but boldly resist against me, I
ran upon them and fought valiantly. One of them which was the captain
invaded me strongly, and drew me by the haire with both his hands, and
began to beat me with a great stone: but in the end I proved the hardier
man, and threw him downe at my feet and killed him. I tooke likewise the
second that clasped me about the legs and bit me, and slew him also.
And the third that came running violently against me, after that I
had strucken him under the stomacke fell downe dead. Thus when I had
delivered my selfe, the house, Myne host, and all his family from this
present danger, I thought that I should not onely escape unpunished, but
also have some great reward of the city for my paines.
Moreover, I that have always been clear and unspotted of crime, and that
have esteemed myne innocency above all the treasure of the world, can
finde no reasonable cause why upon myne accusation I should be condemned
to die, since first I was mooved to set upon the theeves by just
occasion. Secondly, because there is none that can affirm, that there
hath been at any time either grudge or hatred between us. Thirdly, we
were men meere strangers and of no acquaintance. Last of all, no man can
prove that I committed that fact for lucre or gaine.
When I had ended my words in this sort, behold, I weeped againe
pitteously, and holding up my hands I prayed all the people by the mercy
of the Commonweale and for the love of my poore infants and children, to
shew me some pitty and favour. And when my hearts were somewhat relented
and mooved by my lamentable teares, I called all the gods to witnesse
that I was unguilty of the crime, and so to their divine providence, I
committed my present estate, but turning my selfe againe, I perceived
that all the people laughed exceedingly, and especially my good friend
and host Milo. Then thought I with my selfe, Alasse where is faith?
Where is remorse of conscience? Behold I am condemned to die as a
murtherer, for the safeguard of myne Host Milo and his family. Yet is
he not contented with that, but likewise laugheth me to scorne, when
otherwise he should comfort and help mee.
THE FOURTEENTH CHAPTER
How Apuleius was accused by two women, and how the slaine bodies were
found blowne bladders.
When this was done, out came a woman in the middle of the Theatre
arrayed in mourning vesture, and bearing a childe in her armes.
And after her came an old woman in ragged robes, crying and howling
likewise: and they brought with them the Olive boughs wherewith the
three slaine bodies were covered on the Beere, and cried out in this
manner: O right Judges, we pray by the justice and humanity which is in
you, to have mercy upon these slaine persons, and succour our Widowhood
and losse of our deare husbands, and especially this poore infant, who
is now an Orphan, and deprived of all good fortune: and execute your
justice by order and law, upon the bloud of this Theefe, who is the
occasion of all our sorrowes. When they had spoken these words, one of
the most antient Judges did rise and say, Touching this murther, which
deserveth great punishment, this malefactor himselfe cannot deny, but
our duty is to enquire and try out, whether he had Coadjutors to help
him. For it is not likely that one man alone could kill three such great
and valiant persons, wherefore the truth must be tried out by the racke,
and so wee shall learne what other companions he hath, and root out the
nest of these mischievous murtherers. And there was no long delay, but
according to the custome of Grecia, the fire, the wheele, and many other
torments were brought in. Then my sorrow encreased or rather doubled, in
that I could not end my life with whole and unperished members. And
by and by the old woman, who troubled all the Court with her howling,
desired the Judges, that before I should be tormented on the racke, I
might uncover the bodies which I had slaine, that every man might
see their comely shape and youthfull beauty, and that I might receive
condign and worthy punishment, according to the quality of my offence:
and therewithall shee made a sign of joy. Then the Judge commanded me
forthwith to discover the bodies of the slain, lying upon the beere,
with myne own handes, but when I refused a good space, by reason I would
not make my fact apparent to the eies of all men, the Sergeant charged
me by commandement of the Judges, and thrust me forward to do the
same. I being then forced by necessity, though it were against my wil,
uncovered the bodies: but O good Lord what a strange sight did I see,
what a monster? What sudden change of all my sorrows? I seemed as
though I were one of the house of Proserpina and of the family of death,
insomuch that I could not sufficiently expresse the forme of this new
sight, so far was I amased and astonied thereat: for why, the bodies of
the three slaine men were no bodies, but three blown bladders mangled
in divers places, and they seemed to be wounded in those parts where
I remembred I wounded the theeves the night before. Whereat the people
laughed exceedingly: some rejoyced marvellously at the remembrance
thereof, some held their stomackes that aked with joy, but every man
delighted at this passing sport, so passed out of the theatre. But I
from the time that I uncovered the bodies stood stil as cold as ice,
no otherwise than as the other statues and images there, neither came I
into my right senses, until such time as Milo my Host came and tooke mee
by the hand, and with civil violence lead me away weeping and sobbing,
whether I would or no. And because that I might be seene, he brought me
through many blind wayes and lanes to his house, where he went about to
comfort me, beeing sad and yet fearfull, with gentle entreaty of talke.
But he could in no wise mitigate my impatiency of the injury which I
conceived within my minde. And behold, by and by the Magistrates and
Judges with their ensignes entred into the house, and endeavoured to
pacify mee in this sort, saying, O Lucius, we are advertised of your
dignity, and know the genealogie of your antient lineage, for the
nobility of your Kinne doe possesse the greatest part of all this
Province: and thinke not that you have suffered the thing wherfore you
weepe, to any reproach and ignominy, but put away all care and sorrow
out of your minde. For this day, which we celebrate once a yeare in
honour of the god Risus, is alwaies renowned with some solemne novel,
and the god doth continually accompany with the inventor therof, and wil
not suffer that he should be sorrowfull, but pleasantly beare a joyfull
face. And verily all the City for the grace that is in you, intend to
reward you with great honours, and to make you a Patron. And further
that your statue or image may be set up for a perpetuall remembrance.
To whome I answered, As for such benefits as I have received of the
famous City of Thessaly, I yeeld and render the most entire thanks, but
as touching the setting up of any statues or images, I would wish that
they should bee reserved for myne Auntients, and such as are more worthy than I. |
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