Moreover, I that have always been clear and unspotted of crime, and that have esteemed mine innocence above all the treasure of the world, can find no reasonable cause why upon mine accusation I should be condemned to die, since first I was moved to set upon the thieves 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 mere strangers and of no acquaintance. Last of all, no man can prove that I committed that fact for lucre or gain.
When I had ended my words in this sort, behold, I wept again piteously, and holding up my hands I prayed all the people by the mercy of the commonweal and for the love of my poor infants and children, to show me some pity and favour. And when their hearts were somewhat relented and moved by my lamentable tears, I called all the gods to witness that I was unguilty of the crime, and so to their divine providence, I committed my present estate, but turning myself again, I perceived that all the people laughed exceedingly, and especially my good friend and host Milo. Then thought I with myself, Alas where is faith? Where is remorse of conscience? Behold I am condemned to die as a murderer, for the safeguard of mine Host Milo and his family. Yet is he not contented with that, but likewise laugheth me to scorn, when otherwise he should comfort and help me.
XIV
How Apuleius was accused by two women, and how the slain bodies were found blown bladders.
When this was done, out came a woman in the middle of the theatre arrayed in mourning vesture, and bearing a child in her arms. 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 slain bodies were covered on the bier, and cried out in this manner: Oh right judges, we pray by the justice and humanity which is in you, to have mercy upon these slain persons, and succor our widowhood and loss of our dear husbands, and especially this poor infant, who is now an orphan, and deprived of all good fortune: and execute your justice by order and law, upon the blood of this thief, who is the occasion of all our sorrows. When they had spoken these words, one of the most ancient judges did rise and say, Touching this murder, which deserveth great punishment, this malefactor himself cannot deny, but our duty is to inquire 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 rack, and so we shall learn what other companions he hath, and root out the nest of these mischievous murderers. And there was no long delay, but according to the custom of Grecia, the fire, the wheel, and many other torments were brought in. Then my sorrow increased 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 rack, I might uncover the bodies which I had slain, that every man might see their comely shape and beauty, and that I might receive condign and worthy punishment, according to the quality of my offence: and therewithal she made a sign of joy. Then the judge commanded me forthwith to discover the bodies of the slain, lying upon the bier, with mine own hands, but when I refused a good space, by reason I would not make my fact apparent to the eyes of all men, the sergeant charged me by commandment of the judges, and thrust me forward to do the same. I being then forced by necessity, though it were against my will, uncovered the bodies: but oh 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 express the form of this new sight, so far was I amazed and astonied thereat: for why, the bodies of the three slain men were no bodies, but three blown bladders mangled in diverse places, and they seemed to be wounded in those parts where I remembered I wounded the thieves the night before. Whereat the people laughed exceedingly: some rejoiced marvelously at the remembrance thereof, some held their stomachs that ached with joy, but every man delighted at this passing sport, so passed
