The Golden Ass

together towards Zacynthe, to continue there according as fortune had appointed. But when they were arrived on the sea coast of Actium (where we in our return from Macedonia were roving about) when night came, they returned into a house not far distant from their ship, where they lay all night. Then we entered in and took away all their substance, but verily we were in great danger: for the good matron perceiving us incontinently by the noise of the gate, went into the chamber, and called up every man by his name, and likewise the neighbors that dwelled round about, insomuch that by reason of the fear that everyone was in, we hardly escaped away, but this most holy woman, faithful and true to her husband (as the truth must be declared) returned to Caesar, desiring his aid and puissance, and demanding vengeance of the injury done to her husband, who granted all her desire: then went my company to wrack, insomuch that every man was slain, so great was the authority and word of the prince. Howbeit, when all my band was lost, and taken by search of the Emperor’s army, I only stole away and delivered myself from the violence of the soldiers, for I clothed myself in a woman’s attire, and mounted upon an ass, that carried barley sheaves, and (passing through the middle of them all) I escaped away, because everyone deemed that I was a woman by reason I lacked a beard. Howbeit I left not off for all this, nor did degenerate from the glory of my father, or mine own virtue, but freshly coming from the bloody skirmish, and disguised like a woman, I invaded towns and castles alone to get some prey. And therewithal he pulled out two thousand crowns, which he had under his coat, saying: Hold here the dowry which I present unto you, hold eke my person, which you shall always find trusty and faithful, if you willingly receive me: and I will ensure you that in so doing, within short space I wilt make and turn this stony house of yours into gold. Then by and by everyone consented to make him their captain, and so they gave him better garments, and threw away his old. When they had changed his attire, he embraced them one after another, then placed they him in the highest room of the table, and drunk unto him in token of good luck.

XXV

How the death of the ass, and the gentlewoman was stayed.

After supper they began to talk, and declare unto him the going away of the gentlewoman, and how I bare her upon my back, and what death was ordained for us two. Then he desired to see her, whereupon the gentlewoman was brought forth fast bound, whom as soon as he beheld, he turned himself wringing his nose, and blamed them saying: I am not so much a beast, or so rash a fellow to drive you quite from your purpose, but my conscience will not suffer me to conceal anything that toucheth your profit, since I am as careful for you, howbeit if my counsel do displease you, you may at your liberty proceed in your enterprise. I doubt not but all thieves, and such as have a good judgment, will prefer their own lucre and gain above all things in the world, and above their vengeance, which purchaseth damage to diverse persons. Therefore if you put this virgin in the ass’ belly, you shall but execute your indignation against her, without all manner of profit; but I would advise you to carry the virgin to some town and to sell her: and such a brave girl as she is, may be sold for a great quantity of money. And I myself know certain bawdy merchants, amongst whom peradventure one will give us sums of gold for her. This is my opinion touching this affair: but advise you what you intend to do, for you may rule me in this case. In this manner the good thief pleaded and defended our cause, being a good patron to the silly virgin, and to me poor ass. But they stayed hereupon a good space, with long deliberation, which made my heart (God wot) and spirit greatly to quail. Howbeit in the end they consented to his opinion, and by and by the maiden was unloosed of her bonds, who seeing the young man, and hearing the name of brothels and bawdy merchants, began to wax joyful, and smiled with herself. Then began I to deem evil of the generation of women, when as I saw the maiden (who was appointed to be married to a young gentleman, and who so greatly desired the same) was now delighted with the talk of a wicked brothel house, and other things dishonest. In this sort the consent and manners of women depended in the judgment of an ass.

XXVI

How all the thieves were brought asleep by their new companion.

Then the young man spake again, saying, Masters, why go we not about to make our prayers unto Mars, touching this selling of the maiden, and to seek for other companions. But as far as I see, here is no other manner of beast to make sacrifice withal, nor wine sufficient for us to drink. Let me have (quoth he) ten more with me, and we will go to the next castle, to provide for meat and other things necessary. So he and ten more with him, went their way: In the mean season, the residue made a great fire and an altar with green turfs in the honour of Mars. By and by after they came again, bringing with them bottles of wine, and a great number of beasts, amongst which there was a big ram goat, fat, old, and hairy, which they killed and offered unto Mars. Then supper was prepared sumptuously, and the new