THE TWENTY-FIFTH CHAPTER

The Golden Ass

by Lucius Apuleius

THE TWENTY-FIFTH CHAPTER, THE GOLDEN ASS by Lucius Apuleius


How the death of the Asse, and the Gentlewoman was stayed.

After supper they began to talke, and declare unto him the going
away of the Gentlewoman, and how I hare her upon my backe, and
what death was ordained for us two. Then he desired to see her,
whereupon the Gentlewoman was brought forth fast bound, whom
as soone as he beheld, he turned himselfe 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 conceale any thing that toucheth your profit, since I
am as carefull for you, howbeit if my counsell doe displease you,
you may at your liberty proceed in your enterprise. I doubt not but
all theeves, and such as have a good judgement, will preferre their
owne lucre and gain above all things in the world, and above their
vengeance, which purchaseth damage to divers persons.
Therefore if you put this virgin in the Asses 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 towne and to sell
her : and such a brave girle as she is, may be sold for a great
quantity of money. And I my selfe know certaine bawdy
Marchants, amongst whom peradventure one will give us summes
of gold for her. This is my opinion touching this affaire : but advise
you what you intend to do, for you may rule me in this case. In this
manner the good theefe pleaded and defended our cause, being a
good Patron to the silly virgin, and to me poore Asse. But they
staied hereupon a good space, with long deliberation, which made
my heart (God wot) and spirit greatly to quaile. 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 joyfull, and
smiled with herself. Then began I to deeme evill 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 talke of a wicked brothel house,
and other things dishonest. In this sort the consent and manners of
women depended in the judgement of an Asse.