fact at length by manifest and evident
proofes as also by the common opinion and judgement of the people, was
laid to one Lucius Apuleius charge as manifest author of this common
robbery, who a few dayse before by false and forged letters and colored
honesty, fell so farre in favour with this Milo, that he entertained him
into his house, and received him as a chiefe of his familiar friends,
which Lucius after that he had sojourned there a good space, and won the
heart of Miloes Maid, by fained love, did thoroughly learne the waies
and doores of all the house, and curiously viewed the cofers and chests,
wherein was laid the whole substance of Milo: neither was there small
cause given to judge him culpable, since as the very same night that
this robbery was done he fled away, and could not be found in no place:
and to the intent hee might cleane escape, and better prevent such as
made hew and crie after him, he tooke his white horse and galloped away,
and after this, his servant was found in the house, who (accused as
accessary to the fellony and escape of his Master) was committed to
the common gaole, and the next day following was cruelly scourged and
tormented till hee was welnigh dead, to the intent hee should confesse
the matter, but when they could wreast or learne no such thing of him,
yet sent they many persons after, towardes Lucius Countrey to enquire
him out, and so to take him prisoner. As he declared these things, I did
greatly lament with my selfe, to thinke of mine old and pristine estate,
and what felicity I was sometimes in, in comparison to the misery that I
presently susteined, being changed into a miserable Asse, then had I no
small occasion to remember, how the old and ancient Writers did
affirme, that fortune was starke blind without eies, because she alwaies
bestoweth her riches upon evil persons, and fooles, and chooseth or
favoureth no mortall person by judgement, but is alwaies conversent,
especially with much as if she could see, she should most shunne, and
forsake, yea and that which is more worse, she sheweth such evill or
contrary opinions in men, that the wicked doe glory with the name of
good, and contrary the good and innocent be detracted and slandred as
evill. Furthermore I, who by her great cruelty, was turned into a foure
footed Asse, in most vile and abject manner: yea, and whose estate
seemed worthily to be lamented and pittied of the most hard and stonie
hearts, was accused of theft