to the River, and kneeled downe on the
side of the banke to drinke, but he had scarce touched the water with
lips, when as behold the wound in his throat opened wide, and the Sponge
suddenly fell out into the water, and after issued out a little remnant
of bloud, and his body being then without life, had fallen into the
river, had not I caught him by the leg and so pulled him up. And after
that I had lamented a good space the death of my wretched companion, I
buried him in the Sands there by the river.

Which done, in great feare I rode through many Outwayes and desart
places, and as culpable of the death of Socrates, I forsooke my
countrey, my wife, and my children, and came to Etolia where I married
another Wife.

This tale told Aristomenus, and his fellow which before obstinatly would
give no credit unto him, began to say, Verily there was never so foolish
a tale, nor a more absurd lie told than this. And then he spake unto me
saying, Ho sir, what you are I know not, but your habit and countenance
declareth that you should be some honest Gentleman, (speaking to
Apuleius) doe you beleeve this tale? Yea verily (quoth I), why not? For
whatsoever the fates have appointed to men, that I beleeve shall happen.
For may things chance unto me and unto you, and to divers others, which
beeing declared unto the ignorant be accounted as lies. But verily I
give credit unto his tale, and render entire thankes unto him, in that
by the pleasant relation thereof we have quickly passed and shortned our
journey, and I thinke that my horse was also delighted with the same,
and hath brought me to the gate of this city without any paine at all.
Thus ended both our talk and our journey, for they two turned on the
left hand to the next villages, and I rode into the city.

THE SIXTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius came unto a city named Hipate, and was lodged in one Milos
house, and brought him letters from one Demeas of Corinth.

After that those two Companions were departed I entred into the City:
where I espied an old woman, of whom I enquired whether that city was
called Hipata, or no: Who answered, Yes. Then I demaunded, Whether she
knew one Milo an Alderman of the city: Whereat she laughed and said:
Verily it is not without cause that Milo is called an Elderman, and
accounted as chiefe of those which dwel without the walls of the City.
To whom I sayd againe, I pray thee good mother do not mocke, but tell
me what manner of man he is, and