pened, and swallowed up the hill of wood: and then behold
there came a man of armes through the multitude, demanding by the
consent of the people, the woman who was condemned to the beasts, and
appointed for me to have to doe withall: our bed was finely and bravely
prepared, and covered with silke and other things necessary. But I,
beside the shame to commit this horrible fact, and to pollute my body
with this wicked harlot did greatly feare the danger of death: for I
thought in my selfe, that when she and I were together, the savage beast
appointed to devoure the woman, was not so instructed and taught, or
would so temper his greedinesse, as that hee would teare her in
peeces lying under mee, and spare mee with a regard of mine innocency.
Wherefore I was more carefull for the safeguard of my life, then for the
shame that I should abide, but in the meane season while my master made
ready the bed, all the residue did greatly delight to see the hunting
and pleasantnesse of the triumph, I began to thinke and devise for my
selfe. When I perceived that no man had regard to mee, that was so tame
and gentle an Asse, I stole out of the gate that was next me, and then I
ran away with all force, and came to Cenchris, which is the most famous
towne of all the Carthaginians, bordering upon the Seas called Ageum,
and Saronicum, where is a great and mighty Haven, frequented with many a
sundry Nation. There because I would avoyd the multitude of the people,
I went to a secret place of the Sea coast, where I laid me down upon the
sand, to ease and refresh my selfe, for the day was past and the Sunne
gone downe, and lying in this sort on the ground, did fall in a sound
sleepe.

THE ELEVENTH BOOKE

THE FORTY-SEVENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius by Roses and prayer returned to his humane shape.

When midnight came that I had slept my first sleepe, I awaked with
suddaine feare, and saw the Moone shining bright, as when shee is at the
full, and seeming as though she leaped out of the Sea. Then thought I
with my selfe, that was the most secret time, when the goddesse Ceres
had most puissance and force, considering that all humane things be
governed by her providence: and not onely all beasts private and
tame, but also all wild and savage beasts be under her protection. And
considering that all bodies in the heavens, the earth and the seas,
be by her increasing motions increased, and by her diminishing motions
diminished: as wear