re resembleth the
colour of gold and honey, sometimes the blew plumes and azured feathers
about the neckes of Doves, especially when it is either anointed with
the gumme of Arabia, or trimmely tuft out with the teeth of a fine
combe, which if it be tyed up in the pole of the necke, it seemeth to
the lover that beholdeth the same, as a glasse that yeeldeth forth a
more pleasant and gracious comelinesse than if it should be sparsed
abroad on the shoulders of the woman, or hang down scattering behind.
Finally there is such a dignity in the haire, that whatsoever shee
be, though she be never to bravely attyred with gold, silks, pretious
stones, and other rich and gorgeous ornaments, yet if her hair be
not curiously set forth shee cannot seeme faire. But in my Fotis, her
garments unbrast and unlaste increased her beauty, her haire hanged
about her shoulders, and was dispersed abroad upon her partlet, and in
every part of her necke, howbeit the greater part was trussed upon her
pole with a lace. Then I unable to sustain the broiling heat that I was
in, ran upon her and kissed the place where she had thus laid her haire.
Whereat she turned her face, and cast her rolling eyes upon me, saying,
O Scholler, thou hast tasted now both hony and gall, take heed that thy
pleasure do not turn unto repentance. Tush (quoth I) my sweet heart, I
am contented for such another kiss to be broiled here upon this fire,
wherwithall I embraced and kissed her more often, and shee embraced and
kissed me likewise, and moreover her breath smelled like Cinnamon, and
the liquor of her tongue was like unto sweet Nectar, wherewith when my
mind was greatly delighted I sayd, Behold Fotis I am yours, and shall
presently dye unlesse you take pitty upon me. Which when I had said she
eftsoone kissed me, and bid me be of good courage, and I will (quoth
shee) satisfie your whole desire, and it shall be no longer delayed than
until night, when as assure your selfe I will come and lie with you;
wherfore go your wayes and prepare your selfe, for I intend valiantly
and couragiously to encounter with you this night. Thus when we had
lovingly talked and reasoned together, we departed for that time.

THE TENTH CHAPTER

How Byrrhena sent victuals unto Apuleius, and how hee talked with Milo
of Diophanes, and how he lay with Fotis.

When noone was come, Byrrhena sent to me a fat Pigge, five hennes, and a
flagon of old wine. Then I called Fotis and sayd, Behold ho