THE FORTY-SIXTH CHAPTER
How a certaine Matron fell in love with Apuleius, how hee had his
pleasure with her, and what other things happened.
HEN he had bought such things as was necessary, he would not returne
home into his Countrey in Chariots, or waggon, neither would he ride
upon Thessalian Horses, or Jenets of France, or Spanish Mules, which
be most excellent as can be found, but caused me to be garnished and
trimmed with trappers and barbs of Gold, with brave harnesse, with
purple coverings, with a bridle of silver, with pictured cloths, and
with shrilling bells, and in this manner he rode upon me lovingly,
speaking and intreating me with gentle words, but above all things
he did greatly rejoyce in that I was his Servant to beare him upon my
backe, and his Companion to feed with him at the Table: After long time
when we had travelled as well by Sea as Land, and fortuned to arrive
at Corinth, the people of the Towne came about us on every side, not so
much to doe honour to Thiasus, as to see me: For my fame was so greatly
spread there, that I gained my master much money, and when the people
was desirous to see me play prankes, they caused the Gates to be shut,
and such as entered in should pay money, by meanes whereof I was a
profitable companion to them every day: There fortuned to be amongst the
Assembly a noble and rich Matron that conceived much delight to behold
me, and could find no remedy to her passions and disordinate appetite,
but continually desired to have her pleasure with me, as Pasiphae had
with a Bull. In the end she promised a great reward to my keeper for the
custody of me one night, who for gaine of a little money accorded to her
desire, and when I had supped in a Parler with my Master, we departed
away and went into our