The Most Pleasant and Delectable Tale of the Marriage of Cupid and Psyche.
From Books IV to VI of The Golden Ass, by Lucius Apuleius (2nd Cent. A.D.), trans. by William Adlington (1566)
The Fourth Book
THERE was once a certain king, inhabiting in the West parts, who had to wife a noble dame by whom he had three daughters, exceeding fair of whom the two elder were of such comely shape and beauty as to excel and pass all other women living, whereby they were thought, worthily, to deserve the praise and commendation of every person, and deservedly to be preferred above the residue of the common sort. Yet the singular passing beauty and maidenly majesty of the youngest daughter did so far surmount and excel them two that no earthly creature could by any means sufficiently express or set out the same; by reason whereof (after the fame of this excellent maiden was spread abroad in every part of the city) the citizens and strangers there, being inwardly pricked by zealous affection to behold her famous person, came daily by thousands, hundreds and scores to her father's palace, and as if astonished with admiration of her incomparable beauty did no less worship and reverence her, with crosses, signs and tokens, and other divine adorations, according to the custom of the old used rites and ceremonies, than if she were Lady Venus indeed.
And shortly after the report was spread into the next cities and bordering regions that the goddess whom the deep seas had borne and brought forth, and the froth of the surging waves had nourished, to the intent to show her high magnificency and divine power in earth, to such as erst did honour and worship her, was now conversant amongst mortal men, or else that the earth, and not the seas, by a new concourse and influence of the celestial planets, had budded and yielded forth a new Venus, endued with the flower of virginity.
So daily more and more increased this opinion, and now is her flying fame dispersed into the next island, and well-nigh into every part and province of the whole world. Whereupon innumerable strangers resorted from far countries, adventuring themselves by long journeys on land, and by great perils on water, to behold this glorious virgin. By occasion whereof such a contempt grew towards the goddess Venus, that no person travelled to the town Paphos, nor to the isle of Cnidus, no, nor to Cythera, to worship her. Her ornaments were thrown out, her temples defaced, her pillows and cushions torn, her ceremonies neglected, her images and statues uncrowned, and her bare altars unswept, and foul with the ashes of old burned sacrifice, for why every person honoured and worshipped this maiden instead of Venus; and in the morning at her first coming abroad, offered to her oblations, provided banquets, called her by the name of Venus who was not Venus indeed, and in her honour presented flowers and garlands in most reverent fashion.
This sudden change and alteration of celestial honour did greatly inflame and kindle the mind of very Venus, who (unable to temper herself from indignation, shaking her head in raging sort) reasoned with herself in this manner, "Behold the original parent of all these elements, behold the Lady Venus renowned throughout all the world, with whom a mortal maiden is joined now partaker of my honour; my name, registered in the city of heaven, is profaned and made vile by terrene absurdities, if I shall suffer any mortal creature to present my Majesty on earth, or if any shall bear about a false furnished shape of my person! In vain did Paris that shepherd (in whose just judgment and confidence the great Jupiter had affiance) prefer me above the residue of the goddesses for the excellency of my beauty. But she, whatsoever she be that hath usurped my honour, shall shortly repent her of her unlawful estate.
Instantly she called her winged son, Cupid, rash enough, and hardy, who, by his evil manners, contemning all public justice and law, armed with fire and arrows, running up and down in the nights from house to house, and corrupting the lawful marriages of every person, doth nothing but that which is evil. Although he were of his own proper nature sufficiently prone to work mischief, yet she egged him forward with words, and brought him to the city, and showed him Psyche (for so the maiden was called), and having, told the cause of her anger, not without great rage, "I pray thee," (quoth she), "my dear child, by motherly bond of love, by the sweet wounds of thy piercing darts, by the pleasant heat of thy fire, revenge the injury which is done to thy mother, by the false and disobedient beauty of a mortal maiden, and I pray thee without delay, that she may fall in love with the most miserable creature living, the most poor, the most crooked, and the most vile, that there may be none found in all the world of like wretchedness."
When she had spoken these words she embraced and kissed her son, and took her voyage towards the sea. When she was come to the sea she began to call the gods and goddesses, who were obedient at her voice. For incontinent came the daughters of Nereus singing with tunes melodiously: Portunus with his bristled and rough beard: Salacia, with her bosom full of fish: Palemon, the driver of the dolphin, the trumpeters of Triton, leaping hither and thither, and blowing with heavenly noises. Such was the company which followed Venus marching towards the ocean sea.
In the mean season Psyche with all her beauty received no fruit of her honour. She was wondered at of all, she was praised of all, but she perceived that no king nor prince, nor any of the inferior sort, did repair to woo her. Everyone marvelled at her divine beauty, as it were at some image well painted and set out. Her other two sisters, which were nothing so greatly exalted by the people, were royally married to two kings. But the virgin Psyche, sitting at home alone, lamented her solitary life, and being disquieted both in mind and body, although she pleased all the world, yet hated she herself her own beauty.
Hereupon the miserable father of this unfortunate daughter, suspecting that the gods and powers of heaven envied her estate, went to the town called Miletus to receive the oracle of Apollo, where he made his prayers and offered sacrifice, and desired a husband for his daughter. But Apollo, though he were a Greek and of the country of Ionia, because of the foundation of Miletus, gave answer in Latin verse, the sense whereof was this:
Let Psyche's corpse be clad in mourning weed,
And set on rock of yonder hill aloft.
Her husband is no wight of human seed,
But serpent dire and fierce as may be thought,
Who flies with wings above in starry skies
And doth subdue each thing with fiery flight.
The gods themselves and powers that seem so wise,
With mighty Jove, be subject to his might
The rivers black and deadly floods of pain
And darkness eke as thrall to him remain.
The king, once happy, when he heard the prophecy of Apollo returned home sad and sorrowful, and declared to his wife the miserable and unhappy fate of his daughter. Then they began to lament and weep, and passed over many days in great sorrow.
But now the time approached of Psyche's marriage; preparation was made, black torches were lighted, the pleasant songs were turned into pitiful cries, the melody of Hymenmus was ended with deadly howling, the maiden that should be married did wipe her eyes with her veil. All the family and people of the city wept likewise, and with great lamentation was ordained a remiss time for that day; but necessity compelled that Psyche should be brought to her appointed place, according to the divine commandment. And when the solemnity was ended, they went to bring this sorrowful spouse, not to her marriage, but to her final end and burial.
But while the father and mother of Psyche went forward, weeping and crying, to do this enterprise, Psyche spoke to them in this sort, "Why torment you your unhappy age with continual dolour? Why trouble you your spirits, which are more rather mine than yours? Why soil ye your faces with tears, which I ought to adore and worship? Why tear you my eyes in yours? Why pull you your hoar hairs? Why knock you your breasts for me? Now you see the reward of my excellent beauty: now, now, you perceive (but too late) the plague of envy. When the people did honour me and call me new Venus, then you should have wept, then you should have sorrowed, as though I had been then dead. For now that I see and perceive that I am come to this misery by the name only of Venus, bring me, and (as fortune hath appointed) place me on the top of the rock. I greatly desire to end my marriage, I greatly covet to see my husband; why do I delay? Why should I refuse him that is appointed to destroy all the world?
Thus ended she her words, and thrust herself amongst the people that followed. Then they brought her to the appointed rock of the high hill, and set her thereon, and so departed. The torches and lights were put out with the tears of the people, and every man gone home: the miserable parents, well-nigh consumed with sorrow, gave themselves to everlasting darkness.
Here ends the Fourth Book of Lucius Apuleius
The Fifth Book
XXII.- The most pleasant and delectable tale of the marriage of Cupid and Psyche
THUS poor Psyche, being left alone weeping and trembling on the top of the rock, was blown by the gentle air of shrilling Zephyrus and carried from the hill, with a meek wind, which retained her garments up, and by little and little brought her down into a deep valley, where she was laid in a bed of most sweet and fragrant flowers.
Fair Psyche, being sweetly couched amongst the soft and tender herbs, as in a bed of sweet and fragrant flowers, and having qualified the troubles and thoughts of her restless mind, was now well reposed. When she had refreshed herself sufficiently with sleep, she rose with a more quiet and pacified mind, and fortuned to espy a pleasant wood environed with great and mighty trees. She espied likewise a running river as clear as crystal.
In the midst of the wood, well-nigh at the fall of the river, was a princely edifice, wrought and built, not by the art or hand of man, but by the mighty power of God, and you would judge, at the first entry therein, that it were some pleasant and worthy mansion for the powers of heaven. For the embowings above were of citron and ivory, propped and undermined with pillars of gold, the walls covered and sealed with silver, and divers sorts of beasts were graven and carved, that seemed to encounter with such as entered in. All things were so curiously and finely wrought, that it seemed either to be the work of some demigod, or God Himself. The pavement was all of precious stones, divided and cut one from another, whereon was carved divers kinds of pictures, in such sort that blessed and thrice blessed were they which might go upon such a pavement. Every part and angle of the house was so well adorned that, by reason of the precious stones and inestimable treasure there, it glittered and shone in such sort that the chambers, porches and doors gave light as it had been the sun. Neither otherwise did the other treasure of the house disagree to so great a majesty, that verily it seemed in every point a heavenly palace fabricate and built for Jupiter himself.
Then Psyche, moved with delectation, approached nigh, and taking a bold heart entered into the house, and beheld everything there with great affection; she saw storehouses wrought exceeding fine and replenished with abundance of riches. Finally there could nothing be devised which lacked there. But amongst such great store of treasure this was more marvellous, that there was no closure, bolt or lock to keep the same.
While with great pleasure she viewed all these things, she heard a voice without any body, that said, "Why do you marvel, madam, at so great riches? Behold, all that you see is at your commandment. Wherefore, go you into the chamber and repose yourself upon the bed, and desire what bath you will have, and we whose voices you hear be your servants, and ready to minister to you according to your desire. In the mean season, royal meats and dainty dishes shall be prepared for you."
Then Psyche perceived the felicity of Divine Providence, and according to the advertisement of the incorporeal voices, she first reposed herself upon the bed, and then refreshed her body in the baths. This done, she saw the table garnished with meats, and a chair to sit down.
When Psyche was sat down, all sorts of divine meats and wines were, brought in, not by any body but as it were with a wind, for she could see no person before her, but only hear voices on every side. After all the services were brought to the table, one came in and sang invisibly, another played on the harp, but she saw no man. The harmony of the instruments did so greatly shrill in her ears that (though there were no manner of person) yet seemed she in the midst of a multitude of people.
All these pleasantries finished, when night approached Psyche went to bed: and when she was laid, and the sweet sleep came upon her, she greatly feared for her virginity because she was alone. Then came her unknown husband and lay with her: and after that he had made a perfect consummation of the marriage, he rose in the morning before day and departed.
Soon after came her invisible servants, presenting to her such things as were necessary, and thus she passed forthli a great while: and (as it happened) the novelty of the things by continual custom did increase her pleasure, but specially the sound of the instruments was a comfort to her being alone.
During this time that Psyche was in this place of pleasures, her father and mother did nothing but weep and lament, and her two sisters, hearing of her most miserable fortune, came with great dolour and sorrow to comfort and speak with their parents.
The night following Psyche's husband spoke to her (for she might feel his eyes, his hands and his ears) and said, "O my sweet spouse and dear wife, fortune doth menace to thee imminent peril and danger, whereof I wish thee greatly to beware. For know thou that thy sisters, thinking that thou art dead, be greatly troubled, and are come to the mountain by thy steps; whose lamentations if thou fortune to hear, beware that thou do in no wise either make answer or look up towards them. For if thou do, thou shalt purchase to me great sorrow, and to thyself utter destruction." Psyche, hearing her husband, was contented to do all things as he commanded.
After he was departed, and the night passed away, Psyche lamented and cried all the day following, thinking that now she was past all hope of comfort, in that she was closed within the walls of a prison, deprived of human conversation, and commanded not to aid or assist her sorrowful sisters, no, nor once to see them. Thus she passed all the day in weeping, and went to bed at night without any refection of meat or bath.
Incontinently after came her husband, who (when he had embraced her sweetly) said, "Is it thus that you perform your promise, my sweet wife? What do I find here? Pass you all the day and the night in weeping? And will you not cease in your husband's arms? Go to, do what you will, purchase your own destruction, and when you find it so, then remember my words, and repent, but too late."
Then she desired her husband more and more, assuring him that she should die unless he would grant that she might see her sisters, whereby she might speak with them and comfort them.
At length he was contented, and moreover he willed that she should give them as much gold and jewels as she would; but he gave her a further charge, saying, "Beware that ye covet not (being moved by the pernicious counsel of your sisters) to see the shape of my person, lest by your curiosity you be deprived of so great and worthy estate."
Psyche being glad herewith, rendered to him most entire thanks, and said, "Sweet husband, I had rather die than to be separate from you for whosoever you be, I love and retain you within my heart, as if you were my own spirit or Cupid himself. But I pray you grant this likewise, that you would command your servant Zephyrus to bring my sisters down into the valley, as he brought me." Wherewithal she kissed him sweetly, and desired him gently to grant her request, calling him her spouse, her sweetheart, her joy and her solace, whereby she enforced him to agree to her mind; and when morning came he departed away.
After long search made, the sisters of Psyche came to the hill where she was sat on the rock, and cried with a loud voice, in such sort that the stones answered again. And when they called their sister by her name, so that their lamentable cries came to her ears, she came forth, and said, "Behold, here is she for whom you weep; I pray you torment yourselves no more, cease your weeping."
And at once she commanded Zephyrus by the appointment of her husband to bring them down. Neither did he delay, for with gentle blasts he retained them up, and laid them softly in the valley.
I am not able to express the often embracing, kissing and greeting which was between them three; all sorrows and tears were then laid apart.
"Come in," (quoth Psyche), "into our house, and refresh your afflicted minds with your sister."After this she showed them the storehouses of treasure, she caused them to hear the voices which served her, the bath was ready, the meats were brought in.
When they had eaten and filled themselves with divine delicacies, they conceived great envy within their hearts, and one of them, being very curious, demanded what her husband was, of what state, and who was the lord of so precious a house. But Psyche, remembering the promise which she made to her husband, feigned that he was a young man, of comely stature, with a flaxen beard, and had great delight in hunting in the hills and dales by. And lest by her long talk she should be found to trip or fail in her words, she filled their laps with gold, silver and jewels, and commanded Zephyrus to carry them away.
When they were brought up to the mountain they took their ways homeward to their own houses, and murmured with envy that they bore against Psyche, saying, "Behold, cruel and contrary fortune, behold how we (born all of one parent) have divers destinies, but especially we, that are the elder two, be married to strange husbands, made as handmaidens, and as it were banished from our country and friends, whereas our younger sister hath so great abundance of treasure, and got a god to her husband, who hath no skill how to use so great plenty of riches; saw you not, sister, what was in the house? What great store of jewels, what glittering robes, what gems, what gold we trod on? If she have a husband according, as she affirmeth, there is none that liveth this day more happy in all the world than she. And so it may come to pass 'that at length for the great affection and love which he may bear to her, he may make her a goddess, for (by Hercules) such was her countenance, so she behaved herself, that (as a goddess) she had voices to serve her, and the winds did obey her. But I, poor wretch, have first married a husband older than my father, more bald than a coot, more weak than a child, and one that locks me up all day in the house."
Then said the other sister, "And in faith I am married to a husband that hath the gout twofold, crooked, not courageous in paying my debt; I am fain to rub and mollify his stony fingers with divers sorts of oils, and to wrap them in plasters and salves, so that I soil my white and dainty hands with the corruption of filthy clouts, not using myself like a wife, but more like a servant and you, my sister, seem likewise to be in bondage and servitude, wherefore I cannot abide to see our younger sister in such great felicity. Saw you not, I pray, how proudly and arrogantly she handled us even now? and how in vaunting herself she uttered her presumptuous mind, how she cast a little gold into our lap, and (being weary of our company) commanded that we should be borne and blown away? Verily, I live not nor am a woman, but I will deprive her of all her bliss. And if you, my sister, be so far bent as I, let us consult together, and not utter our mind to any person, no, nor yet to our parents, nor tell that ever we saw her. For it sufficeth that we have seen her, whom it repenteth to have seen neither let us declare her good fortune to our father, nor to any other, since as they seem not happy whose riches are unknown, so shall she know that she hath sisters, no abjects, but more worthier than she. But no, let us go home to our husbands and poor houses, and when we are better instructed let us return to suppress her pride."
This evil counsel pleased these two evil women, and they hid the treasure which Psyche gave them, and tore their hair, renewing their false and forged tears. When their father and mother beheld them weep and lament still, they doubled their sorrows and griefs, but full of ire and forced with envy they took their voyage homeward, devising the slaughter and destruction of their sister.
In the mean season the husband of Psyche warned her again in the night with these words, "Seest thou not" (quoth he) "what peril and danger evil fortune doth threaten to thee, whereof if thou take not good heed it will shortly come upon thee: for the unfaithful harlots do greatly endeavour to set their snares to catch thee, and their purpose is to make and persuade thee to behold my face, which if thou once fortune to see (as I have often told) thou shalt see no more. Wherefore if these naughty hags, armed with wicked minds, do chance to come again (as I think no otherwise but that they will), take heed that thou talk not with them, but simply suffer them to speak what they will. Howbeit, if thou canst not restrain thyself, beware that thou have no communication of thy husband, nor answer a word if they fortune to question of me. So will we increase our stock, and this young and tender child, couched in thy womb, if thou conceal my secrets, shall be made an immortal god, but otherwise a mortal creature."
Then Psyche was very glad that she should bring forth a divine babe, and very joyful that she should be honoured as a mother. But those pestilent and wicked furies, breathing out their serpentine poison, took shipping to bring their enterprise to pass. Then Psyche was awarned again by her husband in this sort, "Behold, the last day, the extreme case, and the enemies of thy blood have armed themselves against us, pitched their camps, set their host in array, and are marching towards us for now thy two sisters have drawn their swords, and are ready to slay thee. O with what force are we assailed this day! O sweet Psyche, I pray thee to take pity on thyself of me, and deliver thy husband and this infant from so great danger. See not neither hear, these cursed women, which are not worthy to be called thy sisters, for their great hatred and breach of sisterly amity, for they will come like sirens to the mountain, and yield out their piteous and lamentable cries." When Psyche had heard these words she sighed sorrowfully, and said, "O dear husband, this long time you have had experience and trial of my faith, and doubt you not but that I will persevere in the same. Wherefore command your Zephyrus that he may do as he hath done before, to the intent that if you have charged me not to behold your venerable face, yet that I may comfort myself with the sight of my sisters. I pray you by these beautiful ears, by these round cheeks, delicate and tender, by your pleasant white breast, whose shape and face I shall learn at length by my child, grant the fruit of my desire, refresh your dear spouse Psyche with joy, who is bound and linked to you for ever. I little esteem to see your visage and figure, little do I regard the night and darkness thereof, for you are my only light."
Her husband (being as it were enchanted with these words, and compelled by violence of her often embracing, wiping away her tears with his hair) yielded to his wife. And when morning came he departed as he was accustomed to do.
Now her sisters arrived on land, and never rested till they came to the rock, without visiting of their father and mother, and leaped down rashly from the hill themselves. Then Zephyrus according to the divine commandment brought them down (though it were against his will) and laid them in the valley without any harm. At I once they went into the palace to their sister without leave, and when they had eftsoons embraced their prey, and thanked her, (with flattering words) for the treasure which she gave them, they said, "O dear sister Psyche, know you that you are now no more a child but a mother? How happy shall we be that shall see this infant nourished amongst so great plenty of treasure? That if he be like his parents, as it is necessary he should, there is no doubt but a new Cupid shall be born."
By this kind of means they went about to win Psyche by little and little. Because they were weary with travel, they sat them down in chairs, and after they had washed their bodies in baths they went into a parlour, where all kinds of meats were ready prepared. Psyche commanded one to play with his harp; it was done. Then immediately another sang, others tuned their instruments, but no person was seen. By their sweet harmony and modulation the sisters of Psyche were greatly delighted.
Howbeit the wickedness of these cursed women was nothing suppressed by the sweet noise of these instruments, but they settled themselves to work their treason against Psyche, demanding who was her husband, and of what parentage. Then she (having forgotten, by too much simplicity, that which she had spoken before of her husband) invented a new answer, and said that her husband was of a great province, a merchant and a man of middle age, having his beard interspersed with grey hairs; which when she had said (because she would have no further talk) she filled their laps full of gold and silver, and bid Zephyrus to bear them away.
In their return homeward they murmured with themselves, saying, "How say you, sister, to so apparent a lie of Psyche's? For first she said that her husband was a young man of flourishing years and had a flaxen beard, and now she saith that it is half grey with age; what is he that in so short space can become so old? You shall find it no otherwise my sister, but that either this cursed queen hath invented a great lie, or else that she never saw the shape of her husband. And if it be so that she never saw him, then verily she is married to some god, and hath a young god in her; but if it be a divine babe and fortune to come to the ears of my mother (as God forbid it should), then may I go and hang myself; wherefore let us go to our parents, and with forged lies let us colour the matter."
After they were thus inflamed and had visited their parents, they returned again to the mountain, and by the aid of the wind Zephyrus were carried down into the valley, and after they had strained their eyelids to enforce themselves to weep, they called to Psyche in this sort. "Thou (ignorant of so great evil) thinkest thyself sure and happy, and sittest at home nothing regarding thy peril, whereas we go about thy affairs, and are careful lest any harm should happen to thee, for we are credibly informed, neither can we but utter it to thee, that there is a great serpent full of deadly poison, with a ravenous and gaping throat, that lieth with thee every night. Remember the oracle of Apollo, who pronounced that thou shouldst be married to a dire and fierce serpent; and many of the inhabitants here by and such as hunt about in the country affirm that they saw him yesternight returning from pasture and swimming over the river, whereby they do undoubtedly say that he will not pamper thee long with delicate meats, but when the time of delivery shall approach, he will devour both thee and thy child. Wherefore advise thyself whether thou wilt agree to us that are careful for thy safety, and so avoid the peril of death, and be contented to live with thy sisters, or whether thou wilt remain with the serpent, and in the end be swallowed into the gulf of his body. And if it be so that thy solitary life, thy conversation with voices, this servile and dangerous pleasure and the love of the serpent do more delight thee, say not but that we have played the parts of natural sisters in warning thee."
Then the poor and simple wretch Psyche was moved with the fear of so dreadful words, and (being amazed in her mind) did clean forget the admonitions of her husband and her own promises made to him. And (throwing herself headlong into extreme misery) with a wan and sallow countenance, scantily uttering a third word, at length spoke in this sort, "O my most dear sisters, I heartily thank you for your great kindness towards me, and I am now verily persuaded that they who have informed you hereof have informed you of nothing but truth, for I never saw the shape of my husband, neither know I from whence he came; only I hear his voice in the night, insomuch that I have an uncertain husband and one that loveth not the light of the day, which causeth me to suspect that he is a beast as you affirm. Moreover I do greatly fear to see him, for he doth menace and threaten great evil to me if I should go about to spy and behold his shape. Wherefore, my loving sisters, if you have any wholesome remedy for your sister in danger, give it now presently."
Then they, opening the gates of their subtle minds, put away all privy guile, and egged her forward in her fearful thoughts, persuading her to do as they would have her. One of them began, and said, "Because we little esteem any peril or danger to save your life, we intend to show you the best way and means as we may possibly do. Take a sharp razor and put it under the pillow of your bed, and see that you have ready a privy burning lamp with oil, hid under some part of the hanging of the chamber, and (finely dissimulating the matter) when (according to his custom) he comes to bed and sleeps soundly, arise you secretly, and with your bare feet go and take your lamp, with the razor in your right hand, and with valiant force cut off the head of the poisonous serpent. We will aid and assist you, for when by the death of him you shall be made safe, we will marry you to some comely man."
After they had thus inflamed the heart of their sister (fearing lest some danger might happen to them by reason of their evil counsel), they were carried by the wind Zephyrus to the top of the mountain, and so they ran away, and took shipping.
When Psyche was left alone (saving that she seemed not to be alone, being stirred by so many furies) she was in a tossing mind, like the waves of the sea, and although her will was obstinate and resisted to put in execution the counsel of her sisters, yet she was in doubtful and divers opinions touching her calamity. Sometime she would, sometime she would not, sometime she is bold, sometime she fears, sometime she mistrusts, sometime she is moved, sometime she hates the beast, sometime she loves her husband; but at length the night came, and she made preparation for her wicked intent. Soon after, her husband came, and when he had kissed and embraced her, he fell asleep. Then Psyche (somewhat feeble in body and mind, yet given strength by cruelty of fate) received boldness and brought forth the lamp, and took the razor. So by her audacity she changed her kind, but when she took the lamp and came to the bedside, she saw the most meek and sweetest beast of all beasts, even fair Cupid couched fairly, at the sight of whom the very lamp increased his light for joy, and the razor turned his edge. But when Psyche saw so glorious a body, she greatly feared, and (amazed in mind, with a pale countenance, all trembling) fell on her knees, and thought to hide the razor, yea, verily, in her own heart, which she had undoubtedly done, had it not (through fear of so great an enterprise) fallen out of her hand.
When she saw and beheld the beauty of his divine visage she was well recreated in her mind. She saw his hairs of gold, that yielded out a sweet savour: his neck more white than milk, his purple cheeks, his hair hanging comely behind and before, the brightness whereof darkened the light of the lamp, his tender plume feathers dispersed upon his shoulders like shining flowers, and trembling hither and thither, and the other parts of his body so smooth and soft that it did not repent Venus to bear such a child. At the bed's feet lay his bow, quiver and arrows the weapons of so great a god.
When Psyche curiously beheld them, marvelling at the weapons of her husband, she took one of the arrows out of the quiver and pricked herself withal, and was so grievously wounded that the blood followed. Thereby of her own accord she added love upon love. Then more and more broiling in the love of Cupid, she embraced him and kissed him a thousand times, fearing the measure of his sleep.
But alas! while she was in this great joy, whether it were for envy or for desire to touch this amiable body likewise, there fell out a drop of burning oil from the lamp upon the right shoulder of the god.
O rash and bold lamp, the vile ministry of love, how darest thou be so bold as to burn the god of all fire, wheras he invented thee to the intent that all lovers might with more joy pass the nights in pleasure? The god being burned in this sort, and perceiving that promise and faith were broken, fled away without utterance of any word from the eyes and hands of his most unhappy wife. But Psyche fortuned to catch him (as he was rising) by the right thigh, and held him fast as he flew above in the air, until such time as (constrained by weariness) she let go and fell down upon the ground. But Cupid followed her down, and lighted upon the top of a cypress tree, and angrily spoke to her in this manner, "O simple Psyche, consider with thyself how I (little regarding the commandment of my mother, who willed me that thou shouldst be married to a man of base and miserable condition) came myself from heaven to love thee, and wounded my own body with my proper weapons to have thee to my spouse; and did I seem a beast to thee, that thou shouldst go about to cut off my head with a razor, who loved thee so well? Did not I always give thee in charge? Did not I gently will thee to beware? But those cursed aiders and counsellors of thine shall be worthily rewarded for their pains. As for thee, thou shalt be sufficiently punished by my absence."
When he had spoken these words he took his flight into the air. Then Psyche fell flat on the ground, and as long as she could see her husband she cast her eyes after him into the air, weeping and lamenting piteously. But when he was gone out of sight she threw herself into the nearest running river, for the great anguish and dolour that she was in for the lack of her husband. But the water would not suffer her to be drowned, but took pity upon her, in honour of Cupid, who was accustomed to broil and burn the river itself, and so, being afraid, threw her upon the bank amongst the herbs.
Then Pan, the rustical god, sitting on the river-side, embracing and teaching the mountain goddess Echo to tune her songs and pipes, by whom were feeding the young and tender goats, when he perceived Psyche in so sorrowful case, not ignorant (I know not by what means) of her miserable estate, endeavoured to pacify her in this sort, "O fair maid, I am a rustic and rude herdsman, howbeit (by reason of my old age) expert in many things. As far as I can learn by conjecture, which (according as wise men term it) is called divination, I perceive by your uncertain gait, your pale hue, your sobbing sighs and your watery eyes that you are greatly in love. Wherefore hearken to me, and go not about to slay yourself, nor weep at all, but rather adore and worship the great god Cupid, and win him to you by your gentle promise of service."
When the god of shepherds had spoken these words, she gave no answer, but made reverence to him as to a god, and so departed.
But after Psyche had gone a little way, she fortuned (unawares) to come to a city where the husband of one of her sisters dwelt, which when Psyche understood, she caused her sister to have knowledge of her coming. So they met together, and after great embracing and salutation, the sister demanded the cause of her travel thither.
"Marry," (quoth she), "do not you remember the counsel that you gave me, whereby you would that I should kill the beast who under colour of my husband did lie with me every night? Understand that as soon as I brought forth the lamp to see and behold his shape, I perceived that he was the son of Venus, even Cupid himself. Then I (being stricken with great pleasure, and desirous to embrace him) could not thoroughly assuage my delight; but alas (by evil chance), the boiling oil of the lamp fortuned to fall on his shoulder, which caused him to awake, and (seeing me armed with fire and weapon) he said, 'How darest thou be so bold to do so great a mischief? Depart from me, and take such things as thou didst bring: for I will have thy sister (and named you) to my wife, and she shall be placed in thy felicity.' And immediately he commanded Zephyrus to carry me away from the bounds of his house."
Psyche had scarcely finished her tale, but her sister (pierced with the prick of desire and wicked envy) ran home, and (feigning to her husband that she had heard word of the death of her parents) took shipping and came to the mountain. And although there blew a contrary wind, yet, being brought in a vain hope, she cried, "O Cupid, take me, a more worthy wife, and thou, Zephyrus, bear down thy mistress." So she cast herself down headlong from the mountain. But she fell riot into the valley neither alive nor dead, for all the members and parts of her body were torn amongst the rocks, whereby she was made a prey to the birds and wild beasts, as she worthily deserved.
Neither was the vengeance of the other delayed, for Psyche, travelling in that country, fortuned to come to another city, where her other sister dwelt, and when she had declared all such things as she told to her first sister, she ran likewise to the rock and was slain in like sort. Then Psyche travelled about in the country to seek her husband Cupid, but he was gotten into his mother's chamber, and there bewailed the sorrowful wound which he bad caught by the oil of the burning lamp.
Then the white bird, the gull, which swims on the waves of the water, flew towards the ocean sea, where she found Venus washing and bathing herself: to whom she declared that her son was burned and in danger of death, and moreover that it was a common bruit in the mouth of every person (who spoke evil of all the family of Venus) that her son did nothing but haunt harlots in the mountain, and that she herself was wont lasciviously to riot on the sea, whereby they say that there is now no more graciousness, no pleasantry, no gentle ways, but uncivil, monstrous and horrible: moreover, the marriages are not for any amity, or for love of children, but full of envy, discord and debate.
This the curious gull did clatter in the ears of Venus, reprehending her son. But Venus began to cry, and said, "What, hath my son gotten any love? I pray thee gentle bird that dost serve me so faithfully) tell me what she is, and what is her name, who has troubled my son in such sort, whether she be any of the nymphs, of the number of the goddesses, of the company of the Muses, or of the mystery of my Graces?"
To whom the bird answered, "Madam, I know not what she is, but this I know, that she is called Psyche."
Then Venus with indignation cried out, "What! is it she -- the usurper of my beauty, the vicar of my name? What! did he think that I was a bawd, by whom he fell acquainted with the maid?"
Immediately she departed, and went to her chamber, where she found her son wounded as it was told to her. When she beheld him she cried out in this sort, "Is this an honest thing? Is this honourable to thy parents? Is this reason, that thou hast violated and broken the commandment of thy mother and sovereign mistress? Whereas thou shouldst have vexed my enemy with loathsome love, thou hast done contrary. Being but of tender and unripe years thou hast with too licentious appetite embraced my most mortal foe, to whom I shall be made a mother, and she a daughter. Thou presumest and thinkest (thou trifling boy, thou varlet, and without all reverence) that thou art most worthy and excellent, and that I am not able by reason of my age to have another son; which if I might have, thou shouldst well understand that I would bear a more worthier than thee. But to work thee a greater despite, I do determine to adopt one of my servants, and to give him these wings, this fire, this bow and these arrows, and all other furniture which I gave to thee -- not for this purpose, neither is anything given thee of thy father for this intent, but thou hast been evil brought up and instructed in thy youth. Thou hast thy hands ready and sharp. Thou hast often offended thy ancients and especially me that am thy mother. Thou hast pierced me with thy darts, thou contemnest me as a widow, neither dost thou regard thy valiant and invincible father; and to anger me more, thou art amorous of wenches and harlots. But I will cause that thou shalt shortly repent thee, and that this marriage shall be dearly bought. To what a point am I now driven? What shall I do? Whither shall I go? How shall I repress this beast? Shall I ask aid of my enemy Sobriety, whom I have often offended to engender thee, or shall I seek for counsel of every poor and rustical woman? No, no! Yet had I rather die.
"Howbeit, I will not cease my vengeance -- to her must I have recourse for help, and to none other: I mean to Sobriety, who may correct thee sharply, take away thy quiver, deprive thee of thy arrows, unbend thy bow, quench thy fire, and (which is more) subdue thy body with punishment. When I have cut off this thy hair, which I have dressed with my own hands, and made to glitter like gold, and when I have clipped thy wings which I myself have caused to burgeon, then shall I think to have sufficiently revenged myself upon thee, for the injury which thou hast done."
When she had spoken these words, she departed in a great rage out of her chamber. But immediately, as she was going away, came Juno and Ceres demanding the cause of her anger.
Then Venus made answer, "Verily you are come to comfort my sorrow, but I pray you with all diligence to seek out one whose name is Psyche, who is a vagabond, and runneth about the countries. I think you are not ignorant of the bruit of my son Cupid, and of his demeanour, which I am ashamed to declare."
Then they, understanding and knowing the whole matter, endeavoured to mitigate the ire of Venus in this sort: "What is the cause, madam, or how hath your son so offended that you should so greatly accuse his love and blame him by reason that he is amorous? And why should you seek the death of her whom he doth fancy? We most humbly entreat you to pardon his fault, if he have accorded to the mind of any maiden. What, do not you know that he is a young man, or have you forgotten of what years he is? Doth he seem always to you to be a child? You are his mother, and a kind woman; will you continually search out his dalliance? Will you blame his luxury? Will you bridle his love? And will you reprehend your own art and delights in him? What god or man is he, that can endure that you should sow or disperse your seed of love in every place, and to make a restraint thereof within your own doors? Certes, you will be the cause of the suppression of the public places of young dames."
In this sort these goddesses endeavoured to pacify her mind, and to excuse Cupid with all their power (although he were absent), for fear of his darts and shafts of love. But Venus would in no wise assuage her heat, but (thinking that they did rather trifle and taunt at her injuries) she departed from them, and took her voyage towards the sea in all haste.
Here ends the Fifth Book of Lucius Apuleius.
The Sixth Book
IN the mean season Psyche hurled herself hither and thither, to seek for her husband, the rather because she thought that if he would not be appeased with the sweet flattery of his wife, yet he would take mercy upon her at her servile and continual prayers. And, espying a church on the top of a high hill, she said, "What can I tell whether my husband and master be there or no?"
She went quickly thitherward, and with great pain and travail, moved by hope, after she had climbed to the top of the mountain, she came to the temple and went in. Behold, she espied sheaves of corn lying in a heap, blades writhed like garlands, and reeds of barley; moreover she saw hooks, scythes, sickles and other instruments to reap. But everything lay out of order, and as it were cast in by the hands of labourers; which when Psyche saw, she gathered up and put everything duly in order, thinking that she would not despise or contemn the temples of any of the gods, but rather get the favour and benevolence of them all.
By and by Ceres came in, and beholding her busy and curious in her chapel, cried out afar off, and said, "O Psyche, needful of mercy, Venus searcheth for thee in every place to revenge herself and to punish thee grievously; but thou hast more mind to be here, and carest for nothing less than for thy safety."
Then Psyche fell on her knees before her, watering her feet with her tears, wiping the ground with her hair, and with great weeping and lamentation desired pardon, saying, "O great and holy goddess, I pray thee by thy plenteous and liberal right hand, by thy joyful ceremonies of harvest, by the secrets of thy sacrifice, by the flying chariots of thy dragons, by the tillage of the ground of Sicily, which thou hast invented, by the marriage of Proserpina, by the diligent inquisition of thy daughter, and by the other secrets which are within the temple of Eleusis in the land of Athens, take pity on me thy servant Psyche, and let me hide myself a few days amongst these sheaves of corn until the ire of so great a goddess be past, or until I be refreshed of my great labour and travail."
Then answered Ceres, "Verily, Psyche, I am greatly moved by thy prayers and tears, and desire with all my heart to aid thee. But if I should suffer thee to be hidden here, I should incur the displeasure of my cousin, with whom I have made a treaty of peace, and an ancient promise of amity. I advise thee to depart hence, and take it not in evil part that I will not suffer thee to abide and remain within my temple."
Then Psyche, driven away contrary to her hope, was doubly afflicted with sorrow, and so she returned back again. And behold, she perceived afar off in a valley a temple standing within a forest, fair and curiously wrought. Minding to overpass no place whither better hope did direct her, and to the intent she would desire the pardon of every god, she approached nigh to the sacred doors. She saw there precious riches and vestments engraven with letters of gold, hanging upon branches of trees and the posts of the temple, testifying the name of the goddess Juno, to whom they were dedicated.
She kneeled down upon her knees, and embracing the altar with her hands, and wiping her tears, began to pray in this sort: "O dear spouse and sister of the great god Jupiter, which art adored among the great temples of Samos, called upon by women with child, worshipped at high Carthage, because thou wert brought from heaven by the Lion, the rivers of the flood Inachus do celebrate thee, and know that thou art the wife of the great god and the goddess of goddesses. All the East part of the world hath thee in veneration, all the world calleth thee Lucina. I pray thee to be my advocate in my tribulations. Deliver me from the great danger which pursues me, and save me that am wearied with so long labours and sorrow for I know that it is thou that succourest and helpest such women as are with child and in danger."
Then Juno, hearing the prayers of Psyche, appeared to her in all her royalty, saying, "Certes, Psyche, I would gladly help thee, but I am ashamed to do anything contrary to the will of my daughter-in-law, Venus, whom always I have loved as my own child; moreover, I shall incur the danger of the law entitled De servo corrupto, whereby I am forbidden to retain any servant fugitive against the will of his master."
Then Psyche, cast off likewise by Juno, as without all hope of the recovery of her husband, reasoned with herself in this sort, "Now what comfort or remedy is left to my afflictions, when my prayers will nothing avail with the goddesses? What shall I do? Whither shall I go? In what cave or darkness shall I hide myself to avoid the anger of Venus? Why do I not take a good heart, and offer myself with humility to her whose anger I have wrought? What do I know whether he whom I seek be in the house of his mother or no? "
Being thus in doubt, poor Psyche prepared herself to her own danger, and devised how she might make her orison and prayer to Venus.
After Venus was weary with searching by sea and land for Psyche, she returned toward heaven, and commanded that one should prepare her chariot, which her husband Vulcan gave to her by reason of marriage, so finely wrought that neither gold nor silver could be compared to the brightness thereof. Four white pigeons guided the chariot with great diligence, and when Venus was entered in, a number of sparrows flew chirping about, making sign of joy, and all other kind of birds sang sweetly, foreshowing the coming of the great goddess. The clouds gave place, the heavens opened and received her joyfully, the birds that followed nothing feared the eagles, hawks and other ravenous fowls in the air.
Incontinently she went to the royal palace of the god Jupiter, and with a proud and bold petition demanded the service of Mercury in certain of her affairs; whereunto Jupiter consented.
Then with much joy she descended from heaven with Mercury, and gave him an earnest charge to put in execution her words, saying, "O my brother, born in Arcadia, thou knowest well that I, who am thy sister, did never enterprise to do anything without thy presence. Thou knowest also how long I have sought for a girl and cannot find her. Wherefore there resteth nothing else save that thou with thy trumpet do pronounce the reward to such as take her. See thou put in execution my commandment, and declare that whatsoever he be that retains her, wittingly, against my will, shall not defend himself by any means or excusation."
When she had spoken thus, she delivered to him a libel wherein was contained the name of Psyche and the residue of his publication; which done she departed away to her lodging.
At once, Mercury (not delaying the matter) proclaimed throughout all the world that whatsoever he were that could tell any tidings of a king's fugitive daughter, the servant of Venus, named Psyche, should bring word to Mercury, and for reward of his pains he should receive seven sweet kisses of Venus.
After Mercury had pronounced these things, every man was inflamed with desire to search out Psyche; and this proclamation was the cause that put away all doubt from Psyche. But she was scarcely come in sight of the house of Venus, when one of her servants, called Custom, came out, and espying Psyche, cried with a loud voice, saying, "O wicked harlot as thou art, now at length thou shalt know that thou hast a mistress above thee! What, dost thou make thyself ignorant, as though thou didst not understand what travail we have taken in searching for thee? I am glad that thou art come into my hands. Thou art now in the gulf of hell, and shalt abide the pain and punishment of thy great contumacy." And therewithal she took her by the hair, and brought her in before the presence of Venus.
When Venus espied her she began to laugh, and as angry persons accustom to do, she shook her head and scratched her right ear, saying, "O goddess, goddess, you are now come at length to visit your mother, or else to see your husband, that is in danger of death by your means. Be you assured I will handle you like a daughter. Where be my maidens Sorrow and Sadness?
When they came, she delivered Psyche to be cruelly tormented. Then they fulfilled the commandment of their mistress, and after they had piteously scourged her with whips and rods, they presented her again before Venus, who began to laugh again saying, "Behold, she thinketh to move me to pity, and to make me a grandmother to her child! Am not I happy that in the flourishing time of all my age I shall be called a grandmother, and the son of a vile harlot shall be accounted the grandson of Venus? Howbeit, I am a fool to term him by the name of a son, since the marriage was made between unequal persons, in the fields, without witnesses, and not by the consent of their parents; wherefore it is illegitimate, and the child that shall be born a bastard, if we fortune to suffer thee to live till thou be delivered."
When Venus had spoken these words she leaped upon the face of poor Psyche, and tearing her apparel, took her violently by the hair, and dashed her head upon the ground. Then she took a great quantity of wheat, barley, millet, poppy seed, pease, lentils and beans, and mingled them all together in a heap, saying, "thou evil- favoured girl, thou seemest unable to get the grace of thy lover by no other means than by diligent and painful service, wherefore I will prove what thou canst do. See that thou separate all these grains one from another, disposing them, orderly in their quality, and let it be done before night."
When she had appointed this task to Psyche, she departed to a great banquet that was prepared that day. But Psyche went not about to dissever the grain (as being a thing impossible to be brought to pass, by reason it lay so confusedly scattered), but being astonished at the cruel commandment of Venus, sat still and said nothing.
Then the little pismire, the emmet, taking pity on her great difficulty and labour, cursing the cruelness of the wife of Jupiter and of so evil a mother, ran about hither and thither, and called to her all the ants of the country, saying, pray you, my friends, ye quick sons of the ground, the mother of all things, take mercy on this poor maid espoused to Cupid, who is in great danger of her person. I pray you help her with all diligence."
Incontinently one came after another, dissevering and dividing the grain, and after they had put each kind of corn in order, they ran away again in all haste.
When night came, Venus returned home from the banquet well tippled with wine, smelling of balm, and crowned with garlands of roses. When she espied what Psyche had done, she said, "This is not the labour of thy hands, but rather of his that is amorous of thee."Then she gave her a morsel of brown bread, and went to sleep.
In the mean season Cupid was closed fast in the most surest chamber of the house, partly because he should not hurt himself with wanton dalliance, and partly because he should not speak with his love. So these two lovers were divided one from another.
When night was passed, Venus called Psyche and said, "Seest thou yonder forest that extends out in length with the river? There be great sheep shining like gold, and kept by no manner of person. I command thee that thou go thither and bring me home some of the wool of their fleeces."
Psyche arose willingly, not to do her commandment, but to throw herself headlong into the water to end her sorrow. But a green reed, inspired by divine inspiration, with a gracious tune and melody spoke to her and said, "O Psyche, I pray thee not to trouble or pollute my water by the death of thee. Yet beware that thou go not towards the terrible sheep of this coast, until such time as the heat of the sun be past, for when the sun is in his force, then seem they most dreadful and furious, with their sharp horns, their stony foreheads, and their gaping throats, wherewith they arm themselves to the destruction of mankind. Until the midday is past and the heat assuaged, and until they have refreshed themselves in the river, thou mayst hide thyself here by me under this great plane tree; and as soon as their great fury is past, thou mayst go among the thickets and bushes under the woodside and gather the locks of their golden fleeces, which thou shalt find hanging upon the briers.
Thus spoke the gentle and benign reed, showing a means to Psyche to save her life, which she bore well in memory, and with all diligence went and gathered up such locks as she found, and put them in her apron, and carried them home to Venus.
But the danger of this second labour did not please her, nor give her sufficient witness of the good service of Psyche, and with a sour resemblance of laughter she said, "Of certainty I know that this is not thy act, but I will prove if thou be of so stout a courage and singular prudency as thou seemest. Seest thou the top of yonder great hill, from whence there runneth down water of black and deadly colour, which nourisheth the floods of Styx and Cocytus? I charge thee to go thither and bring me a vessel of that water. "Wherewithal she gave her a bottle of crystal, menacing and threatening her rigorously.
Then poor Psyche went in all haste to the top of the mountain, rather to end her life than to fetch any water. When she was come up to the ridge of the hill, she perceived that it was impossible to bring it to pass; for she saw a great rock gushing out most horrible fountains of waters, which ran down and fell by many stops and passages into the valley beneath. On each side she saw great dragons, stretching out their long and bloody necks, that never slept, but were appointed to keep the river there. The waters themselves had voices, saying, "Away, away, what wilt thou do? Fly, fly, or else thou wilt be slain."
Then Psyche, seeing the impossibility of this affair, stood still as though she were transformed into a stone, and although she was present in body, yet was she absent in spirit and sense, by reason of the great peril which she saw, insomuch that she could not comfort herself with weeping, such was the present danger that she was in.
But the royal bird of great Jupiter, the eagle, remembering his old service which he had done when, led by Cupid, he brought up the boy Ganymede to the heavens, to be made the butler of Jupiter, and minding to show the like service in the person of the wife of Cupid, came from the high house of the skies, and said to Psyche, "O simple woman, without all experience, dost thou think to get or dip up any drop of this dreadful water? No, no, assure thyself thou art never able to come nigh it, for the gods themselves do greatly fear at the sight thereof. What, have you not heard that it is a custom among men to swear by the puissance of the gods, and the gods do swear by the majesty of the river Styx? But give me thy bottle."
And suddenly he took it, and filled it with the water of the river, and taking his flight through those cruel and horrible dragons brought it to Psyche.
She, very joyful thereof, presented it to Venus, who would not yet be appeased, but menacing more and more, said, "What, thou seemest to me a very witch and enchantress, that bringest these things to pass. Howbeit thou shalt do one thing more. Take this box and go to hell to Proserpina and desire her to send me a little of her beauty, as much as will serve me the space of one day, and say that such as I had is consumed away since my son fell sick. But return again quickly, for I must dress myself therewithal, and go to the theatre of the gods."
Then poor Psyche perceived the end of all her fortune, thinking verily that she should never return, and not without cause, since she was compelled to go to the gulf and furies of hell. Wherefore, without any further delay, she went up to a high tower to throw herself down headlong, thinking that it was the nearest and readiest way to hell. But the tower (as inspired) spoke to her, saying, "O poor wretch, why goest thou about to slay thyself? Why dost thou rashly yield to thy last peril and danger? Know thou that if thy spirit be once separate from thy body, thou shalt surely go to hell, but never to return again, wherefore hearken to me. Lacedaemon, a city of Greece, is not far hence. Go thou thither and inquire for the hill Taenarus, where thou shalt find a hole leading to hell, even to the palace of Pluto. But take heed that thou go not with empty hands to that place of darkness, but carry two sops sodden in the flower of barley and honey in thy hands, and two halfpence in thy mouth, and when thou hast passed a good part of that way, thou shalt see a lame ass carrying wood, and a lame fellow driving him, who will desire thee to give him up the sticks that fall down. But pass thou on and do nothing. By and by thou shalt come to the river of hell, where Charon is ferryman. He will first have his fare paid him before he will carry the souls over the river in his boat. Whereby you may see that avarice reigneth amongst the dead; neither Charon nor Pluto will do anything for nought. For if it be a poor man that would pass over, and lacketh money, he will be compelled to die in his journey before they will show him any relief. Wherefore deliver to the vile Charon one of the halfpence which thou bearest, for thy passage, and let him receive it out of thy mouth.
"And it shall come to pass as thou sittest in the boat thou shalt see an old man swimming on the top of the river holding up his deadly hands, and desiring thee to receive him into the bark. But have no regard to his piteous cry. When thou art passed over the flood thou shalt espy old women spinning, who will desire thee to help them; but beware thou do not consent to them in any case, for these and like baits and traps will Venus set, to make thee let fall one of thy sops. And think not that the keeping of thy sops is a light matter, for if thou lose one of them thou shalt be assured never to return again to this world. Then thou shalt see a great and marvellous dog with three heads barking continually at the souls of such as enter in, by reason he can do them no other harm. He lieth day and night before the gate of Proserpina, and keepeth the house of Pluto with great diligence. But if thou cast him one of thy sops thou mayst have access to Proserpina without danger. She will make thee good cheer, and entertain thee with delicate meat and drink. But sit thou upon the ground and desire brown bread, and then declare thy message to her; and when thou hast received such beauty as she giveth, in thy return appease the rage of the dog with thy other sop, and give thy other halfpenny to covetous Charon, and come the same way again into the world as thou wentest. But above all thing, have a regard that thou look not in the box, neither be too curious about the treasure of the divine beauty."
In this manner the tower spoke to Psyche, and advertised her what she should do. And immediately she took two halfpence, two sops and all things necessary, and went to the mountain Taenarus to go towards hell.
After Psyche had passed by the lame ass, paid her halfpenny for passage, neglected the old man in the river, denied to help the women spinning, and filled the ravenous mouth of the dog with a sop, she came to the chamber of Proserpina.
There Psyche would not sit in any royal seat, nor eat any delicate meats, but kneeling at the feet of Proserpina, only contented with coarse bread, declared her message; and after she had received a mystical secret in the box she departed, and stopped the mouth of the dog with the other sop, and paid the boatman the other halfpenny.
When Psyche was returned from hell, to the light of the world, she was ravished with great desire, saying, "am not I a fool that, knowing I carry here the divine beauty, I will not take a little thereof to garnish my face, to please my lover withal?"
Immediately she opened the box, but she could perceive no beauty nor anything else save only an infernal and deadly sleep, which immediately invaded all her members as soon as the box was uncovered, in such sort that she fell down on the ground, and lay there as a sleeping corpse.
But Cupid, being now healed of his wound and malady, not able to endure the absence of Psyche, got him secretly out at a window of the chamber where he was enclosed, and (receiving his wings) took his flight towards his loving wife. When he had found her, he wiped away the sleep from her face, and put it again into the box, and awaked her with the tip of one of his arrows saying, "O wretched caitiff, behold thou wert well-nigh perished again with thy overmuch curiosity. Well, go thou, and do thy message to my mother, and in the mean season I will provide for all things accordingly." Wherewith he took his flight into the air, and Psyche brought her present to Venus.
In the mean season, Cupid, being more and more in love with Psyche, and fearing the displeasure of his mother, did pierce into the heavens, and arrived before Jupiter to declare his cause. Then Jupiter, after he had eftsoons embraced him, spoke in this manner, "O my well-beloved son, although thou hast not given due reverence and honour to me as thou oughtest to do, but hast rather soiled and wounded this my breast (whereby the laws and order of the elements and planets be disposed) with continual assaults of terrene luxury and against all laws, and the discipline Julia[anti-adultery law], and the utility of the public weal, in transforming my divine beauty into serpents, fire, savage beasts, birds, and into bulls; howbeit, remembering my modesty, and that I have nourished thee with my own proper hands, I will do and accomplish all thy desire, so that thou canst beware of spiteful and envious persons. And if there be any excellent maiden of comely beauty in the world, remember yet the benefit which I shall show to thee, by recompense of her love towards me again."
When he had spoken these words, he commanded Mercury to call all the gods to council, and if any of the celestial powers did fail of appearance, he should be condemned in ten thousand pounds: which sentence was such a terror to all the gods that the high theatre was replenished, and Jupiter began to speak in this sort: "O ye gods, registered in the books of the Muses, you all know this young man Cupid, whom I have nourished with my own hands, and the raging flames of whose first youth I thought best to bridle and restrain. It sufficeth in that he is defamed in every place for his adulterous living, so that all occasion thereof ought to be taken away by means of marriage. He hath chosen a maiden that fancieth him well let him have her still and possess her according to his own pleasure!" Then he returned to Venus, and said, "And you, my daughter, take you no care, neither fear you the dishonour of your progeny and estate, neither have regard in that it is a mortal marriage, for it seemeth to me just, lawful and legitimate by the law civil."
Incontinently after, Jupiter commanded Mercury to bring up Psyche, the spouse of Cupid, into the palace of heaven. And then he took a pot of immortality, and said, "Hold, Psyche, and drink to the end thou mayst be immortal, and that Cupid may be thy everlasting husband."
At once the great banquet and marriage-feast was sumptuously prepared, and Cupid sat down with his dear spouse between his arms: Juno likewise with Jupiter, and all the other gods in order; Ganymede filled the pot of Jupiter, and Bacchus served the rest. Their drink was nectar, the wine of the gods. Vulcan prepared supper, the Hours decked up the house with roses and other sweet smells, the Graces threw about balm, the Muses sang with sweet harmony; Apollo tuned pleasantly to the harp, Venus danced finely, Pan and the Satyrs played on their pipes.
And thus Psyche was married to Cupid, and afterwards she was delivered of a child, whom we call Pleasure.