Apuleius, Metamorphoses 5.11-13 Kline & Kenney
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[ 11 ] Placet pro bono duabus malis malum consilium totisque illis tam pretiosis muneribus absconditis comam trahentes et proinde ut merebantur ora lacerantes simulatos redintegrant fletus . Ac sic parentes quoque redulcerato prorsum dolore raptim deterrentes vesania turgidae domus suas contendunt dolum scelestum immo vero parricidium struentes contra sororem insontem .
Interea Psychen maritus ille quem nescit rursum suis illis nocturnis sermonibus sic commonet : " Videsne quantum tibi periculum ? Velitatur Fortuna eminus , ac nisi longe firmiter praecaves mox comminus congredietur . Perfidae lupulae magnis conatibus nefarias insidias tibi comparant , quarum summa est ut te suadeant meos explorare vultus , quos , ut tibi saepe praedixi , non videbis si videris . Ergo igitur si posthac pessimae illae lamiae noxiis animis armatae venerint — venient autem , scio — neque omnino sermonem conferas , et si id tolerare pro genuina simplicitate proque animi tui teneritudine non potueris , certe de marito nil quicquam vel audias vel respondeas . Nam et familiam nostram iam propagabimus et hic adhuc infantilis uterus gestat nobis infantem alium , si texeris nostra secreta silentio , divinum , si profanaveris , mortalem . "
[ 12 ] Nuntio Psyche laeta florebat et divinae subolis solacio plaudebat et futuri pignoris gloria gestiebat et materni nominis dignitate gaudebat . Crescentes dies et menses exeuntes anxia numerat et sarcinae nesciae rudimento miratur de brevi punctulo tantum incrementulum locupletis uteri . Sed iam pestes illae taeterrimaeque Furiae anhelantes vipereum virus et festinantes impia celeritate navigabant . Tunc sic iterum momentarius maritus suam Psychen admonet : " En dies ultima et casus extremus et ! Sexus infestus et sanguis inimicus iam sumpsit arma et castra commovit et aciem direxit et classicum personavit ; iam mucrone destricto iugulum tuum nefariae tuae sorores petunt . Heu quantis urguemur cladibus , Psyche dulcissima ! Tui nostrique misere religiosaque continentia domum maritum teque et istum parvulum nostrum imminentis ruinae infortunio libera . Nec illas scelestas feminas , quas tibi post internecivum odium et calcata sanguinis foedera sorores appellare non licet , vel videas vel audias , cum in morem Sirenum scopulo prominentes funestis vocibus saxa personabunt . "
[ 13 ] Suscipit Psyche singultu lacrimoso sermonem incertans : " Iam dudum , quod sciam , fidei atque parciloquio meo perpendisti documenta , nec eo setius adprobabitur tibi nunc etiam firmitas animi mei . Tu modo Zephyro nostro rursum praecipe fungatur obsequio , et in vicem denegatae sacrosanctae imaginis tuae redde saltem conspectum sororum . Per istos cinnameos et undique pendulos crines tuos per teneras et teretis et mei similes genas per pectus nescio quo calore fervidum sic in hoc saltem parvulo cognoscam faciem tuam : supplicis anxiae piis precibus erogatus germani complexus indulge fructum et tibi devotae dicataeque Psychae animam gaudio recrea . Nec quicquam amplius in tuo vultu requiro , iam nil officiunt mihi nec ipsae nocturnae tenebrae : teneo te , meum lumen . "
His verbis et amplexibus mollibus decantatus maritus lacrimasque eius suis crinibus detergens facturum spopondit et praevertit statim lumen nascentis diei
Interea Psychen maritus ille quem nescit rursum suis illis nocturnis sermonibus sic commonet : " Videsne quantum tibi periculum ? Velitatur Fortuna eminus , ac nisi longe firmiter praecaves mox comminus congredietur . Perfidae lupulae magnis conatibus nefarias insidias tibi comparant , quarum summa est ut te suadeant meos explorare vultus , quos , ut tibi saepe praedixi , non videbis si videris . Ergo igitur si posthac pessimae illae lamiae noxiis animis armatae venerint — venient autem , scio — neque omnino sermonem conferas , et si id tolerare pro genuina simplicitate proque animi tui teneritudine non potueris , certe de marito nil quicquam vel audias vel respondeas . Nam et familiam nostram iam propagabimus et hic adhuc infantilis uterus gestat nobis infantem alium , si texeris nostra secreta silentio , divinum , si profanaveris , mortalem . "
[ 12 ] Nuntio Psyche laeta florebat et divinae subolis solacio plaudebat et futuri pignoris gloria gestiebat et materni nominis dignitate gaudebat . Crescentes dies et menses exeuntes anxia numerat et sarcinae nesciae rudimento miratur de brevi punctulo tantum incrementulum locupletis uteri . Sed iam pestes illae taeterrimaeque Furiae anhelantes vipereum virus et festinantes impia celeritate navigabant . Tunc sic iterum momentarius maritus suam Psychen admonet : " En dies ultima et casus extremus et ! Sexus infestus et sanguis inimicus iam sumpsit arma et castra commovit et aciem direxit et classicum personavit ; iam mucrone destricto iugulum tuum nefariae tuae sorores petunt . Heu quantis urguemur cladibus , Psyche dulcissima ! Tui nostrique misere religiosaque continentia domum maritum teque et istum parvulum nostrum imminentis ruinae infortunio libera . Nec illas scelestas feminas , quas tibi post internecivum odium et calcata sanguinis foedera sorores appellare non licet , vel videas vel audias , cum in morem Sirenum scopulo prominentes funestis vocibus saxa personabunt . "
[ 13 ] Suscipit Psyche singultu lacrimoso sermonem incertans : " Iam dudum , quod sciam , fidei atque parciloquio meo perpendisti documenta , nec eo setius adprobabitur tibi nunc etiam firmitas animi mei . Tu modo Zephyro nostro rursum praecipe fungatur obsequio , et in vicem denegatae sacrosanctae imaginis tuae redde saltem conspectum sororum . Per istos cinnameos et undique pendulos crines tuos per teneras et teretis et mei similes genas per pectus nescio quo calore fervidum sic in hoc saltem parvulo cognoscam faciem tuam : supplicis anxiae piis precibus erogatus germani complexus indulge fructum et tibi devotae dicataeque Psychae animam gaudio recrea . Nec quicquam amplius in tuo vultu requiro , iam nil officiunt mihi nec ipsae nocturnae tenebrae : teneo te , meum lumen . "
His verbis et amplexibus mollibus decantatus maritus lacrimasque eius suis crinibus detergens facturum spopondit et praevertit statim lumen nascentis diei
This wicked scheme greatly pleased the two wicked sisters . They hid all the costly gifts , and tearing their hair and lacerating their cheeks , as they deserved to do , falsely renewed their lamentations . They soon frightened their parents into reopening the wound of their sorrow also . Then swollen with venom , they hastened home to plan their crime against an innocent sister , even to murder .
Meanwhile her unseen husband , on his nightly visit , warned Psyche once more : " See how much danger you’re in . Fortune is plotting at a distance , but soon , unless you take firm precautions , she’ll be attacking you face to face . Those treacherous she-wolves are working hard to execute some evil act against you , by tempting you to examine my features . But do so and , as I’ve told you , you’ll never see me again . So if those foul harpies armed with their noxious thoughts return , as I know they will , you must hold no conversation with them . And if in your true innocence and tender-heartedness you can’t bear that , then at least , if they speak of me , don’t listen , or if you must don’t answer . You see our family will increase , and your womb , a child’s , must bear another child , who if you keep our secret silently will be divine , though if you profane it , mortal . "
Psyche blossomed with joy at the news , hailing the solace of a divine child , exulting in the glory of the one to be born , and rejoicing in the name of mother . She counted the swelling days , and the vanishing months , and as a beginner knowing nothing of the burden she bore was amazed at the growth of her seething womb from a tiny pinprick .
But those foul and pestilential Furies , her sisters , breathing viperous venom , were sailing towards her with impious speed . Now for a second time her husband warned Psyche in passing : " The fatal day , the final peril , the malice of your sex and hostile blood have taken arms against you , struck camp , prepared for battle , and sounded the attack . Those wicked sisters of yours with drawn swords are at your throat . What disaster threatens , sweet Psyche ! Take pity on yourself and me . With resolution and restraint you can free your home and husband , yourself , and our child from the imminent danger that threatens . Don’t look at or listen to those evil women , who with their murderous hostility , their disregard of the bonds of blood , you should not call sisters , as they lean from the cliff-top like Sirens and make the rocks echo with that fatal singing . "
[ 13 ] Her answer almost lost in tearful sobbing , Psyche replied : " Once before you asked for proof of my loyalty and discretion , now too you will find me just as resolute . Give your servant Zephyr his orders one more : let him perform his task , and if I am not to see your sacred face , grant me at least a glimpse of my sisters . By those cinnamon perfumed locks that adorn your head , by those softly rounded cheeks like my own , by your breast so warm , so wonderfully aflame ; as I hope to find your looks in my unborn child’s , at least , I beg you , yield to the loving prayers of a yearning suppliant and allow me the pleasure of sisterly embraces . Fill your dedicated and devoted Psyche’s spirit with joy once more . I’ll ask no more regarding your appearance . Clasping you in my arms , not even the darkness of the night can hurt me now , my light . "
Bewitched by her words and her sweet caresses , her husband wiped away her tears with his hair and gave her his agreement , vanishing swiftly before the light of the new-born day .
Meanwhile her unseen husband , on his nightly visit , warned Psyche once more : " See how much danger you’re in . Fortune is plotting at a distance , but soon , unless you take firm precautions , she’ll be attacking you face to face . Those treacherous she-wolves are working hard to execute some evil act against you , by tempting you to examine my features . But do so and , as I’ve told you , you’ll never see me again . So if those foul harpies armed with their noxious thoughts return , as I know they will , you must hold no conversation with them . And if in your true innocence and tender-heartedness you can’t bear that , then at least , if they speak of me , don’t listen , or if you must don’t answer . You see our family will increase , and your womb , a child’s , must bear another child , who if you keep our secret silently will be divine , though if you profane it , mortal . "
Psyche blossomed with joy at the news , hailing the solace of a divine child , exulting in the glory of the one to be born , and rejoicing in the name of mother . She counted the swelling days , and the vanishing months , and as a beginner knowing nothing of the burden she bore was amazed at the growth of her seething womb from a tiny pinprick .
But those foul and pestilential Furies , her sisters , breathing viperous venom , were sailing towards her with impious speed . Now for a second time her husband warned Psyche in passing : " The fatal day , the final peril , the malice of your sex and hostile blood have taken arms against you , struck camp , prepared for battle , and sounded the attack . Those wicked sisters of yours with drawn swords are at your throat . What disaster threatens , sweet Psyche ! Take pity on yourself and me . With resolution and restraint you can free your home and husband , yourself , and our child from the imminent danger that threatens . Don’t look at or listen to those evil women , who with their murderous hostility , their disregard of the bonds of blood , you should not call sisters , as they lean from the cliff-top like Sirens and make the rocks echo with that fatal singing . "
[ 13 ] Her answer almost lost in tearful sobbing , Psyche replied : " Once before you asked for proof of my loyalty and discretion , now too you will find me just as resolute . Give your servant Zephyr his orders one more : let him perform his task , and if I am not to see your sacred face , grant me at least a glimpse of my sisters . By those cinnamon perfumed locks that adorn your head , by those softly rounded cheeks like my own , by your breast so warm , so wonderfully aflame ; as I hope to find your looks in my unborn child’s , at least , I beg you , yield to the loving prayers of a yearning suppliant and allow me the pleasure of sisterly embraces . Fill your dedicated and devoted Psyche’s spirit with joy once more . I’ll ask no more regarding your appearance . Clasping you in my arms , not even the darkness of the night can hurt me now , my light . "
Bewitched by her words and her sweet caresses , her husband wiped away her tears with his hair and gave her his agreement , vanishing swiftly before the light of the new-born day .
[ 11 ] The two evil women thought well of this wicked plan , and having
hidden all their precious gifts , they tore their hair and clawed their
cheeks ( no more than they deserved ) , renewing their pretence of
mourning . In this way they inflamed their parents’ grief all over
again ; and then , taking a hasty leave of them , they made off to their
homes swollen with mad rage , to devise their wicked - their
murderous - plot against their innocent sister .
Meanwhile Psyche’s mysterious husband once more warned her as they talked together that night : ‘Don’t you see the danger that threatens you ? Fortune is now engaging your outposts , and if you do not stand very firmly on your guard she will soon be grappling with you hand to hand . These treacherous she-wolves are doing their best to lay a horrible trap for you ; their one aim is to persuade you to try to know my face - but if
you do see it , as I have constantly told you , you will not see it . So
then if those vile witches come , as I know they will , armed with
their deadly designs , you must not even talk to them ; but if because
of your natural lack of guile and tenderness of heart you are unequal
to that , at least you must refuse to listen to or answer any questions
about your husband . For before long we are going to increase our
family ; your womb , until now a child’s , is carrying a child for us in
its turn - who , if you hide our secret in silence , will be divine , but if you divulge it , he will be mortal . ’
Hearing this , Psyche , blooming with happiness , clapped her hands at the consoling
thought of a divine child , exulting in the glory of this pledge that was
to come and rejoicing in the dignity of being called a mother .
Anxiously she counted the growing tale of days and months as they
passed , and as she learned to bear her unfamiliar burden she
marvelled that from a moment’s pain there should come so fair an
increase of her rich womb .
But now those plagues , foulest Furies , breathing viperine poison
and pressing on in their devilish haste , had started their voyage ; and
once more her transitory husband warned Psyche : ‘The day of
reckoning and the last chance are here . Your own sex , your own flesh
and blood , are the enemy , arrayed in arms against you ; they have
marched out and drawn up their line , and sounded the trumpet-call ;
with drawn sword your abominable sisters are making for your
throat . What disasters press upon us , sweetest Psyche ! Have pity on
yourself and on us both ; remember your duty and control yourself ,
save your home , your husband , and this little son of ours from the
catastrophe that threatens us . You cannot call those wicked women
sisters any longer ; in their murderous hatred they have spurned the
ties of blood . Do not look at them , do not listen to them , when like
the Sirens aloft on their crag they make the rocks ring with their
deadly voices . ’
[ 13 ] As she replied , Psyche’s voice was muffled by sobs and tears : ‘More
than once , I know , you have put my loyalty and discretion to the
proof , but none the less now you shall approve my strength of mind .
Only once more order our Zephyr to do his duty , and instead of your
own sacred face that is denied me let me at least behold my sisters .
By those fragrant locks that hang so abundantly , by those soft smooth
cheeks so like mine , by that breast warm with hidden heat , as I hope
to see your face at least in this little one : be swayed by the dutiful
prayers of an anxious suppliant , allow me to enjoy my sisters’
embrace , and restore and delight the soul of your devoted Psyche . As
to your face , I ask nothing more ; even the darkness of night does not
blind me ; I have you as my light . ’
Enchanted by her words and her soft embrace , her husband dried her tears with his hair , promised to do as she asked , and then left at once just as day was dawning .
hidden all their precious gifts , they tore their hair and clawed their
cheeks ( no more than they deserved ) , renewing their pretence of
mourning . In this way they inflamed their parents’ grief all over
again ; and then , taking a hasty leave of them , they made off to their
homes swollen with mad rage , to devise their wicked - their
murderous - plot against their innocent sister .
Meanwhile Psyche’s mysterious husband once more warned her as they talked together that night : ‘Don’t you see the danger that threatens you ? Fortune is now engaging your outposts , and if you do not stand very firmly on your guard she will soon be grappling with you hand to hand . These treacherous she-wolves are doing their best to lay a horrible trap for you ; their one aim is to persuade you to try to know my face - but if
you do see it , as I have constantly told you , you will not see it . So
then if those vile witches come , as I know they will , armed with
their deadly designs , you must not even talk to them ; but if because
of your natural lack of guile and tenderness of heart you are unequal
to that , at least you must refuse to listen to or answer any questions
about your husband . For before long we are going to increase our
family ; your womb , until now a child’s , is carrying a child for us in
its turn - who , if you hide our secret in silence , will be divine , but if you divulge it , he will be mortal . ’
Hearing this , Psyche , blooming with happiness , clapped her hands at the consoling
thought of a divine child , exulting in the glory of this pledge that was
to come and rejoicing in the dignity of being called a mother .
Anxiously she counted the growing tale of days and months as they
passed , and as she learned to bear her unfamiliar burden she
marvelled that from a moment’s pain there should come so fair an
increase of her rich womb .
But now those plagues , foulest Furies , breathing viperine poison
and pressing on in their devilish haste , had started their voyage ; and
once more her transitory husband warned Psyche : ‘The day of
reckoning and the last chance are here . Your own sex , your own flesh
and blood , are the enemy , arrayed in arms against you ; they have
marched out and drawn up their line , and sounded the trumpet-call ;
with drawn sword your abominable sisters are making for your
throat . What disasters press upon us , sweetest Psyche ! Have pity on
yourself and on us both ; remember your duty and control yourself ,
save your home , your husband , and this little son of ours from the
catastrophe that threatens us . You cannot call those wicked women
sisters any longer ; in their murderous hatred they have spurned the
ties of blood . Do not look at them , do not listen to them , when like
the Sirens aloft on their crag they make the rocks ring with their
deadly voices . ’
[ 13 ] As she replied , Psyche’s voice was muffled by sobs and tears : ‘More
than once , I know , you have put my loyalty and discretion to the
proof , but none the less now you shall approve my strength of mind .
Only once more order our Zephyr to do his duty , and instead of your
own sacred face that is denied me let me at least behold my sisters .
By those fragrant locks that hang so abundantly , by those soft smooth
cheeks so like mine , by that breast warm with hidden heat , as I hope
to see your face at least in this little one : be swayed by the dutiful
prayers of an anxious suppliant , allow me to enjoy my sisters’
embrace , and restore and delight the soul of your devoted Psyche . As
to your face , I ask nothing more ; even the darkness of night does not
blind me ; I have you as my light . ’
Enchanted by her words and her soft embrace , her husband dried her tears with his hair , promised to do as she asked , and then left at once just as day was dawning .