English

Latin

Psyche had barely finished speaking before her sister spurred on by raging passion and venomous jealousy had conceived a tale to deceive her husband . Pretending she had just had news of her parents’ deaths , she took ship , and travelled to the cliff-edge . Though an adverse wind was blowing , filled with desire and in blind hope she cried : " Accept a wife worthy of you , Cupid : carry your mistress to him , Zephyr ! And she took a headlong leap . Yet even in death she could not reach her goal . Her body was broken and torn on the jagged rocks , as she deserved , and her lacerated corpse provided a ready banquet for the wild beasts and carrion birds .

English

Latin

Seduced by the attractions of this lovely place Psyche moved closer and , gaining confidence , dared to cross the threshold . Now her desire to gaze on all these beautiful things led her to examine every object closely . On the far side of the palace she found storerooms made with noble skill , heaped to the roof with mounds of treasure . All that existed was there . And beyond her amazement at the vast quantities of riches , she was especially startled to find not a lock , or bolt or chain to defend this treasure-house of all the world . As she looked around her , in rapturous delight , a bodiless voice spoke to her : " Lady , why are you so surprised at all this vast wealth ? All that is here is yours . So retire to your room , and ease your weariness on the bed , and when you wish you can bathe . The voices you may hear are those of your servants , we who wait on you willingly , and when your body is refreshed we will be ready with a feast . "