Loukios, or the Ass (49-53)

As I have said, Menekles, our master, was from Thessalonika, and had come to this place to make arrangements for a spectacle he had promised his countrymen of men skilled to fight with weapons in single combat. The gladiators were by this time secured, and the party set out. We started at early morning, and I carried my master whenever a stretch of road was rough and hard for the carriages to traverse. When we arrived in Thessalonika every one was eager for the exhibition and for a sight of me, for my renown had preceded me from afar, and the report of my versatility and manlike gifts of dancing and

But the man in charge of me made an income of a good many dollars out of me. He used to lock me up in a room, and when people wished to see me and my incredible performances he would open the door on payment of a fee. They used to bring in all sorts of eatables, particularly such as were considered revolting to an ass's stomach, but I ate them all, so that in a few days, by dining with my master and the townsfolk, I had already grown large and terribly fat.

Finally that day arrived which was to bring such distinction to my master. They decided to exhibit me in the theatre, and this was the manner of my appearance. A large couch was prepared, wrought of Indian tortoise-shell fastened with bolts of gold. I was laid on it, and in this posture placed on a machine of some sort, transported to the theatre, and deposited in the middle amid shouts of applause and a universal clapping of hands. A table was spread for me, and many dishes were set on it such as human epicures have for dinner. Slave boys stood in attendance, handsome cup-bearers who served me with wine in a golden cup. The man in charge of me, who was standing behind, bade me eat my dinner,