Loukios, or the Ass (54-56)

But I was divided between shame at being exposed in the theatre and fear lest, perchance, a bear or a lion should leap in. At this moment some one passed by carrying flowers, and among the others I saw the leaves of freshly-gathered roses. Without an instant's hesitation I sprang up and jumped from the couch. The spectators thought I was getting up to dance, but I fell upon the flowers, tore one from another, selected the roses, and swallowed them. And while the audience were still wondering at me, that beast's form fell from me and vanished, the whilom ass disappeared, and to my joy Loukios himself stood there naked. At this incredible and most unexpected sight the company broke into great uproar in their terror, and two opposing parties formed in the theatre. For some thought I ought to be burned on the spot as a master of unholy potions and a devil of many shapes, but others said it was only fair to wait for my account of myself and to hear the case first, and then decide on it. For my part, I ran to the governor of the province, who happened to be present at the exhibition, and told him from below that the Thessalian serving-maid of a Thessalian woman had made an ass of me by anointing me with magic ointment, and I prayed him to put me under guard until I should persuade him. that I had told him my true history.

"Tell us your name," said the governor, “and the names of your parents and relatives, if you have any, and your city." "Sire," said I, my name is Loukios, and my brother's name is Gaios. As to our family names, we have the same. I am a writer of histories and other works, and my brother is an elegiac poet and a skilful diviner. Our birthplace is Patrai, in Achaia." When the magistrate heard this he cried, "You are the son of a family who are very dear to me, and my guest-friends. They have entertained me in their house and given me presents, and I know you tell the truth, since you are a child of theirs." And he sprang from his seat, embraced me, kissed me again and again, and conducted me to his home. At this juncture my brother also arrived, bringing me money and many other things. Thereupon the governor declared me free officially in the presence of the people, and we went down to the sea, looked out a ship, and put our luggage aboard.

Then we sailed away from the city with a favorable wind, and a few days later I arrived in my native land. There I offered a sacrifice to the gods, my saviors, and set up a votive offering, since I had been brought home, and after long wanderings, and with great difficulty, saved—not out of the lion's jaws, by Heaven, but out of the curiosity of the ass.