marvellous a thing is wrought: for by Hercules I swear I give her
nothing else save a little Dill and Lawrell leaves, in Well water, the
which she drinketh and washeth her selfe withall. Which when she had
spoken she went into the chamber and took a box out of the coffer,
which I first kissed and embraced, and prayed that I might [have] good
successe in my purpose. And then I put off all my garments, and greedily
thrust my hand into the box, and took out a good deale of oyntment and
rubbed my selfe withall.




THE SEVENTEENTH CHAPTER


How Apuleius thinking to be turned into a Bird, was turned into an Asse,
and how he was led away by Theves.

After that I had well rubbed every part and member of my body, I hovered
with myne armes, and moved my selfe, looking still when I should bee
changed into a Bird as Pamphiles was, and behold neither feathers nor
appearance of feathers did burgen out, but verily my haire did turne
in ruggednesse, and my tender skin waxed tough and hard, my fingers and
toes losing the number of five, changed into hoofes, and out of myne
arse grew a great taile, now my face became monstrous, my nosthrils
wide, my lips hanging downe, and myne eares rugged with haire: neither
could I see any comfort of my transformation, for my members encreased
likewise, and so without all helpe (viewing every part of my poore body)
I perceived that I was no bird, but a plaine Asse.