"Mean time Æneas had put off to sea."
Nor was there ever a harsher sound yet pierced my ears; for besides his disordered country tone, his pitiful and starvling way of delivery, he so stufft it with scraps of verses, that even Virgil then first disrelished me; till at last so tyr'd, that he could hold no longer; "D'ye think," said Habinas, "this boy has learn'd nothing? I bred him with juglers that follow the fair: Nor has he his fellow, whether he humours a muliteer or a jester. This never-be-good has abundance of wit; he's a taylor, a cook, a baker, a jack of all trades, and but for two faults, were exact to a hair: He's crack-brain'd, and snores in his sleep: For that cast of his eye I value it not, he looks like Venus, and therefore his tongue is ever running; and were that eye out he were worth the money I gave for him."
On which Scintilla interrupting him, told him he was a naughty man, for not telling all his servant's good qualities: "He's a pimp," said he, "if not worse, but I'll take care he be branded for that."
Trimalchio laught, and said he knew he was a Cappadocian that never beguiled himself of any thing, and "(so help me Hercules) I commend him for 't: when will you find such another, but Scintilla, you must not be jealous! Believe me, and I know you too; may I so enjoy the health you wish me, as I play'd at leap-frog so long with our boy, that my master grew jealous, and sent me to dig in the country: But hold thy tongue and I'll give thee a loaf." I marvel," said I, "whether they be all mash'd together or made of loam; for in a Saturnal at Rome, my self saw the like imaginary shew of a supper."
Nor had I scarce said it, when—quoth Trimalchio, "Let me so grow in estate, not bulk, as my cook made all of this out of one hog; there is not an excellenter fellow than himself; he shall, if he please, make ye a poll of ling of a sows tripe; a wood-culver of fat bacon; a turtle of a spring of pork; and a hen of a collar of brawn; and therefore of my own fancy, I gave him a name proper to him, for he is called Dædalus: And because he understands his business, I had chopping-knives of the best steel brought him from Rome"; and with that, calling for them, he turn'd them over, and admiring them, offered us the liberty of trying their edge on his cheek.
On this came in two servants as quarrelling about their collars, at which each of them had a large earthen pot hanging; and when Trimalchio determined the matter between them, neither of them stood to his sentence, but fell to club-law, and broke each others pots.
This drunken presumption put us out of order; yet casting an eye on the combatants, we saw oisters and scallops running from the pots, and another boy receiving them in a charger, which he carried round the guests.
Nor was the cook's ingenuity short of the rest, for he brought us a dish of grill'd snails on a silver gridiron, and with a shrill unpleasant voice, sang as he went. I am asham'd of what follow'd; for, what was never heard of till then, the boys came in with a bason of liquid perfumes, and first binding our legs, ancles and feet, with garlands, anointed them with it, and put the rest into the wine vessel and the lamps.
And now Fortunata began to dance, and Scintilla's hands went faster than her tongue; when, quoth Trimalchio, "Sit down Philargyrus; I give ye leave, and you Carrio, because you are a green-ribbon-man, and you Minophilus bid your comrade do the like"; what shall I say more? The family so crowded upon us, that we were almost thrust off our beds; and who should be seated above me, but the cook who had made a goose of a hog, all stinking of pickle and kitchen-stuff; nor yet content that he sate amongst us, he fell immediately to personate Thespis the tragedian, and dare his master to a wager which of them two should win the prize next wrestling.
Trimalchio abash'd at the challenge; "My friends," said he, "even servants are men; and however oppress'd by ill luck, sucked the same milk our selves did; and for mine, it shall not be long e're I make them free without prejudice to my self: to be short, I enfranchise all of them by my last will and testament.
"I give Philargus a country farm, and his she-comrade; to Carrio an island, with a twentieth part of my moveables, a bed and its furniture; for I make Fortunata my heiress, whom I recommend to all my friends, and publish what I have done, to the end my family may so love me now, as if I were dead."
All thanked their master for his kindness; and he, as having forgotten trifles, called for a copy of his will, which he read from one end to the other, the family all the while sighing and sobbing; afterwards turning to Habinas, "Tell me, my best of friends," said he, "do you go on with my monument as I directed ye, I earnestly entreat ye, that at the feet of my statue you carve me my little bitch, as also garlands and ointments, and all the battles I have been in, that by your kindness I may live when I am dead: Be sure too that it have an hundred feet as it fronts the highway, and as it looks towards the fields two hundred: I will also, that there be all sorts of fruit and vines round my ashes, and that in great abundance: For it is a gross mistake to furnish houses for the living, and take no care of those we are to abide in for ever: And therefore in the first place, I will have it engraven—
"And that I may receive no injury after I am dead, I'll have a codicil annext to my will, whereby I'll appoint one of my freed-men the keeper of this monument, that the people make not a house-of-office of it. Make me also, I beseech you, on this my monument, ships under full sail, and my self in my robes sitting on the bench, with five gold rings on my fingers, and scattering moneys among the common people; for you know I have ordered ye a funeral feast, and two-pence a-piece in money. You shall also, if you think fit, shape me some of these beds we now sit on, and all the people making their court to me. On my right hand place my Fortunata's statue, with a dove in one hand, and leading a little dog in her girdle with the other: As also my Cicero, and large wine vessels close cork'd that the wine don't run out, and yet carve one of them as broken, and a boy weeping over it; as also a sun-dial in the middle, that whoever comes to see what's-a-clock, may read my name whether he will or no. And lastly, have a special consideration whether you think this epitaph sufficient enough:
This said, Trimalchio wept plentifully, Fortunata wept, Habinas wept, and the whole family set up a cry as it had been his funeral; nay, I also whin'd for company: when, quoth Trimalchio, "Since you know we must die, why don't we live while we may? so let me live my self to see you happy; as, if we plunge our selves in the bath we shall not repent it: At my peril be it; I'll lead the way, for this room is grown as hot as an oven." "Say you so," quoth Habinas, "nor am I afraid to make two days of one"; and therewith got up barefoot and follow'd Trimalchio.
I on the other hand turning to Ascyltos, asked him what he thought of it, for "if I but see the bath I shall swoon away."
"Let's lagg behind then," said he, "and whilst they are getting in, we'll slip off in the crowd."
The contrivance pleased us; and so Gito leading the way through the portico, we came to the last gate, where a chained dog bolted upon us so furiously, that Ascyltos fell into the fishpond. I, who had been frighted at the painted dog, and now gotten as drunk as Ascyltos, while I endeavoured to get hold of him, fell in my self; at last the porter's coming in saved us, for he quieted the dog and drew us out; but Gito, like a sharp rascal, delivered himself, for whatever had been given him at supper to carry home with him, he threw it the dog, and that mollified him.
But, when shivering with cold, we desired the porter to let us out: "You're mistaken," said he, "if ye think to go out the same way ye came in, for no guest ere yet did; they came in at one gate and are let out by another."
In this sad pickle, what should we do? we found ourselves in a new kind of labyrinth, and for bathing, we'd enough of it already: However, necessity enforcing us, we pray'd him to show us the way to the bath: and Gito having hung out our cloaths a drying in the porch, we entred the bath, which was somewhat narrow, and sunk in the earth, not unlike a rainwater cistern; in this stood Trimalchio stark-naked: Nor could we avoid his filthy tricks; for he said, nothing was better than to bathe in a crowd; and that every place had in times past been a grinding-house. Being weary at length, he sate down, and provok'd by the noisiness of the bath, set up his drunken throat, and fell a murdering some songs of Menecrates, as they that understood him told us.
Other guests ran round the cistern with their arms across, and made a clamorous slap with their mouths; others either try'd to take up a ring from the pavement, with their hands bound behind them, or putting one knee to the ground, to kiss their great toes backward.
While they thus entertained one another, we went into the hot-house that had been heated for Trimalchio; and being now recovered of our drunkenness, were brought into another room, where Fortunata had set out a fresh entertainment. Above the lamps I observed some women's gewgaws. The tables were massy silver, the earthen ware double gilt, and a conduit running with wine; when, quoth Trimalchio, "This day, my friends, a servant of mine opened a barber's shop; he's well to pass, a thrifty fellow, and a favourite of mine: Come, let the floor have a drink as well as our selves; and for our part, we'll sit to it till day-light."
While he was yet speaking, a cock crow'd, at which Trimalchio grew disordered, and commanded the wine to be thrown under table, and sprinkle the larnps with it; then changing a ring to his right hand, "it is not for nothing," said he, "this trumpeter has given us notice; for either the house should be on fire, or one of the neighbourhood will kill himself: Far from us be it, and therefore, whoever brings me this discoverer I'll give him a reward."
When immediately a cock was brought in, and Trimalchio, commanding to have him drest he was torn in pieces by that exquisite cook, who a little before had make us fish and fowl of a hog, and put in a stew-pan, and while Dædalus was taking a lusty draught, Fortunata ground pepper.
After which Trimalchio taking some of the banquet, bid the waiters go to supper, and let others supply their places.
Whereupon came in another rank of servants, and as the former going cry'd out, "Farewell, Caius," those coming in cry'd out, "Sit thou merry, Caius."
And here our mirth first began to be disturb'd; for a beautiful boy coming in among those new servants, Trimalchio plucked the boy to him, and did nothing but kiss him over and over: Whereupon Fortunata to maintain her right, began to rail at Trimalchio, called him pitiful fellow, one that could not bridle his lust, shame and dishonour to an honest woman, and a very dog. Trimalchio on the other hand, all confounded and vex'd at her taunts, threw a goblet at her head: She fell a roaring as if she had lost an eye, and clapt both her hands before it.
Scintilla also stood amazed, and covered Fortunata all trembling as she was, in her bosom; the boy also put a cold pitcher to her cheek, on which she leaned and made a lamentable wailing and blubbing.
But Trimalchio quite contrary; "for," said he, "what am I the better for this graceless buttock? 'Tis well known I took her out of a bawdy-house, and made her an honest woman, but now blown up like a frog she bespatters herself; a very block, no woman: But this poor boy born in a hovel, never dreams of palaces. May my good genius so befriend me, as I'll bring down this seeming saint, but in her actions a whore rampant: As inconsiderable as she makes me, I might have had a wife with two hundred and fifty pistols; you know I don't lye; but she was somewhat in years, and Agatho the sweet oilman, persuaded me not to let my name run out, when instead of doing good to her, I have put a thorn in my own foot: but I'll have a care that she dig me not out of my grave with her nails: And that she may know what I'll do at present, I will not, Habinas, have you put her statue in my monument, that I have no words with her when I am dead: Nay, that she may know I am able to plague her, she shall not so much as kiss me when I die." After this ratling, Habinas entreated him to give over his anger; "There's none of us all," said he, "but some time or other does amiss; we are but men, not gods." Weeping Scintilla said the same, called him Caius, and by his own good nature, besought him to be pacified.
Trimalchio not able to hold tears any longer, "I beg of you, Habinas," said he, "and as you wish to enjoy what you have gotten, if I have done any thing without cause, spit in my face: I kiss'd the boy 'tis true, not for his beauty, but that he's a hopeful thrifty lad: He has several sentences by heart, can read a book at first sight; saves money out of his days provision; has a binn of his own to keep it, and two drinking cups; and does he not deserve to be in my eye? but Fortunata, forsooth, will not have it so; your bandy legs won't away with it. Be content with your own, thou she-kite, and don't disquiet me, thou harlotry, or otherwise thou'lt find what I am; thou knowest well enough, if I once set on't, 'tis immoveable. But we'll remember the living.
"Come, my friends, let's see how merry ye can be, for in my time I have been no better than your selves, but by my own industry I am what I am: 'Tis the heart makes a man, all the rest is but stuff. I buy cheap and sell dear; another man may sell ye other things, but I enjoy my self; and thou dunghillraker, are thou yet gruntling, I'll make ye hereafter do it for somewhat.
"But as I was saying my frugality brought the fortune I have: I came out of Asia no taller than this candlestick, and daily measured my self by it: and that I might get a beard the sooner, rubb'd my lips with the candle-grease; yet I kept Ganymede to my master fourteen years (nor is any thing dishonourable that the master commands) and the same time contented my mistress: Ye know what I mean, I'll say no more, for I am no boaster. By this means, as the gods would have it, the governing the house was committed to me, and nothing was done but by my guidance: What need many words? He made me joint-heir with Cæsar, and I had by it a Senator's estate; but no man thinks he has enough, and I had a mighty desire to turn merchant. Not to detain you longer; I built five ships, freighted them with wines, which at that time were as dear as gold, and sent them to Rome; you'll think I desir'd to have it so: All my ships founder'd at sea; 'tis a great truth, no story; Neptune swallowed me in one day three hundred thousand sesterties. Do ye think I broke upon 't, (so help me Hercules) no; the loss was but a flea-bite: For, as if there had been no such thing, I built others, larger, better, and more fortunate than the former; so that every one called me a man of courage. As you know a great ship carries a great deal of force, I loaded them again with wine, bacon, beans, unguents, planes: And here Fortunata shewed her affection; for she sold what she had; nay, her very cloaths, and put a round sum in my pocket; tho' yet it was but a pig of my own sow. What the gods will is quickly done; I got an hundred thousand sesterties by the voyage, and forthwith redeemed the lands my patron had left me, built me a house, bought cattle to sell them again, and whatever I went about gathered like a snow-ball: But when I grew richer than all the country besides, I took up; and from a merchant turn'd usurer, and bought servants.
"Thus resolved to give over trading, a certain astrologer that chanc'd to light on this village, would have persuaded me to the contrary. He was a Græcian, his name Sœrapa, one that held correspondence with the gods. He told me a deal that I had forgotten, and laid everything before me from top to bottom: He knew all I had within me, and told me what I had the night before to supper; you'd have thought he had liv'd with me all his life.
"I beseech you, Habinas, for I think you was there; he told me the intrigue between my mistress and me; that I had but ill luck at friends; that no one ever made me a return of my kindnesses: That I had large possessions, but nourished a viper in my bosom: Why should I not tell you all? I have by his account, thirty years, four months, and two days yet to live; and in a short time shall have another estate left me.
"Thus my fortune-teller. But if I can join my lands here to those in Apulia, I shall do well enough: in the mean, and while Mercury is my guardian, I have built this house: it was once you know, a pitiful cabin, but now as magnificent as a temple: it has four dining rooms, twenty bed-chambers two marble porticoes, a gallery above stairs, my own apartment, another for this viper; a very good porter's lodge, and the house capable of receiving a thousand guests: To be short, when ever Scaurus comes this way, he had rather lodge here than at his own house, tho' it lie to the seaward: and many other conveniences it has, which I'll shew you by and by. Believe me, he that has a penny in his purse, is worth a penny: Have and you shall be esteemed. And so your friend, once no better than a frog, is now a king.
"And now Stichus bring me the furniture in which I design to be carried to my funeral pile; bring also the unguent, and some of that pot, which I ordered for the cleansing my bones."
Stichus lingered not, but brought in a white coverlet, and robe of state, and pray'd us to try if they were not fine wooll, and well woven. "And see you Stichus," said Trimalchio smiling, "that neither mice nor moths come at them, for if they do I'll burn you alive. I will be brought out in pomp, that all the people may speak well of me."
With that opening a glass bottle of spicknard, he caused us all to be anointed; and "I hope," said he, "it will do as much good when I am dead, as it does while I am living": Then commanding the wine vessels to be filled again; "Fausie," said he, "you are invited to my funeral feast." We by this time nauseated, were ready to vomit; Trimalchio also was gotten confoundedly drunk, when behold, a new interlude; he called for the coronets to come in; and, underset with pillows, and stretching himself at length on the bed, "suppose me," said he, "now dead, say somewhat, I beseech you, in praise of me."
Whereupon the coronets sounded as it had been at a funeral; but one above the rest, a servant of that freed-man of Trimalchio's, that was best condition'd of 'em all, made such a thundring, that it rais'd the neighbourhood: On which the watch thinking the house was on fire, broke open the gate, and making an uproar after their manner, ran in with water and hatchets: When finding so fair an opportunity, we gave Agamemnon the slip, and scamper'd off, as if it had been a real fire.
Not a star appear'd to direct us in our way, nor would the dead of the night give us hopes of meeting a stranger that could; with these, the wine we had drank, and our ignorance of the place, even in the day time, conspir'd to mis-direct us. When we had wander'd almost an hour, with our feet all bloody, over sharp pebbles and broken hills of gravel, Gito's diligence at last deliver'd us: for the day before, fearing we might be at a loss, tho' we had the sun to our help, he had providently mark'd every post and pillar with a chalk, the greatest darkness was not able to obscure, by whose shineing whiteness we found our way. But we had as many fears after we got to an inn; for the hostess, having drank a little too long with her guests, had so intirely lost her senses, a burning could not have made her feel; that perhaps, we had been forc'd to have taken up our lodging in the street, if a letter-carrier that belong'd to Trimalchio, with ten carriages of his master's revenue, had not come in the mean time; who without much ado beat down the door, and let us in at the same gap.
After we enter'd the bed-chamber, having plentifully feasted; prest by impatient nature, I took my Gito aside; and wrapt in pleasures, spent the night.
Who can the charms of that blest night declare,How soft ye gods! our warm embraces were?We hugg'd, we cling'd, and thro' each other's lips,Our souls, like meeting streams, together mixt;Farewell the world, and all its pageantry!When I, a mortal! so begin to dye.
'Tis without reason I hug myself; Ascyltos, omnis iniuriae inventor, subduxit mihi nocte puerum et in lectum transtulit suum, volutatusque liberius cum fratre non suo, sive non sentiente iniuriam sive dissimulante, indormivit alienis amplexibus oblitus iuris humani. Itaque ego ut experrectus pertrectavi gaudio despoliatum torum. Si qua est amantibus fides, ego dubitavi, an utrumque traicerem gladio somnumque morti iungerem. Tutius dein secutus consilium Gitona quidem verberibus excitavi, and looking as sternly as I cou'd upon Ascyltos, thus address'd my self: "Since you've play'd the villain by your treachery, and breaking the common laws of friendship, pack up your matters quickly, and find another comrade to abuse."
Ascyltos consented; and, after we had made an exact division of our booty; "Now," says he, "let's share the boy too": I believ'd it a jest at parting, but, he with a murderous resolution, drew his sword; "nor shall you," added he, "think to ingross this prize, which should, like the rest, be common to us both. I must have my share, or with this sword will be content to take it." Upon which, on the other side, having twisted my gown under my arm, I made advances to ingage.
The unhappy boy rush'd between, and kissing both our knees, with tears, entreated that we would not expose our selves in a pitiful alehouse, nor with our blood pollute the rites of so dear a friendship: but, raising his voice, says he, "if there must be murder, behold my naked bosom, hither direct your fury: 'Tis I deserve death, who violated the sacred laws of friendship."
Upon which we sheath'd our swords; and first Ascyltos, "I'll," says he, "end the difference: Let the boy himself follow the man he likes, that, in chusing a friend, at least, he may have an unquestion'd liberty."
I, that presum'd so long an acquaintance, had made no slight impressions on his nature, was so far from fearing, that with an eager haste I accepted the proffer, and to the judge committed the dispute: Gito, that he might not seem to consider, at my consent jump'd up, and chose Ascyltos.
I, like one thunderstruck, at the sentence, void of defence, fell upon the bed, and had not surviv'd the loss, if envy of my rival had not stopp'd my sword.
Ascyltos, proud of the conquest, goes off with the prize, leaving me expos'd in a strange place, that before he caress'd as a friend and sharer of his fortune:
'Tis in the world, as in a game of chess;We serve our friends but where our profit is.When fortune smiles, we're yours, and yours alone;But when she frowns, the servile herd are gone.So, in a play, they act with mimick art,Father, or son, or griping miser's part:But when at last the comic scenes are o'er,They quit the visards they assum'd before.
Nor did I there very long complain, for fearing one Menelaus, an usher of a school, might, among other misfortunes, find me alone in the inn, I made up my wallet, and, very pensive, took me a lodging in a private place near the sea: there, after I had been mewd up for three days, reflecting afresh on my despis'd and abject condition, I beat my breast, as sick as it was; and, when my deep sighs would suffer me, often cry'd out; "Why has not the earth burst open, and swallow'd me? Why has not the sea o'erwhelm'd me that respects not even the innocent themselves? Have I been a murderer? when I had violated Lycas's wife, have I fled justice? have I escap'd even when I was condemn'd to dye, to live in a strange place, to have my name recorded only among beggars and vagabonds? and who condemn'd me to this solitude?—A boy! One who is a prostitute to all manner of lust; and by his own confession deserves to dye; whom vice has enobl'd from a slave; who was publickly contracted with as a girl, by one that knew he was of the other sex: and what a wretch is that other, ye gods! whom, when he might have writ man, his mother perswaded even out of his sex, and putting on petty-coats, was condemn'd to a maids office in a prison: who, after he had spent what he had, and chang'd the scene of his lust; having contracted an old friendship, basely left it; and, frontless impudence! like a hot whore, for one night's pleasure, sold his friend. Now the lovers lye whole nights lockt in each other's arms, and who knows but in those intervals they recruit their weary'd strength, may laugh at me: but they shan't go off so, for if I'm a man, or a free-born one at least, I'll make their blood compensate the injury."
Having thus said I girt on my sword; and lest I shou'd be too weak to maintain the war, encourag'd my self with a lusty meal, and making out of doors, like one possesst, search'd every place: but whilst, with a wild distracted countenance, I thought of nothing but blood and slaughter; and oft with execrations laying my hand on my sword, a souldier, perhaps some cheat or padder, observ'd me, and making up to me, askt to what regiment or company I, his brother souldier, belong'd? when, with a good assurance, I had cheated him into a belief of the regiment and company; well, but friend, said he, looking down, doe the souldiers of your company walk in such shoes? I began to look guilty, and by my trembling discover'd the lye I had told him: upon which he made me lay down my arms, and bid me take care of the worst. Thus stript, nay and thus rob'd of my revenge, I return'd to my lodging, where by degrees my fears abating, I began in my mind to thank the robber.
But finding it difficult to wean my self from the love of revenge, I spent half the night very pensively; and rising by day-break, to ease me of my grief, and thoughts of my injury, I rov'd about every where, till at last going in to a publick gallery, very wonderful for several sorts of excellent painting; I saw some by Zeuxy's hand, that had not yet yielded to the injuries of time: And, not without an awful reverence, behold others by Protogenes, which tho' they were first tryals, yet disputed for exactness, even with nature it self: but on the other side viewing a celebrated piece drawn by Apelles; I even ador'd the work of so great a master: 'twas so correctly finisht to the life, you'd have sworn it an image of the soul too. One side gave the story of the eagle bearing Jupiter to heaven, the other the fair Hylas repelling the addresses of the lew'd naiad: in another part was Apollo, angry at himself for killing his boy Hyacinth; and, to shew his love, crown'd his harp with the flower that sprung from his blood.
In this gallery, as in a vision of living images, I cry'd out; and are not the gods themselves secure from love? Jupiter in his seraglio above, not finding one that can please his appetite, sins upon earth, yet injures nobody: the nymph wou'd have stifl'd her passion for Hylas, had she believ'd the lusty Hercules wou'd have been his rival: Apollo turns Hyacinth into a flower: and every image enjoy'd its wishes without a rival: but I have caress'd, as the dearest friend, the greatest villain.
While I was thus talking to my self, there enter'd the gallery an old man, with a face as pale as age had made his hair; and seem'd, I know not how, to bring with him the air of a great soul; but viewing his habit, I was easily confirm'd in my opinion, since fortune seldom deals favourably with learned men. In short, he made up to me, and addressing himself, told me he was a poet; and, as he hop'd, above the common herd: if, added he, my merrit don't suffer by applause that's promiscuously given, to the good and bad.
Why, therefore, interrupted I, are you so meanly clad? On this account return'd he, because learning never made any man rich.
The merchant's profit well rewards his toil:The souldier crowns his labours with the spoil:To servile flattery we altars raise:And the kind wife her stallion ever pays:But starving wit in rags takes barren pain:And, dying, seeks the muses aid in vain.
"'Tis certain," added he, "that a lover of virtue, on account of his singularity, meets with contempt; for who can approve what differs from himself? And that those who admire riches, wou'd fain possess every body, that nothing is more reasonable than their opinion; whence they ridicule, as well as they can, the learned few; that they, like themselves, might seem within the power of money."
"I don't know, how learning and poverty became relations," said I, and sigh'd: "You justly lament," return'd he, "the condition of scholars."
"You mistake me," said I, "that's not the occasion of my sighs, there's another and much greater cause:" And, as all men are naturally inclin'd to communicate their grief; I laid open my case to him, beginning with Ascyltos's treachery, which I aggravated; and, with repeated sighs, often wisht his injustice to me might have deserv'd pardon: but that now he was a staunch villain, and in lust more subtle than the bawds themselves.
The old man, seeing me sincere, began to comfort me; and the better to effect it, told me what formerly had happen'd to himself on the like occasion.
"In Asiam cum a quaestore essem stipendio eductus, hospitium Pergami accepi. Ubi cum libenter habitarem non solum propter cultum aedicularum, sed etiam propter hospitis formosissimum filium, excogitavi rationem, qua non essem patri familiae suspectus amator. Quotiescunque enim in convivio de usu formosorum mentio facta est, tam vehementer excandui, tam severa tristitia violari aures meas obsceno sermone nolui, ut me mater praecipue tanquam unum ex philosophis intueretur. Iam ego coeperam ephebum in gymnasium deducere, ego studia eius ordinare, ego docere ac praecipere, ne quis praedator corporis admitteretur in domum. . . .
"Forte cum in triclinio iaceremus, quia dies sollemnis ludum artaverat pigritiamque recedendi imposuerat hilaritas longior, fere circa mediam noctem intellexi puerum vigilare. Itaque timidissimo murmure votum feci et 'domina' inquam 'Venus, si ego hunc puerum basiavero, ita ut ille non sensiat, cras illi par columbarum donabo.' Audito voluptatis pretio puer stertere coepit. Itaque aggressus simulantem aliquot basiolis invasi. Contentus hoc principio bene mane surrexi electumque par columbarum attuli expectanti ac me voto exsolvi.
"Proxima nocte cum idem liceret, mutavi optionem et 'si hunc' inquam 'tractavero improba manu, et ille non senserit, gallos gallinaceos pugnacissimos duos donabo patienti.' Ad hoc votum ephebus ultro se admovit et, puto, vereri coepit, ne ego obdormiscerem. Indulsi ergo sollicito, totoque corpore citra summam voluptatem nne ingurgitavi. Deinde ut dies venit, attuli gaudenti quicquid promiseram. Ut tertia nox licentiam dedit, consurrexi . . . ad aurem male dormientis 'dii' inquam 'immortales, si ego huic dormienti abstulero coitum plenum et optabilem, pro hac felicitate cras puero asturconem. Macedonicum optimum donabo, cum hac tamen exceptione, si ille non senserit.' Nunquam altiore somno ephebus obdormivit. Itaque primum implevi lacentibus papillis manus, mox basio inhaesi, deinde in unum omnia vota coniunxi. Mane sedere in cubiculo coepit atque expectare consuetudinem meam. Scis quanto facilius sit, columbas gallosque gallinaceos emere quam asturconem, et praeter hoc etiam timebam, ne tam grande munus suspectam faceret humanitatem meam. Ego aliquot horis spatiatus in hospitium reverti nihilque aliud quam puerum basiavi. At ille circumspiciens ut cervicem meam iunxit amplexu, 'rogo' inquit 'domine, ubi est asturco?'
"Cum ob hanc offensam praeclusissem mihi aditum, quem feceram, iterum ad licentiam redii. Interpositis enim paucis diebus, cum similis casus nos in eandem fortunam rettulisset, ut intellexi stertere patrem, rogare coepi ephebum, ut reverteretur in gratiam mecum, id est ut pateretur satis fieri sibi, et cetera quae libido distenta dictat. At ille plane iratus nihil aliud dicebat nisi hoc: 'aut dormi, aut ego iam dicam patri.' Nihil est tam arduum, quod non improbitas extorqueat. Dum dicit: 'patrem excitabo,' irrepsi tamen et male repugnanti gaudium extorsi. At ille non indelectatus nequitia mea, postquam diu questus est deceptum se et derisum traductumque inter condiscipulos, quibus iactasset censum meum, 'videris tamen' inquit 'non ero tui similis. Si quid vis, fac iterum.' Ego vero deposita omni offensa cum puero in gratiam redii ususque beneficio eius in somnum delapsus sum. Sed non fuit contentus iteratione ephebus planae maturitatis et annis ad patiendum gestientibus. Itaque excitavit me sopitum et 'numquid vis?' inquit. Et non plane iam molestum erat munus. Utcunque igitur inter anhelitus sudoresque tritus, quod voluerat, accepit, rursusque in somnum decidi gaudio lassus. Interposita minus hora pungere me manu coepit et dicere: 'quare non facimus?' tum ego totiens excitatus plane vehementer excandui et reddidi illi voces suas: 'aut dormi, aut ego iam patri dicam.'"
This discourse diverting my grief, I began to question the old gentleman about the antiquity of some pieces, the stories of others I was not acquainted with, the reason why this age don't come up to the former, and why the most excellent arts are lost, of which painting has not left the least sign of its being? "Our love of riches," reply'd he, "has been the only occasion: for in old time, when virtue was admir'd for its own sake, all liberal arts flourisht, and the only emulation among men, was to make discoveries that might profit the age. 'Twas in those times Democritus, content with poverty, found out the vertue of most herbs; and lest there might be any hidden excellence in stones and trees, spent the rest of his life in experiments about them: 'Twas then Eudoxus abandon'd the world, to live on the top of a high mountain, to discover the motions of the heavens and Crisippus, the better to qualify his mind for invention, went thrice through a course of physick.
"But to return to imagery, Lysippus with that diligence imploy'd himself about one statue, that, neglecting his living, he dyed, for want: and Myron, whose brazen images of men and beasts, you might have mistaken for living ones, dy'd very poor: but our age is so wholly devoted to drinking and whoring, we're so far from inventing, that we don't acquaint our selves even with those arts that are found to our hands: But, accusing antiquity, our schools become seminaries of vice only: what's our logick? How little do we know of astronomy? Where's our philosopher? What master of eloquence could indure to hear it so murdred in a pulpit? What wise man cou'd suffer the noise? Our business in the temple is not to inform our minds, or correct our lives; but as soon as we enter the place, one out of love to his friend, being made his heir, promises a sacrifice to the gods, if they'd please to take him out of this troublesome world; another, if they'd direct him to a treasure: the like a third promises if they'd make him happy in a small estate of 300l. per an. or so: The very Senate that shou'd show an exemplary conduct, in occasions of doubtful events, have devoted mighty sums of gold to religious uses: And who wou'd not but admire, that, he is perswaded hath charms enough to make the gods themselves comply! You need not wonder why painting is lost, when gold appears more beautiful both to gods and men, than any thing Apelles or Phidias are now esteem'd madly to have spent their time about: But seeing your curiosity is wholly taken up with that piece, that shews you a contracted history of the Siege of Troy: I'll try to give you the story more at large in verse.
"Now Troy had felt a siege of ten long years,Concern and sorrow in each face appears:The Grecian prophet too, with terrour fill'd,What fate decree'd, but doubtfully reveal'd:When thus Apollo——From the proud top of Ida's rising hillA lofty pile of mighty cedars fell,Whose trunks into a dreadful fabrick force,And, let it bear the figure of a horse:The spacious hollows, of whose mountain-womb,The choice and flower of your troops entomb.The Greeks, enrag'd to be so long repell'd,With their chief troops the beasts vast bowel's fill'd,And thus their arms and all their hopes conceal'd.Strange was the fate the rul'd unhappy Troy,Who thought them gone, and lasting peace t'enjoy,So the inscription of the machine said,And treacherous Synon, for their ruin made.All from their arms at once, and troubles runTo view the horse, and left th' unguarded townSo over-joy'd they wept: Thus even fearsWhen joy surprizes, melt away in tears.Enrag'd Laocoon, with prophetick beat,Prest thro' the crowd, that on his humour wait;And with a javelin pierc'd the fatal horse,But fate retards the blow, and stopt its force:The spear jumpt back upon the priest, so nigh,It gave new credit to the treachery.Yet to confirm how weak was the attempt'Gainst what the gods will have, his javelin sent,Resum'd with double fury, thro' his side,And the large concave of the machine try'd:When from within the captive Grecians roar;And the beast trembles with another's fear.Yet to the town the present they convey,Thus a new stragem does Troy betray;While to the taken, she becomes a prey.But other monsters there enform our eyes,What mighty seas from Teuedos arise!The frighted Neptune seems to seek the shore,With such a noise, with such a dreadful roar:As in a silent night, when, from afar,The dismal sound of wrecks invades the ear:When rolling on the waves two mighty snakes,Unhappy Troy descry'd; whose circling stroaks,Had drove the swelling surges on the rocks.Like lofty ships they on the billows ride,And with rais'd breasts the foaming flood divide:Their crests they brandish and red eye-balls raise,That all around dispence a sulphurous blaze.To shore advancing, now the waves appearAll fire; unwonted ratlings fill the air.The ocean trembles at their dreadful hiss;All are amaz'd: When in a Trojan dress;And holy wreaths their sacred temples bind,Laocoon's sons were by the snakes entwin'd:Now t'wards heaven their little hands are thrownEach for his brother, not himself does moan,And prays to save his ruin by his own.Both dye at last, thro' fear each other shou'd,And to give death a greater pomp, the goodLaocoon to their rescue vainly run,Now gorg'd with death, they drag him on the groundUp to the altar, where devoted liesThe priest himself, a panting sacrifice.Thus with his blood the temple they prophane;Losing their gods; Troy's ruin thus began:Now the bright taper of the night appears,Gayly attended with a train of stars:When midst the Trojans, dead in sleep and wine,The Grecians execute their dire design:When from the open'd caverns of the horse,Like a large flood, their hidden troops did gush;And now deliver'd, leave their horse and fear,With the same wanton motions colts appear:When from the plow, and heavy collar freed,They shake their rising crests, and try their speed.Their swords they brandish, and their shields they rear,And fix their helmets, then begin the war:A party here o' th' drunken Trojans light,And send them snoring to eternal night;Another there now made their altars smoke,And against Troy, Troy's guardian gods invoke."
When Eumolpus had gone thus far in his story, the people that were walking there, began to fling stones at him: But he, conscious of his merit, cover'd his head, and took up his heels: I, fearing they wou'd have taken me for a poet too, made after him: When we were out of stone shot of the enemy, "I beseech you, sir," said I, "what will you do with this disease of yours? I don't wonder at the peoples humour, since I have hardly been acquainted with you two hours, and your entertainment has been more poetry than the conversation of a man. I think I must fill my pocket with stones, that when I perceive you going into a fit, I may bleed you in the head for it, with one of 'em."
He turn'd to me, and, "Dear child," said he, "I rose to day without consulting my fortune; tho' 'tis confest I seldom appear even on the stage, but such a mobb as this are laughing at me: But that I may not be at difference with you too, I'll tye my self up from this humour of poetry:" "Well, well," said I, "on that condition I sup with you;" upon which, going into the poor cottage I lodg'd at, we order'd the master of it to get us a supper, and in the mean time we went to the bagnio, where I saw Gito standing against the wall, with towels and rubbing brushes in his hand; his troubl'd countenance easily perswaded me he serv'd on compulsion: As soon as he saw me, with joy addressing himself, he told me, that since I was not in that martial posture that once frighted him to belye his affections, he cou'd freely speak to me, upon which he entreated me to pity his circumstances; and, if I cou'd but deliver him from so barbarous a master, since he was now sorry he was forc'd to be my judge, I might take my satisfaction in any punishment I'de please to inflict; "for," added he, "if I must dye, 'twill be comfort enough to so unhappy a wretch to think that you are pleas'd in 't."
I desir'd him wave his complaints, lest our design shou'd be discover'd, and leaving Eumolpus (for in the bath he was versifying) we made off thro' a dirty back-entry, as privately as we could to my lodgings: Where, shutting the door, I threw my arms about his neck, and, tho, he was all in tears, half smother'd him with kisses: Thus we continu'd without a word from either side: Gito's repeated sobs so disturb'd him, he could not speak: When after a long time spent in that posture, "how unaccountable is it," began I, "to love him that once forsook me! And that in this breast I shou'd feel so great a wound, yet have no sign of its being there! what's you' pretence for chusing Ascyltos? Have I deserv'd such usage?"
After he found I still had love for him, he began to look less concerned: "When," added I, "I'm so far from desireing an umpire to judge of th' ingratitude of your choice, that I neither complain of, or design to remember it; if I find you sincere."
I cou'd not tell him this without a tear: When, wiping his face, says he, "Encolpius, I appeal to your memory, whether I left, you, or you betray'd me. I must confess, and hope you can't blame me; when I saw two at daggers-drawing, that I ran to the strongest."
I cou'd not but admire his wit, and to convince him of a perfect reconciliation, sealed it with repeated kisses.
'Twas now quite dark, and our supper was dishing up, when Eumolpus knock'd at the door: I ask'd how many there was of 'em: And took an opportunity through a chink, to see whether Ascyltos was with him: But finding him alone, I soon open'd the door: He had hardly fixt himself on his couch, when seeing Gito in waiting, "on my word," said he, "a very Gannymed; sure Encolpius, you'll have no reason to complain to day."
I did not like to observing an entry; and was afraid I had entertain'd another Ascyltos. Eumolpus pursuing his humour, when the boy fill'd him a glass, "I had rather," said he, "be in possession of thee, than the whole bagnio"; and greedily drinking it off, "the heat I've been in," added he, "made this the pleasantest draught I ever took: For to deal freely with ye, I narrowly scap'd a beating, for attempting, when I was in the bath, to deliver my thoughts of it in verse: And after I was turn'd out of the bagnio, as I us'd to be out of the theatre; I search'd every place, crying as loud as I cou'd, 'Encolpius, Encolpius.' A naked youth that had lost his cloaths, as strongly echo'd back to me, 'Gito, Gito': The boys, believing me mad, ridicul'd me with their mimikry: But the other was attended with a great concourse of people, that with an awful admiration prais'd the youth: For nature had so largely qualify'd him for a lover, his body seem'd but as the skirt of the mighty member it bore: A lusty rogue! I'll warrant, he'd maintain the field four and twenty hours! He therefore soon found relief, for some debauch'd spark, a Roman knight, as was reported, flung his cloak over him, and took him home, with hopes, I presume to engross so great a prize: But I was so far from meeting such civility, that even my own cloaths were kept from me, till I brought one that knew me, to satisfie 'em in my character: So much more profitable 'tis to improve the body than the mind."
Whilst Eumolpus was telling his story, I often chang'd countenance: Looking glad at the ill fortune of my rival, but troubled at his good: yet did not interrupt him, lest he shou'd discover my concern: and when he had done, I told him what we had for supper.
I had hardly given him an account, e're our entertainment came in: 'Twas common homely food, but very nourishing: Our half starv'd doctor attacqu'd it very briskly, but when he had well fill'd himself, began to tell us, philosophers were above the world, and to ridicule those that condemn every thing, because 'tis common, and only to admire those things that are difficult to be had: "These vicious appetites," added he, "that despise what they can cheaply come by, never taste any thing pure, but, like sick men, love only those things that are hurtful to 'em.
"What's soon obtain'd, we nauseously receive,All hate the victory that's got with leave:We scorn the good our happy isle brings forth,But love whatever is of foreign growth:Not that the fish that distant waters feed,Do those excel that in our climate breed;But these are cheaply taken, those came far,With difficulty got, and cost us dear:Thus the kind she, abroad, we admire aboveTh' insipid lump, at home of lawful love:Yet once enjoy'd, we strait a new desire,And absent pleasures only do admire."
"Is this," said I, interrupting him, "what you promis'd, that you wou'd not versifie to day agen? I beseech you, sir, at least spare us that never pelted you: For if any of the inn shou'd find we have a poet in our company, the whole neighbourhood wou'd be rais'd, and we shou'd dye martyrs for a wrong opinion: If nothing else will make you pity us, think of the galery and bath you came from": when I had treated him after this rate, the good natur'd Gito, correcting me, said, I did very ill to rail at a man so much my elder; and that having offer'd a gentleman the curtsie of my table, I shou'd not so far forget good breeding, to affront him when he came: With many the like expressions, attended with a blush at their delivery, that extreamly became him.
"Happy the woman," said Eumolpus, "that's blest with such a son! Heaven encrease your virtue: so much sense, and so much beauty we seldom meet with in any one person: But, lest you shou'd think your civility thrown away, you have found a lover for it: I'll give the world your praises in verse: I'll be your servant, your gardian, and will follow you every where: Nor can Encolpius think himself injur'd, he loves another."
Eumolpus was oblig'd to the souldier that robb'd me of my sword, else I had turn'd the fury upon him I meant for Ascyltos: Gito reading it in my countenance, under pretence of fetching water, prudently withdrew: And allay'd my heat, by removing one cause of it: But my rage reviving, "Eumolpus," said I, "I had rather have heard even your verses, that you propose to your self such hopes: I am very passionate, and you are very lustful: Consider how improbable 'tis we shou'd agree; believe therefore I am mad, and humour the phrenzy; that is, be gone immediately."
At this Eumolpus was in great confusion, and, without asking the occasion of my passion, presently made out: But drawing the door after him, what I did not in the least suspect, he lock'd me in, and stealing the key out of the door, ran in pursuit of Gito.
The rage I was in to be so abus'd, put me upon hanging my self; and having ty'd an apron, I found in the room, to the bed-stead, committed my neck to the noose I had made with its strings: When Eumolpus and Gito came to the door, and entering, prevented my design: Gito, his grief growing to a rage, made a great out-cry, and forcing me on the bed, "You're mistaken," said he, "Encolpius, if you fancy it possible for you to dye before me: I was first in the design, and had not surviv'd my choice of Ascyltos; if I had met with an instrument of death: But had not you come to my relief in the bath, I had resolv'd to throw my self out of the window: And that you may know how ready death is to wait those that desire it: see—I've got what you so lately endeavour'd."
Upon which, having snatch'd a rasor from Eumolpus's servant, he struck three or four times 't his throat, and fell down before us: frightened at the accident, I cry'd out, and falling upon him e're he had reached the ground, with the same weapon, endeavoured to follow him: But neither had Gito any appearance of a wound, nor did I feel my self hurt: For it happen'd to be a dull rasor, design'dly made so, to prepare learners of the art to handle a sharper which was the reason Eumolpus did not offer to prevent our mimick deaths, nor his man look concern'd when the rasor was snatch'd from him.
While this scene was acting, the inn-keeper came in upon us, with the other part of our supper; and viewing the obscene posture we were in, "I beseech you, sirs," said he, "are ye drunk, or have fled justice, and are acting it on your selves, or both? ho! who was going to make a gibet of the bed? What private designs are here on foot? What—was your going out but now with intent to bilke me? But you shall feel fo't: I'll soon make ye know who rules here."
"What, you rascal," crys Eumolpus, "do you threat too?" And without more ado flung his fist in his face: The inn-keeper took up an earthen pitcher we so oft had empty'd, and sending it at Eumolpus, broke his forehead, and immediately ran down stairs: Eumolpus, impatient of revenge, snatching up a great wooden candlestick, made after him; and pouring his blows very thick on the inn-keeper, repair'd the injury with interest: This alarm'd the whole house, and whilst the rest of his guess, that by this time were most of 'em drunk; ran to see what was the matter, taking an opportunity to revenge the injury Eumolpus had offer'd me, I lock'd him out; and turning thus his trick upon himself, at once, enjoy'd the bed and board without a rival.
In the mean time, the islanders (that came in at the bustle) and cooks with all their kitchin artillery set upon Eumolpus: One throws at his head a hot spit with the meat on't; another with a pitchfork puts himself in a martial posture against him; but especially a blear-ey'd old woman, who tucking up the dirty apron she had about her, with one shoe on, and another off, hall'd a great mastiff and set him at Eumolpus: But with the wooden candlestick he defended himself against all his enemies.
We saw all through a hole they had made by wrenching the latch from the door: I wish'd him well you may imagine; but Gito had compassion and wou'd have succour'd the distrest Eumolpus; upon which, my rage continuing, I gave his pitying head two or three blows with my fist; he sate down on the bed and cry'd: but I so eagerly ply'd the hole, I made my eyes relieve each other; and, encouraging the people against him, with great satisfaction beheld the conflict: when the bailiff of the island, one Bargates, whom the scuffle had rais'd from supper; was brought into the room, supported by others legs, for he was troubl'd with the gout, he cou'd not use his own: And having in his clownish manner, with a great deal of heat, made a long harangue against drunkards and vagabonds, looking on Eumolpus, "ha! what is it you," says he, "the excellent poet? What—has these rogues been abusing you all this while?" At what time he goes up to Eumolpus, and in a whisper, "I have a maid," says he, "that flouts at me when I ask her the question; prithee, if you have any love for me, abuse her in a copy of verses till she's ashamed of her self."
While Eumolpus was thus ingag'd with Bargates, the cryer of the town, and some other officer, attended with a great concourse of people, entred the inn; and, shaking a smoaky rather than lighted torch he carried, mouths out this; viz.
Not far from the cryer, stood Ascyltos, clad with a coat of many colours; who, to incourage any discoverer, held the reward in a silver charger before him.
Upon this, I order'd Gito to steal under the bed, and thrust his feet and hands through the cords that, as Ulysses formerly hid in a sheeps hide, so extended he might cheat the searchers.
Gito immediately obey'd the motion, and fixing himself, as I directed, out-did Ulysses in his native art: But, that I might leave no room for suspicion, I so disposed the bed-cloaths, that none could believe more than my self had lain there.
We had just done, when Ascyltos, with a beadle, having search'd the other chambers, came to ours, which gave him greater hopes, because he found the door so barr'd: But the petty officer he brought, with an iron crow, forc'd it open.
Upon Ascyltos's entry, I threw my self at his feet, and beseech'd him, if he had any memory of our past friendship; or any respect for one that had shar'd misfortunes with him, he wou'd at least let me see the still dear Gito: And to give my sham-intreaties a better colour, "I see," says I, "Ascyltos, you are come with designs on my life; for to what other end could you bring those ministers of justice? Therefore satisfie your rage, behold my naked bosom, let out that blood, which, under pretence of a search, you come to seek."
Ascyltos, now laying aside his old grudge to me; profess'd he came in pursuit of nothing but Gito, that had run from him; nor desir'd the death of any man, much more of one that falls before him; and whom, after a fatal quarrel with him, he held most dear.
The petty officer was not so easie to me, for taking a stick out of the inn-keeper's hand, he felt under the bed with it, and run it into every hole he found in the wall: Gito drew his body out of the stick's way, and, breathing as gently as fear cou'd make him, held his mouth close to the cords.
They were hardly gone, e're Eumolpus bounc'd in upon us, for the broken door cou'd stop nobody, and, in a great heat, cry'd out, "I'll earn the reward: I'll make after the Cryer, and let him know how soon Gito may be in his custody."
Eumolpus pursuing his design, I kist his knees, and intreated him not to anticipate the end of dying men; "you wou'd be justly angry," added I, "if you shou'd discover to 'em how you are deceiv'd: The boy run into the crowd undiscovered, and where he is gone, my self can't suspect. I beseech you, Eumolpus, bring back the boy, or at least restore him even to Ascyltos."
Just as I had worked him to a belief, Gito, with restraining his breath, snees'd thrice so thoroughly, that he shook the bed; at which Eumolpus, turning about, saluted him with, "God bless you, sir;" and, taking the bedding aside, saw the little Ulysses, who might have raised compassion, even in a blood-thirsty Cyclops: then looking upon me, "Thou villain," says he, "how have you shamm'd me? Durst you not tell truth, even when you was catch'd in a roguery? If some god, that has the care of humane affairs, had not forc'd the boy to discover himself, I had wander'd in search of him to a fine purpose." But Gito, that cou'd fawn much better than I, took a cobweb dipt in oyl, and apply'd to the wound in his forehead: And changing his torn coat for his own mantle, imbrac'd the now reconcil'd Eumolpus, and stuck to his lips: at last he spoke, and, "Our lives," said he, "most indulgent father, our lives are in your power; if you love your Gito, convince him that you do, by preserving him: O! could I now meet a grave in flames or waves, that I, the only cause of all, might end your quarrels."
Eumolpus, concern'd at our grief, and particularly mindful of Gito's tenderness to him; "surely," says he, "y'are the greatest of fools, who have souls enrich'd with virtues, that may make ye happy, yet live a continu'd martyrdom, raising to your selves every day new occasions of grief; I, wherever I am, make my life as pleasant and free from trouble, as if I expected no more of it: If you'll imitate me, never let cares disturb your quiet. And to avoid Ascyltos that haunts ye in these parts, I am taking a voyage to a foreign country, and shou'd be glad of your company: I believe to morrow night I shall go on board the vessel: I am very well known there, and you need not doubt of a civil entertainment."
His advice appear'd to me both wise and profitable; for at once it deliver'd me from Ascyltos, and gave me hopes of living more happy: Thus oblig'd by Eumolpus's good nature, I was sorry for the late injury I had done him, and began to repent I appear'd his rival, since it had occasion'd so many disasters.
At last, with tears, I beseech'd him to be friends with me too, for that it was not in a rival's power to bound his rage; yet, that I wou'd try neither to say, or do any thing that may offend him: and hop'd so wise and good a man as he, wou'd leave in his mind no sign of a former quarrel: for 'twas with men as with countrys, on rude neglected grounds snows lay very long, but where the fruitful earth was improv'd by culture, they presently melt off, and hardly leave a print behind: Thus unfashion'd minds can't discharge their passions suddenly, but where souls are inrich'd with instruction, they but appear and vanish.
"And to confirm the truth of what you say," return'd Eumolpus, "all my heat expires in this kiss; but, to prevent the designs of your enemies, hasten with your wallets, and either follow me, or, if ye like it, act the leaders."
He had not done speaking, when, hearing the door move, we turn'd about, and saw a seaman, with a beard that made him appear terribly grim: who saluted Eumolpus with a "Why dy'e stay, as if you did not know how near the time 'twas?"
All immediately prepared for the march, Eumolpus loads his servants, who had been all this while asleep; I, and Gito, pack'd our things together, and, thanking our stars, enter'd the vessel.
We fixt our selves, as much out of the way as we could, under deck: and it being not yet day, Eumolpus fell a-sleep: I, and Gito, cou'd not take a wink: when reflecting afresh, that I had harbour'd in my acquaintance, a rival more powerful than Ascyltos; I began to be much troubled: but wisely allaying my grief, I thus reason'd with my self: Is it so troublesom to share what we love? when the best of nature's works are in common? The sun throws his rays on all. The moon, with her infinite train of stars, serves to light even beasts to their fodder: What below can boast an excellence of nature above the waters? Yet they flow in publick for the use of all: only love seems sweeter stol'n than when it's given us: so it is, we esteem nothing, unless 'tis envy'd by others; but what have I to fear in a rival, that age and impotence conspire to render disagreeable? Who, when he has an inclination, his body jades under him before he can reach the goal.
When I had cheated my self with this assurance, I muffled my head in my coat, and feign'd my self asleep: but on a sudden, as if fortune had resolv'd to ruin my quiet; I heard one above deck groaning out: "And has he scorn'd me?" This struck me with a trembling, for it was a man's voice, and one I was afraid I knew: but at a greater distance, with the same heat, I heard a woman lamenting: "O that some god," said she, "wou'd bring my Gito to my arms; tho' he banish'd himself thence; how kindly wou'd I receive him!"
So unexpected a thing drove the colour from our cheeks; I especially, as in a trance, was a long time speechless; when, trembling with fear, I pull'd Eumolpus by the coat, who was now asleep; and "I beseech you, father," said I, "do you know the owner of this vessel, or who the passengers are?" He was very angry to be disturbed: "And was it for this reason," said he, "that we chose the most private place in the ship; that none but your self might disturb us: or what will it signifie if I tell you, that one Lycas a Tarentine owns her, and is carrying one Tryphœna to Tarentum?"
For a while I stood like one thunder-struck, when opening my bosom, I trembling, cry'd out; "At last, Fortune, you have ruin'd every part of me:" for Gito, my better half, lean'd on my breast, as if he had breath'd his last: when our sweating through fear, had a little recover'd our spirits: I fell at Eumolpus feet, and intreated him to have compassion of two dying wretches: that is, to assist us in the means of escaping the impending mischief: "Tho' death," I added, "wou'd be more grateful to us, if the happiness of enjoying you, did not make us envy life."
Eumolpus was glad to serve us, and swore by all that's sacred, he was privy to no design against us; and that he had very innocently brought us hither, for no other end, than for our company, having hir'd the vessel before he was acquainted with us: "But what designs on your lives are here?" added he, "Or have we a pyrate Hannibal on board?" "Lycas," continued he, "a very honourable man, is not only master and owner of this vessel, but of a good estate, and having inclinations to traffick, freights his vessel himself: Is this the terrible Cyclops? Is this the dreadful cut-throat, we must pay our carriage to? And besides him, is the beautiful Tryphœna that other emblem of terrour, who for her pleasure only goes with Lycas."
"These are the very two," reply'd Gito, "we strove to avoid": and, in a low voice, made Eumolpus, that trembled at the story, at once understand the occasions of their malice to us, and our present danger.
Eumolpus was so distracted in his thoughts, he cou'd not advise, but bid each of us give him his opinion; "And presume," says he, "we had just enter'd the Cyclops den, where Jove's thunderbolts are made. We must seek a means of delivery, except we design to free us from all danger, by sinking the vessel."
"No, no," began Gito, "rather offer the pilot a reward, to direct the vessel to some port: and affirm the sea so disagrees with your friend, that if he is not so kind, you fear he'll dye: you may colour the pretence with tears, and appear much concern'd, that, mov'd with compassion, the pilot may befriend you."
Eumolpus reply'd, that could not be effected, for not only the difficulty of guiding so great a ship to a port, but a suspicion he wou'd necessarily have, that his friend cou'd not be so suddenly very ill, conspir'd against it: Then next perhaps, Lycas wou'd have a curiosity to visit his sick passenger: "Can you propose to escape by a means that will discover ye to him ye'd avoid? But presuming the ship cou'd be stopt in her rapid course, and that Lycas shou'd not visit his sick on board: How can we get out, but all must see us? With our heads muffled, or bare? If cover'd, we move every one to lend a hand to sick persons; if bare, we discover our selves."
"A desperate disease," said I, "must have a desperate cure; I know no better expedient of our delivery, than to slide into the long boat, and cutting the cord, leave the rest to Fortune: Nor do I desire Eumolpus to share the danger: For what wou'd it signifie to involve an innocent person in other mens deserv'd misfortunes? We shall think our selves happy, if Fortune be kind."
"'Twas not ill advised," said Eumolpus, "if it cou'd be done; for do you think to stir in the ship unobserved, when the distant motion of the stars themselves can't escape the pilot's diligence? You must pass the only guarded part of the ship near which place the rope that holds the boat is tyed: Besides, Encolpius, I wonder you did not remember that one seaman was upon constant duty night and day in the boat it self; nor will be mov'd from his post, without you cut his throat, or fling him overboard; which consider whether you can dare attempt; for my part, to go with you I would refuse no danger that could give me the least hopes of getting off; but to put so low a value on life, to throw it away as a useless thing, I believe even your selves are unwilling: Hear whether you like my proposal; I'll put ye into two mantles I have here, and making holes to breathe and eat through, will place you amongst my other goods for baggage, next morning I allarm the whole ship, crying out, my servants, fearing a greater punishment, in the night jump into the sea; that when the ship made to land, I might carry you off for baggage."
"Very well," said I, "but do you design to tye us as stocks, within which nature does not labour to be freed; or as those that use to sneeze and snore? Or, because I once succeeded in a like deceit? But suppose we cou'd hold out a day so ty'd up, what shall we do if we're put to't longer? Will the thoughts of a quiet life without cares, or of our adverse fortune entertain us most? our very cloaths long bound up will rot upon our backs: Can we, d'ye think, that are young, and not inur'd to labour, endure to be clad like statues, and wear our cords as insensibly? Since we are yet to seek a way of escape, for no proposal has been made without an objection; see what I have thought on: The studious Eumolpus, I presume, never goes unfurnisht with ink; is there a better expedient, than washing our hands, face, and hair, with that, to appear like Æthiopian slaves? when without wringing our limbs, we can't but be merry, to act a cheat, that so nearly imposes on our enemies?"
"And why would you not have us circumcis'd too," interrupted Gito, "that we may appear like Jews; and have our ears bor'd, to persuade them we came from Arabia? and why did not you advise our faces to be chalk'd as well as ink'd, that we might pass for Frenchmen, as if our colour would make such a mighty alteration? Has a foreigner but one mark of distinction? Can you think anybody so ignorant to mistake you for one, by that sign only? Grant our dawb'd faces wou'd keep their colour: Suppose it wou'd not wash off, nor our cloaths stick to the ink, how can we imitate their black swollen lips? the short curl of their hair? the seams on their foreheads? their circular way of treading? their splay feet? or the mode of their beards? an artificial colour rather stains than alters the body; but, if you'll be rul'd by a madman, let's cover our heads, and jump into the sea?"
"Nor Heaven nor man," cry'd Eumolpus, "cou'd suffer ye make so ill an end; rather pursue this advice: My slave, as you may imagine by his rasor, is a piece of a barber; let him shave not only your heads, but, as a mark of greater punishment, your eye-brows too, and Ill finish your disguise with an inscription on your foreheads, that you may appear as slaves branded for some extraordinary villany: Thus the same letters will at once divert their suspicion, and conceal your countenance under the mask of punishment."
We lik'd the advice, and hasten'd the execution, when stealing to the side of the vessel, we committed our heads and eye-brows to the barber: Eumolpus in the meantime fill'd our foreheads with great letters, and very liberally dispenc'd the known marks of fugitives through the other parts of our faces; one of the passengers, easing his o're-charg'd stomach o're the side of the ship, by the moon perceiving the reflection of a barber busie at so unseasonable a time, and, cursing the omen that he thought presag'd a shipwreck, ran to his hammock, upon which we dissembled the same, but indeed had an equal though different concern; and the noise over, we spent the rest of the night without resting much.
The next day Eumolpus, when he found Tryphœna was stirring, went to visit Lycas; and after he had talk'd with him about the happy voyage he hop'd from the clearness of the heavens, Lycas, turning to Tryphœna, "Methoughts," said he, "about midnight the vision of Priapus appear'd to me, and told me, he had lately brought into my ship Encolpius that I sought for": Tryphœna was startl'd, "And you'd swear we slept together," reply'd she, "for methoughts the image of Neptune having struck his trident thrice against the Bajœ, told me that in Lycas' ship I shou'd meet my Gito."
"Hence, proceeds," said Eumolpus, interrupting 'em, "that veneration I pay the divine Epicurus, who so wittily has discovered such illusions.
"When in a dream presented to our view,Those airy forms appear so like the true;Nor heaven nor hell the fancy'd visions sends,But every breast its own delusion lends:For when soft sleep the body wraps in ease,And from th' unactive mass our fancy frees,Whatever 'tis in which we take delight,And think of most by day, we dream at night.Thus he, the now sackt city justly fear'd,Who all around had death and ruin shar'd.From fancy'd darts believes a darkned sky,And troops retreating in confusion fly:There the sad funeral pomp of kings; hereConscious plains, half drown'd in blood, appearHe that by day has nois'd it at the bar,Of knaves and fools now sees the great resort,And to meet justice vainly fears in court.Misers amidst their heaps are raising new,And think they oft their old hid treasure view.And huntsmen the imagin'd chace pursue.The merchant dreams of wrecks, the ship wou'd save,Or now, by sinking it, himself preserve.The mistress to her distant lover writes;And, as awake, with flames and darts indites:The good wife dreaming of her stallion's charms,Oft seeks the pleasure in her cuckold's arms.Dogs on full cry, in sleep, the hare pursue,And hapless wretches their old griefs renew."
But Lycas, when he had thank'd his stars for their care of him, "That we may not seem," said he, "to condemn the divine powers, what hinders but we search the vessel?"
Upon which one Æsius, the passenger that had discover'd us by our reflection in the water, cry'd out, "these are the men that were shav'd by moonshine to night. Heaven avert the omen! I thought the ceremony of cutting the nails and hair, was never perform'd but as a solemn sacrifice to appease a storm."
"Is 't so," says Lycas, in a great heat, "did any in the ship offer to shave themselves, and at midnight too? Bring 'em quickly hither, that I may know who they are that deserve to die a sacrifice for our safety."
"'Twas I," quoth Eumolpus, "commanded it, not wishing ill to the ship, but ease to my self; for they are my slaves, and having long staring hairs, I order'd the uncomely sight to be taken away; not only that I might not seem to make a prison of the ship; but that the mark of their villany might more plainly appear; and to let you know how richly they deserve the punishment; among other rogueries, they rob'd me of a considerable sum of money, and spent it with all the luxury of rich debauches, on a trull that was at both their services, whom I catcht them with last night. In short, they yet smell of the wine they profusely gave themselves with my money."
Lycas, that the offenders might atone for their crime, order'd each of them forty stripes; we were immediately brought to the place of execution; where the enrag'd seamen set upon us with ropes-ends, and try'd to offer our blood a sacrifice for their safety. I bore three stripes very heroically. Gito, who had not so much passive valour at the first blow, set up such an out-cry that the known sound of his voice reach'd Tryphœna's ear; who in great disorder attended with her maids, that were all like her self surpriz'd at the voice, run to the sufferer.