The Golden Ass · Chapter
XLVI explained
Lucius, now an ass, is ridden by his master Thiasus to Corinth, where he becomes a spectacle.
What happens
Lucius, now an ass, is ridden by his master Thiasus to Corinth, where he becomes a spectacle. A noble matron, inflamed with desire, pays to spend the night with him, and they have sexual relations. The matron arranges another night, and Thiasus, amused, plans a public show where Lucius will mate with a condemned woman. The chapter also recounts the tragic story of that woman, who was tricked by her jealous husband's wife into killing her own sister-in-law.
Themes in this chapter
Lust and Sensuality
The matron's uncontrollable desire for Lucius as an ass, and the explicit sexual encounter, highlight the theme of lust.
Deception and Appearance
The condemned woman's story involves deception via a stolen ring and false message, leading to tragic consequences.
Fortune and Suffering
The condemned woman's fate and the tragic death of the innocent maiden illustrate the cruelty of fortune.
Characters to notice
- Lucius
Narrates his experiences as an ass in Corinth, including being ridden by Thiasus, performing for crowds, and being used sexually by a matron.
- Thrasillus
Mentioned as the master who rides Lucius and arranges the public spectacle; note: the text refers to 'Thiasus' but canonical ID is Thrasillus.
- Venus
Referenced in the judgment of Paris story within the chapter, where she is pleased with the outcome.
- Juno
Mentioned in the judgment of Paris, where she departs angrily.
- Pithias
Referenced as 'Pallas' in the judgment of Paris; note: canonical ID is Pithias, used here for Pallas.
Key passages
“I am not able to recite unto you how all things were prepared: there were four eunuchs that lay on a bed of down on the ground with bolsters accordingly for us to lie on, the coverlet was of cloth of gold, and the pillows soft and tender, whereon the delicate matron had accustomed to lay her head.”
The preparations for the night were lavish: four eunuchs arranged a luxurious bed on the floor with golden coverlets and soft pillows.
Describes the opulent setting for the matron's encounter with Lucius.
“I hold thee my cunny, I hold thee my nops, my sparrow, and therewithal she eftsoons embraced my body round about, and had her pleasure with me, whereby I thought the mother of miniatures did not ceaseless quench her inordinate desire with a bull.”
She called me her darling and embraced me, taking her pleasure, and I thought of Pasiphaë's insatiable lust for the bull.
The matron's passionate words and actions, comparing her desire to the myth of Pasiphaë.
“This young man her brother taking in ill part the miserable death of his sister, as it was convenient he should, conceived so great dolour within his mind and was stricken with so pestilent fury of bitter anguish, that he fell into the burning passions of a dangerous ague.”
The brother, grieving deeply over his sister's death, fell into a severe fever from his anguish.
Describes the brother's reaction to the tragic death of his sister.