The Golden Ass · Chapter
XXVI explained
Lepolemus, disguised as the thief Hemus, gains the trust of the thieves and orchestrates their downfall by plying them with wine and food until they fall into a deep sleep, revealing his true identity to Charites.
What happens
Lepolemus, disguised as the thief Hemus, gains the trust of the thieves and orchestrates their downfall by plying them with wine and food until they fall into a deep sleep, revealing his true identity to Charites.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Lepolemus disguises himself as the thief Hemus to infiltrate the band, and Lucius misinterprets Charites' actions until the truth is revealed.
Folly and Wisdom
The thieves' gluttony and drunkenness lead to their downfall, while Lepolemus' self-restraint and cunning demonstrate wisdom.
Characters to notice
- Charites
The captive maiden who is comforted by Lepolemus and accepts his secret gestures of affection.
- Lepolemus
Disguised as the thief Hemus, he gains the thieves' trust and plots their capture.
- Lucius
The ass who observes the events and inwardly criticizes Charites for her apparent infidelity, before realizing the truth.
Key passages
“But above all he plied them well with great pots and jugs of wine.”
He made sure they drank heavily from large wine vessels.
Lepolemus deliberately intoxicates the thieves to render them helpless.
“Be of good cheer my sweet friend Charites, for thou shalt have by and by all these thy enemies captive unto thee.”
Take heart, my dear Charites, soon you will see all your enemies captured.
Lepolemus reveals his true identity and reassures Charites of their imminent rescue.