# XXVI explained — The Golden Ass

> Chapter companion for The Golden Ass by Apuleius.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_golden_ass_se/chapters/xxvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_golden_ass_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_golden_ass_se/chapters