# How the boy that led Apuleius to the field, was slain in the wood explained — The Golden Ass

> Chapter companion for The Golden Ass by Apuleius.

## What happens

Lucius, still in ass form, is led by a boy to a hill where he is tied to an oak. A bear emerges from a cave, frightening Lucius into breaking his halter and fleeing. A stranger finds him and rides him away, but shepherds searching for a lost cow recognize Lucius and accuse the stranger of stealing the ass and killing the boy. Despite the stranger's protests, the shepherds find the boy's torn body, blame the stranger, and plan to accuse him of murder.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fortune and Suffering

Lucius's misfortune continues as he is recaptured by shepherds after a brief escape, and the stranger suffers unjust accusation.

### Violence and Cruelty

The boy is killed and dismembered by a bear, and the stranger is beaten and threatened with execution.

## Character check-ins

### Lucius

Narrates his experience as an ass, tied to a tree, frightened by a bear, and later taken by a stranger and then recaptured by shepherds.

### William Adlington

Referenced in the chapter title as 'Apuleius', the author whose work is being translated.

## Key lines

> I was suddenly stricken in fear, and (throwing all the strength of my body into my hinder heels) lifted up my strained head and brake the halter, wherewith I was tied.

Terrified, I used all my strength to break the rope that bound me.

_Lucius's desperate escape from the bear._

> I would to God (quoth he) that this ass (which verily was never seen) could speak as a man to give witness of mine innocence: then would you be ashamed of the injury which you have done to me.

He wished the ass could talk to prove his innocence, which would shame his accusers.

_The stranger's plea highlights Lucius's inability to communicate._

## Links

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