The Tour · Chapter
The Dream at Canopus explained
Lucius, after a night of dreaming at the temple of Serapis, seeks interpretation from the prophet Amphris.
What happens
Lucius, after a night of dreaming at the temple of Serapis, seeks interpretation from the prophet Amphris. The prophet reveals that the many pirates in Lucius's dream are actually one, and that his soul is sick with sorrow and love. Lucius leaves in anguish, refusing the distractions of the pleasure-houses, and returns to Alexandria.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Desire
Lucius's dream is dominated by his love for Ilia, and the prophet identifies his soul as sick with sorrow and love.
Deception and Survival
The prophet reveals that the many pirates in Lucius's dream are actually one, hinting at deception or a hidden truth about Ilia's disappearance.
Characters to notice
- Publius Lucius Sabinus
Lucius dreams of his lost love Ilia and seeks interpretation from the prophet Amphris, learning that his soul is sick with sorrow and love.
- Thrasyllus
Thrasyllus asks Lucius if he has dreamed, showing concern for his master.
- Catullus
Uncle Catullus complains of a nightmare and indigestion, dismissing the spiritual experience.
- Caleb
Caleb guides Lucius to the prophet Amphris, paying the fee and interpreting the doorkeeper's wisdom for himself.
- Tamyris
Tamyris, an hetaira, is seen entering the pyramid to consult Amphris, having paid a talent.
Key passages
“It seemed to him that a golden thunder roused him from his heavy, motionless lethargy. The gong-strokes rolled through the temple and far away into the starry night.”
Lucius felt as if a golden thunder woke him from his stupor, as gong strokes echoed through the temple into the night.
Describes the awakening of the dreamers at the temple.
“My son, your soul is sick. It is sick with sorrow and love. Love is strong, but wisdom is stronger. Gather wisdom, my son.”
The prophet tells Lucius that his soul is ill from grief and love, and advises him to seek wisdom.
Amphris diagnoses Lucius's spiritual condition.
“Isis seeking for Osiris recovered all the pieces of his body except that piece which fructified her. And yet she found comfort, in the end.”
The prophet compares Lucius's loss to Isis's search for Osiris, suggesting that comfort is possible even without full recovery.
Mythological analogy used by Amphris to offer hope.
“One pirate! One pirate! murmured Lucius. And he clenched his fists, impotently.”
Lucius repeats the prophet's revelation that there was only one pirate, clenching his fists in helpless anger.
Lucius's reaction to the truth about Ilia's kidnapper.