PSYK

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Greek Name

Transliteration Psykh

PSYKHE (or Psyche) was the goddess of the soul, wife of Eros god of love.

She was once a mortal princess whose astounding beauty earned the ire of Aphrodite when men turned their worship from goddess to girl. Aphrodite commanded Eros make Psykhe fall in love with the most hideous of men, but the god himself fell in love with her and carried her away to his secret palace. However Eros hid his true identity, and commanded her never to look upon his face. Psykhe was eventually tricked by her jealous sisters into gazing upon the face of god, and he abandoned her. In her despair, she searched throughout the world for her lost love, and eventually came into the service of Aphrodite. The goddess commanded her perform a culminated in a journey to the Underwo with Eros and the couple wed in a cerem

Psykhe was depicted in ancient mosaics the company of her husband Eros. Some portrayed, the second perhaps being the PARENTS
Mortal parents (Apuleius 4.28)

OFFSPRING

HEDONE (by Eros) (Apuleius 6.24)

ENCYCLOPEDIA

PSYCHE (Psuch), that is, "breath" or " of antiquity, as a personification of th iv. 28, &c.) relates about her the f Psyche was the youngest of the thr excited by her beauty the jealousy avenge herself, the goddess ordered A for the most contemptible of all men : beauty that he himself fell in love with to some charming place, where he, u every night, and left her as soon as might have continued to have enjoyed happiness, if she had attended to the give way to her curiosity, or to inqu sisters made her believe that in the da some hideous monster, and according she approached him with a lamp, and, most handsome and lovely of the go fear, a drop of hot oil fell from her lam Amor, who censured her for her mistr was now gone all at once, and after h herself into a river, she wandered abou after her beloved, and at length came real sufferings began, for Venus retaine inmposed upon her the hardest and would have perished under the weight who still loved her in secret, invisibly labours. With his aid she at last succ and hatred of Venus; she became imm ever. It is not difficult to recognise in th is merely the mythical embodiment, f soul, which is purified by passions and for the enjoyment of true and pure ha represented as a maiden with the win in the different situations described in t

Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman

Apuleius, The Golden Ass 4. 28 - 6. 24 ( "In a certain city there lived a king and daughters. The two elder ones were ver to humans was thought sufficient for the youngest girl [Psyche, Psykhe] was so s poverty of human language could not de it. In consequence, many of her fellow-c on hearing the report of this matchless crowds. They were dumbstruck with adm

They would press their hands to their lip upright thumb, and revere her with dev other than Venus [Aphrodite] herself. Ru the nearest cities and bordering territori sprung from the dark-blue depths of the from the frothing waves was now bestow among random gatherings of common f rather than the sea was newly impregna sprouted forth a second Venus [Aphrodi virginity. This belief grew every day beyond meas widespread; it swept through the neighb the mainland and numerous provinces. and travelled over the deepest courses o eyes on this famed cynosure of their ag Cnidos, or even Cythera to catch sight o those places were postponed, shrines gr threadbare, rites went unperformed; the the altars were bare and grimy with cold entreated in prayer. People gazed on th appeasing the divine will of the mighty g emerged in the mornings, they sought f Venus with sacrificial victims and sacred her with wreaths and flowers to address way through the streets. Since divine ho excessive way to the worship of a morta [Aphrodite] was fiercely kindled. She co tossed her head, let out a deep growl, a Here am I, the ancient mother of the un elements, the Venus that tends the enti glory of my majesty with a mortal maid niche in heaven is degraded by the fouln to share with another the supplications vague adoration by proxy, allowing a m my double? What a waste of effort it wa justice and honesty won the approval of matchless beauty superior to that of tho whoever she is, is not going to enjoy ap mine; I shall soon ensure that she rues rights! She at once summoned her son [Eros], whose own bad habits show his disregar rampaging through people's houses at n arrows, undermining the marriages of a disgraceful behaviour, and nothing that nature made him excessively wanton, b mother's words. She took him along to t in the flesh (that was the girl's name). S their rivalry in beauty, and grumbling an added: I beg you by the bond of a moth wounds which your darts inflict and the of yours: ensure that your mother gets

harshly this girl's arrogant beauty. Be w which will compensate for all that has g seized with consuming passion for the lo humanity, for one who as the victim of F status, inheritance and security, a man world can he find an equal in wretchedn With these words she kissed her son lon Then she made for the nearest shore lap Psyche for all her striking beauty gained She was the object of all eyes, and her no king or prince or even commoner cou admired her godlike appearance, but th accorded to an exquisitely carved statue sisters had been betrothed to royal suito marriages, though their more modest be acclaim. But Psyche remained at home u loneliness. Sick in body and wounded at which the whole world admired. For this starred girl was a picture of misery, for hostile, and he feared their anger. He so ancient oracle of the Milesian god [Apoll sacrificial victims begged from that migh for that slighted maiden. Apollo, an Ioni Latin to accommodate the author of this king, for wedlock dread, and set her on all hope that one of mortal stock can be a fierce, barbaric, snake-like monster. H things smart, plaguing each moving thin [Zeus] himself must fearful be. The othe and rivers shudder, and the dark realms The king had formerly enjoyed a happy prophecy he returned him reluctant and the injunctions of that ominous oracle, a prevailed for several days. But now the loomed over them. Now they laid out th ill-starred girl with death; now the flame dimly beneath the sooty ashes, the high the plaintive Lydian mode, and the joyo mournful wailing. That bride-to-be dried Lamentation for the harsh fate of that a throughout the city, and a cessation of b reflected the public grief. But the warnings of heaven were to be o presence was demanded for her appoint grief the ritual of that marriage with dea populace escorted her living corpse as P marriage but her funeral. But when her monstrous misfortune, drew back from task, their daughter herself admonished you rack you sad old age with protracte your life's breath, which is dearer to me lamentations? Why do you disfigure tho

ineffectual tears? Why do you grieve my do you tear at your grey locks? Why do to me? What fine rewards my peerless b you experience the mortal wounds inflic those tears, that lamentations for me as awakened when nations and communitie honours, when with one voice they gree [Aphrodite]. Only now do I realize and s the title of Venus bestowed on me. Esco which fate has consigned me. I hasten t mine. Why should I postpone or shrink f for the destruction of the whole world? After this utterance the maiden fell silen attached herself to the escorting proces way to the appointed rock set on a lofty installed the girl on its peak, they all ab behind the marriage-torches which had doused with their tears, and with bent h The girl's unhappy parents, worn out by themselves in the gloom of their shutter themselves to a life of perpetual darkne But as Psyche wept in fear and tremblin Zephyrus' (the West Wind's) kindly bree hem of her dress this way and that, and gradually drew her aloft, and with tranq downward. She glided down in the boso valley below. In that soft and grassy arb the couch of the dew-laden turf. The gre had subsided, and she enjoyed pleasant enough to feel refreshed, she got up wit was a grove planed with towering, sprea with glassy waters. At the centre of the stream was a royal palace, the work not craftsmanship. You would know as soon viewing the birth and attractive retreat artistically panelled with citron-wood an columns. The entire walls were worked i cattle met the gaze of those who entere this silver into animal-forms was certain been a demigod or even a god. The floo pictures formed by mosaics of precious more than twice blessed are those whos The other areas of the dwelling too, in a incalculably costly. All the walls shimme gold, so that if the sun refused to shine, daylight. The rooms, the colonnade, the The other riches likewise reflected the s would be justified in thinking that this w mighty Jupiter [Zeus] when he was eng Psyche, enticed by the charming appear nearer, and as her assurance grew she the surpassing beauty of the scene enco

detail. Her eyes lit upon store-rooms bu house; they were crammed with abunda imaginable was missing, and what was e breath-taking abundance of such riches, house had no protection whatever by wa As she gazed on all this with the greates addressed her: Why, may lady, do you of wealth? All these things are yours. So weariness on your bed, and take a bath hear are those of your handmaidens, an needs. Once you have completed your t laid before you. Psyche felt a blessed assurance being be provision. She heeded the suggestions o taking a nap and then a bath to dispel h semicircular couch and table close at ha her to understand that all was set for he reclined there. Immediately wine was de plates of food were placed before her, b unsupported on a gust of wind. She cou heard words emerging from thin air: he voices. When she had enjoyed the rich f performed unseen, while another music likewise invisible. Then the harmonious ears, so that it was clear that a choral g person could be seen. The pleasant entertainment came to an induced Psyche to retire to bed. When t genial sound met her ears. Since the wa shuddered in her fear for her virginity, a presence more than any other menace. arrived and climbed into the bed. He ma departed before dawn broke. At once th chamber tended the new bride's violated over a long period and this new life in th delightful to Psyche as she grew accusto unidentified voice consoled her lonelines Meanwhile her parents were aging in un the news spread wider, her elder sisters sadness and grief they vied with each ot making straight for their parents, to see them. That night Psyche's husband (he was inv and hear him) said to her: Sweetest Ps Fortuna [Tykhe, Fortune] grows more sa mortal danger. I charge you: show grea worried at the rumour that you are dead this rock to search for traces of you. Sh of grief, you are not to respond, or even you will cause me the most painful afflic yourself. Psyche consented and promised to follow

when he had vanished in company with the whole day crying and beating her br all was up with her, for here she was co prison, bereft of conversation with huma even to offer consoling relief to her siste allowed even to catch a glimpse of them relaxation made her feel better, and she At that moment her husband came to be She was still weeping, and as he embra Is this how the promise you made me h What is your husband to expect or to ho torturing your self night and day, even w husband and wife. Very well, have it you bound inclination. But when you begin t sober warning which I gave you. Then Psyche with prayers and threats o husband to yield to her longing to see h he also allowed her to present them wit jewellery she chose. But he kept deterri from being ever induced by the baleful p her husband's appearance. She must no tumble headlong from the lofty height o thereafter his embrace. She thanked her husband, and with spir rather die a hundred times than forgo th with you. For I love and cherish you pas much as my own life, and I value you hi But one further concession I beg for my Zephyrus (the West Wind) spirit my sist wafted me down. She pressed seductive kisses on him, w snuggled close to soften him. She added my honey-sweet, darling husband, light Her husband unwillingly gave way befor impassioned whispers, and promised to drew near, he vanished from his wife's e

Z31.1 PSYCHE, EROS

Z31.2 PSYCHE, EROS

"Psyche's sisters enquired about the loc

been abandoned, and they quickly made their eyes out and beat their breasts un equally loudly with their repeating lame conjure up their sister by summoning he of their wailing voices permeated down rushed frantically and fearfully from the torture yourselves to no purpose with yo am, the object of your mourning. So cea last dry those cheeks which are wet with hug close the sister for whom you griev She then summoned Zephyrus, and rem instruction. He speedily obeyed the com down safely on the gentlest of breezes. and delightedly exchanged eager kisses welled forth again, prompted by their jo spirits, said Psyche, you must enter my company of your Psyche gladden your h Following these words, she showed them golden house, and let them hear the voi allowed them the rich pleasure of a luxu served by her ghostly maids. But when copious abundance of riches clearly best harbour deep-seated envy in their heart nagging curiosity about the owner of tho identity and status of her husband. Psyc any way disobey or disregard her husba impromptu story that he was a handsom just darkening with a soft beard, and wh the hills of the countryside. But she was slip of the tongue her silent resolve by c weighed her sisters down with gold arte summoned Zephyrus, and entrusted the This was carried out at once, and those way home. They were now gnawed with repeatedly exchanged loud-voiced comp Fortuna [Tykhe, Fortune], how blind an your pleasure that we, daughters of the different a fate? Here we are, her elder maidservants to foreign husbands, banis native land, living like exiles far from ou youngest and last offspring of our moth this wealth, and a god for a husband! Sh enjoy such abundant blessings. Did you quality of the precious stones lying in th the sparkling jewels, the gold lying bene house? If she has as handsome a husba in the whole world is more blessed. Perh and their love grows stronger, her god-h well. That's how things are, mark my wo and graces! She's now so high and migh those voices serving her needs, and Win Whereas my life's a hell; to begin with,

father. He's balder than an onion as wel infant. And he keeps our house barricad The other took up the grumbling. I hav and bent with rheumatism, so that he ca once in a blue moon. I spent almost all are twisted and hard as flint, and burnin reeking poultices, filthy bandages, and s nursing attendant, not a dutiful wife. Yo how patiently or--let me express myself to bear the situation; I can't brook any l undeserving girl falling on her feet like t haughtily she treated us, how swollen-h boasting and her immodest vulgar displ a few trinkets from that mass of riches, thrown out, whisked away, sent off with presence tedious! As sure as I'm a wom I'm going to propel her headlong off tha way she's treated us has needled you as we must work out an effective plan toge in our possession to our parents or anyo the slightest awareness that she's alive. witnessed the sorry situation ourselves, glad news to our parents and the whole fortunate if no one knows of their riches sisters, not maid-servants. So let us now homes, which may be poor but are hone matter deeper thought, we must go bac arrogance. The two wicked sisters approved this wi those most valuable gifts. They tore the scratching they deserved, and feigned r summoned tears depressed their parent match that of their daughters, and then rushed of to their homes, planning their assassination of their innocent sister. Meanwhile Psyche's unknown husband i counselled her with these words: Are yo overhangs you? Fortuna is aiming her d unless you take the most stringent prec you hand to hand. Those traitorous bitch wicked traps for you. Above al, they are into my appearance, and as I have often will be your last. So if those depraved w their destructive designs, and I am sure a single word with them, or at any rate heartedness cannot bear that, you are n word about your husband. Soon we sha yet tiny womb of yours is carrying for us conceal our secret in silence, that child he will be mortal. Psyche was aglow with delight at the ne prospect of a divine child, she exulted in

would bring her, she rejoiced at the tho mother. She eagerly counted the mount and as a novice bearing an unknown bu pinprick of a moment could cause such womb. But now those baneful, most abhorrent hastening on their impious way aborad s poison. It was then that Psyche's husba her: This is the day of crisis, the mome troublesome members of your sex, thos have now seized their arms, struck cam sounded the trumpet-note. Your impiou and are aiming at your jugular. The cala direful, dearest Psyche. Take pity on you control to deliver your house and your h child of ours from the unhappy disaster eyes on, or open your ears to, these fem call your sisters because of their deadly which they have trodden underfoot their Sireni they lean out over the crag, and m death-dealing cries! Psyche's response was muffled with tea you had proof of my trustworthiness and too my resolution will likewise win your provide his services again, and allow me consolation for your unwillingness to let beg you by these locks of yours which w all round your head, by your cheeks as your breast which diffuses its hidden he features as reflected at least in this our prayers of this careworn suppliant, and sisters' embraces. Then you will give fre own devoted and dedicated dear one. I the very darkness of the night is not opp to which I cling. Her husband was bewitched with these away her tears with his curls, promised departed before dawn broke. The conspiratorial pair of sisters did not breakneck speed they made straight fro and without waiting for the presence of themselves down with impudent rashne Zephyrus, somewhat unwillingly recallin them in the bosom of his favouring bree earth. Without hesitation they at once m the house, and counterfeiting the name prey. With joyful expressions they cloak they treasured within them, and flattere Psyche, you are no longer the little girl imagine what a blessing you bear in tha you will bring to our whole family! How rearing this prince of infants! If he is as

not?--he is sure to be a thorough Cupid With this pretence of affection they grad sister's heart. As soon as they had reste weariness of the journey, and had steep Psyche served them in the dining-room delightful meal of meats and savouries. string-music came forth; she ordered pi were heard; she bade choirs to sing, an soothed their spirits with the sweetest t human person stood before them. But t softened or lulled even by that music so conversation towards the deceitful snare began to enquire innocently about the s of life of her husband. Then Psyche's ex her earlier version, and she concocted a husband was a business-man from an a middle-aged, with streaks of grey in his moment longer in such talk, but again lo and ushered them back to their carriage But as they returned home, after Zephy borne them aloft, they exchanged abusi are no words, sister, to describe the out Previously her husband was a young fel sprout with woolly growth, but now he's shining grey hair: What a prodigy he mu brought on old age abruptly, and has ch sure, sister, that this noxious female is not know what her husband is like. Wha must be parted from those riches of her know what her husband looks like, she m and its is a god she's got for us in that w if she becomes a celebrity as the mothe forbid--I'll put a rope round my neck an then, let us go back to our parents and we concocted a first. In this impassioned state they greeted t a restless night those despicable sisters They threw themselves down through th his usual protection. They squeezed the and greeted the girl with these guileful w and in happy ignorance of your grim situ danger, we in our watchful zeal for your with sadness for your misfortunes. We k your painful plight we cannot hide it from lies unseen with you at night. It creeps coils; its neck is blood-stained, and ooze jaws lie gaping open. You must surely re its chant that you were doomed to wed farms, local huntsmen, and a number of returning to its lair at night after seekin shallows of a river close by. All of them maintain that the beast will

by providing you with enticing food, and filled out and your pregnancy comes to which you will then offer. In view of this you ware willing to side with your sister which is so dear to their hearts, and to l escape from death, or whether you pref that fiercest of beasts. However, if you o haunt inhabited only by voices, preferrin of furtive love in the embrace of this ven your devoted sisters will have done our Poor Psyche, simple and innocent as she these grim tidings. She lost her head, an recollection of all her husband's warning launched herself into the abyss of disast blood drained from her face, she barely and stammered out this reply to them. Dearest sisters, you have acted rightly devoted duty, and as for those who mak think that they are telling lies. It is true husband's face, and I have no knowledg form. I merely attend at night to the wo with no knowledge of what he is like, fo day. Your judgement is just that he is so you. He constantly and emphatically wa looks like, and threatens me with great his features. So if at this moment you ca in her hour of danger, you must come to indifference to the future will tarnish the concern. Those female criminals had now made t and had occupied the mind of their siste from beneath the mantlet of their batter advanced on the terrified thoughts of th them said to her: Our family ties compe safety, to disregard any danger whatsoe shall inform you of the one way by whic has exercised us for so long. You must w your softened palm, and when it is quite where you usually lie. Then fill a well-tri shining brightly, conceal it beneath the have purposefully secreted this equipme husband ploughs his furrow, and enters Then, when he has stretched out and sle enfold him, as soon as he starts the stea sleep, you must slip off the couch. In yo mincing steps forward, and remove the darkness. Then take your cue from the perform your own shining deed. Grasp t raise high your right hand, and then wit sever the knot which joins the neck and You will not act without our help, for we attendance, and as soon as you have en

shall fly to your side. All these riches he all speed, and then we shall arrange an being with human being. Their sister was already quite feverish w set her heart ablaze. At once they left h wicked crime made them fear greatly fo thrust of the winged Breeze bore them u fled in precipitate haste. Without delay t cast off. But Psyche, now left alone, except that [Erinyes, Furies] was no solitude, tossed sea. Though her plan was formed and h faltered in uncertainty of purpose as she torn between the many impulses of her she temperized; her daring turned more and to cap everything she loathed the b though they were one and the same. Bu darkness, so with headlong haste she pr heinous crime. Night fell, and her husba skirmished in the warfare of love, he fel Then Psyche, though enfeebled in both lent her by fate's harsh decree. She unc and showed a boldness that belied her s brought near, and the secrets of the cou beasts the gentlest and sweetest, Cupid lying in a handsome posture. Even the l brightened on sighting him, and the raz sacrilegious sharpness. As for Psyche, s wonderful vision, and she lost all her se with enervation; her knees buckled, and plunging it into her own breast. Indeed, but the steel showed its fear of committ out of her rash grasp. But as in her wea repeatedly on the beauty of that divine was restored. She beheld on his golden ambrosia; his neatly pinned ringlets stra rosy cheeks, some dangling in front and sheen made even the lamplight flicker. dewy wings gleamed white with flashing motionless, the soft and fragile feathers motion and sported restlessly. The rest was such that Venus [Aphrodite] would acknowledge him as her son. At the foo and arrows, the kindly weapons of that As Psyche trained her gaze insatiably an her husband's weapons, in the course o drew out an arrow from the quiver, and thumb. But because her arm was still tr the result that it pricked too deeply, and bedewed the surface of the skin. So all u Psyche fell in love with Amor [Eros, Lov desire for the god of desire. She gazed d

she passionately smothered him with wa feared that he might stir in his sleep. Bu pounded on being roused by such strikin drop of burning oil from the tip of its fla it could have been nefarious treachery, desire, so to say, to touch and kiss that lamp, Amor's (Love's) worthless servant possesses all fire, though doubtless you ensure that he might possess for longer desire? The god started up on being bur and that his trust was defiled. Without a the kisses and embrace of his most unh But Psyche seized his right leg with both She made a pitiable appendage as he so and dangling in company with him as th finally she slipped down to earth exhaus ground, her divine lover did not leave he tree, and from its summit spoke in cons Poor, ingenuous Psyche, I disregarded m when she commanded that you be yoke meanest of men, and that you be then s marriages. Instead, I preferred to swoop admit that my behaviour was not judicio myself with my own weapon, and made should regard me as a wild beast, and c with it the eyes that dote on you! I urge devotedly always to be on your guard a before long those fine counsellors of you their heinous instructions, whereas for y my departure. As he finished speaking, he soared aloft position on the ground Psyche watched eyes allowed, and she tortured her hear But once the sculling of his wings had re had disappeared into the distance, she h the bank of a river close by. But that kin pay homage to the god who often scorc his person he at once cast her ashore on and set her on its grassy bank. The rust that moment on the brow of the stream in his arms, and teaching her to repeat by the bank nanny-goats were sporting river-foliage here and there. The goat-s calamity that had befallen Psyche. He ca and weary as she was, and soothed her You are an elegant girl, and I am a rust years give me the benefit of considerabl correct--sages actually call such guessw your stumbling and frequently wanderin complexion and continual sighs, and not that you are suffering grievous love-pain hearken to me: do not seek gain to dest

headlong or by seeking any other mean lay aside your sadness, and instead dire [Eros], greatest of gods, and by your ca of that wanton and extravagant youth. Psyche made no reply to this advice from paid reverential homage to his divine pe After wandering with weary steps for a c a certain path led her all unknowing to t of her sisters had his realm. Psyche reco arrival be announced to her sister. She had greeted and embraced each other, come. Psyche began to explain. You recall tha persuaded me to take a two-edged razo lie with me falsely claiming to be my hu devouring my poor self with his greedy but when the lamp which conspired with face, the vision I beheld was astonishing of the goddess Venus [Aphrodite], I me peacefully sleeping there. I exulted at th confused by the sense of overwhelming frustration at being unable to enjoy rela dreadful mischance shed a drop of burn pain caused him to start from his sleep, steel and the flame, he said: "This is a d Leave my bed this instant, and take you shall now take your sister"--at this poin "in solemn marriage." At once he then o outside the bounds of his estate. Psyche had not yet finished speaking wh and destructive envy, swung into action deceive her husband, pretending that sh she at once boarded ship, and then mad the wrong wind was blowing, her eagern she said: Take me, Cupidos, as your wo mistress aboard! She then took a prodigious leap downwa she reach that abode for her limbs boun fragmented. Her insides were torn out, a ready meal to birds and beasts. The s long delayed. Psyche resumed her wand where her other sister similarly dwelt. S deception, and in her eagerness to supp they had befouled, she hastened to the in the same way. While Psyche was at this time visiting on concentrated search for Cupidos [Eros], mothers chamber, racked by the pain o then the tern, the white bird which wing plunged swiftly into the deep bosom of o [Aphrodite] conveniently there as the go perched beside her, and told her that he

was lying in considerable pain from the result the entire household of Venus wa and rebuke on the lips of people everyw Cupidos was relaxing with a leady of eas that Venus herself was idly swimming in pleasure and favour and elegance had d unkempt, rustic, uncouth. There were n between friends, none of the love which boundless squalor, of unsavoury tedium gossip which that garrulous and prying b tearing her sons reputation to shreds. Venus was absolutely livid. She burst ou a girl-friend, has he? Come on, then tell only one who serves me with affection. innocent, beardless boy? Is it one of tha Horae (Seasons), or one of the band of servant Gratiae (Graces)? The garrulou said: I do not know, mistress; I think th heels in love with a girl by the name of rightly. Then Venus in a rage bawled out at the true that he is in love with that Psyche w pretends to my name? That son of mine a procuress, when I pointed the girl out acquaintance. As she grumbled she made haste to qui golden chamber. There she found her so from the doorway she bellowed out as lo state of affairs, just what one would exp decent man like you! First of all you tram your mother--or I should say your empl my personal enemy with a vile love-liais boy of tender years, you hugged her clo embraces! You wanted me to have to co in-law! You take too much for granted, y seducer! You think of yourself as my on I'm now too old to bear another. Just re far better than you. In fact I'll rub your my young slaves, and make him a prese yours, the bow and arrows, and all the r did not entrust to you to be misused like you out came from your father's estate. Ever sine you were a baby you have be with your hands. You show no respect to after time. Even me your own mother y many's the time you've cuffed me. You I were a widow, and you haven't an oun bravest and greatest of warriors. And w of supplying him with girls, to cause me rivals. But now I'll make you sorry for th you find your marriage sour and bitter. But what am I to do, now that I'm beco

shall I go, how shall I curb in this scoun of my enemy Sobrietate (Sobriety, Tem me through this fellow's loose living? Th that unsophisticated, hideous female giv despise the consolation of gaining reven absolutely the only one to be given the discipline on this rascal. She must empt unstring his bow, extinguish his torch, a correction. Only when she has sheared o brushed them shining like gold with my wings, which I have steeped in my own regard the insult dealt to me as expiated These were her words. Then she bustled passionate rage. At that moment Ceres up with her. When they observed her re she was cloaking the rich charm of her r You have come, she answered, at a tim for I am seething inside. I ask you to se fickle runaway of mine called Psyche. I'm concerning my household, and the beha mine, have not passed you by. They kn and they south to assuage Venus' raging your son's peccadillo has caused you to unrelenting way, and also to desire to d harm is there, we should like to know, i turned-out girl? Don't you realize that h are you forgetting his age? Just because strike you as a perpetual boy? You are a that. Are you always going to pry nosily condemn his wanton ways, censure his and pleasures as practised by your hand person on earth will bear with your scat throughout the world, when you sourly own house, and you close down the man which is made available to all? This was how the two goddesses sucked favour, though he was absent, by taking arrows. But Venus was affronted that th treated so lightly. She cut the tow of the stalked quickly off to the sea. Meanwhile Psyche in her random wande sought day and night to trace her husba all the more eager, in spite of his anger endearments, or at any rate to appease She spied a temple perched on the peak Perhaps this is where my lord dwells? S and though her feet were utterly weary hope and aspiration quickened them. Sh stout heart, and drew close to the sacre wheat in a heap, and others woven into well. There were sickles lying there, and implements, but they were in a jumbled

carelessly by workmen's hands, as happ carefully sorted them out and ordered th reflected that she should not neglect the rather implore the kindly spirit of each a Kindly Ceres [Demeter] sighted her as s these offerings, and at once she cried ou Psyche! Venus [Aphrodite] is in a rage, your traces all over the globe. She has m punishment, and is using all the resourc vengeance. And here you are, looking to intent on anything but your own safety! Then Psyche grovelled at the goddess's stream of tears. She swept the ground w [Demeter's] favour with a litany of pray the harvest ceremonies which assure ple your baskets and the winged courses of furrows in your Sicilian soil, by Proserpin lightless marriage, and by your daughte by all else which the shrine of Attic Eleu lend aid to this soul of Psyche which is d you. Allow me to lurk hidden here amon few days, until the great goddess's ragin time, or at any rate till my strength, wh toil, is assuaged by a period of rest. Ceres [Demeter] answered her: Your te and I am keen to help you, but I cannot maintain long-standing ties of friendship relative, she is also a fine woman. So yo and count it a blessing that I have not a So Psyche, in suffering this reverse to h double grief. As she retraced her steps, in the valley below an elegantly built sh means, however uncertain, which gave her eagerness to seek the favour of any close to its sacred portals. There she ob ribbons inscribed with gold letters pinne the doorposts. These attested the name dedicated, together with thanks for favo knees, and with her hands she grasped sacrifice. She wiped away her tears, and Hera]: Sister and spouse of mighty Jup your ancient shrine at Samos, which alo your infant cries, and your nurture; or w abode in lofty Carthage, which worships sky on a lion's back; or whether you gua by the banks of the river-god Inachus, w Thunderer and as queen of all goddesse as the yoking goddess, and whom all th [goddess of childbirth], be for me in my [Hera] Sospita (the Saviour), and free m weariness from exhausting toils. I am to unsolicited aid to pregnant women in da

As she prayed like this, Juno [Hera] at o venerable majesty of her divinity. There Believe me, I only wish that I could cro But shame prevents me from opposing t daughter-in-law whom I have always lov a second obstacle--the legislation which slaves belonging to others, if their owne Psyche was aghast at this second shipw meet up with her elusive husband, she a and had recourse to her own counsel. W harness to meet my desperate plight? E however well-disposed has been of no a in a noose as tight as this, where can I m what dark corner can I hide, to escape t Venus? Why don't you show a manly sp idle hope? Why don't you surrender you and soften her savage onslaught by sho however late in the day? You never kno long search in her house. This was how she steeled herself for the obedience or rather for her certain destr the opening lines of the plea she was to Venus [Aphrodite] now despaired of a su means, and she made for heaven. She o prepared; Vulcanus [Hephaistos] had lo to it with elaborate workmanship, and h present before her initiation into marria had made the metal gleam; the coach's had lost. Four white doves emerged from their mistress's chamber. As they strutt dappled necks from side to side. They s They took their mistress aboard and del Sparrows sported with the combined din the carriage of the goddess, and the oth songsters, announced the goddess's app of their honeyed tunes. The clouds parte admitted his daughter; the topmost reg goddess, and the tuneful retinue of mig with eagles or of plundering hawks. She at once made for the royal citadel o tones sought the urgent use of the serv Mercurius [Hermes]. Jupiter's lowering b happily quitted heaven at once with Mer spoke seriously to him: My brother from your sister Venus has never had any suc attendance, and you are well aware for trace my maid who lies in hiding. So I h you as herald make a public proclamatio down. So you must hasten to do my bid marks by which she can be recognized, unlawfully concealing her, he cannot def ignorance.

With these words she handed him a she other details. Then she at once retired h Mercurius [Hermes] did not fail to obey appearing before gatherings of every co performed the duty of making proclama her flight the runaway daughter of the k called Psyche, or indicate her hidden wh herald Mercurius behind the metae Muri reward from Venus herself seven sweet one imparted with the thrust of her care Longing for this great reward aroused e everywhere when Mercurius made the p this above all ended Psyche's hesitation mistress's door, a member of Venus's [A Consueto (Habit) confronted her, and at voice: Most wicked of all servants, have you have a mistress? Or are you, in kee insolent behaviour, still pretending to be we have endured in searching for you? H fallen into my hands rather than anyone the claws of Orcus [Haides], and believe your gross impudence without delay. She then laid a presumptuous hand on P in unresisting. As soon as she was ushe gaze, the goddess uttered the sort of ex furious rage. She wagged her head, scra so you have finally condescended to gre Or is the purpose of this visit rather to s danger from the wound which you inflict shall welcome you as a good mother-inWhere are my maids Sollicito (Melancho They were called in, and the goddess co torture. They obeyed their mistress's ins tortured her with other implements, and mistress's presence. Venus renewed her said. With that appealing swelling in he sorry for her. I suppose she intends to m that famed offspring; how lucky I am, in the prospect of being hailed as a grandm maidservant called Venus's grandson! B calling him a son, for the wedding was n status. Besides, ti took place in a countr without a father's consent, so it cannot therefore be born a bastard--if we allow all! Saying this, she flew at Psyche, ripped h made her brains rattle, and pummelled some wheat, barley, millet, poppyseed, mingled them together in an indiscrimin such an ugly maidservant that I think th by devoted attendance, so I'll see myse this mixed heap of seeds, and arrange t

piles. Finish the work before tonight, an Having set before her this enormous pile wedding-dinner. Psyche did not lay a fin was impossible to separate. She was dis imposed on her, and stood in stupefied familiar to us all got wind of her great p god's consort, and cursed the vindictive Then it scurried about, energetically sum army of resident ants: have pity, noble universal mother; have pity, and with e refined girl, who is Amor's [Eros'] wife. sespedalian tribe swept in; with the utm divided out the heap grain by grain, and their different kinds, they swiftly vanish As night fell, Venus returned from the w perfumed with balsam, her whole body she observed the astonishing care with she said: This is not your work, you fou accomplished it are not yours, but his w little good it's done you, or him either! bread, and cleared off to bed. Meanwhile Cupidos [Eros] was alone, clo single room at the back of the house. Th not aggravate his wound by wanton mis would not meet his dear one. So the lov were kept apart from each other, and w night. But as soon as Aurora's [Eos the summoned Psyche, and spoke to her lik flanked by the river which flows by it, it and its low-lying bushes abutting on the wandering and grazing unguarded, and of pure gold, I order you to go there ate obtain and bring back to me a tuft of wo Psyche made her way there without relu carrying out this task. She wanted to se throwing herself headlong from a cliff ab stretch of stream one of the green reeds divinely inspired by the gentle sound of this prophecy: Psyche, even though you not pollute my waters by a most wretch the fearsome sheep at this hour of the s the burning heat of the sun and charge sharp horns, their rock-hard heads, and they wreak savage destruction on huma noon have quelled the sun's heat, and t the calming influence of the river-breeze yourself under that very tall plane-tree, do myself. Then, as soon as the sheep r grows gentle, you must shake the foliag you will find golden wool clinging here a This was how the reed, endowed with h kindness, told Psyche in her extremity h

disregard this careful instruction and su every detail, and the theft was easily ac substance of yellow gold in her dress, an the hazard endured in this second trial w acknowledgement from her mistress at smiled harshly, and said: I know quite w adulterer. But no I shall try you out in e endowed with brave spirit and unique ci lofty mountain-peak, perched above a d livid waters of a dark spring come tumb the basin of he neighbouring valley, wat feed the hoarse streams of the Cocytus? back in this small jug some icy water dr point, where it gushes out from within. Handing Psyche a vessel shaped from cr with still harsher threats. Psyche made for the topmost peak with determined there at least to put an end the moment she neared the vicinity of t became aware of the lethal difficulty pos huge size towered above her, hard to ne of its rugged surface. From its stony jaw which issued directly from a vertical clef was similarly described by the Greek ge glided downward, and being concealed i which it had carved out, it made its hidd From the hollow rocks on the right and l extending their long necks, their eyes u maintaining unceasing vigil. The waters defence, for they had the power of spee cry out Clear off! or Watch what you're Lookout!, or Cut and run!, or You won the situation turned Psyche to stone. Sh senses deserted her. She was utterly do inescapable danger; she could not even of tears. But the privations of this innocent soul d benevolent Providentia (Providence). Su royal bird appeared with both wings out bird of prey who recalled his service of l [Eros'] guidance he had borne the Phryg Jupiter [Zeus]. The bird now lent timely Cupidos's power to aid his wife in her or of high heaven, flew down before the gi You are in all respects an ingenuous sou such as this, so how can you hope to be this most sacred and unfriendly stream, Rumour at any rate, as you know, ahs i object of fear to the gods and to Jupiter mortals swear by the gods' divine powe by the majesty of the Styx. So here, ha he grabbed it, and hastened to fill it wit

drooping wings, he used them as oars o between the serpents' jaws with their m darting of their tongues. He gathered so reluctance and its warning to him to dep falsely claimed the Venus had ordered h acting in her service, which made it a lit So Psyche joyously took the filled jug an Even so, she was unable to conciliate th flashed a menacing smile as she addres monstrous ill-treatment: Now indeed I and lofty powers, for you have carried o such as these. But you will have to unde girl. Take this box (she handled it over) the funereal dwelling of Orcus [Haides] [Persephone], and say: "Venus [Aphrod supply of your beauty-preparation, enou has been tending her sick son, and has him." Make your way back with it as ear doll myself up so as to attend the Deitie Then Psyche came to the full realization for her. All pretence was at an end; she driven to her immediate doom. It could being forced to journey on foot of her ow shades below. She lingered no longer, b intending to throw herself headlong from the direct and most glorious route down suddenly burst into speech, and said: P end to yourself by throwing yourself dow surrender before this, your final hazardo sundered fro0m your body, you will cert Tartarus without the possibility of a retu Listen to me. Sparta, the famed Achaea its borders you must look for Taenarus, region. Dis [Haides] has his breathing-v through open gates to the track which n crossed the threshold and committed yo lead you directly to Orcus' very palace. that dark region altogether empty-hand cakes baked in sweet wine, and have be you are well advanced on your infernal j carrying a load of logs, with a driver like him some sticks which have slipped from silence without uttering a word. Immedi lifeless river [Akheron] over which Char demands the fare, and when he receive stitched-up craft over to the further sho greed enjoys its life; even that great go Dis [Haides], does not do anything for n death must find his fare, and no one wil has his copper ready.) You must allow t fare one of the coins you are to carry, b mouth with his own hand. Then again, a

and old man now dead will float up to yo will beg you to drag him into the boat; b sense of pity, for that is not permitted. When you have crossed the river and h aged women weaving at the loom will b time. But you are not permitted to touch many other distractions are part of the a induce you to release one of the cakes f that the loss of a mere barley cake is a either of them, the daylight of this world Posted there is a massive hound with a monstrous, fearsome brute confronts th though his menaces are futile since he c constant guard before the very threshol [Persephone], protecting that deserted disarm him by offering him a cake as hi him, and gain immediate access to Pros you in genial and kindly fashion, and sh cushioned seat beside her and enjoy a r the ground, ask for course bread, and e you have come. When you have obtaine make your way back, using the remainin savagery. Then you must give the greed have held back, and once again across t earlier steps and return to the harmony injunctions I urge you particularly to ob to pry into the box that you will carry, n the treasure of divine beauty hidden wit This was how that far-sighted tower per immediately sped to Taenarus, and havi cakes she hastened down the path to Ha driver without a word, handed the fare t crossing, ignored the entreaty of the de disregarded the crafty pleas of the weav quell his fearsome rage, and gained acc [Persephone]. Psyche declined the soft c by her hostess; she perched on the grou with plain bread. She then reported her The box was at once filled and closed ou She quietened the dog's barking by disa offered her remaining coin to the ferrym out of Hades. But once she was back in reverently hailed it, her mind was domin her eagerness to see th e end of her serv be carrying this beauty-lotion fit for deit for myself, for with this at any rate I can The words were scarcely out of her mou inside there was no beauty-lotion or any Hades, a truly Stygian sleep. As soon as laid bare, it attacked her and pervaded hold of her, so that she fell prostrate on She lay there motionless, no more anim

But Cupidos was now recovering , for hi longer bear Psyche's long separation fro high-set window of the chamber which w refreshed after their period of rest, so h reach his Psyche. Carefully wiping the s former lodging in the box. Then he rous of his arrow. Poor, dear Psyche, he exc curiosity might have been your undoing task imposed on you by my mother's co After saying this, her lover rose lightly o to bear Proserpina's [Persephone's] gift Meanwhile Cupidos, devoured by overpo face, feared the sudden arrival of his mo reverted to his former role and rose to h a suppliant posture he laid his case befo took Cupidos's little cheek between his f hand to his lips and kissed it, and then s have never shown me the deference gra keep piercing this heart of mine, which the changing motion of the stars, with c blackened it with repeated impulses of e and reputation by involving me in despi the laws--the lex Julia itself--and public smiling countenance into grisly shapes o cattle. Yet in spite of all this, I shall obs recalling that you were reared in these a all that you ask, as long as you know ho and if at this moment there is on earth a long as you can recompense me with he After saying this, he ordered Mercurius at once to an assembly, and to declare t convocation of heavenly citizens would b sesterces. The theatre of heaven at onc sanction. Towering Jupiter [Zeus], seate proclamation: You gods whose names a Musae, you all surely know this young fe hands. I have decided that the hot-head need to be reined in; he has been the su to-day gossip on account of his adulterie We must deprive him of all opportunitie shackled with the chains of marriage. H her of her virginity, so he must have an his embrace and enjoy his dear one eve Then he turned to address Venus [Aphro not harbour any resentment. Have no fe distinction in this marriage to a mortal, and in keeping with the civil law, and no social status. There and then he ordered that Psyche heaven through Mercurius's agency. He said : Take this, Psyche, and become im from your embrace; this marriage of yo

At once a lavish wedding-feast was laid. couch of honour, with Psyche in his lap. with Juno [Hera], and all the other deiti a cup of nectar, the gods' wine, was ser personal cup-bearer [Ganymedes], that others by Bacchus [Dionysos]. Vulcanus the Horae (Seasons) brightened the sce the Gratiae (Graces) diffused balsam, an present, sand in harmony. Apollo sang t took to the floor to the strains of sweet had organized the performance so that Satyrus played the flute, and a Paniscus pipes. This was how with due ceremony at full term a daughter was born to them [Hedone]."

Sources:
o Apuleius, The Golden Ass

- Latin Ep

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