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Petronius Arbiter, 20-66

"The Satyricon of Petronius Arbiter"


By this I understood he was inform'd of my affairs; and that some one
had been in pursuit of me; upon which I ask't my Gito whether any body
was to enquire for me. "Not this day," said he, "but yesterday there
came a very pretty woman, who, when she had tir'd me with a long
sifting discourse; at last told me you deserv'd to be punisht, and
shou'd as a slave, if you longer complain'd."
This so sensibly touch'd me, that I began afresh to reproach fortune:
Nor had I done, e're Chrysis came in, and wildly throwing her arms
about me: "Now," said she, "I'll hold my wish, you're my love, my joy;
nor may you think to quench this flame, but by a more close embrace."
I was much disturb'd at Chrysis's wantonness, and gave her fair
language, to get rid of her; for I was very apprehensive of the danger
of Eumolpus's hearing it, since his good fortune had made him so
proud. I did therefore what I could to appease her rage; I dissembl'd
love, whisper'd soft things, and in short manag'd it so like a lover,
that she believ'd me one. I made her understand in what danger we
both were, if she shou'd be found with me in that place, and that our
lord Eumolpus punisht the least offence. Upon which she immediately
made out, and the more hastily, because she saw Gito returning, who
had left me a little before she came.
She was scarce out, when on a sudden one of the slaves came to me, and
told me that our lord so highly resented my two days absence, that
unless, as he advised me, I invented a good excuse to allay his heat,
I shou'd certainly be punish'd.


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