downhearted and embarrassed, against the wall. You could see that he did
not serve of his own free will. Then, that I might assure myself that I
saw aright, "Take pity on me, brother," he cried, turning towards me a
face lighted up with joy, "there are no arms here, I can speak freely
take me away from that bloody robber, and punish your penitent judge as
severely as you like. To have perished, should you wish it, will be a
consolation great enough in my misery!" Fearing some one might overhear
our plans, I bade him hush his complaints and, leaving Eumolpus behind
--for he was reciting a poem in the bath--I pull Giton down a dark and
dirty passage, after me, and fly with all speed to my lodgings. Arriving
there, I slam the door shut, embrace him convulsively, and press my face
against his which is all wet with tears. For a long time, neither of us
could find his voice, and as for the lad, his shapely bosom was heaving
continuously with choking sobs. "Oh the disgraceful inconsistency of it
all," I cried, "for I love you still, although you abandoned me, and no
scar from that gaping wound is left upon this breast! What can you say
that will justify you in yielding your love to a stranger? Did I merit
such an affront'?" He held his head higher when he found that he was
loved.

For one to love, and at the same time, blame,
That were a labor Hercules to tame!
Conflicting passions yield in Cupid's name.

("And furthermore," I went on), "I was not the one that laid the cause of
our love before another judge, but I will complain no more, I will
remember nothing, if you will prove your penitence by keeping faith."
He wiped his face upon his mantle, while I poured out these words, with
groans and tears. "Encolpius," said he, "I beseech you, I appeal to your
honest recollection, did I leave you, or did you throw me over? For my