It may seem anti-climax to turn from the _True History_ to Lucian’s other romance, the _Metamorphoses_, for the second exists only in an epitome by another hand. Since however this epitome is included in all the best manuscripts and has been proved conclusively by B. E. Perry to be a condensation of an original _Metamorphoses_ by Lucian on the basis of spirit, vocabulary, syntax and phraseology, we must try to form some idea of this other romance.[355] As the _True History_ is a satire of travellers’ tales, this epitome, _Lucius or Ass_, is primarily a satire of magic and magic rites. Just as in the _True History_ not only epic poets and historians were parodied, but philosophers came in for their share of ironic comment, so in _Lucius or Ass_ satire is directed not merely against magicians, but also against corrupt priests and frail women. The satire is of the earth, earthy, very near the folk-story from which it may have originated. _Lucius or Ass_ is Everyman in his credulity, gullibility and bestiality. The only heroines in his murky world are a witch-woman and a corrupt maid. This epitome has two great values: it gives us some idea of Lucian’s lost _Metamorphoses_, and hence affords a basis for comparison with Apuleius’ great Latin novel _Metamorphoses_. It will prove convenient I hope, to have a rather full outline presented here in English for purposes of discussion and comparison. This Greek _Lucius or Ass_ like the _True History_ is written in the first person, but Lucius of Patrae, the hero, not the author, is the narrator. In my brief résumé, I have found it clearer to write Lucius’ account in the third person. Once upon a time on a journey to Thessaly Lucius inquires of some fellow travellers whereabouts in the city of Hypata a man named Hipparchus lives, for he is carrying a letter of introduction to him. On his arrival he stays at Hipparchus’ house. Only his wife and a maid Palaestra lived with him. On his host’s inquiring the object of his travels, Lucius says he is on his way to Larissa. He conceals the fact that he is searching for women who deal in magic. While walking around the city, he meets an old friend of his mother named Abroea, who warns him against the wife of Hipparchus because she is a witch. Lucius, delighted with this news, returns to Hipparchus’ house and in the absence of his host and hostess makes love to Palaestra with the purpose of persuading the maid to acquaint him with her mistress’ magic powers. At the close of a night of revel, Lucius persuades Palaestra to show him her mistress at her magic rites.