When Psyches was set downe, all sorts of divine meats and wines were
brought in, not by any body, but as it were with a winde, for she saw
no person before her, but only heard voyces on every side. After that
all the services were brought to the table, one came in and sung
invisibly, another played on the harpe, but she saw no man. The harmony
of the Instruments did so greatly shrill in her eares, that though
there were no manner of person, yet seemed she in the midst of a
multitude of people.
All these pleasures finished, when night aproched Psyches went to bed,
and when she was layd, that the sweet sleep came upon her, she greatly
feared her virginity, because shee was alone. Then came her unknowne
husband and lay with her: and after that hee had made a perfect
consummation of the marriage, he rose in the morning before day, and
departed. Soone after came her invisible servants, and presented to her
such things as were necessary for her defloration. And thus she passed
forth a great while, and as it happeneth, the novelty of the things by
continuall custome did encrease her pleasure, but especially the sound
of the instruments was a comfort to her being alone.
During this time that Psyches was in this place of pleasures, her
father and mother did nothing but weepe and lament, and her two sisters
hearing of her most miserable fortune, came with great dolour and
sorrow to comfort and speake with her parents.
The night following, Psyches husband spake unto her (for she might
feele his eyes, his hands, and his ears) and sayd, O my sweet Spowse
and dear wife, fortune doth menace unto thee imminent danger, wherof I
wish thee greatly to beware: for know that thy sisters, thinking that
thou art dead, bee greatly troubled, and are coming to the mountain by
thy steps. Whose lamentations if thou fortune to heare, beware that
thou doe in no wise make answer, or looke up towards them, for if thou
doe thou shalt purchase to mee great sorrow, and to thyself utter
destruction. Psyches hearing her Husband, was contented to doe all
things as hee had commanded.
After that hee was departed and the night passed away, Psyches lamented
and lamented all the day following, thinking that now shee was past all
hopes of comfort, in that shee was closed within the walls of a prison,
deprived of humane conversation, and commaunded not to aid her
sorrowful Sisters, no nor once to see them. Thus she passed all the day
in weeping, and went to bed at night, without any refection of meat or
baine.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account