ile I did thus unfold my
sorrowes, and greatly bewail my fortune, behold I heard a great noyse
and cry at the dore, and in came the Magistrates and officers, who
commanded two sergeants to binde and leade me to prison, whereunto I was
willingly obedient, and as they led me through the street, all the City
gathered together and followed me, and although I looked always on the
ground for very shame, yet sometimes I cast my head aside and marvelled
greatly that among so many thousand people there was not one but laughed
exceedingly. Finally, when they had brought me through all the streets
of the city, in manner of those that go in procession, and do sacrifice
to mitigate the ire of the gods, they placed mee in the Judgement hall,
before the seat of the Judges: and after that the Crier had commanded
all men to keep silence, and people desired the Judges to give sentence
in the great Theatre, by reason of the great multitude that was there,
whereby they were in danger of stifling. And behold the prease of people
increased stil, some climed to the top of the house, some got upon the
beames, some upon the Images, and some thrust their heads through the
windowes, little regarding the dangers they were in, so they might see
me.

Then the officers brought mee forth openly into the middle of the hall,
that every man might behold me. And after that the Cryer had made a
noise, and willed all such that would bring any evidence against me,
should come forth, there stept out an old man with a glasse of water in
his hand, dropping out softly, who desired that hee might have liberty
to speake during the time of the continuance of the water. Which when it
was granted, he began his oration in this sort.

THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius was accused by an old man, and how he answered for
himselfe.

O most reverend and just Judges, the thing which I propose to declare to
you is no small matter, but toucheth the estate and tranquillity of this
whole City, and the punishment thereof may be a right good example to
others. Wherefore I pray you most venerable Fathers, to whom and every
one of whom it doth appertain, to provide for the dignity and safety of
the Commonweale, that you would in no wise suffer this wicked Homicide,
embrued with the bloud of so many murthered citisens, to escape
unpunished. And thinke you not that I am moved thereunto by envy or
hatred, but by reason of my office, in that I am captain of the night
Wat