Apuleius, The Golden Ass, Psyché, Cupidon, sensuality, supplication, Latin literature, mythology, Cupid and Psyche, ancient Roman literature
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Abstract
Extract
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Abstract
A passage from Apuleius' fable of Psyché and Cupidon, where Psyche softens Cupid with words and sensuality, seeking to know his face through their child.
Extract
[...] With the enumeration of the beauties of Cupidon (hair, cheeks, chest) sensuality is highlighted and flattery is not far off. The view being forbidden, the senses of touch and of Private of the sight and of smell (cinnameos) are solicited. B - KNOW WITHOUT SEEING The apostrophe I hold you, my light produces a striking effect by its oxymoronic character. The physical contact comes to an end of the tenebrae. It's a way of saying she has given up on sight, replaced therefore by touch. [...]
[...] because of this. For a long time now, as far as I know, you have appreciated the proofs of my loyalty and discretion, and you will now have another proof no less great of the firmness of my soul. « 3 Command Zephyr, our wind, to come back to us again, and in its place, at least grant us a sight of the sisters, who have been denied the sacred image of yours. In this way command3 again You have only prescribed anew our Zephyr to our Zephyr, let it serve as a favor that he discharges his service and in turn and in return your image of your image sacred denied sacred refused give at least a view of the sisters. [...]
[...] The style of Apuleius shines through with the search for the striking formula. [...]
[...] devoted to you. By your hair that smells of cinnamon and falls in all directions, by your tender, smooth cheeks that resemble mine, by your burning chest with an unknown heat, may I at least recognize your features in this little child: bent by the pious prayers of a worried supplicant, grant me the fruit of a fraternal embrace and give life through joy to the soul of your beloved Psyche who is devoted to you. « 5I ask for nothing more in your face, now nothing can affect me, not even the night's darkness: I hold you, my light. [...]
[...] I hold you, my light. I no longer seek anything else in your face; from now on, the very darkness of night no longer embarrasses me: I possess you6, you, my light. « 6 ' Enchanted by his words and soft embraces, the husband promised to wipe away her tears with his own hair and immediately preceded the light of the rising day. » The enchanted husband Her charming husband his words and soft embraces by these words and these sweet caresses that detergents and wiping her tears the tears of this one are in her hair with her hair spoke promised if it will be made him to do in the future and prevents immediately and he devances it immediately light the light the born of the day born. [...]
