4
This, however, was a subterfuge. I had the greatest desire to remain there and search out one of the women versed in sorcery, and see some of their marvellous exhibitions—a human being with wings, or turned into stone; and I surrendered myself to my passion for such a sight, and strolled about the town with no idea how to begin the search, but strolling nevertheless. While I was thus employed I saw a woman approaching, young still and well to do, as far as I could judge from a casual meeting. She was dressed in bright stuffs, had a number of attendants, and displayed an extravagance of gold. When I came nearer, the lady greeted me and I returned the salutation. "My name is Abroia," she said. “You may have heard your mother speak of me as a friend. You, her children, are as dear to me as my own. Why, then, my child, do you not come to me as my guest?" "Thank you very much," said I, "but I should be ashamed to desert a friendly man's house when I have no fault to find with him. But as far as my inclination is concerned, dear madam, I would lodge with you." "Where do you lodge, then?" she asked. "With Hipparchos." "The miser?" cried she. "Don't call him that, madam," said I. "He has entertained me brilliantly and generously. Actually, you might accuse him of extravagance." But the lady smiled, and, taking me by the hand, led me apart and said to me: "Pray, be on your guard in every way against Hipparchos's wife, for she is a powerful sorceress. She casts a longing eye on all young men, and if one of them rejects her advances she revenges herself on him by her arts. Many a one has she turned into an animal, and many a one destroyed outright. You, my child, are handsome as well as young, so that you find favor with women at once ; and you are a stranger, so that there is no danger in dealing with you."
