Satyricon, vol 4, Escape by Sea | Page 3

warped into landlocked
harbors, nor would it appear probable that my brother could have been
taken so desperately in so short a time. And then, Lycas will be sure to
want to visit a sick passenger, as part of his duties! You can see for
yourselves what a fine stroke it would be, bringing the captain to his
own runaways! But, supposing that the ship could be put off her course,
supposing that Lycas did not hold sick-call, how could we leave the
ship in such a manner as not to be stared at by all the rest? With
muffled heads? With bare? If muffled, who would not want to lend the
sick man a hand? If bare, what would it mean if not proscribing
ourselves?"

CHAPTER THE

ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND.
"Why would it not be better to take refuge in boldness," I asked, "slide
down a rope into the ship's boat, cut the painter, and leave the rest to
luck'? And furthermore, I would not involve Eumolpus in this
adventure, for what is the good of getting an innocent man into troubles
with which he has no concern? I shall be well content if chance helps
us into the boat." "Not a bad scheme," Eumolpus agreed, "if it could
only be carried out: but who could help seeing you when you start?
Especially the man at the helm, who stands watch all night long and
observes even the motions of the stars. But it could be done in spite of
that, when he dozed off for a second, that is, if you chose some other
part of the ship from which to start: as it is, it must be the stern, you
must even slip down the rudder itself, for that is where the painter that
holds the boat in tow is made fast. And there is still something else,
Encolpius. I am surprised that it has not occurred to you that one sailor
is on watch, lying in the boat, night and day. You couldn't get rid of
that watchman except by cutting his throat or throwing him overboard
by force. Consult your own courage as to whether that can be done or
not. And as far as my coming with you is concerned, I shirk no danger
which holds out any hopes of success, but to throw away life without a
reason, as if it were a thing of no moment, is something which I do not
believe that even you would sanction see what you think of this? I will
wrap you up in two hide baggage covers, tie you up with thongs, and
stow you among my clothing, as baggage, leaving the ends somewhat
open, of course, so you can breathe and get your food. Then I will raise
a hue and cry because my slaves have thrown themselves into the sea,
fearing worse punishment; and when the ship makes port, I will carry
you out as baggage without exciting the slightest suspicion!" "Oh! So
you would bundle us up like we were solid," I sneered; "our bellies
wouldn't make trouble for us, of course, and we'll never sneeze nor
snore! And all because a similar trick turned out successfully before!
Think the matter over! Being tied up could be endured for one day, but
suppose it might have to be for longer? What if we should be becalmed?
What if we were struck by a storm from the wrong quarter of the
heavens? What could we do then? Even clothes will cut through at the
wrinkles when they are tied up too long, and paper in bundles will lose
its shape. Do you imagine that we, who are young and unused to

hardship, could endure the filthy rags and lashings necessary to such an
operation, as statues do? No! That's settled! Some other road to safety
must be found! I have thought up a scheme, see what you think of it!
Eumolpus is a man of letters. He will have ink about him, of course.
With this remedy, then, let's change our complexions, from hair to
toe-nails! Then, in the guise of Ethiopian slaves, we shall be ready at
hand to wait upon you, light-hearted as having escaped the torturer, and,
with our altered complexions, we can impose upon our enemies!" "Yes,
indeed," sneered Giton, "and be sure and circumcise us, too, so we will
be taken for Jews, pierce our ears so we will look like Arabs, chalk our
faces so that Gaul will take us for her own sons; as if color alone could
change one's figure! As if many other details did not require
consideration if a passable imposture is to result! Even granting that the
stained face can keep its color for some time, suppose that not a drop of