The Satyricon — Volume 03: Encolpius and His Companions
The Satyricon — Volume 03: Encolpius and His Companions
Translated by Firebaugh W. C.
The Satyricon, written by Petronius Arbiter in the 1st century AD, is a seminal work of ancient Roman literature and is considered the first realistic novel. This volume focuses on the tumultuous relationships of Encolpius, Giton, and Ascyltos, exploring themes of betrayal, jealousy, and desire amidst a backdrop of societal decadence. P.G. Walsh's translation captures the original's spirit, offering insights into the narrative's satirical commentary on the era's moral decline. The work is notable for its blend of eroticism, humor, and social critique, marking it as a precursor to the picaresque genre.
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“Can't you see that I'm only advising you to beg yourself not to be so dumb?””
— Petronius Arbiter
“Nothing is falser than people's preconceptions and ready-made opinions; nothing is sillier than their sham morality...””
— Petronius Arbiter
“Everyone will find what he's looking for. Nothing pleases everyone: this man gathers thorns, that one roses.””
— Petronius Arbiter
“I said everything that a painful swelling in one's libido tells one to say.””
— Petronius Arbiter
“No man on earth may look on forbidden things as you have done and escape punishment. Especially here, a land so infested with divinity that one might meet a god more easily than a man.””
— Petronius Arbiter
“utres inflati ambulamus. minoris quam muscae sumus, muscae tamen aliquam uirtutem habent, nos non pluris sumus quam bullae.””
— Petronius Arbiter
“After all, I was once like you are, but being the right sort I got where I am.””
— Petronius Arbiter
“Wine there! Wine and dice! Tomorrow's fears shall fools alone benumb! By the ear Death pulls me. 'Live!' he whispers softly, 'Live! I come.””
— Petronius Arbiter
“The trader trusts his fortune to the sea and takes his gains, The warrior, for his deeds, is girt with gold;The wily sycophant lies drunk on purple counterpanes, Young wives must pay debauchees or they're cold.But solitary, shivering, in tatters Genius stands Invoking a neglected art, for succor at its hands.””
— Petronius Arbiter
