Gito and I laid our heads together, and he was as willing as my self to be gone; for Tryphoena having drawn him dry, began now not to be so fond of him.  Early the next morning therefore we march’d to sea-ward, where with the less difficulty we got on board the ship, because we were no strangers to Lycas’s servants then in wait upon her:  They still honouring us with their company, it was not a time to filch any thing; but, leaving Gito with them, I took an opportunity of getting into the stern, where the image of Isis stood, and strip’d her of a rich mantle, and silver taber, lifting other good booty out of the master’s cabin, I stole down by a rope, unseen by any but Gito; who also gave them the slip and sculk’d after me.

As soon as I saw him I shew’d him the purchase, and both of us resolv’d to make what haste we could to Ascyltos, but Lycurgus’s house was not to be reach’d the same day:  When we came to Ascyltos we shew’d him the prize, and told him in short the manner of getting it, and how we were made a meer may-game of love:  He advis’d us to prepossess Lycurgus with our case, and make him our friend ere the others could see him; and withal boldly assert it, that the trick Lycas would have served them, was the only cause why they stole away so hastily; which when Lycurgus came to understand, he swore he would at all times protect us against our enemies.

Our fight was unknown till Tryphoena and Doris were got out of bed; for we daily attended their levy, and waited on them while they were dressing; but, when contrary to custom they found us missing, Lycas tent after us, and especially to the sea-side, for he had heard we made that way, but not a word of the pillage, for the ship lay somewhat to sea-ward, and the master had not yet return’d on board.

But at last it being taken for granted we had run away, and Lycas becoming uneasie for want of us, fell desperately foul on his wife, whom he suppos’d to be the cause of our departure:  I’ll take no notice of what words and blows past between them; I know not every particular:  I’ll only say, Tryphoena, the mother of mischief, had put Lycas in the head, that it might so be, we had taken sanctuary at Lycurgus’s, where she persuaded him to go in quest of the runnagates, and promis’d to bear him company, that she might confound our impudence with just reproaches.

The next day they accordingly set forward, and came to his house; but we were out of the way:  For Lycurgus was gone to a festival in honour of Hercules, held at a neighbouring village, and had taken us with him, of which when the others were inform’d, they made what haste they could to us, and met us in the portico of the temple.  The sight of them very much disordered us:  Lycas eagerly complained of our flight to Lycurgus, but was received with such a bended brow, and so haughty a look, that I grew valiant upon’t, and with an open throat charg’d him with his beastly attempts upon me, as well at Lycurgus’s as in his own house; and Tryphoena endeavouring to stop my mouth, had her share with him, for I set out her harlotry to the mob, who were got about us to hear the scolding:  And as a proof of what I said, I shew’d them poor sapless Gito, and my self also, whom that itch of the whore had even brought to our graves.