The Works of Apuleius - Comprising the Metamorphoses, or Golden Ass, the God of Socrates, the Florida, and His Defence, or a Discourse on Magic #221337

I had occasion to visit Thessaly on business; for it was there that our origin on the maternal side was derived, in the first place, from the celebrated Plutarch}? And afterwards from his grandson, Sextus, the philosopher, a thing which reflects so much honour upon us. I had travelled over lofty mountains, slippery valleys, dewy turf, and thick-clodded plains, being mounted on a milk-white horse of that country; and as he was now much fatigued, I jumped upon my feet, in order that I too might shake off the numbness of my limbs by walking; then carefully wiped the sweat from my horse with a handful of leaves, 1 stroked his ears, threw the reins over his head, and walked him along at a gentle pace, until the Usual functions of nature had relieved his weariness.