The Thrust of Her Alluring Tongue

Thence the human being rushes up through the cosmic framework, at the first zone surrendering the energy of increase and decrease; at the second evil machination, a device now inactive; at the third the illusion of longing, now inactive; at the fourth the ruler's arrogance, now freed of excess; at the fifth unholy presumption and daring recklessness; at the sixth the evil impulses that come from wealth, now inactive; and at the seventh zone the deceit that lies in ambush. And then, stripped of the effects of the cosmic framework, the human enters the region of the ogdoad; he has his own proper power, and along with the blessed he hymns the father. Those present there rejoice together in his presence, and, having become like his companions, he also hears certain powers that exist beyond the ogdoadic region and hymn god with sweet voice. They rise up to the father in order and surrender themselves to the powers, and, having become powers, they enter into god. This is the final good for those who have received knowledge: to be made god.

(Corpus Hermeticum I "Poimandres" xxv ff., as translated by Brian P. Copenhaver.)

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Nor was Mercury negligent in the performance of her commands; for, running every where, through all nations, he cried her in the following words: "IF ANY ONE CAN SEIZE IN HER FLIGHT, OR DISCOVER WHERE A FUGITIVE PRINCESS, A SERVANT OF VENUS, AND OF THE NAME OF PSYCHE, LIES CONCEALED, LET HIM OR HER BRING WORD TO MERCURY AT THE TEMPLE OF VENUS MURTIA, AND RECEIVE, AS A REWARD OF THE DISCOVERY, SEVEN SWEET KISSES FROM VENUS HERSELF, AND ONE MORE SWEETLY HONEYED BY THE THRUST OF HER ALLURING TONGUE."

(Apuleius, The Golden Ass VI, as translated by Thomas Taylor with edits by yours truly.)

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I always thought the reward of Venus for the capture of Psyche was cute, but I recently realized that it is actually brilliant and my estimation of Apuleius continues to increase. Psyche turned herself in and Venus (eventually) gave her the promised reward: sweet release from the dominion of the spheres of the seven planets and the more-honey-sweet-by-far contact with the eighth sphere of the fixed stars.