4. Gellius 15-25 Translation

introductus erat inter compluris ceteros ad pugnam bestiarum datus servus viri consularis; ei servo Androclus nomen fuit.

Among several others, the slave of a man who was an ex-consul had been brought in, assigned for the battle with the beasts; the name of this slave was Androclus.

hunc ille leo ubi vidit procul, repente" inquit " quasi admirans stetit ac deinde sensim atque placide tamquam noscitabundus ad hominem accedit.

When that lion saw him far away, suddenly’ he said, ‘it stopped as if in wonder and then gradually and peacefully, as if recognising him, it approached the man.

tum caudam more atque ritu adulantium canum clementer et blande movet hominisque se corpori adiungit cruraque eius et manus prope iam exanimati metu lingua leniter demulcet.

Then in the custom and manner of fawning dogs, it wagged its tail gently and pleasantly, attached itself to the man’s body and with its tongue gently licked the legs and hands of him who was now almost half dead with fear.’

homo Androclus inter illa tam atrocis ferae blandimenta amissum animum recuperat, paulatim oculos ad contuendum leonem refert.

‘The man, Androclus, during those caresses from such a fierce wild animal recovered his lost courage, (and) gradually turned his eyes to behold the lion.

tum quasi mutua recognitione facta laetos" inquit "et gratulabundos videres hominem et leonem."

Then as if mutual recognition had occurred,’ he said, ‘you could see the man and the lion happy and congratulating (each other).’