The Golden Ass
Apuleius

And while I reflect with myself on the insolence of my companions and meditate vengeance on my perfidious horse, when, on the following day, I should become Lucius again by the assistance of roses, I beheld a resemblance of the Goddess Epona, placed in an excavation or niche, in the middle of a pillar, which, also having a middle situation, supported the beams of the stable. This image was carefully adorned with garlands of roses, which had been recently gathered. At length, therefore, recognising my salutary aid, I boldly rise, precipitately borne along with hope, making all the exertion I could, with my fore feet extended, and stretching out my neck, and very much advancing my lips, I most strenuously endeavoured to snatch the garlands. While, however, I was endeavouring to accomplish this, my boy, to whose care my horse had always been committed, suddenly beholding me, indignantly arose and said, How long shall we endure this vile ass, who, a little before, was hostile to the food of the labouring beasts, and now attacks even the statues of the Gods?

SOURCE
Apuleius. The Golden Ass. ed. & trans. Thomas Taylor. London: W.J. Cosby, 1822.