Chapter XXXVIII: Of an Astrologer Called Melisus, Who Was Reprimanded by a Woman

There was one named Melisus [77] who was exceedingly learned in many sciences and especially in astrology, as can be read in the sixth book of De Civitate Dei [78].

And it is said that this wise man once passed the night in the house of a poor woman.

When he went to his rest in the evening, he said to the woman: look you, woman, leave the house door open to-night, for I am accustomed to get up and study the stars.

The woman left the door open.

That night it rained, and before the house there was a ditch filled with water.

When the wise man rose, he fell into it. He began to cry for help. The woman asked: what is the matter? He answered: I have fallen into a ditch. Oh you poor fellow, said the woman, you gaze up at the sky and cannot mind your feet.

The woman got up and helped him, for he was perishing in a little ditch of water from absentmindedness. [79]