Thais. I thought I heard the Captain’s voice: and see!
Good-day, my Thraso!
Thra. Oh my Thais, welcome!
How does my sweeting?—are you fond of me
For sending you that music-girl?
Par. Oh brave!
He sets out nobly!
Thais. For your worth I love you.
Gnat. Come, let’s to supper? why do you delay?
Par. Mark t’other! he’s a chip of the old block.
Thais. I’m ready when you please.
Par. I’ll up to her,
And seem as if but now come forth.—Ha! Thais,
Where are you gadding?
Thais. Well met, Parmeno!
I was just going——
Par. Whither?
Thais. Don’t you see
The Captain?
Par. Yes, I see him—to my sorrow.
The presents from my master wait your pleasure.
Thra. Why do we stop thus? wherefore go not hence? (Angrily.)
Par. Beseech you, Captain, let us, with your leave,
Produce our presents, treat, and parley with her!
Thra. Fine gifts, I warrant you, compar’d with mine!
Par. They’ll answer for themselves—Ho, there! within!
Order the slaves, I told you, to come forth.
Par. They’ll answer for themselves—Holo, there! order
The slaves, I told you, to come forth.—Here, this way!
Enter a Black Girl.
This way! do you stand forward!—This girl, ma’am,
Comes quite from Æthiopia.
Thra. Worth three Minæ.
Do you stand forward!—This girl, ma’am, comes quite
From Ethiopia.
Thra. Worth about three Minæ.
Gnat. Scarce.
Par. Ho! where are you, Dorus?—Oh, come hither!
Enter Chærea in the Eunuch’s habit.
An Eunuch, Madam! of a lib’ral air,
And in his prime!
Thais. Now as I live, he’s handsome!
Par. What say you, Gnatho? Is he despicable?
Or, Captain, what say you?—Dumb?—Praise sufficient;
Try him in letters, exercises, music:
In all the arts, a gentleman should know,
I’ll warrant him accomplish’d.
Thra. Troth, that Eunuch
Is well enough.
Par. And he, who sends these presents,
Requires you not to live for him alone,
And for his sake to shut out all mankind:
Nor does he tell his battles, show his wounds,
Or shackle your free will, as some folks do.
Looking at Thraso.
But when ’twill not be troublesome, or when
You’ve leisure, in due season, he’s content
If then he is admitted.
Thra. This poor fellow
Seems to belong to a poor wretched master.
Gnat. Beyond all doubt; for who that could obtain
Another, would endure a slave like this?
Par. Peace, wretch, that art below the meanest slave!
You that could bring your mind so very low,
As to cry aye and no at yon fool’s bidding,
I’m sure, might get your bread out o’the fire.
Thra. Why don’t we go? (Impatiently.)
Thais. Let me but introduce
Thais. Let me but carry in
These first, and give some orders in the house,
And I’ll attend you.
Exit with Chærea, and the Ethiopian.
Thra. I’ll depart from hence.
Gnatho, wait you for her!
Par. It ill beseems
The dignity of a renown’d commander,
T’ escort his mistress in the street.
Thra. Away,
Slave! you’re beneath my notice—like your master.
Exit Parmeno.
Gnat. Ha! ha! ha! ha!
Thra. What moves your laughter, Gnatho?
Gnat. Your speech but now: and then the Rhodian came
Thra. What moves your laughter?
Gnat. That
You said just now: and then the Rhodian came
Across my mind.——But Thais comes.
Thra. Go run,
And see that ev’ry thing’s prepar’d at home!
Gnat. It shall be done.
Exit.
Thais (entering with Pythias). Take care now, Pythias,
Great care, if Chremes come, to press him stay;
Or, if that’s inconvenient, to return:
If that’s impossible, then bring him to me!
Pyth. I’ll do so.
Thais. Hold! what else had I to say?
Take care, be sure, of yonder virgin! see,
You keep at home.
Thra. Let’s go.
Thais. Girls, follow me!
Exit, attended by Servants and Thraso.
SCENE III.
Chremes alone.
In truth the more and more I think, the more
I am convinc’d that Thais means me ill:
So plain I see her arts to draw me in.
Ev’n when she first invited me, (and when
Had any ask’d, What business have you there?
The question would have stagger’d me,) she fram’d
Sev’ral excuses to detain me there.
Said she had made a sacrifice, and had
Affairs of consequence to settle with me.
—Oho! thought I immediately, I smell
A trick upon me!—down she sat, behav’d
Familiarly, and tried to beat about
For conversation. Being at a loss,
She ask’d, how long my parents had been dead?
—I told her, long time since:—on which she ask’d,
Whether I had a country-house at Sunium?
—And how far from the sea?—I half believe
She likes my villa, and would wheedle me
To give it her.—Her final questions were,
If I ne’er lost a little sister thence?
—Who was miss’d with her?—what she had when lost?
—If there was any body capable
Of recollecting her?—Why all these questions?
Unless perhaps she means,—a saucy baggage!—
To play the counterfeit, and feign herself
That sister, who was lost so long ago?
But she, if living, is about sixteen;
Not more: and Thais older than myself.
She sent beside to press me earnestly
To visit her again.—Or, let her say
What she would have; or, trouble me no more!
I’ll not return a third time.—Ho! who’s there?
Here am I! Chremes!
If any one could know her? Why should Thais
Demand all this, unless,—a saucy baggage!——
She means to play the counterfeit, and feign
Herself that sister?—but if she’s alive,
She is about sixteen, not more; Thais
Is elder than myself.—She sent beside
To beg I’d come again.—Or, let her say
What she would have; or, not be troublesome!
I’ll not return a third time.—Ho! who’s there?
Here am I! Chremes!
SCENE IV.
Enter Pythias.
Pyth. Oh, sweet, charming, Sir!
Chre. A coaxing hussy!
Pyth. Thais begs and prays
You’d come again to-morrow.
Chre. I am going
Into the country.
Pyth. Nay, now prithee come?
Chre. I can’t, I tell you.
Pyth. Walk in, then, and stay
Till she returns herself.
Chre. Not I.
Pyth. And why,
Dear Chremes?
Chre. Off, you saucy slut!
Chre. Go, and hang yourself!
Pyth. Well, Sir,
Since you’re so positive, shall I entreat you
To go to her?
Chre. I will.
Pyth. Here, Dorias! (A maid-servant enters.)
Conduct this gentleman to Captain Thraso’s.
Pythias re-enters.—Chremes goes out another way with Dorias.
SCENE V.
Antipho alone.
But yesterday a knot of us young fellows
Assembled at Piræus, and agreed
To club together for a feast to-day.
Chærea had charge of all; the rings were given,
And time and place appointed.—The time’s past;
No entertainment’s at the place; and Chærea
Is no where to be met with.—For my part,
I’m quite to seek in this; and what to say,
Or guess, I know not.—Yet the company
Have all commission’d me to find him out.
I’ll see if he’s at home;—but who comes here
From Thais?—Is it he, or no?—’Tis he.——
—What manner of man’s here?—what habit’s that?
—What mischief is the meaning of all this?
I’m all astonishment, and can not guess.
But I’ll withdraw a while, and try to learn.
Is nowhere to be found.—I can’t tell what
To think on’t.—Yet the rest of my companions
Have all commission’d me to seek him out.
I’ll see if he’s at home;—but who comes here
From Thais?—Is it he, or no?—’Tis he.——
—What manner of man’s here?—what habit’s that?
—What mischief has the rogue been at? I’m all
Astonishment, and can not guess.—But I’ll
Withdraw a while, and try to find it out. (Retires.)
SCENE VI.
Enter Chærea, in the Eunuch’s habit.
Chær. (looking about). Is any body here?—No, nobody.
Does any follow me?—No, nobody.
May I then let my ecstasy break forth!
O Jupiter! ’tis now the very time,
When I could suffer to be put to death,
Lest not another transport like to this,
Remain in life to come.—But is there not
Some curious impertinent to come
Across me now, and murder me with questions?
—To ask, why I’m so flutter’d? why so joyful?
Whither I’m going? whence I came? from whence
Whither I’m going? whence I came? and where
I got this habit? what I’m looking after?
Whether I’m in my senses? or stark mad?
Anti. I’ll go myself, and do that kindness to him.
Chærea, (advancing,) what’s all this flutter? what’s this dress?
What is’t transports you? what d’ye want? art mad?
Why do ye start at me? and why not speak?
Chær. O happy, happy day!—Save you, dear friend!
There’s not a man on earth I’d rather see
This moment than yourself.
Anti. Come, tell me all!
Chær. Tell you! I will beseech you give me hearing.
D’ye know my brother’s mistress here?
Anti. I do:
Thais, I think.
Chær. The same.
Anti. I recollect.
Anti. Yes: Thais,
Or I’m deceiv’d.
Chær. The same.
Anti. I do remember.
Chær. To-day a girl was sent a present to her.
Why need I speak or praise her beauty now
To you, that know me, and my taste so well?
She set me all on fire.
Anti. Is she so handsome?
Chær. Most exquisite: Oh, had you but once seen her,
You would pronounce her, I am confident,
The first of womankind.—But in a word,
The first of womankind.—But to be brief,
I fell in love with her.—By great good luck
There was at home an Eunuch, which my brother
Had bought for Thais, but not yet sent thither.
—I had a gentle hint from Parmeno,
Which I seiz’d greedily.
Anti. And what was that?
Chær. Peace, and I’ll tell you.—To change dresses with him,
And order Parmeno to carry me
Instead of him.
Anti. How? for an Eunuch, you?
Chær. E’en so.
Anti. What good could you derive from that?
Chær. What good!—why, see, and hear, and be with her
I languish’d for, my Antipho!—was that
An idle reason, or a trivial good?
—To Thais I’m deliver’d; she receives me,
And carries me with joy into her house;
Commits the charming girl——
Anti. To whom?——to you?
Chær. To me.
Anti. In special hands, I must confess.
Chær.—Enjoins me to permit no man come near her;
Nor to depart, myself, one instant from her;
But in an inner chamber to remain
Alone with her alone. I nod, and look
Bashfully on the ground.
Anti. Poor simple soul!
Chær. I am bid forth, says she; and carries off
All her maid-servants with her, save some few
Raw novices, who straight prepar’d the bath.
I bade them haste; and while it was preparing,
In a retiring-room the Virgin sat;
Viewing a picture, where the tale was drawn
Of Jove’s descending in a golden show’r
To Danaë’s bosom.——I beheld it too,
And because he of old the like game play’d,
I felt my mind exult the more within me,
That Jove should change himself into a man,
And steal in secret through a stranger-roof,
With a mere woman to intrigue.—Great Jove,
Who shakes the highest heav’ns with his thunder!
And I, poor mortal man, not do the same!——
I did it, and with all my heart I did it.
—While thoughts, like these, possess’d my soul, they call’d
The girl to bathe. She goes, bathes, then returns:
Which done, the servants put her into bed.
I stand to wait their orders. Up comes one,
“Here, harkye, Dorus! take this fan and mark
You cool her gently thus, while we go bathe.
When we have bath’d, you, if you please, bathe too,”
I, with a sober air, receive the fan.
Anti. Then would I fain have seen your simple face!
I should have been delighted to behold
How like an ass you look’d, and held the fan.
Chær. Scarce had she spoke, when all rush’d out o’ doors;
Away they go to bathe; grow full of noise,
As servants use, when masters are abroad.
Meanwhile sleep seiz’d the virgin: I, by stealth,
Peep’d through the fan-sticks thus; then looking round,
And seeing all was safe, made fast the door.
Anti. What then?
Chær. What then, fool!
Anti. I confess.
Chær. D’ye think,
Bless’d with an opportunity like this,
So short, so wish’d for, yet so unexpected,
I’d let it slip? No. Then I’d been, indeed,
The thing I counterfeited.
Anti. Very true.
But what’s become of our club-supper?
Chær. Ready.
Anti. An honest fellow! where? at your own house?
Chær. At Freeman Discus’s.
Anti. A great way off.
Chær. Then we must make more haste.
Anti. But change your dress.
Chær. Where can I change it? I’m distress’d. From home
I must play truant, lest I meet my brother.
My father too, perhaps, is come to town.
Anti. Come to my house then! that’s the nearest place
Anti. Come then to my house! that’s the nearest place
Where you may shift.
Chær. With all my heart! let’s go!
And at the same time, I’ll consult with you
How to enjoy this dear girl.
Anti. Be it so.
ACT THE FOURTH.
SCENE I.
Enter Dorias, with a Casket.
Dorias. Now, as I hope for mercy, I’m afraid,
From what I’ve seen, lest yonder swaggerer
Make some disturbance, or do violence
To Thais. For as soon as Chremes came,
(Chremes, the youth that’s brother to the virgin,)
She beg’d of Thraso, he might be admitted.
(The youth that’s brother to the virgin,) she
Beseech’d of Thraso he might be admitted.
This piqu’d him; yet he durst not well refuse.
She, fearing Chremes should not be detain’d,
Till she had time and opportunity
To tell him all she wish’d about his sister,
Urg’d Thraso more and more to ask him in.
The Captain coldly asks him; down he sat;
And Thais enter’d into chat with him.
The Captain, fancying a rival brought
Before his face, resolv’d to vex her too:
“Here, boy,” said he, “let Pamphila be call’d
To entertain us!”—“Pamphila!” cries Thais;
“She at a banquet?—No it must not be.”——
Thraso insisting on’t, a broil ensued:
On which my mistress slyly slipping off
Her jewels, gave them me to bear away;
Which is, I know, a certain sign, she will,
As soon as possible, sneak off herself. Exit.)
SCENE II.
Enter Phædria.
Phæd. Going into the country, I began
(As happens when the mind is ill at ease)
To ponder with myself upon the road,
Tossing from thought to thought, and viewing all
In the worst light. While thus I ruminate,
I pass unconsciously my country-house,
And had got far beyond, ere I perceiv’d it.
I turn’d about, but with a heavy heart;
And soon as to the very spot I came
Where the roads part, I stop. Then paus’d a while:
“Alas! thought I, and must I here remain
Two days? alone: without her?—Well! what then?
That’s nothing.—What, is’t nothing?—If I’ve not
The privilege to touch her, shall I not
Behold her neither?—If one may not be,
At least the other shall.—And certainly
Love, in its last degree, is something still.”
—Then I, on purpose, pass’d the house.—But see!
Pythias breaks forth affrighted.—What means this?
SCENE III.
Enter Pythias and Dorias; Phædria at a distance.
Pyth. Where shall I find, unhappy that I am,
Where seek this rascal-slave?—this slave, that durst
To do a deed like this?—Undone! undone!
Phæd. What this may be, I dread.
Pyth. And then the villain,
After he had abused the virgin, tore
The poor girl’s clothes, and dragg’d her by the hair.
Phæd. How’s this!
Pyth. Who, were he now within my reach,
How could I fly upon the vagabond,
And tear the villain’s eyes out with my nails?
Phæd. What tumult’s this, arisen in my absence?
I’ll go and ask her.— (Going up.) What’s the matter, Pythias?
Why thus disturb’d? and whom is it you seek?
Pyth. Whom do I seek? Away, Sir Phædria!
You and your gifts together!
Phæd. What’s the matter?
Pyth. The matter, Sir! the Eunuch, that you sent us,
Has made fine work here! the young virgin, whom
The Captain gave my mistress, he has ravish’d.
Phæd. Ravish’d? How say you?
Pyth. Ruin’d, and undone!
Phæd. You’re drunk.
Pyth. Would those who wish me ill were so!
Dori. Ah Pythias! what strange prodigy is this?
Phæd. You’re mad: how could an Eunuch——
Pyth. I don’t know
Or who, or what he was.—What he has done,
The thing itself declares.——The virgin weeps,
Nor, when you ask what ails her, dare she tell.
But he, good man, is nowhere to be found:
And I fear too, that when he stole away,
He carried something off.
Phæd. I can’t conceive
Whither the rascal can have flown, unless
He to our house, perhaps, slunk back again.
Pyth. See now, I pray you, if he has.
Phæd. I will.
Exit.
Dori. Good lack! so strange a thing I never heard.
Pyth. I’ve heard, that they lov’d women mightily
But could do nothing; yet I never thought on’t:
For if I had, I’d have confin’d him close
In some by-place, nor trusted the girl to him.
SCENE IV.
Re-enter Phædria, with Dorus the Eunuch, in Chærea’s clothes.
Phæd. Out, rascal, out!—What are you resty, Sirrah?
Out, thou vile bargain!
Dor. Dear Sir! (Crying.)
Phæd. See the wretch!
What a wry mouth he makes!—Come, what’s the meaning
Of your returning? and your change of dress?
What answer, Sirrah!—If I had delay’d
A minute longer, Pythias, I had miss’d him,
He was equipp’d so bravely for his flight.
Pyth. What, have you got the rogue?
Phæd. I warrant you.
Pyth. Well done! well done!
Dori. Aye, marry, very well.
Pyth. Where is he?
Phæd. Don’t you see him?
Pyth. See him? whom?
Phæd. This fellow, to be sure.
Pyth. This man! who is he?
Phæd. He that was carried to your house to-day.
Pyth. None of our people ever laid their eyes
Upon this fellow, Phædria!
Phæd. Never saw him?
Pyth. Why, did you think this fellow had been brought
To us?
Phæd. Yes, surely; for I had no other.
Pyth. Oh dear! this fellow’s not to be compar’d
To t’other.—He was elegant, and handsome.
Phæd. Aye, so he might appear a while ago,
Because he had gay clothes on: now he seems
Ugly, because he’s stripped.
Pyth. Nay, prithee, peace!
As if the diff’rence was so very small!——
The youth conducted to our house to-day,
’Twould do you good to cast your eyes on, Phædria:
This is a drowsy, wither’d, weasel-fac’d,
Old fellow.
Phæd. How?——you drive me to that pass,
That I scarce know what I have done myself.
—Did not I buy you, rascal? (To Dorus.)
Dor. Yes, Sir.
Pyth. Order him
To answer me.
Phæd. Well, question him.
Pyth. (to Dorus). Was you
Brought here to-day? (Shakes his head.) See there! Not he. It was
Another, a young lad, about sixteen,
Whom Parmeno brought with him.
Phæd. (to Dorus). Speak to me!
First tell me, whence had you that coat? What, dumb?
I’ll make you speak, you villain? (Beating him.)
Dor. Chærea came—— (Crying.)
Phæd. My brother?
Dor. Yes, Sir!
Phæd. When?
Dor. To-day.
Phæd. How long since?
Dor. Just now.
Phæd. With whom?
Dor. With Parmeno.
Phæd. Did you
Know him before?
Dor. No, Sir; nor e’er heard of him.
Phæd. How did you know he was my brother then?
Phæd. How did you know then that he was my brother?
Dor. Parmeno told me so; and Chærea
Gave me these clothes——
Phæd. Confusion! (Aside.)
Dor. Put on mine;
And then they both went out o’ doors together.
Pyth. Now, Sir, do you believe that I am sober?
Now do you think, I’ve told no lie? And now
Are you convinc’d the girl has been abus’d!
Phæd. Away, fool! d’ye believe what this wretch says?
Pyth. What signifies belief?—It speaks itself.
Phæd. (apart to Dorus). Come this way—hark ye!——further still.——Enough.
Tell me once more.——Did Chærea strip you?
Dor. Yes.
Phæd. And put your clothes on?
Dor. Yes, Sir!
Phæd. And was brought
In your stead hither?
Dor. Yes.
Phæd. Great Jupiter! (Pretending to be in a passion with him.)
What a most wicked scoundrel’s this?
Pyth. Alas!
Don’t you believe, then, we’ve been vilely us’d?
Phæd. No wonder if you credit what he says.
I don’t know what to do. (Aside.)—Here, harkye, Sirrah!
Deny it all again. (Apart to Dorus.)—What! can’t I beat
The truth out of you, rascal?—have you seen
My brother Chærea? (Aloud, and beating him.)
Dor. No, Sir! (Crying.)
Phæd. So! I see
He won’t confess without a beating.—This way! (Apart.) Now
He owns it; now denies it.—Ask my pardon! (Apart.)
Dor. Beseech you, Sir, forgive me!
Phæd. Get you gone. (Kicking him.)
Oh me! oh dear!
Exit, howling.
Phæd. (aside). I had no other way
To come off handsomely.—We’re all undone.
—D’ye think to play your tricks on me, you rascal?
Aloud, and Exit after Dorus.
SCENE V.
Manent Pythias and Dorias.
Pyth. As sure as I’m alive, this is a trick
Of Parmeno’s.
Dori. No doubt on’t.
Pyth. I’ll devise
Some means to-day to fit him for’t.—But now
What would you have me do?
Dori. About the girl!
Pyth. Aye; shall I tell; or keep the matter secret?
Dori. Troth, if you’re wise you know not what you know,
Nor of the Eunuch, nor the ravishment:
So shall you clear yourself of all this trouble,
And do a kindness to our mistress too.
Say nothing, but that Dorus is gone off.
Pyth. I’ll do so.
Dori. Prithee is not Chremes yonder?
Thais will soon be here.
Pyth. How so?
Dori. Because
When I came thence, a quarrel was abroach
Among them.
Pyth. Carry in the jewels, Dorias.
Meanwhile I’ll learn of Chremes what has happen’d.
Exit Dorias.
SCENE VI.
Enter Chremes tipsy.
Chrem. So! so!—I’m in for’t—and the wine I’ve drank
Has made me reel again.—Yet while I sat,
How sober I suppos’d myself!—But I
No sooner rose, than neither foot, nor head,
Knew their own business!
Pyth. Chremes!
Chrem. Who’s that?—Ha!
Pythias!—How much more handsome you seem now,
Than you appear’d a little while ago!
Pyth. I’m sure you seem a good deal merrier.
Chrem. I’faith it’s an old saying, and a true one,
“Ceres and Bacchus are warm friends of Venus.”
—But, pray, has Thais been here long before me?
Pyth. Has she yet left the Captain’s?
Chrem. Long time since:
An age ago. They’ve had a bloody quarrel.
Pyth. Did not she bid you follow her?
Chrem. Not she:
Only she made a sign to me at parting.
Pyth. Well, wasn’t that enough?
Chrem. No, faith! I never
At all conceiv’d her meaning, till the Captain
Chrem. No, faith! I did not
At all conceive her meaning, till the Captain
Gave me the hint, and kick’d me out o’ doors!
—But here she is! I wonder how it was,
I overtook her!
SCENE VII.
Enter Thais.
Thais. I am apt to think,
The Captain will soon follow me, to take
The virgin from me: Well then, let him come!
But if he does but lay a finger on her,
We’ll tear his eyes out.—His impertinence.
And big words, while mere words, I can endure;
But if he comes to action, woe be to him!
Chrem. Thais, I have been here some time.
Thais. My Chremes!
The very man I wanted!—Do you know
That you have been th’ occasion of this quarrel?
And that this whole affair relates to you?
Chrem. To me! how so?
Thais. Because, while I endeavor,
And study to restore your sister to you,
This and much more I’ve suffer’d.
Chrem. Where’s my sister?
Thais. Within, at my house.
Chrem. Ha! (With concern.)
Thais. Be not alarm’d:
She has been well brought up, and in a manner
Worthy herself and you.
Chrem. Indeed?
Thais. ’Tis true:
And now most freely I restore her to you,
Demanding nothing of you in return.
Chrem. I feel your goodness, Thais, and shall ever
Remain much bounden to you.
Thais. Aye, but now
Take heed, my Chremes, lest ere you receive
The maid from me, you lose her! for ’tis she,
Whom now the Captain comes to take by storm.
—Pythias, go, fetch the casket with the proofs!
Chrem. D’ye see him, Thais? (Looking out.)
Pyth. Where does the casket stand?
Thais. Upon the cabinet.—D’ye loiter, hussy?
Pyth. Where’s the casket plac’d?
Thais. Plac’d in the cabinet.—D’ye loiter, hussy?
Exit Pythias.
Chrem. What force the Captain brings with him against you!
Good Heav’n!
Thais. Are you afraid, young gentleman?
Chrem. Away!—who? I? afraid?—No mortal less.
Thais. Nay, you had need be stout at present, Chremes.
Chrem. Away!—who? I? afraid?—There is no man
Alive less so.
Thais. You’d need be stout at present.
Chrem. What kind of man d’ye take me for?
Thais. Consider,
He, whom you’ve now to cope with, is a stranger
Less powerful than you, less known, and less
Befriended here than you!
Chrem. I know all that:
But why, like fools, admit what we may shun?
Better prevent a wrong, than afterward
Revenge it, when receiv’d——Do you step in,
And bolt the door, while I run to the Forum,
And call some officers to our assistance. (Going.)
Thais. Stay! (Holding him.)
Chrem. ’Twill be better.
Thais. Hold!
Chrem. Nay, let me go!
I’ll soon be back.
Thais. We do not want them, Chremes.
Say, only, that this maiden is your sister,
And that you lost her when a child, and now
Know her again for yours.
Enter Pythias.
Thais (to Pyth.) Produce the proofs!
Pyth. Here they are.
Thais. Take them, Chremes!—If the Captain
Attempts to do you any violence,
Lead him before a magistrate. D’ye mark me?
Chrem. I do.
Thais. Be sure now speak with a good courage!
Chrem. I will.
Thais. Come, gather up your cloak.——Undone!
My champion wants a champion for himself.
I’ve got a champion, who wants help himself.
Exeunt.
SCENE VIII.
Enter Thraso, Gnatho, Sanga, etc.
Thraso. Shall I put up with an affront so gross,
So monstrous, Gnatho?—No, I’d rather die.
Simalio, Donax, Syrus, follow me!
First, I will storm their castle.
Gnat. Excellent!
Thra. Next carry off the Virgin.
Gnat. Admirable!
Thra. Then punish Thais herself.
Gnat. Incomparable!
Thra. Here, in the centre, Donax, with your club!
Do you, Simalio, charge on the left wing!
You, Syrus, on the right!—Bring up the rest!
Where’s the Centurion Sanga, and his band
Of rascal runaways?
San. Here, Sir!
Thra. How now?
Think’st thou to combat with a dish-clout, slave!
That thus thou bring’st it here?
San. Ah, Sir! I knew
The valor of the gen’ral and his troops;
And seeing this affair must end in blood,
I brought a clout, to wipe the wounds withal.
Thra. Where are the rest?
San. Rest! Plague, whom d’ye mean?
There’s nobody, but Sannio, left at home.
Thra. Lead you the van (to Gnatho); and I’ll bring up the rear:
Thence give the word to all.
Gnat. What wisdom is!
Now he has drawn up these in rank and file,
His post behind secures him a retreat.
Thra. Just so his line of battle Pyrrhus form’d.
Chremes and Thais appear above at a window.
Chrem. D’ye see, my Thais, what he is about?
To bar and bolt the doors was good advice.
Thais. Tut, man! you fool, that seems so mighty brave,
Is a mere coward. Do not be afraid!
Thra. What were best? (To Gnatho.)
Gnat. Troth, I wish you had a sling:
That you from far in ambush might attack them!
They’d soon fly then, I warrant you.
Thra. But see!
Thais appears.
Gnat. Let’s charge them then! Come on!
Thra. Halt!—’Tis the part of a wise general
To try all methods, ere he come to arms.
How do you know, but Thais may obey
My orders without force?
Gnat. Oh, gracious Heavens!
Of what advantage is it to be wise!
I ne’er approach but I go wiser from you.
Thra. Thais, first answer this! Did you, or no,
When I presented you the Virgin, promise,
To give yourself some days to me alone?
Thais. What then?
Thra. Is that a question, when you brought
Your lover to affront me to my face?—
Thais. What business have you with him?
Thra. Is that a question, when you durst
To bring a rival to my face?
Thais. And what
Business have you with him?
Thra. ——And stole off
In company with him?
Thais. It was my pleasure.
Thra. Therefore, restore me Pamphila; unless
You choose to see her carried off by force.
Thra. ——And then stole off
In company with him?
Thais. It was my pleasure.
Thra. Therefore, restore my Pamphila; unless
You choose to see her carried off by force.
Chrem. She restore Pamphila to you? Or you
Attempt to touch her, rascal?
Gnat. Ah, beware!
Peace, peace, young gentleman!
Thra. (to Chrem.) What is’t you mean?
Shall I not touch my own?
Chrem. Your own, you scoundrel?
Gnat. Take heed! you know not whom you rail at thus.
Chrem. Won’t you be gone?—here, hark ye, Sir! d’ye know
How matters stand with you?—if you attempt
To raise a riot in this place to-day,
I’ll answer for it, that you shall remember
This place, to-day, and me, your whole life-long.
Gnat. I pity you: to make so great a man
Your enemy!
Chrem. Hence! or I’ll break your head.
Gnat. How’s that, you hang-dog? Are you for that sport?
Thra. Who are you, fellow?—what d’ye mean?—and what
Have you to do with Pamphila?
Chrem. I’ll tell you,
First, I declare, that she’s a free-born woman!
Thra. How?
Chrem. And a citizen of Athens.
Thra. Hui!
Chrem. My sister.
Thra. Impudence!
Chrem. So, Captain, now
I give you warning, offer her no force!
—Thais, I’ll now to Sophrona, the Nurse,
And bring her here with me to see the proofs.
Thra. And you prohibit me to touch my own?
Chrem. Yes, I prohibit you.
Gnat. D’ye hear? he owns
The robbery himself. Isn’t that sufficient?
Thra. And, Thais, you maintain the same?
Thais. Ask those
Who care to answer. (Shuts down the window.)
Manent Thraso and Gnatho, etc.
Thra. What shall we do now?
Gnat. Why—e’en go back again!—This harlot here
Will soon be with you to request forgiveness.
Thra. D’ye think so?
Gnat. Aye, most certainly. I know
The ways of women.—When you will, they won’t;
And when you won’t, they’re dying for you.
Thra. True.
Gnat. Shall I disband the army?
Thra. When you will.
Gnat. Sanga, as well becomes a brave militia,
Take to your houses and firesides again.
San. My mind was like a sop i’ th’ pan, long since.
Gnat. Good fellow!
San. To the right about there! march!
Exit, with Gnatho and Thraso at the head of the troops.
ACT THE FIFTH.
SCENE I.
Thais and Pythias.