The Comedies of Terence Part 36

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'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?--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 a.s.sistance. (_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!

I've got a champion, who wants help himself.

(_Exeunt._

[Changes:

THAIS. 'Tis true: _opening apostrophe missing in Harper edition_

_Harper_ PYTH. Where's the casket plac'd?

THAIS. Plac'd in the cabinet.--D'ye loiter, hussy?

_Colman 1768_ PYTH. Where does the casket stand?

THAIS. Upon the cabinet.--D'ye loiter, hussy?

_Harper_ CHREM. Away!--who? I? afraid?--There is no man Alive less so.

THAIS. You'd need be stout at present.

_Colman 1768_ CHREM. Away!--who? I? afraid?--No mortal less.

THAIS. Nay, you had need be stout at present, Chremes.]

_Harper_ I've got a champion, who wants help himself.

_Colman 1768_ My champion wants a champion for himself.]

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!