The Comedies of Terence Part 38

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._

[Changes:

_Harper_ 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 then stole off In company with him?

THAIS. It was my pleasure.

THRA. Therefore, restore my Pamphila ...

_Colman 1768_ THRA. Is that a question, when you brought Your lover to affront me to my face?-- THAIS. What business have you with him?

THRA. ----And stole off In company with him?

THAIS. It was my pleasure.

THRA. Therefore, restore me Pamphila ...]

ACT THE FIFTH.

SCENE I.

_THAIS and PYTHIAS._

THAIS. Still, still, you, baggage, will you shuffle with me?

--"I know--I don't know--he's gone off--I've heard---- I was not present"--Be it what it may, Can't you inform me openly?--The Virgin, Her clothes all torn, in sullen silence weeps.

The Eunuch's fled.--What means all this? and what Has happen'd?--Won't you answer me?

PYTH. Alas!

What can I answer you?--He was, they say, No Eunuch.

THAIS. What then?

PYTH. Chaerea.

THAIS. Chaerea!

What Chaerea?

PYTH. Phaedria's younger brother.

THAIS. How!

What's that, hag?

PYTH. I've discover'd it: I'm sure on't.

THAIS. Why, what had he to do with us? or why Was he brought hither?

PYTH. That I can not tell; Unless, as I suppose, for love of Pamphila.

THAIS. Alas! I am undone; undone, indeed, If that, which you have told me now, be true.

Is't that the girl bemoans thus?

PYTH. I believe so.

THAIS. How, careless wretch! was that the charge I gave you At my departure?

PYTH. What could I do? She Was trusted, as you bade, to him alone.

THAIS. Oh, jade, you set the wolf to keep the sheep --I'm quite asham'd to 've been so poorly bubbled.

PYTH. Who comes here?--Hist! peace, madam, I beseech you!

We're safe: we have the very man.

(_Seeing CHaeREA at a distance._)