The Comedies of Terence Part 43

PAR. If you don't pay dearly for it!----

PYTH. Perhaps so. (_Laughing._)

PAR. I'll return it.

PYTH. Oh, no doubt on't. (_Laughing._) But what you threaten, Parmeno, is distant: You'll be truss'd up to-day; who first draw in A raw young man to sin, and then betray him.

They'll both conspire to make you an example. (_Laughing._)

PAR. I'm done for.

PYTH. Take this, slave, as a reward For the fine gift you sent us; so, farewell! (_Exit PYTHIAS._

PAR. I've been a fool indeed; and like a rat, Betray'd myself to-day by my own squeaking.

[Changes:

_Harper_ PAR. Why so? pray!

PYTH. Why so?

_Colman 1768_ PAR. For what cause?

PYTH. What cause?

_Harper_ Or was you p.r.i.c.k'd in conscience for the sin The young man had committed through your means, That you must after tell his father of him?

_Colman 1768_ Or was not you contented with the crime You urg'd the youth to perpetrate, unless You afterwards betray'd him to his father?]

SCENE VIII.

_Enter THRASO, GNATHO; PARMENO behind._

GNAT. What now? in what hope, or with what design Advance we hither? what adventure, Thraso?

THRASO. What do I mean?--To Thais to surrender On her own terms?

GNAT. Indeed?

THRASO. Indeed! why not, As well as Hercules to Omphale?

GNAT. A fit example.--Would I might behold Your head broke with her slipper. (_Aside._) But her doors Creak, and fly open.

THRASO. 'Sdeath! what mischief now?

I ne'er so much as saw this face before.

Why bursts he forth with such alacrity?

[Changes:

_1768 version of entire scene:_ GNAT. What now? with what hope, or design, advance we?

What's your intention, Thraso?

THRASO. My intention?

To Thais to surrender at discretion.

GNAT. How say you?

THRASO. Even so. Why should not I, As well as Hercules to Omphale?

GNAT. A fit example.--Oh, that I could see her Combing your empty noddle with her slipper!

But her door opens.

THRASO. 'Sdeath! what mischief now?

I ne'er so much as saw this face before.

Why bursts he forth with such alacrity?]

SCENE IX.

_Enter CHaeREA at another part of the stage._

CHaeR. Lives there, my countrymen, a happier man To-day than I?--Not one.--For on my head The G.o.ds have plainly emptied all their store, On whom they've pour'd a flood of bliss at once.

PAR. What's he so pleas'd at?

CHaeR. (_seeing him._) Oh my Parmeno Inventor, undertaker, perfecter Of all my pleasures, know'st thou my good fortunes?

Know'st thou my Pamphila's a citizen?

PAR. I've heard so.

CHaeR. Know'st thou she's betroth'd my wife?

PAR. Oh brave, by Heav'n!

GNAT. Hear you what he says? (_To THRASO._)

CHaeR. Then I rejoice, my brother Phaedria's love Is quietly secur'd to him forever: We're now one family: and Thais has Found favor with my father, and resign'd Herself to us for patronage and care.

PAR. She's then entirely Phaedria's!

CHaeR. Aye, entirely.

PAR. Another cause of joy: the Captain routed!

CHaeR. See, Parmeno, my brother (wheresoe'er He be) know this, as soon as possible!

PAR. I'll see if he's at home. (_Exit._

THRASO. Hast any doubt, Gnatho, but I'm entirely ruin'd?

GNAT. None at all.

CHaeR. What shall I mention first? whom praise the most!

Him that advis'd this action? or myself That durst to undertake it?--or extol Fortune, the governess of all, who deign'd, Events so many, of such moment too, So happily to close within one day?

Or shall I praise my father's frank good-humor, And gay festivity?----Oh, Jupiter, Make but these blessings sure!

[Changes: