The Comedies of Terence Part 30

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 carry in These first, and give some orders in the house, And I'll attend you. (_Exit with CHaeREA, 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?

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._

[Changes:

_Harper_ PAR. They'll answer for themselves--Holo, there! order The slaves, I told you, to come forth.--Here, this way!

_Enter a BLACK GIRL._ Do you stand forward!--This girl, ma'am, comes quite From Ethiopia.

THRA. Worth about three Minae.

_Colman 1768_ PAR. They'll answer for themselves--Ho, there! within!

Order the slaves, I told you, to come forth.

_Enter a BLACK GIRL._ This way! do you stand forward!--This girl, ma'am, Comes quite from aethiopia.

THRA. Worth three Minae.

_Harper_ THAIS. Let me but carry in _Colman 1768_ THAIS. Let me but introduce

_Harper_ THRA. What moves your laughter?

GNAT. That You said just now: and then the Rhodian came _Colman 1768_ THRA. What moves your laughter, Gnatho?

GNAT. Your speech but now: and then the Rhodian came]

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 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!

[Changes:

_Harper_ 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!

_Colman 1768_ --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!]

SCENE IV.

_Enter PYTHIAS._

PYTH. Oh, sweet, charming, Sir!

CHRE. A coaxing hussy!

PYTH. Thais begs and prays You'd come again to-morrow.