The Comedies of Terence Part 33

_Harper_ (The youth that's brother to the virgin,) she Beseech'd of Thraso he might be admitted.

_Colman 1768_ (Chremes, the youth that's brother to the virgin,) She beg'd of Thraso, he might be admitted.]

SCENE II.

_Enter PHaeDRIA._

PHaeD. 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 pa.s.s 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, pa.s.s'd the house.--But see!

Pythias breaks forth affrighted.--What means this?

[Changes:

"Alas! thought I ...

_quotation marks in this speech supplied from 1768 edition_

SCENE III.

_Enter PYTHIAS and DORIAS; PHaeDRIA 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!

PHaeD. 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.

PHaeD. 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?

PHaeD. 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 Phaedria!

You and your gifts together!

PHaeD. 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.

PHaeD. Ravish'd? How say you?

PYTH. Ruin'd, and undone!

PHaeD. You're drunk.

PYTH. Would those who wish me ill were so!

DORI. Ah Pythias! what strange prodigy is this?

PHaeD. 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.

PHaeD. 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.

PHaeD. 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 PHaeDRIA, with DORUS the Eunuch, in CHaeREA'S clothes._

PHaeD. Out, rascal, out!--What are you resty, Sirrah?

Out, thou vile bargain!

DOR. Dear Sir! (_Crying._)

PHaeD. 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?

PHaeD. I warrant you.

PYTH. Well done! well done!

DORI. Aye, marry, very well.

PYTH. Where is he?

PHaeD. Don't you see him?

PYTH. See him? whom?