The Comedies of Terence Part 37

THRA. Then punish Thais herself.

GNAT. Incomparable!

THRA. Here, in the centre, Donax, with your club!

Do you, Simalio, charge on the left wing!

You, Syrus, on the right!--Bring up the rest!

Where's the Centurion Sanga, and his band Of rascal runaways?

SAN. Here, Sir!

THRA. How now?

Think'st thou to combat with a dish-clout, slave!

That thus thou bring'st it here?

SAN. Ah, Sir! I knew The valor of the gen'ral and his troops; And seeing this affair must end in blood, I brought a clout, to wipe the wounds withal.

THRA. Where are the rest?

SAN. Rest! Plague, whom d'ye mean?

There's n.o.body, but Sannio, left at home.

THRA. Lead you the van (_to GNATHO_); and I'll bring up the rear: Thence give the word to all.

GNAT. What wisdom is!

Now he has drawn up these in rank and file, His post behind secures him a retreat.

THRA. Just so his line of battle Pyrrhus form'd.

(_CHREMES and THAIS appear above at a window._)

CHREM. D'ye see, my Thais, what he is about?

To bar and bolt the doors was good advice.

THAIS. Tut, man! you fool, that seems so mighty brave, Is a mere coward. Do not be afraid!

THRA. What were best? (_To GNATHO._)

GNAT. Troth, I wish you had a sling: That you from far in ambush might attack them!

They'd soon fly then, I warrant you.

THRA. But see!

Thais appears.

GNAT. Let's charge them then! Come on!

THRA. Halt!--'Tis the part of a wise general To try all methods, ere he come to arms.

How do you know, but Thais may obey My orders without force?

GNAT. Oh, gracious Heavens!

Of what advantage is it to be wise!

I ne'er approach but I go wiser from you.

THRA. Thais, first answer this! Did you, or no, When I presented you the Virgin, promise, To give yourself some days to me alone?

THAIS. What then?

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; unless You choose to see her carried off by force.

CHREM. She restore Pamphila to you? Or you Attempt to touch her, rascal?

GNAT. Ah, beware!

Peace, peace, young gentleman!

THRA. (_to CHREM._) What is't you mean?

Shall I not touch my own?

CHREM. Your own, you scoundrel?

GNAT. Take heed! you know not whom you rail at thus.

CHREM. Won't you be gone?--here, hark ye, Sir! d'ye know How matters stand with you?--if you attempt To raise a riot in this place to-day, I'll answer for it, that you shall remember This place, to-day, and me, your whole life-long.

GNAT. I pity you: to make so great a man Your enemy!

CHREM. Hence! or I'll break your head.

GNAT. How's that, you hang-dog? Are you for that sport?

THRA. Who are you, fellow?--what d'ye mean?--and what Have you to do with Pamphila?

CHREM. I'll tell you, First, I declare, that she's a free-born woman!

THRA. How?

CHREM. And a citizen of Athens.

THRA. Hui!

CHREM. My sister.

THRA. Impudence!