Scene II
Enter Thais and Pythias.
Thais. I thought I heard the Captain’s voice: and see!
Good-day, my Thraso!
Thra. Oh my Thais, welcome!
How does my sweeting?—are you fond of me
For sending you that music-girl?
Par. Oh brave!
He sets out nobly!
Thais. For your worth I love you.
Gnat. Come, let’s to supper? why do you delay?
Par. Mark t’other! he’s a chip of the old block.
Thais. I’m ready when you please.
Par. I’ll up to her,
And seem as if but now come forth.—Ha! Thais,
Where are you gadding?
Thais. Well met, Parmeno!
I was just going——
Par. Whither?
Thais. Don’t you see
The Captain?
Par. Yes, I see him—to my sorrow.
The presents from my master wait your pleasure.
Thra. Why do we stop thus? wherefore go not hence? (Angrily.)
Par. Beseech you, Captain, let us, with your leave,
Produce our presents, treat, and parley with her!
Thra. Fine gifts, I warrant you, compar’d with mine!
Par. They’ll answer for themselves—Ho, there! within!
Order the slaves, I told you, to come forth.
Par. They’ll answer for themselves—Holo, there! order
The slaves, I told you, to come forth.—Here, this way!
Enter a Black Girl.
This way! do you stand forward!—This girl, ma’am,
Comes quite from Æthiopia.
Thra. Worth three Minæ.
Do you stand forward!—This girl, ma’am, comes quite
From Ethiopia.
Thra. Worth about three Minæ.
Gnat. Scarce.
Par. Ho! where are you, Dorus?—Oh, come hither!
Enter Chærea in the Eunuch’s habit.
An Eunuch, Madam! of a lib’ral air,
And in his prime!
Thais. Now as I live, he’s handsome!
Par. What say you, Gnatho? Is he despicable?
Or, Captain, what say you?—Dumb?—Praise sufficient;
Try him in letters, exercises, music:
In all the arts, a gentleman should know,
I’ll warrant him accomplish’d.
Thra. Troth, that Eunuch
Is well enough.
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 introduce
Thais. Let me but carry in
These first, and give some orders in the house,
And I’ll attend you.
Exit with Chærea, 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, Gnatho?
Gnat. Your speech but now: and then the Rhodian came
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.