Scene VIII.

Enter Thraso, Gnatho, Sanga, etc.

Thraso. Shall I put up with an affront so gross, So monstrous, Gnatho? - No, I'd rather die. Simalio, Donax, Syrus, follow me! First, I will storm their castle.

Gnat. Excellent!

Thra. Next carry off the Virgin.

Gnat. Admirable!

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 nobody, 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 brought Your lover to affront me to my face? -

Thais. What business have you with him?

Thra. - And stole off In company with him?

Thais. It was my pleasure.

Thra. Therefore, restore me 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!

Chrem. So, Captain, now I give you warning, offer her no force! - Thais, I'll now to Sophrona, the Nurse, And bring her here with me to see the proofs.

Thra. And you prohibit me to touch my own?

Chrem. Yes, I prohibit you.

Gnat. D'ye hear? he owns The robbery himself. Isn't that sufficient?

Thra. And, Thais, you maintain the same?

Thais. Ask those Who care to answer. (Shuts down the window.)

Manent Thraso and Gnatho, etc.

Thra. What shall we do now?

Gnat. Why - e'en go back again! - This harlot here Will soon be with you to request forgiveness.

Thra. D'ye think so?

Gnat. Aye, most certainly. I know The ways of women. - When you will, they won't; And when you won't, they're dying for you.

Thra. True.

Gnat. Shall I disband the army?

Thra. When you will.

Gnat. Sanga, as well becomes a brave militia, Take to your houses and firesides again.

San. My mind was like a sop i' th' pan, long since.

Gnat. Good fellow!

San. To the right about there! march!

Exit, with Gnatho and Thraso at the head of the troops.