Scene II.

Enter Chærea .

Chær. At Antipho's, as if for spite, there were His father and his mother both at home, So that I could by no means enter, but They must have seen me. Meanwhile, as I stood Before the door, came by an old acquaintance, At sight of whom I flew, with all my speed, Into a narrow, unfrequented alley; And thence into another, and another, Frighten'd and flurried as I scampered on, Lest any one should know me in this habit. But is that Thais? She. I'm all aground. What shall I do? - Pshaw! what have I to care? What can she do to me?

Thais. Let's up to him. Oh, Dorus! good Sir, welcome! - And so, Sirrah, You ran away.

Chær. Yes, madam!

Thais. And you think It was a clever trick, I warrant you?

Chær. No, madam!

Thais. Can you believe that you shall go unpunish'd?

Chær. Forgive me this one fault! If I commit Another, kill me!

Thais. Do you dread my cruelty?

Chær. No, ma'am!

Thais. What then?

Chær. I was afraid, lest She Accuse me to you. (Pointing to Pythias .)

Thais. Of what crime?

Chær. A little matter.

Pyth. Rogue! a little matter? Is it so little, think you, to abuse A virgin, and a citizen!

Chær. I thought She was my fellow-servant.

Pyth. Fellow-servant! I can scarce hold from flying at his hair. Monstrous! he's come to make his sport of us.

Thais. Away! you rave.

Pyth. Not I. If I had done 't, I should have still been in the monster's debt; Particularly, as he owns himself Your servant.

Thais. Well - no more of this. - Oh, Chærea, You've done a deed unworthy of yourself: For granting I, perhaps, might well deserve This injury, it was not honorable In you to do it. - As I live, I know not What counsel to pursue about this girl; You've so destroy'd my measures, that I can't Restore her, without blushing to her friends, Nor so deliver her, as I propos'd, To make them thank me for my kindness, Chærea!

Chær. Henceforth, I hope, eternal peace shall be Betwixt us, Thais! Oft from things like these, And bad beginnings, warmest friendships rise. What if some God hath order'd this?

Thais. Indeed, I'll so interpret it, and wish it so.

Chær. I prithee do! - and be assured of this, That naught I did in scorn, but all in love.

Thais. I do believe it; and, on that account, More readily forgive you: for oh! Chærea, I am not form'd of an ungentle nature, Nor am I now to learn the pow'r of love.

Chær. Now, Thais, by my life, I love thee too.

Pyth. Then, by my troth, you must take care of him.

Chær. I durst not -

Pyth. I don't mind a word you say.

Thais. Have done!

Chær. But now, in this one circumstance, Let me beseech you to assist me, Thais! I trust myself entirely to your care: Invoke you, as my patroness; implore you. Perdition seize me, but I'll marry her!

Thais. But if your father -

Chær. What of him? I know He'll soon consent, provided it appears That she's a citizen.

Thais. If you will wait A little while, her brother will be here: He's gone to fetch the nurse that brought her up; And you shall witness the discovery.

Chær. I will remain then.

Thais. But, in the mean time, Had you not rather wait within, than here Before the door?

Chær. Much rather.

Pyth. What the plague Are you about?

Thais. What now?

Pyth. What now, indeed? Will you let him within your doors again?

Thais. Why not?

Pyth. Remember that I prophesy, He'll make some fresh disturbance.

Thais. Prithee, peace!

Pyth. It seems, you have not had sufficient proof Of his assurance.

Chær. I'll do no harm, Pythias!

Pyth. I'll not believe it, till I see it, Chærea.

Chær. But you shall keep me, Pythias!

Pyth. No, not I. For, by my troth, I would trust nothing with you, Neither to keep, nor be kept by you. - Hence! Away!

Thais. Oh brave! the brother's here! (Looking out.)

Chær. Confusion! Let's in, dear Thais! I'd not have him see me Here in this dress.

Thais. Why so? Are you asham'd?

Chær. I am indeed.

Pyth. Indeed! asham'd! oh dear! Think of the girl!

Thais. Go in! I'll follow you. Pythias, do you stay here to bring in Chremes.

Exeunt Thais and Chærea .