Scene V.

Pythias, Parmeno .

Pyth. (behind). 'Faith, Sirrah, I'll be handsomely revenged For all you've done and said. You shall not boast Your tricks on us without due punishment.

Aloud, coming forward. Oh Heav'ns! oh dreadful deed! oh hapless youth! Oh wicked Parmeno, that brought him here!

Par. What now?

Pyth. It mov'd me so. I could not bear To see it: therefore I flew out o' doors. What an example will they make of him!

Par. Oh Jupiter! What tumult can this be? Am I undone, or no? - I'll e'en inquire. Pythias! (going up.) What now? what is't you rave about? Who's to be made this terrible example?

Pyth. Who? most audacious monster! while you meant To play your tricks on us, you have destroyed The youth whom you brought hither for the Eunuch.

Par. How so? and what has happen'd? Prithee tell me!

Pyth. Tell you? D'ye know the virgin, that was sent To-day to Thais, is a citizen? Her brother too a man of the first rank?

Par. I did not know it.

Pyth. Aye, but so it seems. The poor young spark abus'd the girl; a thing No sooner known, than he, the furious brother -

Par. Did what?

Pyth. First bound him hand and foot -

Par. How! bound him!

Pyth. And now, though Thais begged him not to do it -

Par. How! what!

Pyth. Moreover threatens, he will serve him After the manner of adulterers; A thing I ne'er saw done, and ne'er desire.

Par. How durst he offer at an act so monstrous?

Pyth. And why so monstrous?

Par. Is it not most monstrous? Who ever saw a young man seiz'd by force, And punish'd for adultery in a brothel?

Pyth. I don't know.

Par. Aye; but you must all know this. I tell you, and foretell you, that young spark Is my old master's son.

Pyth. Indeed, is he?

Par. And let not Thais suffer any one To do him any violence! - But why Don't I rush in myself?

Pyth. Ah! have a care What you're about; lest you do him no good, And hurt yourself: for they imagine you, Whatever has been done, the cause of all.

Par. What shall I do then? what resolve? Confusion! - Oh! yonder's my old master, just return'd To town. Shall I tell him of it, or no? I'll tell him, tho' I am well convinc'd, the blame Will light on me, and heavily: And yet It must be done to help poor Chærea.

Pyth. Right. I'll in again; and you, in the mean while, Tell the old gentleman the whole affair.

Exit.