Scene X.

Enter Phædria .

Phæd. Good heavens! What wondrous things has Parmeno just told me! But where's my brother?

Chær. Here.

Phæd. I'm quite transported.

Chær. I dare believe you are; and trust me, brother, Naught can be worthier of your love than Thais: Our family are all much bounden to her.

Phæd. So! you'd need sing her praise to me!

Thraso. Confusion! As my hope dies, my passion gathers strength. Gnatho, your help! my only hope's in you.

Gnat. What would you have me do?

Thraso. Accomplish this; By pray'r, by purchase, that I still may have Some little share in Thais.

Gnat. A hard task!

Thraso. Do but incline to do't, you can, I know. Effect it, and demand whatever gift, Whate'er reward you please, it shall be yours.

Gnat. Indeed?

Thraso. Indeed!

Gnat. If I accomplish this, I claim, that you agree to throw your doors, Present or absent, always open to me; A welcome, uninvited guest forever.

Thraso. I pawn my honor as the pledge.

Gnat. I'll try.

Phæd. What voice is that? Oh, Thraso!

Thraso. Gentlemen, Good-day!

Phæd. Perhaps you're not acquainted yet With what has happen'd here?

Thraso. I am.

Phæd. Why then Do I behold you in these territories?

Thraso. Depending on -

Phæd. Depend on naught but this! Captain, I give you warning, if, henceforth, I ever find you in this street, although You tell me, "I was looking for another, I was but passing through," expect no quarter.

Gnat. Oh fie! that is not handsome.

Phæd. I have said it.

Gnat. You can not be so rude.

Phæd. It shall be so.

Gnat. First grant me a short hearing: if you like What I propose, agree to't.

Phæd. Let us hear!

Gnat. Do you retire a moment, Thraso! ( Thraso retires.) First, I must beseech you both, most firmly think, That I, whate'er I do in this affair, For my own sake I do it: but if that Likewise advantage you, not to agree In you were folly.

Phæd. What are your proposals?

Gnat. I think, 'twere not imprudent to admit The Captain, as your rival.

Phæd. How! Admit him, say you?

Gnat. Nay reflect a little. Phædria, you live at a high rate with Thais, Revel, and feast, and stick at no expense. Yet what you give's but little, and you know 'Tis needful Thais should receive much more Now to supply your love without your cost, A fitter person, one more form'd, can't be Than Thraso is: first, he has wherewithal To give, and gives most largely: a fool too, A dolt, a block, that snores out night and day; Nor can you fear she'll e'er grow fond of him; And you may drive him hence whene'er you please.

Phæd. What shall we do? (To Chærea .)

Gnat. Moreover this; the which I hold no trifle, no man entertains More nobly or more freely.

Phæd. I begin To think we've need of such a fool.

Chær. And I.

Gnat. Well judg'd! and let me beg one favor more; Admit me into your fraternity! I've roll'd this stone too long.

Phæd. We do admit you.

Chær. With all our hearts.

Gnat. And you, Sirs, in return, Shall pledge me in the Captain; eat him; drink him: And laugh at him.

Chær. A bargain!

Phæd. 'Tis his due.

Gnat. Thraso, whene'er you please, come forward!

Thraso. Well! How stands the case?

Gnat. Alas! they knew you not! But when I drew your character, and prais'd Your worth, according to your deeds and virtues, I gain'd my point.

Thraso. 'Tis well: I'm much oblig'd; I ne'er was any where, in all my life, But all folks lov'd me most exceedingly.

Gnat. There, did I not assure you, gentlemen, That he had all the Attick Elegance?

Phæd. He is the very character you drew.

Gnat. Retire then. - Ye, (to the audience) farewell, and clap your hands!