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Enter CHREMES.
CHREMES
to himself. Why, really, the more and more I think of it, I shouldn't be surprised if this Thais should be doing me some great mischief; so cunningly do I perceive myself beset by her. Even on the occasion when she first requested me to be fetched to her (any one might ask me, "What business had you with her?" Really I don't know.) When I came, she found an excuse for me to remain there; she said that she had been offering a sacrifice,1 and that she was desirous to speak upon some important business with me. Even then I had a suspicion that all these things were being done for her artful purposes. She takes her place beside me; pays every attention to me; seeks and opportunity of conversation. When the conversation flagged, she turned off to this point--how long since my father and mother died? I said that it was now a long time ago. Whether I had any country-house at Sunium, and how far from the sea? I suppose that this has taken her fancy, and she expects to get it away from me. Then at last, whether any little sister of mine had been lost from there; whether any person was with her; what she had about her when she was lost; whether any one could recognize her. Why should she make these inquiries? Unless, perhaps, she pretends--so great is her assurance--that she herself is the same person that was formerly lost when a little girl. But if she is alive, she is sixteen years old, not older; whereas Thais is somewhat older than I am. She has sent to press me earnestly to come. Either let her speak out what she wants, or not be troublesome; I assuredly shall not come a third time knocking at the door of THAIS . Ho! there, ho! there! Is any one here? It's I, Chremes. Enter PYTHIAS from the house. PYTHIAS
O most charming, dear creature! CHREMES
apart. I said there was a design upon me. PYTHIAS
Thais entreated you most earnestly to come again to-morrow. CHREMES
I'm going into the country. PYTHIAS
Do, there's a dear sir. CHREMES
I can not, I tell you. PYTHIAS
Then stay here at our house till she comes back. CHREMES
Nothing less likely. PYTHIAS
Why, my dear Chremes? Taking hold of him. CHREMES
shaking her off. Away to perdition with you! PYTHIAS
If you are so determined about it, pray do step over to the place where she is. CHREMES
I'll go there. PYTHIAS
calling at the door. Here, Dorias DORIAS enters , show this person directly to the Captain's. (Exit CHREMES with DORIAS, PYTHIAS goes into the house.)
1 Had been offering a sacrifice: It was the custom to sacrifice before entering on affairs of importance. Thus, too, Jupiter, in the Amphitryon of Plautus, l. 938, speaks of offering sacrifice on his safe return.
The Comedies of Terence. Henry Thomas Riley. Ney York. Harper and Brothers. 1874.
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