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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
510
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.
515
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.
520
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?
525
It’s I, Chremes.
530
(Enter PYTHIAS from the house.)
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
510
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.
515
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.
520
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?
525
It’s I, Chremes.
530
PYTHIAS
O most charming, dear creature!
O most charming, dear creature!
CHREMES
(apart.)
I said there was a design upon me.
I said there was a design upon me.
PYTHIAS
Thais entreated you most earnestly to come again to-morrow.
Thais entreated you most earnestly to come again to-morrow.
CHREMES
I’m going into the country.
I’m going into the country.
PYTHIAS
Do, there’s a dear sir.
Do, there’s a dear sir.
CHREMES
I can not, I tell you.
I can not, I tell you.
PYTHIAS
Then stay here at our house till she comes back.
Then stay here at our house till she comes back.
CHREMES
Nothing less likely.
Nothing less likely.
PYTHIAS
Why, my dear Chremes?
(Taking hold of him.)
Why, my dear Chremes?
CHREMES
(shaking her off.)
Away to perdition with you!
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Away to perdition with you!
535
PYTHIAS
If you are so determined about it, pray do step over to the place where she is.
If you are so determined about it, pray do step over to the place where she is.
CHREMES
I’ll go there.
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.)
Here, Dorias
(DORIAS enters), show this person directly to the Captain’s.
Eunuchus. Publius Terentius Afer (Terence). Henry Thomas Riley (Translator), George Colman (Translator). Ney York. 1874.
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