University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

Enter THAIS.
Thais.
I am apt to think,
The Captain will soon follow me, to take
The Virgin from me: Well then, let him come!
But if he does but lay a finger on her,
We'll tear his eyes out.—His impertinence,
And big words, while mere words, I can endure;
But if he comes to action, woe be to him!

Chrem.
Thais, I have been here some time.

Thais.
My Chremes!
The very man I wanted!—Do you know
That you have been th'occasion of this quarrel?
And that this whole affair relates to you?

Chrem.
To me! how so?

Thais.
Because, while I endeavour,
And study to restore your sister to you,
This and much more I've suffer'd.

Chrem.
Where's my Sister?

Thais.
Within, at my house.

Chrem.
Ha!

[with concern.
Thais.
Be not alarm'd:
She has been well brought up, and in a manner
Worthy herself and you.

Chrem.
Indeed?

Thais.
'Tis true:
And now most freely I restore her to you,
Demanding nothing of you in return.

Chrem.
I feel your goodness, Thais, and shall ever
Remain much bounden to you.

Thais.
Ay, but now
Take heed, my Chremes, lest e'er you receive
The maid from me, you lose her! for 'tis She,
Whom now the Captain comes to take by storm.
—Pythias, go, fetch the casket with the proofs!

Chrem.
D'ye see him, Thais?

[looking out.
Pyth.
Where's the casket plac'd?

Thais.
Plac'd in the cabinet.—D'ye loiter, hussy?

[Ex. Pyth.
Chrem.
What force the Captain brings with him against you!
Good heav'n!

Thais.
Are you afraid, young gentleman?

Chrem.
Away!—who? I? afraid?—There is no man
Alive less so.

Thais.
You'd need be stout at present.

Chrem.
What kind of man d'ye take me for?

Thais.
Consider,
He, whom you've now to cope with, is a stranger,
Less powerful than you, less known, and less
Befriended here than you!

Chrem.
I know all that:
But why, like fools, admit, what we may shun?
Better prevent a wrong, than afterwards
Revenge it, when receiv'd.—Do you step in,
And bolt the door, while I run to the Forum,
And call some officers to our assistance.

[going.
Thais.
Stay!

[holding him.
Chrem.
'Twill be better.

Thais.
Hold!

Chrem.
Nay, let me go!
I'll soon be back.

Thais.
We do not want them, Chremes.
Say, only, that this Maiden is your sister,
And that you lost her when a child, and now
Know her again for your's.

Enter PYTHIAS.
Thais
to Pyth.]
Produce the proofs!

Pyth.
Here they are.

Thais.
Take them, Chremes!—If the Captain
Attempts to do you any violence,
Lead him before a magistrate. D'ye mark me?

Chrem.
I do.

Thais.
Be sure now speak with a good courage!

Chrem.
I will.

Thais.
Come, gather up your cloak.—Undone!
I've got a champion, who wants help himself.

[Exeunt.