window._)

CHREM. D'ye see, my Thais, what he is about?
To bar and bolt the doors was good advice.

THAIS. Tut, man! you fool, that seems so mighty brave,
Is a mere coward. Do not be afraid!

THRA. What were best? (_To GNATHO._)

GNAT. Troth, I wish you had a sling:
That you from far in ambush might attack them!
They'd soon fly then, I warrant you.

THRA. But see!
Thais appears.

GNAT. Let's charge them then! Come on!

THRA. Halt!--'Tis the part of a wise general
To try all methods, ere he come to arms.
How do you know, but Thais may obey
My orders without force?

GNAT. Oh, gracious Heavens!
Of what advantage is it to be wise!
I ne'er approach but I go wiser from you.

THRA. Thais, first answer this! Did you, or no,
When I presented you the Virgin, promise,
To give yourself some days to me alone?

THAIS. What then?

THRA. Is that a question, when you durst
To bring a rival to my face?

THAIS. And what
Business have you with him?

THRA. ----And then stole off
In company with him?

THAIS. It was my pleasure.

THRA. Therefore, restore my Pamphila; unless
You choose to see her carried off by force.

CHREM. She restore Pamphila to you? Or you
Attempt to touch her, rascal?

GNAT. Ah, beware!
Peace, peace, young gentleman!

THRA. (_to CHREM._) What is't you mean?
Shall I not touch my own?

CHREM. Your own, you scoundrel?

GNAT. Take heed! you know not whom you rail at thus.

CHREM. Won't you be gone?--here, hark ye, Sir! d'ye know
How matters stand with you?--if you attempt
To raise a riot in this place to-day,
I'll answer for it, that you shall remember
This place, to-day, and me, your whole life-long.

GNAT. I pity you: to make so great a man
Your enemy!

CHREM. Hence! or I'll break your head.

GNAT. How's that, you hang-dog? Are you for that sport?

THRA. Who are you, fellow?--what d'ye mean?--and what
Have you to do with Pamphila?

CHREM. I'll tell you,
First, I declare, that she's a free-born woman!

THRA. How?

CHREM. And a citizen of Athens.

THRA. Hui!

CHREM. My sister.

THRA. Impudence!

CHREM. So, Captain, now
I give you warning, offer her no force!
--Thais, I'll now to Sophrona, the Nurse,
And bring her here with me to see the proofs.

THRA. And you prohibit me to touch my own?

CHREM. Yes, I prohibit you.

GNAT. D'ye hear? he owns
The robbery himself. Isn't that sufficient?

THRA. And, Thais, you maintain the same?

THAIS. Ask those
Who care to an