beginnings, warmest friendships rise.
What if some God hath order'd this?

THAIS. Indeed,
I'll so interpret it, and wish it so.

CHAER. I prithee do!--and be assured of this,
That naught I did in scorn, but all in love.

THAIS. I do believe it; and, on that account,
More readily forgive you: for oh! Chaerea,
I am not form'd of an ungentle nature,
Nor am I now to learn the pow'r of love.

CHAER. Now, Thais, by my life, I love thee too.

PYTH. Then, by my troth, you must take care of him.

CHAER. I durst not----

PYTH. I don't mind a word you say.

THAIS. Have done!

CHAER. But now, in this one circumstance,
Let me beseech you to assist me! I
Commit myself entirely to your care:
Invoke you, as my patroness; implore you.
Perdition seize me, but I'll marry her!

THAIS. But if your father----

CHAER. What of him? I know
He'll soon consent, provided it appears
That she's a citizen.

THAIS. If you will wait
A little while, her brother will be here:
He's gone to fetch the nurse that brought her up;
And you shall witness the discovery.

CHAER. I will remain then.

THAIS. But, in the mean time,
Had you not rather wait within, than here
Before the door?

CHAER. Much rather.

PYTH. What the plague
Are you about?

THAIS. What now?

PYTH. What now, indeed?
Will you let him within your doors again?

THAIS. Why not?

PYTH. Remember that I prophesy,
He'll make some fresh disturbance.

THAIS. Prithee, peace!

PYTH. It seems, you have not had sufficient proof
Of his assurance.

CHAER. I'll do no harm, Pythias!

PYTH. I'll not believe it, Chaerea, till I see it.

CHAER. But you shall keep me, Pythias!

PYTH. No, not I.
For, by my troth, I would trust nothing with you,
Neither to keep, nor be kept by you.--Hence!
Away!

THAIS. Oh brave! the brother's here! (_Looking out._)

CHAER. Confusion!
Let's in, dear Thais! I'd not have him see me
Here in this dress.

THAIS. Why so? Are you asham'd?

CHAER. I am indeed.

PYTH. Indeed! asham'd! oh dear!
Think of the girl!

THAIS. Go in! I'll follow you.
Pythias, do you stay here to bring in Chremes.
(_Exeunt THAIS and CHAEREA._

[Changes:

_Harper_
Lest any one should know me.--But is that
Thais? 'Tis she herself. I'm all aground.
_Colman 1768_
Lest any one should know me in this habit.
But is that Thais? She. I'm all aground.

_Harper_
It was a clever trick?
CHAER. No, madam!
THAIS. Can you