her part of the stage._

CHAER. Lives there, my countrymen, a happier man
To-day than I?--Not one.--For on my head
The gods have plainly emptied all their store,
On whom they've pour'd a flood of bliss at once.

PAR. What's he so pleas'd at?

CHAER. (_seeing him._) Oh my Parmeno
Inventor, undertaker, perfecter
Of all my pleasures, know'st thou my good fortunes?
Know'st thou my Pamphila's a citizen?

PAR. I've heard so.

CHAER. Know'st thou she's betroth'd my wife?

PAR. Oh brave, by Heav'n!

GNAT. Hear you what he says? (_To THRASO._)

CHAER. Then I rejoice, my brother Phaedria's love
Is quietly secur'd to him forever:
We're now one family: and Thais has
Found favor with my father, and resign'd
Herself to us for patronage and care.

PAR. She's then entirely Phaedria's!

CHAER. Aye, entirely.

PAR. Another cause of joy: the Captain routed!

CHAER. See, Parmeno, my brother (wheresoe'er
He be) know this, as soon as possible!

PAR. I'll see if he's at home. (_Exit._

THRASO. Hast any doubt,
Gnatho, but I'm entirely ruin'd?

GNAT. None at all.

CHAER. What shall I mention first? whom praise the most!
Him that advis'd this action? or myself
That durst to undertake it?--or extol
Fortune, the governess of all, who deign'd,
Events so many, of such moment too,
So happily to close within one day?
Or shall I praise my father's frank good-humor,
And gay festivity?----Oh, Jupiter,
Make but these blessings sure!

[Changes:

_Harper_
PAR. Oh brave, by Heav'n!
_Colman 1768_
PAR. Good news, by heaven!

_Harper_
Make but these blessings sure!
_Colman 1768_
Make but these blessings permanent!]

SCENE X.

_Enter PHAEDRIA._

PHAED. O heavenly powers!
What wondrous things has Parmeno just told me!
But where's my brother?

CHAER. Here he is.

PHAED. I'm happy.

CHAER. I dare believe you are; and trust me, brother,
Naught can be worthier of your love than Thais:
Our family are all much bounden to her.

PHAED. So! you'd need sing her praise to me!

THRASO. Confusion!
As my hope dies, my love increases. Gnatho
Your help! my expectation's all in you.

GNAT. What would you have me do?

THRASO. Accomplish this;
By pray'r, by purchase, that I still may have
Some little share in Thais.

GNAT. A hard task!

THRASO. Do but incline to do't, you can, I know.
Effect it, and demand whatever gift,
Whate'er reward you please, it shall be yours.

GNAT. Indeed?

THRAS