or love, according to the usual practice.

THAIS. Is it thus you act, Parmeno? Well, well. (_To PHAEDRIA._) But
listen-- the reason for which I desired you to be sent for hither--

PHAED. Go on.

THAIS. First tell me this; can this fellow possibly hold his tongue?
(_pointing to PARMENO._)

PAR. What, I? Perfectly well. But, hark you, upon these conditions I
pledge my word to you; the truth that I hear, I'm silent upon, and
retain it most faithfully; but if I hear what's false and without
foundation, it's out at once; I'm full of chinks, and leak in every
direction. Therefore, if you wish it to be kept secret, speak the
truth.

THAIS. My mother was a Samian; she lived at Rhodes--

PAR. That may be kept a secret.

THAIS. There, at that period, a certain merchant made present to my
mother of a little girl, who had been stolen away from Attica here.

PAR. What, a citizen?

THAIS. I think {so}; we do not know for certain: she herself used to
mention her mother's and her father's name; her country and other
tokens she didn't know, nor, by reason of her age, was she able. The
merchant added this: that he had heard from the kidnappers that she
had been carried off from Sunium.[34] When my mother received her, she
began carefully to teach her every thing, {and} to bring her up, just
as though she had been her own daughter. Most persons supposed that
she was my sister. Thence I came hither with that stranger, with whom
alone at that period I was connected; he left me all which I {now}
possess--

PAR. Both these things are false; out it goes.

THAIS. How so?

PAR. Because you were neither content with one, nor was he the only
one to make you presents; for he likewise (_pointing to PHAEDRIA_)
brought a pretty considerable share to you.

THAIS. Such is the fact; but do allow me to arrive at the point I
wish. In the mean time, the Captain, who had begun to take a fancy to
me, set out to Caria;[35] since when, in the interval, I became
acquainted with you. You yourself are aware how very dear I have held
you; and how I confess to you all my nearest counsels.

PHAED. Nor will Parmeno be silent about that.

PAR. O, is that a matter of doubt?

THAIS. Attend; I entreat you. My mother died there recently; her
brother is somewhat greedy after wealth. When he saw that this damsel
was of beauteous form and understood music, hoping for a good price,
he forthwith put her up for sale, {and} sold her. By good fortune this
fr