Part 26 (1/2)

PAR. How so?

CHaeR. How so! d'ye know one Archidemides, My father's kinsman, and about his age?

PAR. Full well.

CHaeR. As I was in pursuit of her He met me.

PAR. Rather inconveniently.

CHaeR. Oh most unhappily! for other ills May be told, Parmeno!--I could swear too, For six, nay seven months, I had not seen him, Till now, when least I wish'd and most would shun it.

Is not this monstrous? Eh!

PAR. Oh! very monstrous.

CHaeR. Soon as from far he saw me, instantly, Bent, trembling, drop-jaw'd, gasping, out of breath, He hobbled up to me.--”Holo! ho! Chaerea!”---- I stopp'd.--”D'ye know what I want with you?”--”What?”

--”I have a cause to-morrow.”--”Well! what then?”---- --”Fail not to tell your father, he remember To go up with me, as an advocate.”---- His prating took some time. ”Aught else?” said I.

”Nothing,” said he:--Away flew I, and saw The girl that instant turn into this street.

PAR. Sure he must mean the virgin, just now brought To Thais for a present.

CHaeR. Soon as I Came hither, she was out of sight.

PAR. Had she Any attendants?

CHaeR. Yes; a parasite, With a maid-servant.

PAR. 'Tis the very same; Away! have done! all's over.

CHaeR. What d'ye mean?

PAR. The girl I mean.

CHaeR. D'ye know then who she is?

Tell me!--or have you seen her?

PAR. Yes, I've seen her; I know her; and can tell you where she is.

CHaeR. How! my dear Parmeno, d'ye know her?

PAR. Yes.

CHaeR. And where she is, d'ye know?

PAR. Yes,--there she is; (_Pointing._) Carried to Madam Thais for a present.

CHaeR. What monarch could bestow a gift so precious?

PAR. The mighty Captain Thraso, Phaedria's rival.

CHaeR. Alas, poor brother!