Part 30 (1/2)

PAR. And he, who sends these presents, Requires you not to live for him alone, And for his sake to shut out all mankind: Nor does he tell his battles, show his wounds, Or shackle your free will, as some folks do.

(_Looking at THRASO._)

But when 'twill not be troublesome, or when You've leisure, in due season, he's content If then he is admitted.

THRA. This poor fellow Seems to belong to a poor wretched master.

GNAT. Beyond all doubt; for who that could obtain Another, would endure a slave like this?

PAR. Peace, wretch, that art below the meanest slave!

You that could bring your mind so very low, As to cry aye and no at yon fool's bidding, I'm sure, might get your bread out o'the fire.

THRA. Why don't we go? (_Impatiently._)

THAIS. Let me but carry in These first, and give some orders in the house, And I'll attend you. (_Exit with CHaeREA, and the Ethiopian._

THRA. I'll depart from hence.

Gnatho, wait you for her!

PAR. It ill beseems The dignity of a renown'd commander, T' escort his mistress in the street.

THRA. Away, Slave! you're beneath my notice--like your master.

(_Exit PARMENO._

GNAT. Ha! ha! ha! ha!

THRA. What moves your laughter?

GNAT. That You said just now: and then the Rhodian came Across my mind.----But Thais comes.

THRA. Go run, And see that ev'ry thing's prepar'd at home!

GNAT. It shall be done. (_Exit._

THAIS (_entering with PYTHIAS_). Take care now, Pythias, Great care, if Chremes come, to press him stay; Or, if that's inconvenient, to return: If that's impossible, then bring him to me!

PYTH. I'll do so.

THAIS. Hold! what else had I to say?

Take care, be sure, of yonder virgin! see, You keep at home.

THRA. Let's go.

THAIS. Girls, follow me!

(_Exit, attended by Servants and THRASO._

[Changes:

_Harper_ PAR. They'll answer for themselves--Holo, there! order The slaves, I told you, to come forth.--Here, this way!

_Enter a BLACK GIRL._ Do you stand forward!--This girl, ma'am, comes quite From Ethiopia.

THRA. Worth about three Minae.

_Colman 1768_ PAR. They'll answer for themselves--Ho, there! within!