Part 33 (1/2)

_Harper_ (The youth that's brother to the virgin,) she Beseech'd of Thraso he might be admitted.

_Colman 1768_ (Chremes, the youth that's brother to the virgin,) She beg'd of Thraso, he might be admitted.]

SCENE II.

_Enter PHaeDRIA._

PHaeD. Going into the country, I began (As happens when the mind is ill at ease) To ponder with myself upon the road, Tossing from thought to thought, and viewing all In the worst light. While thus I ruminate, I pa.s.s unconsciously my country-house, And had got far beyond, ere I perceiv'd it.

I turn'd about, but with a heavy heart; And soon as to the very spot I came Where the roads part, I stop. Then paus'd a while: ”Alas! thought I, and must I here remain]

Two days? alone: without her?--Well! what then?

That's nothing.--What, is't nothing?--If I've not The privilege to touch her, shall I not Behold her neither?--If _one_ may not be, At least the _other_ shall.--And certainly Love, in its last degree, is something still.”

--Then I, on purpose, pa.s.s'd the house.--But see!

Pythias breaks forth affrighted.--What means this?

[Changes:

”Alas! thought I ...

_quotation marks in this speech supplied from 1768 edition_

SCENE III.

_Enter PYTHIAS and DORIAS; PHaeDRIA at a distance._

PYTH. Where shall I find, unhappy that I am, Where seek this rascal-slave?--this slave, that durst To do a deed like this?--Undone! undone!

PHaeD. What this may be, I dread.

PYTH. And then the villain, After he had abused the virgin, tore The poor girl's clothes, and dragg'd her by the hair.

PHaeD. How's this!

PYTH. Who, were he now within my reach, How could I fly upon the vagabond, And tear the villain's eyes out with my nails?

PHaeD. What tumult's this, arisen in my absence?

I'll go and ask her.-- (_Going up._) What's the matter, Pythias?

Why thus disturb'd? and whom is it you seek?

PYTH. Whom do I seek? Away, Sir Phaedria!

You and your gifts together!

PHaeD. What's the matter?

PYTH. The matter, Sir! the Eunuch, that you sent us, Has made fine work here! the young virgin, whom The Captain gave my mistress, he has ravish'd.

PHaeD. Ravish'd? How say you?