Act IV, Scene VII

Enter THAIS.

THAIS. (to herself.) I really do believe that he’ll be here presently, to force her away from me. Let him come; but if he touches her with a single finger, that instant his eyes shall be torn out. I can put up with his impertinences and his high-sounding words, as long as they remain words: but if they are turned into realities, he shall get a drubbing.

CHREM. Thais, I’ve been here some time.

THAIS. O my dear Chremes, you are the very person I was wanting. Are you aware that this quarrel took place on your account, and that the whole of this affair, in fact, bore reference to yourself?

CHREM. To me? How so, pray?

THAIS. Because, while I’ve been doing my best to recover and restore your sister to you, this and a great deal more like it I’ve had to put up with.

CHREM. Where is she?

THAIS. At home, at my house.

CHREM. (starting.) Hah!

THAIS. What’s the matter? She has been brought up in a manner worthy of yourself and of her.

CHREM. What is it you say?

THAIS. That which is the fact. Her I present to you, nor do I ask of you any return for her.

CHREM. Thanks are both felt and shall be returned in such way, Thais, as you deserve.

THAIS. But still, take care, Chremes, that you don’t lose her, before you receive her from me; for it is she, whom the Captain is now coming to take away from me by force. Do you go, Pythias, and bring out of the house the casket with the tokens.

CHREM. (looking down the side Scene.) Don’t you see him, Thais?

PYTH. (to THAIS.) Where is it put?

THAIS. In the clothes’ chest. Tiresome creature, why do you delay? (PYTHIAS goes into the house.)

CHREM. What a large body of troops the Captain is bringing with him against you. Bless me!

THAIS. Prithee, are you frightened, my dear sir?

CHREM. Get out with you. What, I frightened? There’s not a man alive less so.

THAIS. Then now is the time to prove it.

CHREM. Why, I wonder what sort of a man you take me to be.

THAIS. Nay, and consider this too; the person that you have to deal with is a foreigner; of less influence than you, less known, and one that has fewer friends here.

CHREM. I’m aware of that; but it’s foolish to run the risk of what you are able to avoid. I had rather we should prevent it, than, having received an injury, avenge ourselves upon him. Do you go in and fasten the door, while I run across hence to the Forum; I should like us to have the aid of some legal adviser in this disturbance. (Moves, as if going.)

THAIS. (holding him.) Stay.

CHREM. Let me go, I’ll be here presently.

THAIS. There’s no occasion, Chremes. Only say that she is your sister, and that you lost her when a little girl, and have now recognized her; then show the tokens.

Re-enter PYTHIAS from the house, with the trinkets.

PYTH. (giving them to THAIS.) Here they are.

THAIS. (giving them to CHREMES.) Take them. If he offers any violence, summon the fellow to justice; do you understand me?

CHREM. Perfectly.

THAIS. Take care and say this with presence of mind.

CHREM. I’ll take care.

THAIS. Gather up your cloak. (Aside.) Undone! the very person whom I’ve provided as a champion, wants one himself. (They all go into the house.)