Act V, Scene IX

Enter CHÆREA from the house of THAIS, on the other side of the stage.

CHÆ. (to himself, aloud.) O fellow-townsmen, is there any one alive more fortunate than me this day? Not any one, upon my faith: for clearly in me have the Gods manifested all their power, on whom, thus suddenly, so many blessings are bestowed.

PAR. (apart.) Why is he thus overjoyed?

CHÆ. (seeing PARMENO, and running up to him.) O my dear Parmeno, the contriver, the beginner, the perfecter of all my delights, do you know what are my transports? Are you aware that my Pamphila has been discovered to be a citizen?

PAR. I have heard so.

CHÆ. Do you know that she is betrothed to me?

PAR. So may the Gods bless me, happily done.

GNA. (apart to THRASO.) Do you hear what he says?

CHÆ. And then, besides, I am delighted that my brother’s mistress is secured to him; the family is united. Thais has committed herself to the patronage of my father; she has put herself under our care and protection.

PAR. Thais, then, is wholly your brother’s.

CHÆ. Of course.

PAR. Then this is another reason for us to rejoice, that the Captain will be beaten out of doors.

CHÆ. Wherever my brother is, do you take care that he hears this as soon as possible.

PAR. I’ll go look for him at home. (Goes into the house of LACHES.)

THRA. (apart to GNATHO.) Do you at all doubt, Gnatho, but that I am now ruined everlastingly?

GNA. (to THRASO.) Without doubt, I do think so.

CHÆ. (to himself.) What am I to make mention of first, or commend in especial? Him who gave me the advice to do so, or myself, who ventured to undertake it? Or ought I to extol fortune, who has been my guide, and has so opportunely crowded into a single day events so numerous, so important; or my father’s kindness and indulgence? Oh Jupiter, I entreat you, do preserve these blessings unto us!