{and}
gave me a hearty welcome. When this poor hungry wretch saw that I was
in such great esteem, and that I obtained a living so easily, then the
fellow began to entreat me that I would allow him to learn this
{method} of me; I bade him become my follower[45] if he could; as the
disciples of the Philosophers take their names from {the Philosophers}
themselves, so too, the Parasites ought to be called Gnathonics.

PAR. (_apart to the Audience._) Do you see the effects of ease and
feeding at another's cost?

GNA. (_to himself, continuing._) But why do I delay to take this girl
to Thais, and ask her to come to dinner? (_Aside, on seeing PARMENO._)
But I see Parmeno, our rival's servant, waiting before the door of
Thais with a sorrowful air; all's safe; no doubt these people are
finding a cold welcome. I'm resolved to have some sport with this
knave.

PAR. (_aside._) They fancy that, through this present, Thais is
{quite} their own.

GNA. (_accosting PARMENO._) With his very best wishes Gnatho greets
Parmeno, his very good friend. --What are you doing?

PAR. I'm standing.[46]

GNA. {So} I perceive. Pray, do you see any thing here that don't
please you?

PAR. Yourself.

GNA. I believe {you},-- but any thing else, pray?

PAR. Why so?

GNA. Because you are out of spirits.

PAR. Not in the least.

GNA. {Well}, don't be {so}; but what think you of this slave?
(_pointing to her._)

PAR. Really, not amiss.

GNA. (_aside._) I've galled the fellow.

PAR. (_aside, on overhearing him._) How mistaken you are in your
notion!

GNA. How far do you suppose this gift will prove acceptable to Thais?

PAR. It's this you mean to say now, that we are discarded there. Hark
you, there are vicissitudes in all things.

GNA. For the next six months, Parmeno, I'll set you at ease; you
sha'n't have to be running to and fro, or sitting up till daylight.
Don't I make you happy?

PAR. Me? O prodigiously!

GNA. That's my way with my friends.

PAR. I commend {you}.

GNA. I'm detaining you; perhaps you were about to go somewhere else.

PAR. Nowhere.

GNA. In that case then, lend me your services a little; let me be
introduced to her.

PAR. Very well; (_GNATHO knocks at the door, which immediately opens_)
now the door is open for you, (_aside_) because you are bringing her.

GNA. (_going into the house of THAIS, ironically._) Should you like
any one to be called out from here? (_Goes in with PAMPHILA, and shuts
the doo