cky Eunuch that! really, to be sent as a present to that
house! PAR. Why so?

CHAE. Do you ask? Ho will always see at home a fellow-servant of
consummate beauty, {and} he conversing with her; he will be in the
same house with her; sometimes he will take his meals with her;
sometimes sleep near her.

PAR. What now, if you yourself were to be this fortunate person?

CHAE. By what means, Parmeno? Tell me.

PAR. Do you assume his dress.

CHAE. His dress! Well, what then?

PAR. I'll take you there instead of him.

CHAE. (_musing._) I hear {you}.

PAR. I'll say that you are he.

CHAE. I understand {you}.

PAR. You may enjoy those advantages which you just now said he {would
enjoy}; you may take your meals together with her, be in company with
her, touch her, dally with her, {and} sleep by her side; as not one of
these women is acquainted with you, nor yet knows who you are.
Besides, you are of an age and figure that you may easily pass for a
eunuch.

CHAE. You speak to the purpose; I never knew better counsel given.
Well, let's go in at once; dress me up, take me away, lead me to her,
as fast as you can.

PAR. What do you mean? Really, I was only joking.

CHAE. You talk nonsense.

PAR. I'm undone! Wretch that I am! what have I done? (_CHAEREA pushes
him along._) Whither are you pushing me? You'll throw me down
presently. I entreat you, be quiet.

CHAE. Let's be off. (_Pushes him._)

PAR. Do you still persist?

CHAE. I am resolved upon it.

PAR. Only take care that this isn't too rash a project.

CHAE. Certainly it isn't; let me alone for that.

PAR. Aye, but I shall have to pay the penalty[60] for this?

CHAE. Pshaw!

PAR. We shall be guilty of a disgraceful action.

CHAE. What, is it disgraceful[61] to be taken to the house of a
Courtesan, and to return the compliment upon those tormentors who
treat us and our youthful age so scornfully, and who are always
tormenting us in every way;-- to dupe them just as we are duped by
them? Or is it right and proper that in preference my father should be
wheedled {out of his money} by deceitful pretexts? Those who knew of
this would blame me; while all would think the other a meritorious
act.

PAR. What's to be done in such case? If you are determined to do it,
you must do it: but don't you by-and-by be throwing the blame upon me.

CHAEE. I shall not do so.

PAR. Do you order me, {then}?

CHAE. I order, charge, and command you; I will never disavow m