strict
you as (_looking at THRASO_) a certain person does; but when it is not
inconvenient, whenever you think fit, whenever you have the time, he
is satisfied to be admitted.

THRA. (_to GNATHO, contemptuously._) It appears that this is the
servant of some beggarly, wretched master.

GNA. Why, faith, no person, I'm quite sure of that, could possibly put
up with him, who had the means to get another.

PAR. You hold your tongue-- a fellow whom I consider beneath all men
of the very lowest grade: for when you can bring yourself to flatter
that fellow (_pointing at THRASO_), I do believe you could pick your
victuals out of the {very} flames.[72]

THRA. Are we to go now?

THAIS. I'll take these in-doors first (_pointing to CHAEREA and the
AETHIOPIAN_), and at the same time I'll order what I wish; after that
I'll return immediately. (_Goes into the house with PYTHIAS, CHAEREA,
and the SLAVE._)

THRA. (_to GNATHO._) I shall be off. Do you wait for her.

PAR. It is not a proper thing for a general to be walking in the
street with a mistress.

THRA. Why should I use many words with you? You are the very ape of
your master. (_Exit PARMENO._

GNA. (_laughing._) Ha, ha, ha!

THRA. What are you laughing at?

GNA. At what you were mentioning just now; that saying, too, about the
Rhodian, recurred to my mind. But Thais is coming out.

THRA. You go before; take care that every thing is ready at home.

GNA. Very well. (_Exit._

_Re-enter THAIS, with PYTHIAS and FEMALE ATTENDANTS._

THAIS. Take care, Pythias, and be sure that if Chremes should happen
to come,[73] to beg him to wait; if that is not convenient, then to
come again; if he can not do that, bring him to me.

PYTH. I'll do so.

THAIS. Well, what else was I intending to say? O, do you take
particular care of that young woman; be sure that you keep at home.

THRA. Let us begone.

THAIS, (_to her attendants._) You follow me. (_Exeunt THAIS and
THRASO, followed by the Attendants. PYTHIAS goes into the house._)

SCENE III.

_Enter CHREMES._

CHREM. (_to himself._) Why, really, the more and more I think of it,
I shouldn't be surprised if this Thais should be doing me {some} great
mischief; so cunningly do I perceive myself beset by her. Even on the
occasion when she first requested me to be fetched to her (any one
might ask me, "What business had you with her?" Really I don't know.)
When I came, she found an excuse for me to remain there; she said