f a man you take me to be.

THAIS. Nay, and consider this too; the person that you have to deal
with is a foreigner;[94] 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._)

SCENE VIII.

_Enter THRASO, followed by GNATHO, SANGA, and other Attendants._

THRA. Am I to submit, Gnatho, to such a glaring affront as this being
put upon me? I'd die sooner. Simalio, Donax, Syriscus, follow me!
First, I'll storm the house.

GNA. Quite right.

THRA. I'll carry off the girl.

GNA. Very good.

THRA. I'll give her own self a mauling.

GNA. Very proper.

THRA. (_arranging the men._) Advance hither to the main body, Donax,
with your crowbar; you, Simalio, to the left wing; you, Syriscus, to
the right. Bring up the rest; where's the centurion Sanga, and his
maniple[95] of rogues?

SAN. (_coming forward._) See, here he is.

THRA. What, you booby, do you think of fighting with a dish-clout,[96]
to be bringing that here?

SAN. What, I? I knew the valor of the general, and the prowess of the
soldiers; {and} that this could not possibly go on without bloodshed;
how was I to wipe the wounds?

THRA. Where are the others?

SAN. Plague on you, what others? Sannio is the only one left on guard
at home.

THRA. (to GNATHO.) Do you draw up your men in battle order; I'll be
behind the second rank;[97] from that position I