'll give the word to
all. (_Takes his place behind the second rank._)

GNA. (_aside._) That's showing prudence; as soon as he has drawn them
up, he secures a retreat for himself.

THRA. (_pointing to the arrangements._) This is just the way Pyrrhus
used to proceed.[98]

_CHREMES and THAIS appear above at a window._

CHREM. Do you see, Thais, what plan he is upon? Assuredly, that advice
of mine about closing the door was good.

THAIS. He who now seems to you to be a hero, is in reality a mere
vaporer; don't be alarmed.

THRA. (_to GNATHO._) What seems {best to you}?

GNA. I could very much[99] like a sling to be given you just now, that
you might pelt them from here on the sly at a distance; they would be
taking to flight.

THRA. (_to GNATHO._) But look (_pointing_), I see Thais there herself.

GNA. How soon are we to fall to?

THRA. Hold (_holding him back_); it behooves a prudent person to make
trial of every thing before arms. How do you know but that she may do
what I bid her without compulsion?

GNA. Ye Gods, by our trust in you, what a thing it is to be wise!
I never come near you but what I go away from you the wiser.

THRA. Thais, in the first place, answer me this. When I presented you
that girl, did you not say that you would give yourself up to me alone
for some days to come?

THAIS. Well, what then?

THRA. Do you ask the question? You, who have been and brought your
lover under my very eyes? What business had you with him? With him,
too, you clandestinely betook yourself away from me.

THAIS. I chose {to do so}.

THRA. Then give me back Pamphila; unless you had rather she were taken
away by force.

CHREM. Give her back to you, or you lay hands upon her? Of all the--

GNA. Ha! What are you about? Hold your tongue.

THRA. What do you mean? Am I not to touch my own?

CHREM. Your own, indeed, {you} gallows-bird![100]

GNA. (_to CHREMES._) Have a care, if you please. You don't know what
kind of man you are abusing now.

CHREM. (_to GNATHO._) Won't you be off from here? Do you know how
matters stand with you? If you cause any disturbance here to-day, I'll
make you remember the place, and day, and me too, for the rest of your
life.

GNA. I pity you, who are making so great a man as this your enemy.

CHREM. I'll break your head this instant if you are not off.

GNA. Do you really say so, puppy? Is it that you are at?

THRA. (_to CHREMES._) What fellow are you? What do you mean? Wha