Page:Plautus and Terence.djvu/142

130 brother is going to send as a present to Thais, he, Parmeno, who has instructions to convey the pair to her house on this very day, will venture to introduce Chærea in this disguise. He makes the proposal, as he declares, more in jest than earnest: but the young man, as may be supposed, catches at it eagerly, and insists upon it being carried at once into execution.

The next act of the play opens with a highly amusing scene between the Captain and his obsequious friend. Thraso wishes to know how the lady has received his present.

Thraso. I say—was Thais very much obliged?

Gnatho. Immensely.

Thra. She was really pleased, you think?

Gna. Not with the gift so much as that you gave it;

'Tis that she's proud of.

Thra. I've a happy way—

I don't know how—but everything I do

Is well received.

Gna. I've noticed it myself.

Thra. Yes. Even the King himself, after an action,

Would always thank me in person. 'Twas a thing

He never did to others.

Gna. Well, with gifts like yours,

A man gets double credit, while poor souls

Like us work hard, with nobody to thank us.

Thra. Egad, you have it!

Gna. Ah! no doubt his Majesty

Had his eye on you, always.

Thra. Well,—he had.

I may tell you—I was in all his secrets—

Had the whole army under me, in fact.

Gna. (with deep interest). No—really!