Perde 4
[Textpart 7]
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?
GNATHO
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.
790
THRASO
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?
THRASO
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.
795
THRASO
Then give me back Pamphila; unless you had rather she were taken away by force.
795
CHREMES
Give her back to you, or you lay hands upon her? Of all the—
GNATHO
Ha! What are you about? Hold your tongue.
THRASO
What do you mean? Am I not to touch my own?
CHREMES
Your own, indeed, you gallows-bird!You gallows-bird: Furcifer; literally, bearer of the furca.
GNATHO
Have a care, if you please. You don’t know what kind of man you are abusing now.
CHREMES
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.
800
GNATHO
I pity you, who are making so great a man as this your enemy.
CHREMES
I’ll break your head this instant if you are not off.
GNATHO
Do you really say so, puppy? Is it that you are at?
