Perde 4
[Textpart 5]
Why, I didn’t know that she meant that, until the Captain gave me an explanation, because I was dull of comprehension; for he bundled me out of the house. But look, here she is; I wonder how it was I got here before her.
735
[Textpart 6]
I really do believe that he’ll be here presently, to force her away from me. Let him come; but if he touches her with a single finger, that instant his eyes shall be torn out.
THAIS
I can put up with his impertinences and his high-sounding words, as long as they remain words: but if they are turned into realities, he shall get a drubbing.
740
CHREMES
Thais, I’ve been here some time.
THAIS
O my dear Chremes, you are the very person I was wanting. Are you aware that this quarrel took place on your account, and that the whole of this affair, in fact, bore reference to yourself?
CHREMES
To me? How so, pray?
THAIS
Because, while I’ve been doing my best
to recover and restore your sister to you, this and a great deal more like it I’ve had to put up with.
745
THAIS
At home, at my house.
THAIS
What’s the matter?This text appears on line 746c in the Latin attributed to Chremes. She has been brought up in a manner worthy of yourself and of her.
CHREMES
What is it you say?
THAIS
That which is the fact. Her I present to you, nor do I ask of you any return for her.
CHREMES
Thanks are both felt and shall be returned in such way, Thais, as you deserve.
THAIS
But still, take care, Chremes, that you don’t lose her, before you receive her from me; for it is she, whom the Captain is now coming to take away from me by force. Do you go, Pythias, and bring out of the house the casket with the tokens.Casket with the tokens: It was the custom with the ancients when they exposed their children, to leave with them some pledge or token of value, that they might afterward be recognized by means of them. The catastrophes of the Curculio, the Rudens, and other Plays of Plautus, are brought about by taking advantage of this circumstance. The reasons for using these tokens will be stated in a future Note.
750
CHREMES
Don’t you see him, Thais?
THAIS
In the clothes’ chest. Tiresome creature, why do you delay?
CHREMES
What a large body of troops the Captain is bringing with him against you.
