Perde 5
[Textpart 8]
What am I to make mention of first, or commend in especial? Him who gave me the advice to do so, or myself, who ventured
CHAEREA
to undertake it? Or ought I to extol fortune, who has been my guide, and has so opportunely crowded into a single day events so numerous, so important; or my father’s kindness and indulgence Oh Jupiter, I entreat you, do preserve these blessings unto us!
1045
PHAEDRIA
Ye Gods, by our trust in you, what incredible things has Parmeno just related to me! But where is my brother?
PHAEDRIA
I’m overjoyed.
1050
CHAEREA
I quite believe you. There is no one, brother, more worthy to be loved than this Thais of yours: so much is she a benefactress to all our family.
1050
PHAEDRIA
Whew! are you commending her too to me?
THRASO
I’m undone; the less the hope I have, the more I am in love. Prithee, Gnatho, my hope is in you.
GNATHO
What do you wish me to do?
THRASO
Bring this about, by entreaties or with money, that I may at least share Thais’s favors in some degree.
GNATHO
It’s a hard task.
1055
THRASO
If you set your mind on any thing, I know you well. If you manage this, ask me for any present you like as your reward; you shall have what you ask.
1055
GNATHO
If I manage this, I ask that your house, whether you are present or absent, may be open to me; that, without invitation, there may always be a place for me.
THRASO
I pledge my honor that it shall be so.
GNATHO
I’ll set about it then.
PHAEDRIA
Who is it I hear so close at hand? (Turning round.) O Thraso—
THRASO
Save you both—
1060
PHAEDRIA
Perhaps you are not aware what has taken place here.
1060
