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PARMENO
Because you were neither content with one, nor was he the only one to make you presents; for he likewise (pointing to PHAEDRIA) brought a pretty considerable share to you.
THAIS
Such is the fact; but do allow me to arrive at the point I wish.
In the mean time, the Captain, who had begun to take a fancy to me, set out to Caria;Set out for Caria : This was a country of Asia Minor upon the sea-coast, opposite to the island of Rhodes. since when, in the interval, I became acquainted with you. You yourself are aware how very dear I have held you; and how I confess to you all my nearest counsels.
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PHAEDRIA
Nor will Parmeno be silent about that.
PARMENO
O, is that a matter of doubt?
THAIS
Attend; I entreat you. My mother died there recently; her brother is somewhat greedy after wealth. When he saw that this damsel was of beauteous form and understood music, hoping for a good price, he forthwith put her up for sale, and sold her. By good fortune
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this friend of mine was present; he bought her as a gift to me, not knowing or suspecting any thing of all this. He returned; but when he perceived that I had formed a connection with you as well, he feigned excuses on purpose that he might not give her; he said that if he could feel confidence that he should be preferred to yourself
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by me, so as not to apprehend that, when I had received her, I should forsake him, then he was ready to give her to me; but that he did fear this. But, so far as I can conjecture, he has set his affections upon the girl.
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PHAEDRIA
Any thing beyond that?
THAIS
Nothing; for I have made inquiry. Now, my Phaedria,
there are many reasons why I could wish to get her away from him. In the first place, because she was called my sister; moreover, that I may restore and deliver her to her friends. I am a lone woman; I have no one here, neither acquaintance nor relative; wherefore, Phaedria, I am desirous by my good offices to secure friends.
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Prithee, do aid me in this, in order that it may be the more easily effected. Do allow him for the few next days to have the preference with me. Do you make no answer?
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PHAEDRIA
Most vile woman! Can I make you any answer after such behavior as this?
PARMENO
Well done, my master, I commend you; (aside) he’s galled at last. (To PHAEDRIA.) You show yourself a man.
PHAEDRIA
I was not aware what you were aiming at; she was carried away from here, when a little child; my mother brought her up as though her own; she was called my sister; I wish to get her away, that I may restore her to her friends. The meaning is, that all these expressions, in fine, now amount to this, that I am shut out, he is admitted. For what reason?
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Except that you love him more than me: and now you are afraid of her who has been brought hither, lest she should win him, such as he is, from yourself.
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PHAEDRIA
What else, then, gives you concern? Let me know. Is he the only person who makes presents? Have you found my bounty shut against you?
Did I not, when you told me that you wished for a servant-maid from Aethiopia,Servant-maid from Aethiopia: No doubt Aethiopian or negro slaves were much prized by the great, and those courtesans whose object it was to ape their manners. setting all other matters aside, go and seek for one? Then you said that you wanted a Eunuch, because ladies of qualityLadies of quality: Reginae, literally queens, here means women of rank and distinction. alone make use of them; I found you one. I yesterday paid twenty minaePaid twenty minae: The mina contained one hundred drachmae of about 9¾d. each. for them both.
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