_Enter PYTHIAS from the house of THAIS, laughing._
PYTH. (_to herself, on entering._) Never, upon my faith, for a long
time past, has any thing happened to me that I could have better liked
to happen, than the old gentleman just now, full of his mistake,
coming into our house. I had the joke all to myself, as I knew[106]
what it was he feared.
PAR. (_apart_). Why, what’s all this?
PYTH. Now I’m come out to meet with Parmeno. But, prithee, where is
he? (_Looking around._)
PAR. (_apart._) She’s looking for me.
PYTH. And there he is, I see; I’ll go up to him.
PAR. What’s the matter, simpleton? What do you mean? What are you
laughing about? Still going on?
PYTH. (_laughing._) I’m dying; I’m wretchedly tired with laughing at
you.
PAR. Why so?
PYTH. Do you ask? Upon my faith, I never did see, nor shall see,
a more silly fellow. Oh dear, I can not well express what amusement
you’ve afforded in-doors. And still I formerly took you to be a clever
and shrewd person. Why, was there any need for you instantly to
believe what I told you? Or were you not content with the crime, which
by your advice the young man had been guilty of, without betraying the
poor fellow to his father as well? Why, what do you suppose his
feelings must have been at the moment when his father saw him clothed
in that dress? Well, do you now understand that you are done for?
(_Laughing._)
PAR. Hah! what is it you say, you hussy? Have you been telling me
lies? What, laughing still? Does it appear so delightful to you, you
jade, to be making fools of us?
PYTH. (_laughing._) Very much so.
PAR. Yes, indeed, if you can do it with impunity.
PYTH. Exactly so.
PAR. By heavens, I’ll repay you!
PYTH. I believe you; but, perhaps, that which you are threatening,
Parmeno, will need a {future} day; you’ll be trussed up directly, for
rendering a silly young man remarkable for disgraceful conduct, and
{then} betraying him to his father; they’ll both be making an example
of you. (_Laughing._)
PAR. I’m done for!
PYTH. This reward has been found you in return for that present {of
yours};[107] I’m off. (_Goes into the house._)
PAR. (_to himself._) Wretch that I am; just like a rat, this day I’ve
come to destruction through betrayal of myself.[108]