_Enter CHÆREA from the house of THAIS, on the other side of the
stage._
CHÆ. (_to himself, aloud._) O fellow-townsmen, is there any one alive
more fortunate than me this day? Not any one, upon my faith: for
clearly in me have the Gods manifested all their power, on whom, thus
suddenly, so many blessings are bestowed.
PAR. (_apart._) Why is he {thus} overjoyed?
CHÆ. (_seeing PARMENO, and running up to him._) O my {dear} Parmeno,
the contriver, the beginner, the perfecter of all my delights, do you
know what are my transports? Are you aware that my Pamphila has been
discovered to be a citizen?
PAR. I have heard {so}.
CHÆ. Do you know that she is betrothed to me?
PAR. So may the Gods bless me, happily done.
GNA. (_apart to THRASO._) Do you hear what he says?
CHÆ. And then, besides, I am delighted that my brother’s mistress is
secured to him; the family is united. Thais has committed herself to
the patronage of my father;[111] she has put herself under our care
and protection.
PAR. Thais, then, is wholly your brother’s.
CHÆ. Of course.
PAR. Then this is another reason for us to rejoice, that the Captain
will be beaten out of doors.
CHÆ. Wherever my brother is, do you take care that he hears this as
soon as possible.
PAR. I’ll go look for him at home. (_Goes into the house of LACHES._)
THRA. (_apart to GNATHO._) Do you at all doubt, Gnatho, but that I am
now ruined everlastingly?
GNA. (_to THRASO._) Without doubt, I do think so.
CHÆ. (_to himself._) 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
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!