In truth the more and more I think, the more I am convinc'd that Thais means me ill: So plain I see her arts to draw me in. Ev'n when she first invited me, (and when Had any ask'd, _What business have you there?_ The question would have stagger'd me,) she fram'd Sev'ral excuses to detain me there. Said she had made a sacrifice, and had Affairs of consequence to settle with me. --Oho! thought I immediately, I smell A trick upon me!--down she sat, behav'd Familiarly, and tried to beat about For conversation. Being at a loss, She ask'd, how long my parents had been dead? --I told her, long time since:--on which she ask'd, Whether I had a country-house at Sunium? --And how far from the sea?--I half believe She likes my villa, and would wheedle me To give it her.--Her final questions were, If I ne'er lost a little sister thence? --Who was miss'd with her?--what she had when lost? If any one could know her? Why should Thais Demand all this, unless,--a saucy baggage!---- She means to play the counterfeit, and feign Herself that sister?--but if she's alive, She is about sixteen, not more; Thais Is elder than myself.--She sent beside To beg I'd come again.--Or, let her say What she would have; or, not be troublesome! I'll not return a third time.--Ho! who's there? Here am I! Chremes! [Changes: _Harper_ If any one could know her? Why should Thais Demand all this, unless,--a saucy baggage!---- She means to play the counterfeit, and feign Herself that sister?--but if she's alive, She is about sixteen, not more; Thais Is elder than myself.--She sent beside To beg I'd come again.--Or, let her say What she would have; or, not be troublesome! _Colman 1768_ --If there was any body capable Of recollecting her?--Why all these questions? Unless perhaps she means,--a saucy baggage!-- To play the counterfeit, and feign herself That sister, who was lost so long ago? But she, if living, is about sixteen; Not more: and Thais older than myself. She sent beside to press me earnestly To visit her again.--Or, let her say What she would have; or, trouble me no more!] SCENE IV. _Enter PYTHIAS._ PYTH. Oh, sweet, charming, Sir! CHRE. A coaxing hussy! PYTH. Thais begs and prays You'd come again to-morrow. CHRE. I am going Into the country. PYTH. Nay, now prithee come? CHRE. I can't, I tell you. PYTH. Walk in, then, and stay Till she returns herself. CHRE. Not I. PYTH. And why, Dear Chremes? CHRE. Go, and hang yourself! PYTH. Well, Sir, Since you're so positive, shall I entreat you To go to her? CHRE. I will. PYTH. Here, Dorias! (_A maid-servant enters._) Conduct this gentleman to Captain Thraso's. (_PYTHIAS re-enters.--CHREMES goes out another way with DORIAS._) [Changes: _Harper_ CHRE. Go, and hang yourself! _Colman 1768_ CHRE. Off, you saucy slut!] SCENE V. _ANTIPHO alone._