But yesterday a knot of us young fellows Assembled at Piraeus, and agreed To club together for a feast to-day. Chaerea had charge of all; the rings were given, And time and place appointed.--The time's past; No entertainment's at the place; and Chaerea Is nowhere to be found.--I can't tell what To think on't.--Yet the rest of my companions Have all commission'd me to seek him out. I'll see if he's at home;--but who comes here From Thais?--Is it he, or no?--'Tis he.---- --What manner of man's here?--what habit's that? --What mischief has the rogue been at? I'm all Astonishment, and can not guess.--But I'll Withdraw a while, and try to find it out. (_Retires._) [Changes: _Harper_ Is nowhere to be found.--I can't tell what To think on't.--Yet the rest of my companions Have all commission'd me to seek him out. _Colman 1768_ Is no where to be met with.--For my part, I'm quite to seek in this; and what to say, Or guess, I know not.--Yet the company Have all commission'd me to find him out. _Harper_ --What mischief has the rogue been at? I'm all Astonishment, and can not guess.--But I'll Withdraw a while, and try to find it out. _Colman 1768_ --What mischief is the meaning of all this? I'm all astonishment, and can not guess. But I'll withdraw a while, and try to learn.] SCENE VI. _Enter CHAEREA, in the Eunuch's habit._ CHAER. (_looking about_). Is any body here?--No, nobody. Does any follow me?--No, nobody. May I then let my ecstasy break forth! O Jupiter! 'tis now the very time, When I could suffer to be put to death, Lest not another transport like to this, Remain in life to come.--But is there not Some curious impertinent to come Across me now, and murder me with questions? --To ask, why I'm so flutter'd? why so joyful? Whither I'm going? whence I came? and where I got this habit? what I'm looking after? Whether I'm in my senses? or stark mad? ANTI. I'll go myself, and do that kindness to him. Chaerea, (_advancing_,) what's all this flutter? what's this dress? What is't transports you? what d'ye want? art mad? Why do ye start at me? and why not speak? CHAER. O happy, happy day!--Save you, dear friend! There's not a man on earth I'd rather see This moment than yourself. ANTI. Come, tell me all! CHAER. Tell you! I will beseech you give me hearing. D'ye know my brother's mistress here? ANTI. Yes: Thais, Or I'm deceiv'd. CHAER. The same. ANTI. I do remember. CHAER. To-day a girl was sent a present to her. Why need I speak or praise her beauty now To you, that know me, and my taste so well? She set me all on fire. ANTI. Is she so handsome? CHAER. Most exquisite: Oh, had you but once seen her, You would pronounce her, I am confident, The first of womankind.--But to be brief, I fell in love with her.--By great good luck There was at home an Eunuch, which my brother Had bought for Thais, but not yet sent thither. --I had a gentle hint from Parmeno, Which I seiz'd greedily.