PHAED. Depend on naught but this! Captain, I give you warning, if, henceforth, I ever find you in this street, although You tell me, "_I was looking for another, I was but passing through_," expect no quarter. GNAT. Oh fie! that is not handsome. PHAED. I have said it. GNAT. You can not be so rude. PHAED. It shall be so. GNAT. First grant me a short hearing: if you like What I propose, agree to't. PHAED. Let us hear! GNAT. Do you retire a moment, Thraso! (_THRASO retires._) First, I must beseech you both, most firmly think, That I, whate'er I do in this affair, For my own sake I do it: but if that Likewise advantage you, not to agree In you were folly. PHAED. What is't you propose? GNAT. I think you should admit the Captain, as Your rival. PHAED. How? admit him? GNAT. Nay consider! Phaedria, you live at a high rate with her, Revel, and feast, and stick at no expense. Yet what you give's but little, and you know 'Tis needful Thais should receive much more Now to supply your love without your cost, A fitter person, one more form'd, can't be Than Thraso is: first, he has wherewithal To give, and gives most largely: a fool too, A dolt, a block, that snores out night and day; Nor can you fear she'll e'er grow fond of him; And you may drive him hence whene'er you please. PHAED. What shall we do? (_To CHAEREA._) GNAT. Moreover this; the which I hold no trifle, no man entertains More nobly or more freely. PHAED. I begin To think we've need of such a fool. CHAER. And I. GNAT. Well judg'd! and let me beg one favor more; Admit me of your family!--I have Roll'd this stone long enough. PHAED. We do admit you. CHAER. With all our hearts. GNAT. And you, Sirs, in return, Shall pledge me in the Captain; eat him; drink him: And laugh at him. CHAER. A bargain! PHAED. 'Tis his due. GNAT. Thraso, whene'er you please, approach! THRASO. Pray now, How stands the case? GNAT. Alas! they knew you not! But when I drew your character, and prais'd Your worth, according to your deeds and virtues, I gain'd my point. THRASO. 'Tis well: I'm much oblig'd; I ne'er was any where, in all my life, But all folks lov'd me dearly. GNAT. Did not I Say he had all the Attic elegance? PHAED. He is the very character you drew. GNAT. Retire then. --Ye, (_to the audience_,) farewell, and clap your hands! [Changes: _Harper_ PHAED. O heavenly powers! What wondrous things has Parmeno just told me! But where's my brother? CHAER. Here he is. PHAED. I'm happy. _Colman 1768_ PHAED. Good heavens! What wondrous things has Parmeno just told me! But where's my brother? CHAER. Here. PHAED. I'm quite transported. _Harper_ As my hope dies, my love increases. Gnatho Your help! my expectation's all in you. _Colman 1768_ As my hope dies, my passion gathers strength. Gnatho, your help! my only hope's in you.