THAIS. I think {so}; we do not know for certain: she herself used to mention her mother’s and her father’s name; her country and other tokens she didn’t know, nor, by reason of her age, was she able. The merchant added this: that he had heard from the kidnappers that she had been carried off from Sunium.[34] When my mother received her, she began carefully to teach her every thing, {and} to bring her up, just as though she had been her own daughter. Most persons supposed that she was my sister. Thence I came hither with that stranger, with whom alone at that period I was connected; he left me all which I {now} possess-- PAR. Both these things are false; out it goes. THAIS. How so? PAR. Because you were neither content with one, nor was he the only one to make you presents; for he likewise (_pointing to PHÆDRIA_) brought a pretty considerable share to you. THAIS. Such is the fact; but do allow me to arrive at the point I wish. In the mean time, the Captain, who had begun to take a fancy to me, set out to Caria;[35] since when, in the interval, I became acquainted with you. You yourself are aware how very dear I have held you; and how I confess to you all my nearest counsels. PHÆD. Nor will Parmeno be silent about that. PAR. O, is that a matter of doubt? THAIS. Attend; I entreat you. My mother died there recently; her brother is somewhat greedy after wealth. When he saw that this damsel was of beauteous form and understood music, hoping for a good price, he forthwith put her up for sale, {and} sold her. By good fortune this friend of mine was present; he bought her as a gift to me, not knowing or suspecting any thing of all this. He returned; but when he perceived that I had formed a connection with you as well, he feigned excuses on purpose that he might not give her; he said that if he could feel confidence that he should be preferred to yourself by me, so as not to apprehend that, when I had received her, I should forsake him, {then} he was ready to give her to me; but that he did fear this. But, so far as I can conjecture, he has set his affections upon the girl. PHÆD. Any thing beyond that? THAIS. Nothing; for I have made inquiry. Now, my Phædria, there are many reasons why I could wish to get her away from him. In the first place, because she was called my sister; moreover, that I may restore and deliver her to her friends. I am a lone woman; I have no one here, neither acquaintance nor relative; wherefore, Phædria, I am desirous by my good offices to secure friends. Prithee, do aid me in this, in order that it may be the more easily effected. Do allow him for the few next days to have the preference with me. Do you make no answer? PHÆD. Most vile woman! Can I make you any answer after such behavior as this? PAR. Well done, my {master}, I commend you; (_aside_) he’s galled at last. (_To PHÆDRIA._) You show yourself a man.