N. The Andrian Woman The ARGVMENT according to Muretus collection THere were two brethren Citizens of Athens the one called Chremes the other Phania Chremes being to trauell into Asia left the charge of his then onely daughter Basibula an infant with his brother Phania Shortly after his departure out of Attica Phania also to auoid the rage of warre growing hot in Greece shipped himselfe thence with his little niece directing his course towards the place where he supposed Chremes aboad but suffering shipwracke was cast with the little one vpon the shoare of the Isle of Andros where getting entertainement of a poore Islander he shortly after died His host after his decease changeth the childs name from Pasibula into Glycerium and hauing bred her vp for some yeares in equall education with his owne naturall child called Chrysis himselfe also dyeth Chremes in the Interim had returned to Athens and there had another daughter named Philumena And all this while supposed his brother and his other daughter to haue long since perished at sea Chrisis being left fatherlesse and poore leaues Andros and taking Glycerium with her sailes to Athens where they dwell together as reputed sisters Chrisis turnes harlot her louers draw along with them to her house one Pamphilus sonne of Simo an antient Athenian Citizen Pamphilus falling in loue with Glycerium gets her with child and affianceth himselfe to her Chremes vpon a publique fame of Pamphilus his vertues treates with Simo for a match betweene their children Pamphilus and Philumena and a marriage is agreed vpon betweene the two old fathers Pamphilus being not made acquainted Chrysis soone after dies at whose funerals Pamphilus occasionally discouered signes of very ardent affection to Glycerium which Chremes hearing of renounceth him for sonne in law as one apparantly besotted and intangled with extraordinarie loue to a stragling strumpet so ignorantly he stiled the issue of his proper loynes Pamphilus now first hearing of the determined match is glad such marriage is disappointed Simo frets at it And now is the prefixed day of marriage come being the day containing the argument of this Coinedie Simo makes shew to all the people of his familie as if the marriage were on this day to be solemnized and this he did out of a foxlike subtiltie to feele his sonnes inclination to marriage and vpon his refusall to haue iust occasion of complaint against him which hitherto he had not And if his sonne should declare readinesse to entertaine the match he then thought it would proue no such difficult matter to cuerrule Chremes and so the businesse to go on as it was first determined Simo hauing thus proiected matters meets his sonne and wils him to pray to the gods for successe vpon his marriage instantly to bee acomplished The sonne at his fathers salutation stands thunderstrucken ignorant what course to take for preuention Dauus comes to him in this distraction at what time one Charinus was with him This Charinus was a yong man inflamed with the loue of Philumena the intended bride and was now in a manner desperate when he vnderstood that Pamphilus was that day to marrie her Pamphilus assuers him of his purposed resolution to the contrarie This was the theame of their discourse when Dauus came vpon them Dauus now was Simoes seruant a fellow of good reach and he vpon grounds reasonable had conceiued his old masters fetch in this pretended marriage which hauing sent away Charinus he opens to Pamphilus resoluing him that in all likelihood the old man did but cast out a hooke to catch at his inclination to Glycerium wishing him therefore without all scruple to promise his father all obedience and readinesse in imbracing this faced marriage he further intimates that no hazard was likely hereby to insue for that Chremes hauing once openly refused him would not at least so suddenly intertaine him for a sonne in law Pamphilus puts the aduice in execution Simo and Dauus venter either of them vpon the hazard but Simo his lucke carries it For Chremes is wonne to a new consent and now is Pamphilus in danger to bee cast vpon a present marriage where hee neuer intended What may Dauus how do author of a counsell not so vnlikely as vnluckie Chance presents him occasion and he hath good braine to make vse of the least offered occasion what is that Glycerium is brought to bed the new borne child is by her maid but by Dauus direction laid at Simo's doore and this is done iust when Chremes must of necessitie see it Dauus further so carries the matter that Chremes vnderstands who is father who is mother to the child These things instly mone Chremes to a second renunciation Hence great stirie ariseth Crito a man of Andros arriued at Athens vpon newes of Crysis her death being next heire to her estate ends all by discovering Glyceriums freedome parentage Pamphilus marries Glycerium now againe knowne by her first name Pasibula Charinus marries the other sister Philumena The Actors and their Characters SImo An old man carefull of his sonne whom hee loued at first for his reported vertues and after he once doubted his carriage shewed his greater loue in his care of him In the first Seene he carries himselfe milde in discourse and behauiour and still after increaseth in angry moode till at length he growes to rage and passion Pamphilus Sonne to Simo a well qualified young man and faithfull louer Dauus Seruant of the family subtile wife consident Dromo Another seruant onely vsed for Dauus punishment Sosia Snno's freed-man a protaticke person brought in onely to whom the ground of the argument might be opened Chremes an old man of a quiet and tranquill spirit Glycerium Daughter of Chremes not presented on the Stage neither speakes but within doores in labor of child-birth Lesbia Her midwife Misis Hermaid-seruant Charinus A young man simple and ignorant Byrrhia His man for wit aboue his master Discreete Crito A stranger of Andros poore yet honest wise and of a good spirit and stomach The Prologue OVr Poet first setting his mind to write Deemd this the sole maine charge vpon him laid To please the people with the playes he made But now he finds that he misreckond quite For that he cannot Prologue wise now lay The argument of this his play aright Is causd by an old rank'rous Poets spite Who drutes him to cleare faultes leaue the meant way Now pray obserue their cauellings those playes Andria and Perinthia which Menander wrote Know one know both not much vnlike in plot Are different yet both in their stile and phrase He not denies that from Perinthia Those things which seemd conuenient in the same He as his owne hath drawne into the frame And course of this presented Andria This is the thing they challenge and they braule That in such sort a cleanely Comedie Should not be hotch-potchd These men verily While much they seeme shew they know nought at all Who him accusing draw his presidents
that all their indeard loue might spie Cast her selfe on him weeping tenderly Sos How what doe you say Sim. Home I get mee streight Inrag'd and fretting yet no cause of weight Appeard to me to chide him he might plead What foule fact haue I done what merited Or wherein faulted Father one that sought To burne her selfe I hindred as I ought And sau'd her life It were a faire reply Sos You weigh things well for if deseruedly He may be chidden which help'd life to saue Who hurts or spoiles one what should that man haue Sim. Next day comes Chremes to me vrging thus Oh case to be lamented Pamphilus I finde cleare holds yond stranger harlotrie In place of a iust wife this earnestly I doe denie he stifly holds In fine I so part with him as one vtterly Denies to giue his Daughter to my Sonne Sos Chid you not Pamphilus yet Sim. Nor yet I saw A grounded cause to build a chiding on Sos Why I pray Sim. Thus my Sonne might vrge his law Your selfe sir set a limitation To this my course the time is comming on I must my selfe to anothers will apply Let meath interim mine owne satisfie Sos For what cause then of blaming will you 〈◊〉 Sim. If for loose loue he shall dome to marrie That is the first occasion that I seeke Against him and the present way I make By this selfe marriage if he shew mislike Is hereby true pretence of blame to take Besides if wicked Dauus haue a foot Any contriuement that he now consume His stocke of knauerie whil'st it cannot hurt Who I imagine tooth and naile will practise And that with purpose rather to crosse me Then please my Sonne Sos Why should you so conceaue Sim. Mak'st thou a question euill mindes ill manners Whom if in any thing I shall discouer But what neede talke if happily it fall As I doe wish my Sonne be nothing backward It onely rests that I perswade with Chremes Which I hope may be wrought Now be 't your charge Well to beare vp this seeming marriage Fright Dauus obserue my Sonnes carriage And note their consultations Sos T is enough I le see to 't shall we in Sim. Goe before I follow Exit Sosia There is no question my Sonne would decline This marriage that I markt in Dauus seare When he had heard tht wedding did goe forward But he himselfe comes forth Scen. 2. Enter Dauus Dau. I Marld if this would end so and still doubted Whereto my Masters caline remisnesse tended Who when he saw his Sonne could haue no wife Neuer made word to vs on 't nor gaue signe Of being troubled at it Sim. Now he will Talke to you on 't and as I doe suppose To your no little cost Dau. This was his cunning To lead vs on in saire fooles paradise And in our secure dreaming take vs napping Hauing no time to cast preuention A fox ifaith Sim. What i st the knaue talkes on Dau. My Master and vnheeded Sim. Dauus Dau. Ha what is the affaire Sim. Come you hither to me Dau. What now trow is in working Sim. What faist thou Dau. What sir the businesse Sim. Dost thou demand that Folke talke my Sonne 's in loue Dau. That birladie Concernes the world to thinke on Sim. Dost marke me In what I say or not Dau. Oh yes sir well Sim. But now of this for me to make inquirie Were no kinde Fathers part What hitherto H 'as done I passe not while the time permitted I gaue him way to take his course and pleasures His yeares now call for a new life new manners Henceforward Dauus I require or rather If the word may befit me I request thee Retriue my Sonne from this loose libertie Dau. What may this meane Sim. All these loose libertines That wantonly doe loue cannot indure To heare of wiuing Dau. So indeede they say Sim. Beside if such one chance to light vpon Some patron of his inclination His raw greene sickly minde he commonly Wonts to the worser part still to apply Dau. Troth sir I vnderstand you not Sim. How not Dau. No verily I am your plaine man Dauus No riddle-teller cunning Oedipus Sim. thou ld'st then in plaine tearmes haue me speake my minde Dau. Yes pray at any hand sir Sim. If I finde That thou to day vse any cunning crotchet Whereby to hinder this intended wedding Or faine wouldst shew thy wits sine nimblenesse When I haue first well whipt thee in the Mill I le thrust thee to thy very dying day With this prouiso and condition If euer I thence free thee I le grinde for thee What vnderstand'st me yet or not yet neither Dau. Yes clearely now y'haue vs'd no round-abouts But come to th' matter roundly Sim. In ought else Saue this I better could indure a slighting Dau. Pray sir good words yet Sim. Mak'st thou a iest on 't I know thee to a haire but I doe tell thee Least thou shouldst rashly venture Doe not say But th' hast had faire warning giu'n thee looke to 't Exit Simo. Scen. 3. Dau. VPon my faith now Dauus here 's no leasure Left thee to rest or dreame vpon the matter For ought I gather of the old mans purpose Touching this wedding which not wisely holpen Me or young Master vndoes vtterly Not can I iudge my best course him to succour Or leane to the old mans counsell forsake him I doubt his life assist him th 'others threats Whom to o're reach it 's hard First h 'as discouerd All of their loue then keepes hard watch o're me Least I should lead some trumping card in th' way Which if he finde I 'm lost or else at pleasure Hee le take occasion be it right be it wrong And to the Mill I shall be tumbled headlong To all these hazards comes another mischiefe This Andrian woman be she his wise or lemman Is great with childe by him Now t is worth nothing To heare their bold aduenture none can iudge it Fond louers fancie but meere frenzie rather For whether boy or girle she shall bring forth They haue resolu'd to keepe and nourish it Besides they coyne a prettie cunning fable Among themselues that shee 's free Atticke borne There was long since say they an ancient Merchant Shipwrackt on Andros Iland who there died And that with him then saued Chrysis Father Tooke vp a little girle Conceited fiction To me it seemes vnlikely yet they sooth Themselues i th' tale But see Mysis comming Enter Mysis From out Glyceriums house I le to the Market To seeke out Pamphilus for feare his Father Vnwates doe presse him with this businesse Exit Dauus Scen. 4. Mys GOod God Archillis I doe heare you woman You would haue Lesbia fetcht vpon my word She is a drunken gossip and vnheedie And one scarce fit to whom you may commit A woman in first childbirth Yet He fetch her Note you the old ones importunitie None but her pot companion will serue turne But I pray God
good chance happen Pam. Thinkst thou so Dau. There is no doubt i th' world on 't Pam. Take you heede to what you lead me Dau. Will you sir be quiet Pam. I le tell my father as thou bidst me but There must be care had he by no meanes know she 's with childe by me for I haue promis'd To giue it breeding Dau. Oh bold enterprise Pam. She begg'd this promise of me as assurance That I would not forsake her Enter Simo. Dau. I le looke too t Your Father 's here let him not note you sad Scen. 4. Sim. I Come to obserue their carriage note their plots Dau. He thinkes now surely you le refuse to marrie And comes from some lone place premeditate Thinking to puzzle you with a set speech Therefore collect your selfe Pam. Well as I can Dau. In this thing Pamphilus you shall take my word You shall not now change two crosse sillables If you but say you readie are to marrie Scen. 5. Enter Byrrhia listening the incounter betweene Simo and his Sonne Byr. MY Master will'd me all things else set of Pamphilus watch learn what course he takes About the Bride This caus'd me dogge him hither And loe where he is with Dauus To my taske Sim. I see 'hem both together Dau. Now sir looke too t Sim. Pamphilus Dau. Looke you backe as on the sodaine Pam. Oh you my father Dau. I that 's well carried Sim. As I late told thee t is my purpose Sonne That thou this day be married Dau. Now I feare His answer on our side Pam. Sir or in this Or in what else I wait vpon your pleasure Byr. Ha! Dau. Mute Byr. What said he Sim. Thou dost now my Sonne As well becomes thee when so graciously Thou yeeldst to what I craue Dau. Was I not right Byr. My Master as I heare hath lost his wife Sim. Get you now in that when the time requires We be not driu'n to stay for you Pam. Yes sir Exit Pamphilus Byr. That in nothing one man may trust another It is an old said saying and as common All to themselues wish best My selfe haue seene The maiden and remember her a faire one Which makes me better beare with Pamphilus If he himselfe had rather nightly bed her Then let my Master I le beare backe this newes That he may pay me well for my ill tidings Exit Byrrhia Scen. 6. Dau. MY Master thinkes now I haue some deuice A foot and that for that end I stay here Sim. What i st thou talkest Dauus Dau. Eene iust sir Sim. What nothing ha Dau. Indeede sir nothing I. Sim. I sure did looke to heare some newes from thee Dau. I know t is chanced quite besides his aime That 's it which nettles him Sim. I st possible I get thee tell me a truth Dau. Most readily Sim. Doos this same wedding grieue him any thing By reason of the acquaintance that he holds With yonder stranger Dau. Truely I thinke not Or if it doe the matter of his trouble Will be at most two or three daies disquiet Conceiue you sir then it will clearely vanish For with himselfe h 'as tane a due account And set all cleare that way Sim. I doe commend him Dau. Whilst he had leaue his green youth did suffer'r He wencht a little but yet priuately He euer had a care to keepe his name Vntoucht as did become a wise yong man Now mariage fits he frames his minde that way Sim. And yet me thought he appeared somewhat sad Dau. Nothing about this businesse but there 's cause That makes him somewhat angry with you Sim. What Dau. A trifle Sim. What i st Dau. Nothing Sim. Tell me what Dau. He saies y' are ouerniggardish in Cost Sim. Who I Dau. That you haue scarce disbusd ten groats In your prouision for his wedding supper What saies he is this like a Sonnes nuptials Whom chiefely of my fellow batchelors May I inuite quoth he to such a banquet And to speake that which may be said herein Intruth you are too too sparing I lik't not Sim. Hold your tongue Dau. I haue gald him Sim. I will see That all shall be well carried What meanes this What i st this old fox-hunt doth hammer on If there be any knauerie his pare forg'd it Exeunt Simo and Dauus Act. 3. Scen. 1. Enter Lesbia the Midwise and Mysis Glyceriums maâ—de at onedsore Simo and Dauus at another Mys I Indeede Lesbia you haue said aright A woman hardly findes a faithfull louer Sim. Belongs this maide to th' Andrian here Dau. Yes sir Mys But this kinde Pamphilus Sim. What i st she saies Mys Hath giuen her full assurance Sim. Out alas Dau. Would either he were dease now or she dumbe Mys That sonne or daughter he will foster it Sim. Oh Iupiter what newes is this I heare All is lost vtterly if she speake truth Lesb. You doe describe a yong man honest natur'd Mys Oh the best natur'd gentleman but pray Follow me in for feare she stay for you Les Yes I follow Dau. What helpe for this now trow Exet Lesbya and Mysis Sim. What is he mad a loose land loping strumpet Oh! I haue it old dulhead as I was I fearce at length could hit on 't Dau. What has he hit on saies he Sim. This first knauish practise Of my man here is now thus put vpon me She is to be in child birth to flight Chremes Glycerium within doores Iuno Lucina helpe saue mee I pray thee Sim. Horda such speede ha ha ridiculous As soone as are she heard me at the doore The throwes come on scarce fitly a' my word You ranke and place your times scarce sitly Dauus Dau. I sir Sim. Or haue your Actors mist their Cues Dau. I know not what you meane sir Sim. If this fellow Had set vpon me being vnprouided In a true marriage oh what pageants Would he haue plaid me Let him now make sure His owne aduenture â—mâ—ith port secure Scen. 2. Enter Lesbia speaking to the Nurse within doores Lesb. AS yet Archillis I doe note in her All vsuall matters and good signes of health First see her cleansd and then deliuer her That drinke in measure as I gaue in charge I le be here straight againe as God shall helpe me She hath brought Pamphilus a goodly boy If it please God may it liue to be a man Seeing the father is of disposition So honest and makes conscience to wrong This good young woman Exit Lesbia Sim. Who did euer know thee That would not sweare this thy contriuing now Dau. Pray what Sim. She cannot in the house giue order For what is needfull to the childebed woman But comming forth a doores proclaimes ith'strect Her minde to them within what what sir Dauus Slight you me so or deem'st me now at length Such a fine easie propertie thou maist So plainly passe thy iugling tricks vpon me At least yet it was circumspectly carried And shewd your awe if'twere
heare me Dro. What would y'haue Sim. Hoist in this fellow here hence speedily Dro. Whom Sim. Dauus Dau. Why Sim. For it is my pleasure Away with him I say Dau. What haue I done Sim. In with him Dau. If you shall finde I haue ly'de In any thing then kill me Sim. I le heare nothing I le streightway put thee into motion Dau. Though that I said the truth Sim. Though see you I le be kept bound and heare you bound all foure I le shew thee what t is to abuse a Master If I but liue this day and teach the other What t is to crosse a father Exit Dromo with Dauus Chr. Oh I pray you rage not so much Sim. Chremes doost not seeing How vnkindely he deales with me pittie me That I should toyle and care for such a sonne But Pamphitus you come you out Pamphilus Doth any shame possesse thee Scen. 3. Enter Pamphilus Pam. VVHo cald me I am lost it is my father Sim. What saist now Thou of all Chr. Oh rather goe to th' point man And spare ill speaking Sim. As if any thing Can be spoke ill inough of such a one But Sirrha say is your Glycerium now Free borne of Athens Pam. So they say of her Sim. Doe they say so Monstrous audaciousnesse Considers he his words grieues at his deedes Or shewes his colour any note of shame That he should be of such deboshed manners That cleare beyond all precedent of freemen Against the forme of law in opposition Of me his father he should bend to haue her Though 't reach to th' highest pitch of infamie Pam. Oh me most wretched Sim. Doost thou now at length Perceiue that Pamphilus that word of old Of old that word then truely sitted thee When first thou setst thy heart to please thy selfe Though at what rate soeuer compassed But wherefore doe I thus why yex my soule Why waste my selfe away why doe I grieue My old and fainting age with his youths follies Shall I indure the pennance of his faultings No let him haue her I God speede him well Yes let him keepe with her Pam Oh my father Sim. Why call'st me father as if thou hadst neede Of me to be thy father a house wise Children are had maugre thy fathers will Fellowes are hir'd shall beare her vp freeborne Y'haue got the mast'tie Pam. I beseech you father May I haue leaue to vtter a few words Sim. What wilt say to me Chr. Vet heare him Simo. Sim. I heare him what i st Chremes I should heare him Chr. Permit him tell you Sim. Well tell he I permit Pam I doe confesse I loue this woman here If it be faultie I confesse that too Further I yeeld me vp to your full pleasure Lay any taske any command vpon me Will you I marrie that leaue this I will Indure it as I may But this one thing I begge of you that you would not imagine That this old man is by my meanes brought in Suffer me cleare my selfe and fetch him hither Into your presence Sim. Fetch him Pam. Let mee pray Chr. He craues but reason grant it Pam. I pray sir Exit Pamphilus Sim. Well I doe I wish Chremes ought be proued So that I finde he doos not iuggle with me Chr. Sleight accusation in a sonnes offence Sufficeth for a father Scen. 4. Enter Crito and Pamphilus Crit. CEase to intreat Each of the reasons you haue vs'd perswade me To your request either your owne selfe cause Or for it is a truth or cause I wish All furtherance vnto Gl ceriuns Chr. Doe I not see Crito of Andros there T is he Crito you are here well met You haue bin long a stranger here what chance Hath brought you now to Athens Crit. An occasion But is this Simo Chr. Yes Sim Aske you for me D' yee heare sir is it you that doe affirme Clycerium to be free borne of Athens Crit. Are you one doe denie it Sim. Is 't eene so Come you so well prepared too Crit. Wherefore Sim. Doost thou vse question thinkst thou to escape Fairely thus of with ' t seekest thou to worke on The easie natures of vnguided youth Peruerting our well nurtur'd children Winning their hearts with fawning promises And this in Athens Crit. Are you in your wits Sim. And harlot-loues knit'st vp in marriage Chr. If you knew this man Simo thoroughly You would not iudge so he is an honest man Sim. An honest man to come iumpe in th' instant Of dosing hands and nere seene here before Chremes may such a man be credited Pam. If I not doubted to displease my father I easily could prompt him to that point Sim. Cauelling sycophant Crit. How Chr. Forbeare Crito It is his temper Crit. Let him regard his temper If he will vent his pleasure vpon me He shall be forc'd to heare what will displease him Trouble I his matters or yet care for 'hem Cannot you beare your owne ils patiently For my part it may instantly be knowne Whether 't be false or true you heard me say A certaine man of Athens now long since Shiprackt at sea was cast on Andros Isle And with him this Glycerium then a childe He being poore had harbour at the house Of Chr si father Sim. He begins a tale Chr. Pray giue him leaue Crit. Does he disturbe me thus He that entertaind him was my kinsman Of him I then heard that this shipwrack'd man Was an Ithenian Chr Pray what was his name Crit. His name so sodainly Pha Pha-nia Chr. Oh my heart Crit. Yes sure I thinke t was Phania This I well know he nam'd himselfe of Ramnes Chr. O Iupiter Crit. A many moe in Andros Then heard it Chr. I beseech the Gods it proue According to my hopes but pray you Crito What said he of the childe that t was his owne Crit. No. Chr. Whose then Crit. The daughter of his brother Chr. T is certainly mine owne Crit. What doe you say Sim. What say you Pam. Pamphilus giue heed to this Sim. Why thinke you so Chr. That Phania was my brother Sim. I knew him well and know that he was so Chr. He flying hence to auoid the rage of warre Trauaild toward Asia in pursuit of me And feard withall to leaue the childe behinde Since whence now I heare the first newes of him Pam. I scarcely feele my selfe my mind 's so tost Twixt feare and hope and ioy and wondring At this so great so sodaine happinesse Sim. In truth I much reioyce she is found yours Pam. I doe beleeue you father Chr. But there rests One scruple yet which somewhat troubles me Pa. You are worthy now of hate with these your scruples Crit. What is ' t Chr. The name agrees not Crit. She had sure Another being young Chr. What was it Crito Canst thou remember Crit. I am thinking on 't Pam. Shall I permit his tardie memorie To slacken my ioyes current being able Herein to giue my selfe a remedie No I will not harke you
he finds Phaedria entred into Thais her bookes out of which if he be not cleane wiped Pamphila is not for her as the souldier affirmeth Terence hath set out this Thais as none of the worst of that course of life and withall of good discretion in her cariage A Dilemma is now put vpon her loue and consideration are the two hornes she must venture the goring by one of them Loue pleades first and this is naturall to her bloud and Phaedria besides deserues it I but hee may be tendered a wife his appetite cloyd his father workeher displeasure Resolute loue in spite of these premisses hath downe the coÌ„â—lusion On the other side a reputed sister that sister hath good friends those friends able to strengthen her vnsetled fortunes if by her meanes the one be restored to the other Thus pleades Consideration Wisely therefore she keepes the middle way for barring Phaedria her company for abrace of dayes telling him why she aimes to gull the souldier of the wench by this courtesie and then to recall Phaedria to his former contentment Phaedria assents leaues the Citie giues withall charge to Parmeno his fathers man for bringing an Eunuch to Thais in his absence Phaedria gone Thraso also sends Pamphila to her by Gnato a Parasite In the passing of the maiden thither Chaerea a younger brother of Phaedria spies her falles in loue with her dogges her by accident looseth her chafes with himself at it then to Parmeno comming vpon him discouers his mind and whereto caried Parmeno informes him of an Eunuch by his brother Phaedria sent and by him forthwith to be conueied to the very house where the maid abideth So that by shifting cloathes with the Eunuch he may vndiscouered be brought to her the Eunuch nor hee having euer before beene seene by Thais or any of her family Chaerea followes the aduise is brought thither rauisheth the maiden Much coyle hence ariseth Pamphila at length being found to bee free-borne Chaerea marries her Thais is taken into protection by the father of the two brothers The Souldier for mirth and cost sparing is admitted among them by Gnatoes perswasion with the consent of Phaedria The Actors and their Characters SEnex an old man not named by Terence father of two sonnes himselfe being retired to his Countrey Grange at his returne to the Citie findes that either of his sonnes haue playd Rex in his absence his nature suddaine and fiery Phaedria one of his sonnes a young man intangled with the loue of a harlot well qualified and stragling with his faultie inclination Chaerea Another of the old mans sonnes an early Cocke of the game the heate of his youthfull bloud violently caries him on to a rape either he was passed an Ephebus or Grammarians mistaken in the word or else Terence hath beene very bold in the part of Chaerea lustfull heady head-strong Parmeno Scruant of the family wise and discreat while he giues aduise when he vndertakes imployment diligent and faithfull Thais A strumpet of a sweete and pleasing disposition gracefull in language in maners free and indifferently modest Terence in a word hath striued in her person to set out a tollerable harlot Pythias maid to Thais A busie pratling house-wife Dorias another of her maides of cleane contrary temper an idle meacocke Chremes A young countrie gentleman Clownish of maners very timerous and fearefull Sophrona an old nurse she hardly huddles ouer the stage And all the newes I heare froÌ„ her is this one word Moueo Amipho a young gentleman of good demeanor familiar Thraso Gnato These I couple for what good Musâ—que makes a trumpet without its ecco The first a Parat th' other a fellow clawing his poll The souldier a bragging sot of necessitie therefore a Cowheard the other a Clawbacke rubbing his proud itch The Parasite thus farre wise that he can make vse of his foolish Master for he pickes matter of mirth and meanes out of him Sanga a Cooke by consequence inclining to sawcinesse Malepert The Prologue IF there be any who their studies frame To giue good men contentment displease none In their faire rancke our Poet files his name If any further hold opinion That harsh vnciuill tearmes to procure shame To any man be here vngently sowne Let him thinke so a Gods name but with all He lets them know what euer words do passe Do not on such as free inuectiues fall But forc'd replies of him first wronged was To vtter the mans name not neede I shall One shrewdly tossed leaudly glossed has Many Greeke comedies and by that meane In that tongue good in Latine marred cleane 'T was he who but ere-while presented you Menanders Phasâ—â— to name it is inough But in the Treasure there you saw him shew rare work emanship exceeding his rich stuffe One man another for found gold did sue Our Orators are but a glimmering snuffe To this bright Poets shining Oratory Now in that case iudiciously he wrought The perâ—â—e at the barre then defensorie To plead first for the gold inquestion brought Before the plaintiffe vrgd his iniurie or reason shewd why he by action sought Recouerie of that gold or how the same into the combe of his dead father came I wish him henceforth he himselfe not flatter Or thinke his plaies being passd he stands secure This will be vnsafe refuge for the matter I haue against him which I him assure Is kept in store and cease he not to scatter His tales abroad our scandall to procure As he begins and leaue to vrge vs on Yet hull t shall be produc'd to publique view This Eunuch now a foote for action Being by the Aediles bought he hard did sue To be at sight of the relation The Ouerseers come the Actors drew To the rehearsall I beseech you now But heare what he hath challenged and how My man baules out in roare a pilferer No Poet hath now tenderd you a play And yet in all the same no one word neither Of 's owne for 's money tenderd Why I pray Why out of Nauius Plautus chuse you whether All is purloind that you shall heare to day And going on the enuious point he plies That this is stale stuffe in each author named That either of them in their Comedies The souldier and flatterers part haue framed And that both thence are hither brought he cries Which if 't be such a fault as must be blamed Our Author sayes disknowing led him on No purpos'd filching practise thought vpon That this is so may by you straight be tride Menanders Flatterer hath a Parasite Which Colax called is there is beside A braggart Souldier that he did indite Those personages thence is not denide To fill his Eunuch but that he did wyte * The Eunuch was neuer before produced in Latine That this had euer beene the argument Of Latine playes before he vtterly Denyes If this now be so insolent To assume the persons vsed formerly By other Poets why is suffrance lent To frame a
plague 'hem soundly now at last has found one Enter Pythias Scen. 7. Pyth. TRroth for this many aday there has not chanced An accident more pleasant then this now To see the old man come in so mistaken 'T was sport to me alone of all the rest Who knew the ground of th' error ha ha he Par. What i st she laughes at Pyth. I 'm come forth to With Parmeno but where a Gods name is he Par. Doos she seeke me Pyth. See where he is I le to him meete Par What newes with thee now Giglet Pyth. Ha ha he Par. What meanst thou why this laughter goest thou on Pyth. Ha ha ha he Oh-oh-I burst I faint With laughing at thee Par. Wherefore Pyth. dost thou aske Vpon my troth I neuer in my life Knew a more errand foole nor euer shall Ha ha ha he it cannot be expressed What pastime thou hast made vs yond' within And yet good truth at first I tooke thee for A very wise and cunning pated fellow Par. Why what 's the matter Pyth. What at the first dash Oughtst thou to credit euery thing I said What didst thou thinke the brane exploit too little The rash youth ventred through thy setting on vnlesse thou further diddst discouer him vnto his father prithe tell me one thing What thinkst thou Cherea thought when now his father Found him so fine drest in an Eunuchs habit How i st seest thou yet thou art ripe for hanging Par. How what saist thou pestilent queane diddst lye then Pyth. Ha ha ha he Par. And keep'st a laughing still too Thinkst thou t is such fine pastime harlotrie To make a scorne of me Pyth. ô yes sport a life Par I if perchance thou carry 't away scotfree Pyth Indeede la Par. I le crie quittance o' my credit Pyth. Yes sure We shall haue time yet Parmeno For thee thou art to be truss'd vp presently Who fleshest heedlesse youth in vilanie And then betraist him to discouerie Father and sonne will both make thee an example Par. I am a dead man Pyth. Looke you ' this y'haue got For the Eunuch you late vsherd home to vs. Exit Pythias Farewell Par. Vnluckie I am caught iust like a rat Trac'd by my noise mine owne vnheedie chart Enter thraso and Gnato Scen. 8. Gna. VVHat do we now on what hopes or with what Purpose Do we come hither what intend you Traso Thr. Who I to yeeld my selfe to Thais mercie Do all she shall inioyne Gna. What i st you say Thr. Why Hesse then the valiant Hercuies Who condiscended to serue 〈◊〉 Gna. I like the precedent Woâ—ld I yet might see Her cracke your crowne once with her pantefle Enter Chaerea What newes her doore opes Thr. what new mischief 's this I nere saw this man yet what may it meane That he comes foorth so hastily and iocond Scen. 9. Chae. OH louing countriemen liues any man More happie then my selfe troth I thinke none The Gods haue shewne all their full might on me On whom so sodainely so many chances So many prosperous chances meete in one Par. Why is he growne so merie Gnae. Oh my dearest My kindest Parmeno ' first fashioner Contriuer finisher of all my fortunes All my contentments Knowest thou Parmeno What ioy I am in hearest thou my Pamphila Is found to be free borne Par. Yes I haue heard so Chae. Made sure to me Par. As God shall helpe me I 'm Glad on t Gna. do y' heare him what he saies Chae. I ioy beside My brother Chedria's loue is now faire setled W' are made one house Thais hath giu'n vp her selfe Vnto my fathers kindnesse and protection Shee 's now our owne Par. Then she is all your brothers Chae. That 's most certaine Par. Then that 's other cause The sculdier is cashierd hence Chae. now I prithee of ioy Giue thou my brother notice of this newes Where ere he may be found and speedily Par. I le seeke for him at home Thr. Doost thou now Gnato Make any doubt but I am lost for euer Gna. Sure I iudge so Chae. What should I first count on Whom chiefely praise or him that counseld me Or yet my selfe that venturd the performance Or shall I not yeeld fortune share of praise Which guided these things thus Which in one day Hath closed vp so many so great things And all so timely orderd or the easie And pleasant disposition of my father Oh I beseech thee gratious Iuâ—â—ter Continue to vs this our happinesse Enter Phaedria Phae. Your faith good Gods What things aboue beleefe Hath our man told me but where is my brother Cha. Here. Pha. I am lad Chae. I well beleeue you brother There is none liuing more deseruing loue Then this your Thais she 's a furtherer To all our family Pha. Why how now brother Commendst thou her to me Thr. I am vndone The lesser hope I haue the more I loue Helpe Gnato at a pinch my trust 's in thee Gna. What wold you haue me do Thr. Win by intreatie By money I may hold some place neere Thais Gna. T is a hard taske Thr. Come I know thee Gnato If once thou vndertak'st a thing worke this And name but what reward or gift thou lt haue And thou shalt hau 't Gna. Say you so Thr. I and will Performe it Gna. If I performe it I require your house Do euer open rest at my command Be you within or not that though vnbidden I still haue roome and welcome giuen me Thra Here is my hand thou shalt Gna. Then I will settle To the attempt Phae. Whom heare I here ô Thraso Thra. God saue you Phae. Thou perhaps hear'st not the Newes Thra Yes I know all Phae. Why do I see you then Here in these quarters Thr. Sir as resting onely Vpon your loue Phae. Know'st thou not what to rest on I tell thee souldier if I here hence forward Do take thee in this streete th' art a dead man It will auaile you little then to say You sought some man or were to passe this way Gna. Nay good sir this not fitteth Phae. I haue said it Gna. I know you are not of such boistrous temper Phae. It shall so stand Gna. Pray yet first giue me hearing Of a few words which when I shall haue said As you do like it grant it Phae. Well let 's heare Gna. Thraso remoue your selfe a little of First I most earnestly request you both Thus farre to credit me that what herein I do is chiefely for my owne sake meant But if the same may likewise further you T were simplenesse in you not to admit it Phae. What i st Gna. I thinke fit you take vnto you This riuall souldier Phae. How saist take him to vs Gna. Pray but consider this you Phaedria Do surely loue your Thais companie And to fare well little you haue to giue her And she of force must be supplied largely Now then to serue her turne and spare your cost There 's none can