142 Phad. What voice is that? Oh, Thraso! Good day! Phæd. Perhaps you're not acquainted yet, With what has happen'd here? Thraso. I am. Phad. Why then Do I behold you in these territories? Phæd. Depend on nought but this! "I was but passing through," expect no quarter. Phæd. I have said it. Gnat. You cannot be so rude. Phæd. It shall be so. Gnat. First grant me a short hearing: if you like What I propose, agree to❜t. Phæd. Let us hear! Gnat. Do you retire a moment, Thraso! [Thraso relires.] First, I must beseech you both, most firmly think, 'That 1, whate'er I do in this affair, For my own sake I do it: But if that Likewise advantage you, not to agree Phed. What are your proposals? Gnat. I think, 'twere not imprudent to admit Phad. How! Admit Admit him, say you? Gnat. Nay reflect a little. Phædria, you live at a high rate with Thais, Yet what you give's but little, and you know Gnat. Moreover this; the which I hold no trifle, no man entertains More nobly or more freely. Phæd. I begin To think we've need of such a fool. Char. And I. [lo. Chærea. Gnat. Well judg'd! and let me beg one favour more ; Admit me into your fraternity! I've roll'd this stone too long $4. Phad. We do admit you. Char. With all our hearts. Gnat. And you, sirs, in return, Shall pledge me in the Captain; " eat him; drink him ; And laugh at him. Cher. A bargin! Phæd. 'Tis his due. Gnat. Thraso, whene'er you please, come forward! Thraso. 144 Thraso. Well! How stands the case? Gnat. Alas! they knew you not: But when I drew your character, and prais'd Thraso. "Tis well: I'm much oblig'd. I ne'er was any where, in all my life, But all folks lov'd me most exceedingly. Gnat. There! Did not I assure you, gentlemen, That he had all the Attick elegance? Phæd. He is the very character you drew. THE THE SELF-TORMENTOR. Acted at the MEGALESIAN GAMES, L. Cornelius Lentulus, and L. Valerius Flaccus, Curule Ediles: principal actors, L. Ambivius Turpio and L. Attilius Prænestinus: the musick composed by Flaccus, freedman to Claudius. Taken from the Greek of Menander. Acted the first time with unequal flutes, afterwards with two right-handed ones: it was acted a third time. Published, M. Juventius, and M. Sempronius, Consuls'. LEST any of you wonder, why the Bard Now therefore that our comedy is new," Has sent me here as pleader, not as prologue As to reports, which envious men have spread, Of great bards, who did long since the same. Rather |