Scene IX.

Enter Chærea at another part of the stage.

Chær. Lives there, my countrymen, a happier man To-day than I? - Not one. - For on my head The gods have plainly emptied all their store, On whom they've pour'd a flood of bliss at once.

Par. What's he so pleas'd at?

Chær. (seeing him.) Oh my Parmeno Inventor, undertaker, perfecter Of all my pleasures, know'st thou my good fortunes? Know'st thou my Pamphila's a citizen?

Par. I've heard so.

Chær. Know'st thou she's betroth'd my wife?

Par. Good news, by heaven!

Gnat. Hear you what he says? (To Thraso .)

Chær. Then I rejoice, my brother Phædria's love Is quietly secur'd to him forever: We're now one family: and Thais has Found favor with my father, and resign'd Herself to us for patronage and care.

Par. She's then entirely Phædria's!

Chær. Aye, entirely.

Par. Another cause of joy: the Captain routed!

Chær. See, Parmeno, my brother (wheresoe'er He be) know this, as soon as possible!

Par. I'll see if he's at home.

Exit.

Thraso. Hast any doubt, Gnatho, but I'm entirely ruin'd?

Gnat. None at all.

Chær. What shall I mention first? whom praise the most! Him that advis'd this action? or myself That durst to undertake it? - or extol Fortune, the governess of all, who deign'd, Events so many, of such moment too, So happily to close within one day? Or shall I praise my father's frank good-humor, And gay festivity? - Oh, Jupiter, Make but these blessings permanent!