and often, consciously or unconsciously, imitated. Addison, in the 'Spectator,' calls them "inimitably beautiful:"—
Be, in his presence, as though absent still;
Still love me day and night; still long for me;
Dream of me, miss me, think of me alone;
Hope for me, dote on me, be wholly mine,
My very heart and life, as I am thine.
—Act i. sc. 2.
Gnatho is deputed by his magnificent friend to conduct the young slave girl to Thais's house. On the way he is met by Parmeno: and even that unimpressible old servitor is struck by the girl's wondrous beauty. The scene between the two officials of the rival powers is very good.
Gnatho (to himself as Parmeno comes up). I'll have a
little sport, now, with this knave.
(Aloud, making a low bow.) My excellent Parmeno, is it you?
Your most obedient.—How d'ye find yourself?
Parmeno (coolly). I hadn't lost myself.
Gna. You never do.[1]
Nothing unpleasant in this quarter—eh?
(Pointing over his shoulder to Thais's house.)
Par. There's you.
- ↑ This is not the literal joke in the original, but may serve to express it. Colman quotes an illustration of the same kind of humour from 'The Merry "Wives of Windsor:'—
"Falstaff. My honest lads, I'll tell you what I am about.
Pistol. Two yards, or more."
