with very marked attention. As niggardly as he is jealous, Thraso comes to demand back again from his lady-love the expensive present he has made to her,—this young slave, whom it is not agreeable or convenient, for more reasons than one, for Thais to give up. She flatly refuses; and Thraso determines to take her from the house by force. The "young man from the country," who is at this moment paying a visit to Thais, is really the brother of this girl, who has been stolen in her infancy; and Thais now calls upon him to stand by her in defence of his sister. He would much prefer to go and fetch the police; but there is little time for that, for Thraso is seen approaching with a party of followers, and Thais, who with all her faults has plenty of spirit, barricades her door and defies him.
The scene must have been sufficiently effective, especially if artistically arranged, upon so wide a stage, when the gallant Captain leads his forces to the attack.
Enter Thraso, with his sword drawn, at the head of a
motley retinue of hangers-on and household slaves.
Thra. You, Donax, with the crow-bar, lead the centre;
Simalio, you command on the left wing;
Syriscus, you the right. Bring up the reserve!
Where's our lieutenant, Sanga, and his rascals?
They can steal anything—from a loaf to a woman.
Sanga. Here, Captain, here am I!
Thra. Why, zounds! you dolt,
Have you come out to battle with a dish-clout?
San. Brave sir, I knew the mettle of my Captain—
I knew his gallant men; this fight, quoth I,
May not be without blood—I'll stanch the wounds.
Thra. (looking round doubtfully on his troops).
