THE SUBJECT.
A CERTAIN citizen of
Athens had a
daughter named Pamphila, and a son called Chremes. The former was stolen
while an infant, and sold to a Rhodian merchant, who having made a present
of her to a Courtesan of
Rhodes,
she brought her up with her own daughter Thais, who was somewhat older. In
the course of years, Thais following her mother's way of life, removes to
Athens. Her mother dying,
her property is put up for sale, and Pamphila is purchased as a slave by
Thraso, an officer and an admirer of Thais, who happens just then to be
visiting
Rhodes. During the absence
of Thraso, Thais becomes acquainted with Phasdria, an Athenian youth, the
son of Laches; she also discovers from Chremes, who lives near
Athens, that Pamphila, her former
companion, is his sister. Thraso returns, intending to present to her the
girl he has bought, but determines not to do so until she has discarded
Phaedria. Finding that the girl is no other than Pamphila, Thais is at a
loss what to do, as she both loves Phaedria, and is extremely anxious to
recover Pamphila. At length, to please the Captain, she excludes Phaedria,
but next day sends for him, and explains to him her reasons, at the same
time begging of him to allow Thraso the sole right of admission to her house
for the next two days, and assuring him that as soon as she shall have
gained possession of the girl, she will entirely throw him off. Phaedria
consents, and resolves to spend these two days in the country; at the same
time he orders Parmeno to take to Thais a Eunuch and an Aethiopian girl,
whom he has purchased for her. The Captain also sends Pamphila, who is
accidentally seen by Chaerea, the younger brother of Phaedria; he, being
smitten with her beauty, prevails upon Parmeno to introduce him into the
house of Thais, in the Eunuch's dress. Being admitted there, in the absence
of Thais, lie ravishes the damsel. Shortly afterward Thraso quarrels with
Thais, and comes with all his attendants to her house to demand the return
of Pamphila, but is disappointed. In conclusion, Pamphila is recognized by
her brother Chremes, and is promised in marriage to Chaerea; while Thraso
becomes reconciled to Phaedria, through the mediation of Gnatho, his
Parasite.
