PAPHNUTIUS. Perhaps you will not find the tale to your liking.
DISCIPLES. A man is often sadder for having his curiosity satisfied, yet he cannot overcome this tendency to be curious. It is part of our weakness.
PAPHNUTIUS. Brothers—there is a woman, a shameless woman, living in our neighbourhood.
DISCIPLES. A perilous thing for the people.
PAPHNUTIUS. Her beauty is wonderful: her impurity is—horrible.
DISCIPLES. What is her wretched name?
PAPHNUTIUS. Thais.
DISCIPLES. Thais! Thais, the harlot!
PAPHNUTIUS. Yes—she.
DISCIPLE. Everyone has heard of her and her wickedness.