San. Plague on you, what others? Sannio is the only one left on guard at home.
Thra. (to Gnatho.) Do you draw up your men in battle order; I’ll be behind the second rank;[97] from that position I’ll give the word to all.
Takes his place behind the second rank.
Gna. (aside.) That’s showing prudence; as soon as he has drawn them up, he secures a retreat for himself.
Thra. (pointing to the arrangements.) This is just the way Pyrrhus used to proceed.[98]
Chremes and Thais appear above at a window.
Chrem. Do you see, Thais, what plan he is upon? Assuredly, that advice of mine about closing the door was good.
Thais. He who now seems to you to be a hero, is in reality a mere vaporer; don’t be alarmed.
Thra. (to Gnatho.) What seems best to you?
Gna. I could very much[99] like a sling to be given you just now, that you might pelt them from here on the sly at a distance; they would be taking to flight.