Phæd. (starting.) Hah!
Chæ. Be received?
Gna. (to Phædria.) Only consider. I’faith, Phaedria, at the free rate you are living with her, and indeed very freely you are living, you have but little to give; and it’s necessary for Thais to receive a good deal. That all this may be supplied for your amour and not at your own expense, there is not an individual better suited or more fitted for your purpose than the Captain. In the first place, he both has got enough to give, and no one does give more profusely. He is a fool, a dolt, a blockhead; night and day he snores away; and you need not fear that the lady will fall in love with him; you may easily have him discarded whenever you please.
Chæ. (to Phædria.) What shall we do?
Gna. And this besides, which I deem to be of even greater importance,—not a single person entertains in better style or more bountifully.
Chæ. It’s a wonder if this sort of man can not be made use of in some way or other.
Phæd. I think so too.
Gna. You act properly. One thing I have still to beg of you,—that you’ll receive me into your fraternity; I’ve been rolling that stone[112] for a considerable time past.
Phæd. We admit you.
Chæ. And with all my heart.