Be of good heart;only approach this fire,Approach this fire.Ignem is generally supposed to be used figuratively here, and to mean the flame of love. Eugraphius, however, would understand the expression literally, observing that courtesans usually had near their doors an altar sacred to Venus, on which they daily sacrificed. you’ll soon be warmer than you need.THAIS(turning round.)Who is it that’s speaking here? What, are you here, my Phaedria? Why are you standing here? Why didn’t you come into the house at once?PARMENO(whispering to PHAEDRIA.)But not a word about shutting you out!THAIS Why are you silent?PHAEDRIA Of course, it’s becauseOf course it’s because. It must be observed that these words, commencing with Sane, quia vero, in the original, are said by Phaedria not in answer to the words of Thais immediately preceding, but to her previous question, Cur non recta introibas? Why didn’t you come into the house at once? and that they are spoken in bitter irony. this door is always open to me,or because I’m the highest in your favor?THAIS Pass those matters by.PHAEDRIA How pass them by? O Thais, Thais, I wish that I had equal affection with yourself, and that it were in like degree, that either this might distress you in the same way that it distresses me, or that I might be indifferent at this being done by you.THAIS Prithee, don’t torment yourself, my life, my Phaedria. Upon my faith, I did it, not because I love or esteem any person more than you; but the case was such that it was necessary to be done.PARMENO(ironically.)I suppose that, poor thing, you shut him out of doors, for love, according to the usual practice.THAIS Is it thus you act, Parmeno? Well, well. (To PHAEDRIA.) But listen—the reason for whichI desired you to be sent for hither—PHAEDRIA Go on.THAIS First tell me this; can this fellow possibly hold his tongue?(pointing to PARMENO.)PARMENO What, I? Perfectly well. But, hark you, upon these conditions I pledge my word to you; the truth that I hear, I’m silent upon, and retain it most faithfully; but if I hear what’s false and without foundation, it’s out at once;I’m full of chinks, and leak in every direction. Therefore, if you wish it to be kept secret, speak the truth.THAIS My mother was a Samian; she lived at Rhodes—PARMENO That may be kept a secret.THAIS There, at that period, a certain merchant made present to my mother of a little girl, who had been stolen away from Attica here.PARMENO What, a citizen?THAIS I think so; we do not know for certain: she herself used to mention her mother’s and her father’s name; her country and other tokens she didn’t know, nor, by reason of her age, was she able. The merchant added this: that he had heard from the kidnappersthat she had been carried off from Sunium.From Sunium: This was a town situate near a lofty Promontory of that name in Attica. It was famous for a fair which was held there. Sunium’s rocky brow is mentioned by Byron in the song of the Greek Captive in the third Canto of Don Juan. When my mother received her, she began carefully to teach her every thing, and to bring her up, just as though she had been her own daughter. Most persons supposed that she was my sister.Thence I came hither with that stranger, with whom alone at that period I was connected; he left me all which I now possess—PARMENO Both these things are false; out it goes.THAIS How so?PARMENO Because you were neither content with one, nor was he the only one to make you presents; for he likewise (pointing to PHAEDRIA) brought a pretty considerable share to you.THAIS Such is the fact; but do allow me to arrive at the point I wish. In the mean time, the Captain, who had begun to take a fancy to me, set out to Caria;Set out for Caria : This was a country of Asia Minor upon the sea-coast, opposite to the island of Rhodes. since when, in the interval, I became acquainted with you. You yourself are aware how very dear I have held you; and how I confess to you all my nearest counsels.