YOUNG MAN. It would be wiser to tell us your secret. It will be difficult for you, a stranger, to do your business here without the advice of us citizens.
PAPHNUTIUS. But if I tell you, you may try to hinder me from carrying out my plans.
YOUNG MAN. You can trust us. We are men of honour!
PAPHNUTIUS. I believe it. I will trust in your loyalty and tell you my secret.
YOUNG MAN. We are not traitors. No harm shall come to you.
PAPHNUTIUS. I am told that there lives in this town a woman who loves all who love her. She is kind to all men; she’ll not deny them anything.
YOUNG MAN. Stranger, you must tell us her name. There are many women of that kind in our city. Do you know her name?
YOUNG MAN. Thais! She is the flame of this land! She sets all hearts on fire.
PAPHNUTIUS. They say she is beautiful. The most exquisite woman of her kind in the world!
PAPHNUTIUS. For her sake I have made a long and difficult journey. I have come here only to see her.
YOUNG MAN. Well, what should prevent you? You are young and handsome.
YOUNG MAN. Over there. Her house is quite near this place.
YOUNG MAN. Yes, to the left of the statue.
YOUNG MAN. If you like, we will come with you.
PAPHNUTIUS. I thank you for the courtesy, but I would rather go alone.
YOUNG MAN. We understand. Have you money in your purse, stranger? Thais loves a handsome face, but she loves a full purse more.
PAPHNUTIUS. Gentlemen, I am rich. I have a rare present to offer her.
YOUNG MAN. To our next meeting, then! Farewell. May Thais be kind!
THAIS. Who is there? I do not know that voice.
PAPHNUTIUS. Thais! Your lover speaks! Thais!
PAPHNUTIUS. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come!
PAPHNUTIUS. I am your lover, Thais, flame of the world!
THAIS. Whoever loves me is well paid. He receives as much as he gives.
PAPHNUTIUS. Oh, Thais, Thais! If you knew what a long and troublesome journey I have come to speak to you—to see your face!
THAIS. Well? Have I refused to speak to you, or to show you my face?
PAPHNUTIUS. I cannot speak to you here. I must be with you alone. What I have to say is secret. The room must be secret too.
THAIS. How would you like a bedchamber, fragrant with perfumes, adorned as for a marriage? I have such a room. Look!
PAPHNUTIUS. Is there no room still more secret—a room that your lovers do not know? Some room where you and I might hide from all the world?