_Harper_ SAN. Not in such haste: though truly I have no cause To loiter here. _Colman 1768_ SAN. Not in such haste: though truly I've no cause To loiter here.] ACT THE THIRD. SCENE I. _SOSTRATA, CANTHARA._ SOS. Prithee, good nurse, how will it go with her? CAN. How go with her? Why well, I warrant you. SOS. Her pains begin to come upon her, nurse. CAN. You're as much frighten'd at your time of day, As if you ne'er was present at a labor, Or never had been brought to bed yourself. SOS. Alas, I've no soul here: we're all alone. Geta is absent; nor is there a creature To fetch a midwife, or call AEschinus. CAN. He'll be here presently, I promise you: For he, good man, ne'er lets a single day Go by, but he is sure to visit us. SOS. He is my only comfort in my sorrows. CAN. Troth, as the case stands, madam, circumstances Could not have happen'd better than they have: And since your daughter suffer'd violence, 'Twas well she met with such a man as this; A man of honor, rank, and family. SOS. He is, indeed, a worthy gentleman: The gods preserve him to us! SCENE II. _Enter GETA hastily at another part of the stage._ GETA. We are now So absolutely lost, that all the world Joining in consultation to apply Relief to the misfortune that has fallen On me, my mistress, and her daughter, all Would not avail.--Ah me! so many troubles Environ us at once, we sink beneath them. Rape, poverty, oppression, solitude, And infamy! oh, what an age is this! O wicked, oh vile race!--oh impious man! SOS. (_to CANTHARA_). Ah, why should Geta seem thus terrified And agitated? GETA (_to himself._) Wretch! whom neither honor, Nor oaths, nor pity could control or move! Nor her approaching labor; her, on whom He shamefully committed violation! SOS. I don't well understand him. CAN. Prithee then Let us draw nearer, Sostrata! GETA (_to himself._) Alas, I'm scarcely in my perfect mind, I burn With such fierce anger.--Oh, that I had all That villain-family before me now, That I might vent my indignation on them, While yet it boils within me.--There is nothing I'd not endure to be reveng'd on them. First I'd tread out the stinking snuff his father, Who gave the monster being.--And then, Syrus, Who urg'd him to it,--how I'd tear him!--First I'd seize him round the waist, and lift him high, Then dash his head against the ground, and strew The pavement with his brains.--For AEschinus, I'd tear his eyes out, and then tumble him, Head foremost down some precipice.--The rest I'd rush on, drag, crush, trample under foot. But why do I delay to tell my mistress This heavy news as soon as possible! (_Going._) SOS. Let's call him back.--Ho, Geta! GETA. Whosoe'er You are, excuse me. SOS. I am Sostrata. GETA. Where, where is Sostrata? (_Turns about._) I sought you, Madam; Impatiently I sought you: and am glad To have encounter'd you thus readily. SOS. What is the matter? why d'ye tremble thus? GETA. Alas!