GETA. I, indeed, have no wish for it. In the first place, then, that his feelings are estranged from us, the thing itself declares. Now, if we make this known, he’ll deny it, I’m quite sure; your reputation and your daughter’s character will {then} be in danger. On the other hand, if he were fully to confess it, as he is in love with another woman, it would not be to her advantage to be given to him. Therefore, under either circumstance, there is need of silence. SOS. Oh! by no means in the world! I’ll not do it. GETA. What is it you say? SOS. I’ll make it known. GETA. Ha, my {dear} Sostrata, take care what you do! SOS. The matter can not possibly be in a worse position than it is at present. In the first place, she has no portion; then, besides, that which was as good as a portion, {her honor}, is lost: she can not be given in marriage as a virgin. This {resource} is left; if he should deny it, I have a ring which he lost as evidence {of the truth}. In fine, Geta, as I am fully conscious that no blame attaches to me, and that neither interest nor any consideration unworthy of her or of myself has had a share in this matter, I will make trial---- GETA. What am I to say to this? I agree, as you speak for the best. SOS. You be off as fast as possible, and relate all the matter just as it has happened to her kinsman Hegio; for he was the best friend of our {lamented} Simulus, and has shown especial regard for us. GETA. (_aside._) Aye, faith, because nobody else takes any notice {of us}. SOS. Do you, my {dear} Canthara, run with all haste, {and} fetch the midwife, so that, when she is wanted, we may not have to wait for her. (_SOSTRATA goes into the house, and exit GETA and CANTHARA._) SCENE III. _Enter DEMEA._ DEM. (_to himself._) Utterly undone! I hear that Ctesipho was with Æschinus at the carrying off {of this girl}. This sorrow {still} remains for unhappy me, should {Æschinus} be able to seduce him, even him, who promises so fair, to a course of debauchery. Where am I to inquire for him? I doubt he has been carried off to some bad house; that profligate has persuaded him, I’m quite sure. But look-- I see Syrus coming {this way}, I shall now know from him where he is. But, i’faith, he is one of the gang; if he perceives that I am looking for him, the rascal will never tell me. I’ll not let him know what I want. SCENE IV. _Enter SYRUS, at the other side of the stage._ SYR. (_to himself._) We just now told the old gentleman the whole affair just as it happened; I never did see any one more delighted. DEM. (_apart._) O Jupiter! the folly of the man! SYR. (_continuing._) He commended his son. To me, who put them upon this project, he gave thanks---- DEM. (_apart_) I shall burst asunder. SYR. (_continuing._) He told down the money instantly, {and} gave me half a mina besides to spend. That was laid out quite to my liking.