OS. Whatever happens,
The thing can't be in a worse state than now.
In the first place my daughter has no portion,
And that which should have been her second dowry
Is also lost; and she can ne'er be giv'n
In marriage as a virgin. For the rest,
If he denies his former commerce with her,
I have the ring he lost to vouch the fact.
In short, since I am conscious to myself.
That I am not to blame in this proceeding,
And that no sordid love of gain, nor aught
Unworthy of my daughter or myself,
Has mix'd in this affair, I'll try it, Geta.

GETA. Well, I agree, 'twere better to disclose it.

SOS. You then away, as fast as possible,
And run to Hegio our good friend and kinsman,
To let him know the whole affair: for he
Was the chief friend of my dear Simulus,
And ever show'd a great regard for us.

GETA. And well he does, for no one else cares for us.

SOS. And you, good Canthara, away with haste,
And call a midwife; that we may be sure
Of her assistance in the time of need. (_Exeunt severally._

SCENE III.

_Enter DEMEA._

DEM. Confusion! I have heard that Ctesipho
Was present with his brother at this riot.
This is the sum of all my miseries,
If he, even he, a sober, hopeful lad,
May be seduc'd into debaucheries.
--But where shall I inquire for him? I warrant
They have decoy'd him into some vile brothel.
That profligate persuaded him, I'm sure.
--But here comes Syrus; he can tell me all.
And yet this slave is of the gang; and if
He once perceives that I'm inquiring for him,
He'll never tell me any thing; a rogue!
I'll not discover my design.

[Changes:

_Harper_
[end of speech, from line
--But here comes Syrus ...]
_Colman 1768_
--But here comes Syrus.--I shall know from him
What is become of Ctesipho.--And yet
This rascal's of the gang; and if he once
Perceives that I'm enquiring after him,
He'll never tell, a villain!--I'll take care
To cover my design.]

SCENE IV.

_Enter SYRUS at another part of the stage._

SYRUS (_to himself_). We've just
Disclos'd the whole of this affair to Micio,
Exactly as it happen'd. I ne'er saw
The good old gentleman more pleas'd.

DEM. Oh Heav'n,
The folly of the man! (_Listening._)

SYRUS (_to himself_). He prais'd his son;
Me, who concerted the whole scheme, he thank'd.

DEM. I burst with rage. (_Listening._)

SYRUS (_to himself_). He told the money down
Immediately, and threw us in beside,
To make an entertain