ble of bearing all this
with moderation. If you had to deal with that Procurer with whom I
have to deal, then you would {soon} be sensible of it. We are mostly
all of us inclined by nature to be dissatisfied with our lot.

ANT. Still, on the other hand, Phaedria, you now seem to me the
fortunate man, who still have the liberty, without restraint, of
resolving on what pleases you best: {whether} to keep, to love on,
{or} to give her up. I, unfortunately, have got myself into that
position, that I have neither right[35] to give her up, nor liberty to
retain her. But how's this? Is it our Geta I see running this way?
'Tis he himself. Alas! I'm dreadfully afraid what news it is he's now
bringing me.

SCENE IV.

_Enter GETA, running, at the other side of the stage._

GETA (_to himself._) Geta, you are undone, unless you instantly find
out some expedient; so suddenly do such mighty evils now threaten me
thus unprepared, which I neither know how to shun, nor how to
extricate myself therefrom; for this daring step of ours can not now
any longer be kept a secret. If such a result is not adroitly guarded
against, these matters will cause the ruin of myself, or of my master.

ANT. (_to PHAEDRIA._) Why, I wonder, is he coming in such fright?

GETA (_to himself._) Besides, I've but a moment left for this matter--
my master's close at hand.

ANT. (_to PHAEDRIA._) What mischief is this?

GETA (_to himself._) When he comes to hear of it, what remedy shall I
discover for his anger? Am I to speak? I shall irritate him: be
silent? I shall provoke him: excuse myself? I should be washing a
brickbat.[36] Alas! unfortunate me! While I am trembling for myself,
this Antipho distracts my mind. I am concerned for him; I'm in dread
for him: 'tis he that now keeps me here; for had it not been for him,
I should have made due provision for my safety, and have taken
vengeance on the old man for his crabbedness; I should have scraped up
something, and straightway taken to my heels away from here.

ANT. (_to PHAEDRIA._) I wonder what running away or theft it is that
he's planning.

GETA (_to himself._) But where shall I find Antipho, or which way go
look for him?

PHAED. (_to ANTIPHO._) He's mentioning your name.

ANT. (_to PHAEDRIA._) I know not what great misfortune I expect to hear
from this messenger.

PHAED. (_to ANTIPHO._) Why, are you in your senses?

GETA (_to himself._) I'll make my way homeward; he's generally there.

P