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 Æschinus.

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!