Sos. (apart to Canthara.) I don’t well understand what he is talking about.
Can. Pray, let us go nearer to him, Sostrata.
Geta (continuing.) Ah wretched me! I am scarcely master of my senses, I am so inflamed with anger. There is nothing that I would like better than for all that family to be thrown in my way, that I might give vent to all my wrath upon them while this wound is still fresh. I could be content with any punishment, so I might only wreak my vengeance on them. First, I would stop the breath of the old fellow himself who gave being to this monster; then as for his prompter, Syrus, out upon him! how I would tear him piecemeal! I would snatch him by the middle up aloft, and dash him head downward upon the earth, so that with his brains he would bestrew the road: I would pull out the eyes of the young fellow himself, and afterward hurl him headlong over some precipice. The others I would rush upon, drive, drag, crush, and trample them under foot. But why do I delay at once to acquaint my mistress with this calamity? (Moves as if going.)
Sos. (to Canthara.) Let us call him back. Geta——
Geta. Well—leave me alone,[47] whoever you are.
Sos. ’Tis I,—Sostrata.
Geta (turning round.) Why, where are you? You are the very person I am looking for. I was in quest of you; it’s very fortunate you have met me.
Sos. What’s the matter? Why are you trembling?
Geta. Alas! Alas!
Sos. My dear Geta, why in such haste? Do take breath.