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633
(Enter ALCMENA, from the house, attended by THESSALA.)
ALCMENA
Is not the proportion of pleasures in life and in passing our existence short in comparison with what is disagreable? So it is allotted to each man in life;
so has it pleased the Gods that Sorrow should attend on Pleasure as her companion; but if aught of good befalls us, more of trouble and of ill forthwith attends us. For this do I now feel by experience at home and in relation to myself, to whom delight has been imparted for a very short time, while I had the opportunity of seeing my husband for but one night; and now has he suddenly gone away hence from me before the dawn.
635
Deserted do I now seem to myself, because he is absent from here, he whom before all I love. More of grief have I felt from the departure of my husband, than of pleasure from his arrival. But this, at least, makes me happy, that he has conquered the foe, and has returned home loaded with glory. Let him be absent, if only with fame acquired
640
he betakes himself home. I shall bear and ever endure his absence with mind resolved and steadfast; if only this reward is granted me, that my husband shall be hailed the conqueror in the warfare, sufficient for myself will I deem it. Valour is the best reward; valour assuredly surpasses all things:
645
liberty, safety, life, property and parents, country too, and children, by it are defended and preserved. Valour comprises everything in itself: all blessings attend him in whose possession is valour.
650
Is not the proportion of pleasures in life and in passing our existence short in comparison with what is disagreable? So it is allotted to each man in life;
so has it pleased the Gods that Sorrow should attend on Pleasure as her companion; but if aught of good befalls us, more of trouble and of ill forthwith attends us. For this do I now feel by experience at home and in relation to myself, to whom delight has been imparted for a very short time, while I had the opportunity of seeing my husband for but one night; and now has he suddenly gone away hence from me before the dawn.
635
Deserted do I now seem to myself, because he is absent from here, he whom before all I love. More of grief have I felt from the departure of my husband, than of pleasure from his arrival. But this, at least, makes me happy, that he has conquered the foe, and has returned home loaded with glory. Let him be absent, if only with fame acquired
640
he betakes himself home. I shall bear and ever endure his absence with mind resolved and steadfast; if only this reward is granted me, that my husband shall be hailed the conqueror in the warfare, sufficient for myself will I deem it. Valour is the best reward; valour assuredly surpasses all things:
645
liberty, safety, life, property and parents, country too, and children, by it are defended and preserved. Valour comprises everything in itself: all blessings attend him in whose possession is valour.
650
AMPHITRYON
(apart.)
By my troth, I do believe that I shall come much wished for by my wife,
who loves me, and whom, in return, I love: especially, our enterprise crowned with success, the enemy vanquished, whom no one had supposed to be able to be conquered: these, under my conduct and command, at the first meeting, have we vanquished; but I know for sure that I shall come to her much wished for.
655
By my troth, I do believe that I shall come much wished for by my wife,
who loves me, and whom, in return, I love: especially, our enterprise crowned with success, the enemy vanquished, whom no one had supposed to be able to be conquered: these, under my conduct and command, at the first meeting, have we vanquished; but I know for sure that I shall come to her much wished for.
655
SOSIA
(aside.)
Well, and don’t you think that I shall come much wished for to my mistress?
(AMPHITRYON advances, at a distance, with SOSIA.)
Well, and don’t you think that I shall come much wished for to my mistress?
ALCMENA
(to herself.)
Surely, this is my husband.
660
Surely, this is my husband.
660
AMPHITRYON
(to SOSIA.)
Do you follow me this way.
Do you follow me this way.
ALCMENA
(to herself.)
But why has he returned, when just now he said that he was in haste? Is he purposely trying me, and is he desirous to make proof of this, how much I regret his departure? By my faith, against no inclination of mine has he betaken himself home.
But why has he returned, when just now he said that he was in haste? Is he purposely trying me, and is he desirous to make proof of this, how much I regret his departure? By my faith, against no inclination of mine has he betaken himself home.
SOSIA
Amphitryon, it were better for us to return to the ship.
Amphitryon, it were better for us to return to the ship.
AMPHITRYON
For what reason?
For what reason?
SOSIA
Because there’s no person at home to give us a breakfast on our arrival.
665
Because there’s no person at home to give us a breakfast on our arrival.
665
AMPHITRYON
How comes that now into your mind?
How comes that now into your mind?
SOSIA
Why, because we have come too late.
Why, because we have come too late.
AMPHITRYON
How so?
How so?
SOSIA
Because I see Alcmena standing before the house, with her stomach-full
1
already.
Because I see Alcmena standing before the house, with her stomach-full
1
already.
AMPHITRYON
I left her pregnant here when I went away.
I left her pregnant here when I went away.
SOSIA
Alas, to my sorrow, I’m undone!
Alas, to my sorrow, I’m undone!
AMPHITRYON
What’s the matter with you?
What’s the matter with you?
SOSIA
I have come home just in good time to fetch the water
2
in the tenth month after that, according as I understand you to compute the reckoning.
670
I have come home just in good time to fetch the water
2
in the tenth month after that, according as I understand you to compute the reckoning.
670
AMPHITRYON
Be of good heart.
Be of good heart.
SOSIA
Do you know of how good heart I am? By my troth, do you never after this day entrust to me aught that is sacred, if I don’t draw up all the life of that well, if I do but make a beginning.
Do you know of how good heart I am? By my troth, do you never after this day entrust to me aught that is sacred, if I don’t draw up all the life of that well, if I do but make a beginning.
AMPHITRYON
Do you only follow me this way. I’ll appoint another person for that business; don’t you fear.
Do you only follow me this way. I’ll appoint another person for that business; don’t you fear.
ALCMENA
(advancing.)
I think that I shall now be doing my duty more, if I go to meet him.
675
(They meet.)
I think that I shall now be doing my duty more, if I go to meet him.
675
AMPHITRYON
With joy, Amphitryon greets his longed for wife—her, whom of all women in Thebes her husband deems by far the most excellent, and whom so much the Theban citizens truthfully extol as virtuous. Have you fared well all along? Do I arrive much wished for by you?
With joy, Amphitryon greets his longed for wife—her, whom of all women in Thebes her husband deems by far the most excellent, and whom so much the Theban citizens truthfully extol as virtuous. Have you fared well all along? Do I arrive much wished for by you?
SOSIA
(aside.)
I never saw one more so;
for she greets her own husband not a bit more than a dog.
680
I never saw one more so;
for she greets her own husband not a bit more than a dog.
680
AMPHITRYON
When I see you pregnant, and so gracefully burdened, I am delighted.
When I see you pregnant, and so gracefully burdened, I am delighted.
ALCMENA
Prithee, in the name of all that’s good, why, for the sake of mockery, do you thus salute and address me, as though you hadn’t lately seen me—as though now, for the first time, you were betaking yourself homeward here from the enemy?
For now you are addressing me just as though you were seeing me after a long time.
685
Prithee, in the name of all that’s good, why, for the sake of mockery, do you thus salute and address me, as though you hadn’t lately seen me—as though now, for the first time, you were betaking yourself homeward here from the enemy?
For now you are addressing me just as though you were seeing me after a long time.
685
AMPHITRYON
Why, really for my part, I have not seen you at all this day until now.
Why, really for my part, I have not seen you at all this day until now.
ALCMENA
Why do you deny it?
Why do you deny it?
AMPHITRYON
Because I have learned to speak the truth.
Because I have learned to speak the truth.
ALCMENA
He does not do right, who unlearns the same that he has learned. Are you making trial what feelings I possess? But why are you returning hither so soon?
Has an ill omen delayed you, or does the weather keep you back, you who have not gone away to your troops, as you were lately speaking of?
690
He does not do right, who unlearns the same that he has learned. Are you making trial what feelings I possess? But why are you returning hither so soon?
Has an ill omen delayed you, or does the weather keep you back, you who have not gone away to your troops, as you were lately speaking of?
690
AMPHITRYON
Lately? How long since was this
lately?
Lately? How long since was this
lately?
ALCMENA
You are trying me; but very lately, just now.
You are trying me; but very lately, just now.
AMPHITRYON
Prithee, how can that possibly be as you say?—
but very lately, just now.
Prithee, how can that possibly be as you say?—
but very lately, just now.
ALCMENA
Why, what do you imagine? That I, on the other hand, shall trifle with you who are playing with me,
in saying that you are now come for the first time, you who but just now went away from here?
695
Why, what do you imagine? That I, on the other hand, shall trifle with you who are playing with me,
in saying that you are now come for the first time, you who but just now went away from here?
695
AMPHITRYON
Surely she is talking deliriously.
Surely she is talking deliriously.
SOSIA
Stop a little while, until she has slept out this one sleep.
Stop a little while, until she has slept out this one sleep.
AMPHITRYON
Is she not dreaming with her eyes open?
Is she not dreaming with her eyes open?
ALCMENA
Upon my faith, for my part I really am awake, and awake I am relating that which has happened; for, but lately, before daybreak, I saw both him
(pointing at SOSIA) and yourself.
Upon my faith, for my part I really am awake, and awake I am relating that which has happened; for, but lately, before daybreak, I saw both him
(pointing at SOSIA) and yourself.
AMPHITRYON
In what place?
In what place?
ALCMENA
Here, in the house where you yourself dwell.
700
Here, in the house where you yourself dwell.
700
AMPHITRYON
It never was the fact.
It never was the fact.
SOSIA
Will you not hold your peace? What if the vessel brought us here from the harbour in our sleep?
Will you not hold your peace? What if the vessel brought us here from the harbour in our sleep?
AMPHITRYON
Are you, too, going to back her as well?
Are you, too, going to back her as well?
SOSIA
(aside to AMPHITRYON.)
What do you wish to be done? Don’t you know, if you wish to oppose a raving Bacchanal, from a mad woman you’ll render her more mad—she’ll strike the oftener
3
;
if you humour her, after one blow you may overcome her?
705
What do you wish to be done? Don’t you know, if you wish to oppose a raving Bacchanal, from a mad woman you’ll render her more mad—she’ll strike the oftener
3
;
if you humour her, after one blow you may overcome her?
705
AMPHITRYON
But, by my troth, this thing is resolved upon, somehow to rate her who this day has been unwilling to greet me on my arrival home.
But, by my troth, this thing is resolved upon, somehow to rate her who this day has been unwilling to greet me on my arrival home.
SOSIA
You’ll only be irritating hornets.
You’ll only be irritating hornets.
AMPHITRYON
You hold your tongue. Alcmena, I wish to ask you one thing.
You hold your tongue. Alcmena, I wish to ask you one thing.
ALCMENA
Ask me anything you please.
Ask me anything you please.
AMPHITRYON
Is it frenzy that has come upon you, or does pride overcome you?
Is it frenzy that has come upon you, or does pride overcome you?
ALCMENA
How comes it into your mind, my husband, to ask me that?
710
How comes it into your mind, my husband, to ask me that?
710
AMPHITRYON
Because formerly you used to greet me on my arrival, and to address me in such manner as those women who are virtuous are wont their husbands. On my arrival home I’ve found that you have got rid of that custom.
Because formerly you used to greet me on my arrival, and to address me in such manner as those women who are virtuous are wont their husbands. On my arrival home I’ve found that you have got rid of that custom.
ALCMENA
By my faith, indeed, I assuredly did both greet you yesterday, upon your arrival,
at that very instant, and at the same time I enquired if you had continued in health all along, my husband, and I took your hand and gave you a kiss.
715
By my faith, indeed, I assuredly did both greet you yesterday, upon your arrival,
at that very instant, and at the same time I enquired if you had continued in health all along, my husband, and I took your hand and gave you a kiss.
715
SOSIA
What, did you welcome him yesterday?
What, did you welcome him yesterday?
ALCMENA
And you too, as well, Sosia.
And you too, as well, Sosia.
SOSIA
Amphitryon, I did hope that she was about to bring you forth a son; but she isn’t gone with child.
Amphitryon, I did hope that she was about to bring you forth a son; but she isn’t gone with child.
AMPHITRYON
What then?
What then?
SOSIA
With madness.
With madness.
ALCMENA
Really I am in my senses, and I pray the Gods that in safety I may bring forth a son; but
(to SOSIA) hap-ill shall you be having, if he does his duty: for those ominous words, omen-maker, you shall catch what befits you.
720
Really I am in my senses, and I pray the Gods that in safety I may bring forth a son; but
(to SOSIA) hap-ill shall you be having, if he does his duty: for those ominous words, omen-maker, you shall catch what befits you.
720
SOSIA
Why really an apple
4
ought to be given to the lady thus pregnant, that there may be something for her to gnaw if she should begin to faint.
Why really an apple
4
ought to be given to the lady thus pregnant, that there may be something for her to gnaw if she should begin to faint.
AMPHITRYON
Did you see me here yesterday?
725
Did you see me here yesterday?
725
ALCMENA
I did, I say, if you wish it to be ten times repeated.
I did, I say, if you wish it to be ten times repeated.
AMPHITRYON
In your sleep, perhaps?
In your sleep, perhaps?
ALCMENA
No—I, awake, saw you awake.
No—I, awake, saw you awake.
AMPHITRYON
Woe to me!
Woe to me!
SOSIA
What’s the matter with you?
What’s the matter with you?
AMPHITRYON
My wife is mad.
My wife is mad.
SOSIA
She’s attacked with black bile; nothing so soon turns people mad.
She’s attacked with black bile; nothing so soon turns people mad.
AMPHITRYON
When, madam, did you first find yourself affected?
When, madam, did you first find yourself affected?
ALCMENA
Why really, upon my faith, I’m well, and in my senses.
730
Why really, upon my faith, I’m well, and in my senses.
730
AMPHITRYON
Why, then, do you say that you saw me yesterday, whereas we were brought into harbour but last night? There did I dine, and there did I rest the livelong night on board ship, nor have I set my foot even here into the house, since, with the army, I set out hence against the Teleboan foe, and since we conquered them.
Why, then, do you say that you saw me yesterday, whereas we were brought into harbour but last night? There did I dine, and there did I rest the livelong night on board ship, nor have I set my foot even here into the house, since, with the army, I set out hence against the Teleboan foe, and since we conquered them.
ALCMENA
On the contrary, you dined with me, and you slept with me.
735
On the contrary, you dined with me, and you slept with me.
735
AMPHITRYON
How so?
How so?
ALCMENA
I’m telling the truth.
I’m telling the truth.
AMPHITRYON
On my honor, not in this matter, really; about other
matters I don’t know.
On my honor, not in this matter, really; about other
matters I don’t know.
ALCMENA
At the very break of dawn you went away to your troops.
At the very break of dawn you went away to your troops.
AMPHITRYON
By what means could I?
By what means could I?
SOSIA
She says right, according as she remembers; she’s telling you her dream. But, madam, after you arose, you ought to have sacrificed to Jove, the disposer of prodigies
5
,
either with a salt cake or with frankincense.
740
She says right, according as she remembers; she’s telling you her dream. But, madam, after you arose, you ought to have sacrificed to Jove, the disposer of prodigies
5
,
either with a salt cake or with frankincense.
740
ALCMENA
A mischief on your head!
A mischief on your head!
SOSIA
That’s your own business, if you take due care.
That’s your own business, if you take due care.
ALCMENA
Now again this fellow is talking rudely to me, and that without punishment.
Now again this fellow is talking rudely to me, and that without punishment.
AMPHITRYON
(to SOSIA.)
You hold your tongue.
(To ALCMENA.) Do you tell me now—did I go away hence from you at daybreak?
You hold your tongue.
(To ALCMENA.) Do you tell me now—did I go away hence from you at daybreak?
ALCMENA
Who then but your own self recounted to me how the battle went there?
Who then but your own self recounted to me how the battle went there?
AMPHITRYON
And do you know that as well?
745
And do you know that as well?
745
ALCMENA
Why, I heard it from your own self, how you had taken a very large city, and how you yourself had slain king Pterelas.
Why, I heard it from your own self, how you had taken a very large city, and how you yourself had slain king Pterelas.
AMPHITRYON
What, did I tell you this?
What, did I tell you this?
ALCMENA
You yourself, this Sosia standing by as well.
You yourself, this Sosia standing by as well.
AMPHITRYON
(to SOSIA.)
Have you heard me telling about this to-day?
Have you heard me telling about this to-day?
SOSIA
Where should I have heard you?
Where should I have heard you?
AMPHITRYON
Ask her.
Ask her.
SOSIA
In my presence, indeed, it never took place, that I know of.
In my presence, indeed, it never took place, that I know of.
ALCMENA
It would be a wonder
6
if he didn’t contradict you.
750
It would be a wonder
6
if he didn’t contradict you.
750
AMPHITRYON
Sosia, come here and look at me.
Sosia, come here and look at me.
SOSIA
(looks at him.)
I am looking at you.
I am looking at you.
AMPHITRYON
I wish you to tell the truth, and I don’t want you to humour me. Have you heard me this day sav to her these things which she affirms?
I wish you to tell the truth, and I don’t want you to humour me. Have you heard me this day sav to her these things which she affirms?
SOSIA
Prithee now, by my troth, are you, too, mad as well, when you ask me this, me, who, for my part, my own self now behold her in company with you for the first time?
Prithee now, by my troth, are you, too, mad as well, when you ask me this, me, who, for my part, my own self now behold her in company with you for the first time?
AMPHITRYON
How now, madam? Do you hear him?
755
How now, madam? Do you hear him?
755
ALCMENA
I do, indeed, and telling an untruth.
I do, indeed, and telling an untruth.
AMPHITRYON
Do you believe neither him nor my own self, your husband?
Do you believe neither him nor my own self, your husband?
ALCMENA
No; for this reason it is, because I most readily believe myself, and I am sure that these things took place just as I relate them.
No; for this reason it is, because I most readily believe myself, and I am sure that these things took place just as I relate them.
AMPHITRYON
Do you say that I came yesterday?
Do you say that I came yesterday?
ALCMENA
Do you deny that you went away from here to-day?
Do you deny that you went away from here to-day?
AMPHITRYON
I really do deny it, and I declare that I have now come home to you for the first time.
I really do deny it, and I declare that I have now come home to you for the first time.
ALCMENA
Prithee, will you deny this too, that you to-day made me a present of a golden goblet, with which you said that you had been presented?
760
Prithee, will you deny this too, that you to-day made me a present of a golden goblet, with which you said that you had been presented?
760
AMPHITRYON
By heavens, I neither gave it nor told you so: but I had so intended, and do so now, to present you with that goblet. But who told you this?
By heavens, I neither gave it nor told you so: but I had so intended, and do so now, to present you with that goblet. But who told you this?
ALCMENA
Why, I heard it from yourself, and I received the goblet from your own hand.
(She moves as if going.)
Why, I heard it from yourself, and I received the goblet from your own hand.
AMPHITRYON
Stay, stay, I entreat you. Sosia, I marvel much how she knows that I was presented there with this golden goblet, unless you have lately met her and told her all this.
Stay, stay, I entreat you. Sosia, I marvel much how she knows that I was presented there with this golden goblet, unless you have lately met her and told her all this.
SOSIA
Upon my faith, I have never told her, nor have I ever beheld her except with yourself.
Upon my faith, I have never told her, nor have I ever beheld her except with yourself.
AMPHITRYON
What is the matter
7
with this person?
What is the matter
7
with this person?
ALCMENA
Should you like the goblet to be produced?
Should you like the goblet to be produced?
AMPHITRYON
I should like it; to be produced.
I should like it; to be produced.
ALCMENA
Be it so. Do you go, Thessala, and bring from indoors the goblet, with which my husband presented me today.
770
(THESSALA goes into the house, and AMPHITRYON and SOSIA walk on one side.)
Be it so. Do you go, Thessala, and bring from indoors the goblet, with which my husband presented me today.
770
AMPHITRYON
Sosia, do you step this way. Really, I do wonder extremely at this beyond the other wondrous matters, if she has got this goblet.
Sosia, do you step this way. Really, I do wonder extremely at this beyond the other wondrous matters, if she has got this goblet.
SOSIA
And do you believe it, when it’s carried in this casket, sealed with your own seal.
(He shows the casket.)
And do you believe it, when it’s carried in this casket, sealed with your own seal.
AMPHITRYON
Is the seal whole?
Is the seal whole?
SOSIA
Examine it.
Examine it.
AMPHITRYON
(examining it.)
All right, it’s just as I sealed it up.
775
All right, it’s just as I sealed it up.
775
SOSIA
Prithee, why don’t you order her to be purified
8
as a frantic person?
Prithee, why don’t you order her to be purified
8
as a frantic person?
AMPHITRYON
By my troth, somehow there’s need for it, for, i’ faith, she’s certainly filled with sprites.
(ALCMENA.)
By my troth, somehow there’s need for it, for, i’ faith, she’s certainly filled with sprites.
ALCMENA
What need is there of talking? See, here’s the goblet; here it is.
What need is there of talking? See, here’s the goblet; here it is.
AMPHITRYON
Give it me.
Give it me.
ALCMENA
Come, now then, look here, if you please, you who deny what is fact, and whom I shall now clearly convict in this case.
Isn’t this the goblet with which you were presented there?
780
Come, now then, look here, if you please, you who deny what is fact, and whom I shall now clearly convict in this case.
Isn’t this the goblet with which you were presented there?
780
AMPHITRYON
Supreme Jupiter! what do I behold? Surely this is that goblet. Sosia, I’m utterly confounded.
Supreme Jupiter! what do I behold? Surely this is that goblet. Sosia, I’m utterly confounded.
SOSIA
Upon my faith, either this woman is a most consummate juggler, or the goblet must be in here
(pointing to the casket.)
Upon my faith, either this woman is a most consummate juggler, or the goblet must be in here
(pointing to the casket.)
AMPHITRYON
Come, then, open this casket.
Come, then, open this casket.
SOSIA
Why should I open it? It is securely sealed. The thing is cleverly contrived;
you have brought forth another Amphitryon, I have brought forth another Sosia; now if the goblet has brought forth a goblet, we have all produced our doubles.
785
Why should I open it? It is securely sealed. The thing is cleverly contrived;
you have brought forth another Amphitryon, I have brought forth another Sosia; now if the goblet has brought forth a goblet, we have all produced our doubles.
785
AMPHITRYON
I’m determined to open and examine it.
I’m determined to open and examine it.
SOSIA
Look, please, how the seal is, that you may not hereafter throw the blame on me.
Look, please, how the seal is, that you may not hereafter throw the blame on me.
AMPHITRYON
Now do open it. For she certainly is desirous to drive us mad with her talking.
Now do open it. For she certainly is desirous to drive us mad with her talking.
ALCMENA
Whence then came this which was made a present to me, but from yourself?
790
Whence then came this which was made a present to me, but from yourself?
790
AMPHITRYON
It’s necessary for me to enquire into this.
It’s necessary for me to enquire into this.
SOSIA
(opening the casket.)
Jupiter, O Jupiter!
Jupiter, O Jupiter!
AMPHITRYON
What is the matter with you?
What is the matter with you?
SOSIA
There’s no goblet here in the casket.
There’s no goblet here in the casket.
AMPHITRYON
What do I hear.
What do I hear.
SOSIA
That which is the truth.
That which is the truth.
AMPHITRYON
But at your peril now, if it does not make its appearance.
But at your peril now, if it does not make its appearance.
ALCMENA
(showing it.)
Why, it does make its appearance.
Why, it does make its appearance.
AMPHITRYON
Who then gave it you?
Who then gave it you?
ALCMENA
The person that’s asking me the question.
The person that’s asking me the question.
SOSIA
(to AMPHITRYON.)
You are on the catch for me, inasmuch as you yourself have secretly run before me hither from the ship by another road, and have taken the goblet away from here and given it to her, and afterwards you have secretly sealed it up again.
795
You are on the catch for me, inasmuch as you yourself have secretly run before me hither from the ship by another road, and have taken the goblet away from here and given it to her, and afterwards you have secretly sealed it up again.
795
AMPHITRYON
Ah me! and are you too helping her frenzy as well?
(To ALCMENA) Do you say that we arrived here yesterday?
Ah me! and are you too helping her frenzy as well?
(To ALCMENA) Do you say that we arrived here yesterday?
ALCMENA
I do say so, and on your arrival you instantly
greeted me, and I you, and I gave you a kiss.
800
I do say so, and on your arrival you instantly
greeted me, and I you, and I gave you a kiss.
800
SOSIA
(aside.)
That beginning now about the kiss doesn’t please me.
That beginning now about the kiss doesn’t please me.
AMPHITRYON
Go on telling it.
Go on telling it.
ALCMENA
Then you bathed.
Then you bathed.
AMPHITRYON
What, after I bathed?
What, after I bathed?
ALCMENA
You took your place at table.
You took your place at table.
SOSIA
Bravo, capital! Now make further enquiry.
Bravo, capital! Now make further enquiry.
AMPHITRYON
(to SOSIA.)
Don’t you interrupt.
(To ALCMENA.) Go on telling me.
Don’t you interrupt.
(To ALCMENA.) Go on telling me.
ALCMENA
The dinner was served; you dined with me; I reclined together with you at the repast.
The dinner was served; you dined with me; I reclined together with you at the repast.
AMPHITRYON
What, on the same couch?
805
What, on the same couch?
805
ALCMENA
On the same.
On the same.
SOSIA
Oh dear, I don’t like this banquet.
Oh dear, I don’t like this banquet.
AMPHITRYON
Now do let her give her proofs.
(To ALCMENA.) What, after we had dined?
Now do let her give her proofs.
(To ALCMENA.) What, after we had dined?
ALCMENA
You said that you were inclined to go to sleep; the table was removed; thence we went to bed.
You said that you were inclined to go to sleep; the table was removed; thence we went to bed.
AMPHITRYON
Where did you lie?
Where did you lie?
ALCMENA
In the chamber, in the same bed together with your. self.
In the chamber, in the same bed together with your. self.
AMPHITRYON
You have proved my undoing.
You have proved my undoing.
SOSIA
What’s the matter with you?
What’s the matter with you?
AMPHITRYON
This very moment has she sent me to my grave.
This very moment has she sent me to my grave.
ALCMENA
How so, pray?
810
How so, pray?
810
AMPHITRYON
Don’t address me.
Don’t address me.
SOSIA
What’s the matter with you?
What’s the matter with you?
AMPHITRYON
To my sorrow I’m undone, since, in my absence from here, dishonor has befallen her chastity.
To my sorrow I’m undone, since, in my absence from here, dishonor has befallen her chastity.
ALCMENA
In heaven’s name, my lord, why, I beseech you, do I hear this from you?
In heaven’s name, my lord, why, I beseech you, do I hear this from you?
AMPHITRYON
I, your lord? False one, don’t call me by a false name.
I, your lord? False one, don’t call me by a false name.
SOSIA
(aside.)
’Tis an odd matter
9
this, if indeed he has been made into my lady from my lord.
’Tis an odd matter
9
this, if indeed he has been made into my lady from my lord.
ALCMENA
What have I done, by reason of which these expressions are uttered to me?
815
What have I done, by reason of which these expressions are uttered to me?
815
AMPHITRYON
You yourself proclaim your own doings; do you enquire of me in what you have offended?
You yourself proclaim your own doings; do you enquire of me in what you have offended?
ALCMENA
In what have I offended you, if I have been with you to whom I am married?
In what have I offended you, if I have been with you to whom I am married?
AMPHITRYON
You, been with me? What is there of greater effrontery than this impudent woman? At least, if you were wanting in modesty of your own, you might have borrowed it.
You, been with me? What is there of greater effrontery than this impudent woman? At least, if you were wanting in modesty of your own, you might have borrowed it.
ALCMENA
That criminality which you lay to my charge befits not my family. If you try to catch me in incontinence, you cannot convict me.
820
That criminality which you lay to my charge befits not my family. If you try to catch me in incontinence, you cannot convict me.
820
AMPHITRYON
Immortal Gods! do you at least know me, Sosia?
Immortal Gods! do you at least know me, Sosia?
SOSIA
Pretty well.
Pretty well.
AMPHITRYON
Did I not dine yesterday on board ship in the Persian Port?
Did I not dine yesterday on board ship in the Persian Port?
ALCMENA
I have witnesses as well, who can confirm that which I say.
I have witnesses as well, who can confirm that which I say.
SOSIA
I don’t know what to say to this matter, unless, perchance, there is another Amphitryon, who, perhaps, though you yourself are absent, takes care of your business, and who, in your absence, performs your duties here. For about that counterfeit Sosia it is very surprising. Certainly, about this Amphitryon, now, it is another matter still more surprising.
825
I don’t know what to say to this matter, unless, perchance, there is another Amphitryon, who, perhaps, though you yourself are absent, takes care of your business, and who, in your absence, performs your duties here. For about that counterfeit Sosia it is very surprising. Certainly, about this Amphitryon, now, it is another matter still more surprising.
825
AMPHITRYON
Some magician, I know not who, is bewildering this woman.
830
Some magician, I know not who, is bewildering this woman.
830
ALCMENA
By the realms of the supreme Sovereign I swear, and by Juno, the matron Goddess, whom for me to fear and venerate it is most especially fitting, that no mortal being
10
except yourself alone has ever touched my person in contact with his so as to render me unchaste.
By the realms of the supreme Sovereign I swear, and by Juno, the matron Goddess, whom for me to fear and venerate it is most especially fitting, that no mortal being
10
except yourself alone has ever touched my person in contact with his so as to render me unchaste.
AMPHITRYON
I could wish that that was true.
I could wish that that was true.
ALCMENA
I speak the truth, but in vain, since you will not believe me.
835
I speak the truth, but in vain, since you will not believe me.
835
AMPHITRYON
You are a woman; you swear at random.
You are a woman; you swear at random.
ALCMENA
She who has not done wrong, her it befits to be bold and to speak confidently and positively in her own behalf.
She who has not done wrong, her it befits to be bold and to speak confidently and positively in her own behalf.
AMPHITRYON
That’s very boldly said.
That’s very boldly said.
ALCMENA
Just as befits a virtuous woman.
Just as befits a virtuous woman.
AMPHITRYON
Say you so? By your own words you prove it.
Say you so? By your own words you prove it.
ALCMENA
That which is called a dowry, I do not deem the same my dowry;
but chastity, and modesty, and subdued desires, fear of the Gods, and love of my parents, and concord with my kindred; to be obedient to yourself and bounteous to the good, ready to aid the upright.
840
That which is called a dowry, I do not deem the same my dowry;
but chastity, and modesty, and subdued desires, fear of the Gods, and love of my parents, and concord with my kindred; to be obedient to yourself and bounteous to the good, ready to aid the upright.
840
SOSIA
Surely, by my troth, if she tells the truth in this, she’s perfect to the very ideal
11
.
Surely, by my troth, if she tells the truth in this, she’s perfect to the very ideal
11
.
AMPHITRYON
Really I am so bewildered, that I don’t know myself who I am.
Really I am so bewildered, that I don’t know myself who I am.
SOSIA
Surely you are Amphitryon; take you care, please, that you don’t peradventure lose yourself; people are changing in such a fashion since we came from abroad.
845
Surely you are Amphitryon; take you care, please, that you don’t peradventure lose yourself; people are changing in such a fashion since we came from abroad.
845
AMPHITRYON
Madam, I’m resolved not to omit having this matter enquired into.
Madam, I’m resolved not to omit having this matter enquired into.
ALCMENA
I’ faith, you’ll do so quite to my satisfaction.
I’ faith, you’ll do so quite to my satisfaction.
AMPHITRYON
How say you? Answer me; what if I bring your own kinsman, Naucrates, hither from the ship,
who, together with me, has been brought on board the same ship; and if he denies that that has happened which you say has happened, what is proper to be done to you? Do you allege any reason. why I should not at your cost dissolve
12
this our marriage?
850
How say you? Answer me; what if I bring your own kinsman, Naucrates, hither from the ship,
who, together with me, has been brought on board the same ship; and if he denies that that has happened which you say has happened, what is proper to be done to you? Do you allege any reason. why I should not at your cost dissolve
12
this our marriage?
850
ALCMENA
If I have done wrong, there is no reason.
If I have done wrong, there is no reason.
AMPHITRYON
Agreed. Do you, Sosia, take these
13
people in-doors. I’ll bring Naucrates hither with me from the ship.
(Exit.)
Agreed. Do you, Sosia, take these
13
people in-doors. I’ll bring Naucrates hither with me from the ship.
SOSIA
(going close to ALCMENA.)
Now then, there’s no one here except ourselves; tell me the truth seriously, is there any Sosia in-doors who is like myself?
855
Now then, there’s no one here except ourselves; tell me the truth seriously, is there any Sosia in-doors who is like myself?
855
ALCMENA
Won’t you hence away from me, fit servant for your master?
Won’t you hence away from me, fit servant for your master?
SOSIA
If you command me, I’m off
14
,
(Goes into the house.)
If you command me, I’m off
14
,
ALCMENA
(to herself.)
By heavens, it is a very wondrous proceeding, how it has pleased this husband of mine thus to accuse me falsely of a crime so foul.
Whatever it is, I shall now learn it from my kinsman Naucrates.
860
(Goes into the house.)
By heavens, it is a very wondrous proceeding, how it has pleased this husband of mine thus to accuse me falsely of a crime so foul.
Whatever it is, I shall now learn it from my kinsman Naucrates.
860
Amphitruo. Plautus. Henry Thomas Riley (Translator). London. 1913.
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