THE PROLOGUE.
MERCURYAs, in purchasing and selling your merchandize1, you are desirous to render me propitious to your bargains, and that I should assist you in all things; and as both in foreign countries and at home, you desire me to turn to the best advantage the business and the accounts of you all, and that with fair and ample profit, without end, I should crown the venture both which you have begun, and which you shall begin; and as you wish me to delight you and all yours with joyous news2--these tidings will I bring, that I may announce them to you, things which in especial are for your common interest (for already do you know, indeed, that it has been given and assigned to me by the other Divinities, to preside over news and profit): : as you would wish me to favour and promote these things, that lasting gain may ever be forthcoming for you, so shall you give silence for this play, and so shall you be fair and upright judges here, all of you. Now, by whose command, and for what reason I am come, I'll tell you, and at the sane time, myself, I will disclose my name. By the command of Jupiter I am come; my name is Mercury3. My father has sent me hither to you to entreat, although, what should as his commands be enjoined on you, he knew that you would do, inasmuch as he knew full well that you venerate and fear himself, as is befitting Jupiter. But, certainly, he bade me ask this of you with entreaty, in gentle tones, and in bland accents. For, in fact, this Jupiter, by whose command I am come, dreads a mishap4 not less than any one of you. Born of a mortal mother, a mortal sire, it is not reasonable to be surprised if he has apprehensions for himself. And I too, as well, who am the son of Jupiter, through my relationship to my father, stand in dread of ill. Therefore, in peace am I come to you, and peace do I bring. I wish a thing to be asked of you that's reasonable and feasible; for, reasonable things to ask of the reasonable, a reasonable mediator have I been sent. For from the reasonable it is not right to ask things unreasonable; whereas from the unreasonable to ask things reasonable, is sheer folly, since these unrighteous persons are ignorant of what is right, and observe it not. Now then, all lend your attention here to the things which I shall say. What we wish, you ought to wish as well: both I and my father have well deserved of you and of your state. But why should I mention how in Tragedies I have seen others, such as Neptune, Valour, Victory, Mars, Bellona, making mention of the good services which they had done you? Of all these benefits, the ruler of the Deities, my sire, was the founder. But this has never been the habit of my father, to throw in your teeth what good he has done unto the good. He thinks that this is gratefully returned by you to him, and that he bestows these blessings on you deservedly, which he does bestow. Now, the matter which I came here to ask, I'll first premise, after that I'll tell the subject of this Tragedy. Why have you contracted your brows? Is it because I said that this would be a Tragedy? I am a God, and I'll change it. This same, if you wish it, from a Tragedy I'll make to be a Comedy, with all the lines the same. Whether would ye it were so, or not? But I'm too foolish; as though I didn't know, who am a God, that you so wish it; upon this subject I understand what your feelings are. I'll make this to be a mixture--a Tragi-comedy5. For me to make it entirely to be a Comedy, where Kings and Gods appear, I do not deem right. What then? Since here the servant has a part as well, just as I said, I'll make it to be a Tragi-comedy. Now Jupiter has ordered me to beg this of you, that the inspectors6 should go among each of the seats throughout the whole theatre7, amid the spectators, that, if they should see any suborned applauders of any actor, there should in the theatre be taken away from them the pledge of their coats, as a security for their good behaviour. But if any should solicit the palm of victory for the actors, or if for any artist, whether by written letters, or whether any person himself should solicit personally, or whether by messenger; or if the Ædiles, too, should unfairly adjudge to any one the reward; Jupiter has commanded the law to be the same as if he had sought by solicitation an appointment for himself or for another. By valour has he declared that you exist as victors, not by canvassing or unfair dealing. Why any the less should there be the same principle for the player, which there is for the greatest man? By merit, not by favourers, ought we to seek our ends. He who does aright has ever favourers enough, if there is honesty in them in whose disposal this matter8 rests. This, too, he directed me likewise in his injunctions, that there should be inspectors over the players; that, he who should have procured suborned persons to applaud himself, or he who should have contrived for another give less satisfaction, from the same they might strip off his dress and leather9 mask. I don't wish you to be surprised, for what reason Jupiter now concerns himself about actors. Don't be surprised, Jupiter himself is about to take part in this play. Why are you wondering at this? As though, indeed, a new thing were now mentioned, that Jupiter takes to the calling of a player. But a year since10, when here on the stage the actors invoked Jupiter, he came; he aided them. Besides, surely in Tragedy he has a place. This play, I say, Jupiter himself will take a part in this day, and I together with him. Now do you give attention while I shall relate to you the subject of this Comedy. This city is Thebes; in that house there pointing , Amphitryon11 dwells, born at Argos, of an Argive sire; whose wife is Alcmena, daughter of Electryon. This Amphitrvon is now the general of the Theban troops; for between the Teleboans and the Theban people there is war. He, before he departed hence for the expedition, left his wife Alcmena pregnant. But I believe that you already know how my father is disposed how free in these affairs he has been, and how great a lover of many a woman, if any object once has captivated him. Unknown to her husband, he began to love Alcmena, and took temporary possession of her person for himself, and made her pregnant, too, by his embrace. Now, that more fully you may understand the matter with respect to Alcmena, she is pregnant by both; both by her husband and by supreme Jupiter And my father is now lying here he points to the house in-doors with her; and for this reason is this night made longer, while he is taking this pleasure with her whom he desires. But he has so disguised himself, as though he were Amphitryon. Now, that you may not be surprised at this dress of mine, inasmuch as I have come out here this way in servile garb, an ancient and an antique circumstance, made new, will I relate to you, by reason of which I have come to you attired in this new fashion; for lo! my father Jupiter, now in the house, changes himself into the likeness of Amphitryon, and all the servants who see him think it is he, so shifting in his shape does he render himself when he chooses. I have taken on myself the form of the servant Sosia, who has gone hence together with Amphitryon on the expedition, that I may be able to serve my father in his amour, and that the servants may not be enquiring who I am, when they see me here frequenting oft the house. Now, as they will suppose me a servant and their fellow-servant, not any one will enquire who I am, or why I'm come. My father, now in-doors, is gratifying his inclination, and is embracing her of whom he is especially enamoured. What has been done there at the army, my father is now relating to Alcmena. She, who really is with a paramour, thinks that he is her own husband. There, my father is now relating how he has routed the legions of the enemy; how he has been enriched with abundant gifts. Those gifts which there were given to Amphitryon, we have carried off; what he pleases, my father easily performs. Now will Amphitryon come hither this day from the army, his servant too, whose form I am bearing. Now, that you may be able the more easily to distinguish between us, I always shall carry these little wings here pointing upon my broad-brimmed cap; then besides, for my father there will be a golden tuft beneath his cap; that mark will not be upon Amphitryon. These marks no one of these domestics will be able to see; but you will see them. But yonder is Sosia, the servant of Amphitryon; he is now coming yonder from the harbour, with a lantern. I will now drive him, as he arrives, away from the house. Attend, it will be worth the while of you spectators, for Jupiter and Mercury to perform here the actors' part.
Enter SOSIA, with a Lantern.
SOSIA
to himself . What other person is there more bold than I, or who more stout of heart, who know the humours of young men12, and who am walking at this hour of night alone? What shall I do, if now the officers of the watch13 should thrust me into prison. To-morrow shall I be dealt out from there14, just as though from a store-closet, for a whipping; nor will it be allowed me to plead my cause, nor will there be a bit of aid from my master; nor will there be a person but that they will imagine, all of them, that I am deserving. And so will eight sturdy fellows be thumping on wretched me just like an anvil; in this way, just come from foreign parts, I shall be received with hospitality by the public. The inconsiderateness of my master compels me to this, who has packed me off from the harbour at this time of night whether I would or no. Couldn't he as well have sent me here by daylight? For this reason, is servitude to a man of high station a greater hardship; for this reason is the servant of a wealthy man the more wretched: both night and day, without ceasing, there is enough, and more than enough of work for him; for doing or for saying occasion is ever arising, so that you can't be at rest. The master, abounding in servants15, and free from labour himself; thinks that whatever he happens to choose, can be done; he thinks that just, and reckons not what the labour is; nor will he ever consider whether he commands a thing that's reasonable or unreasonable. Wherefore, in servitude many hardships do befall us; in pain this burden must be borne and endured. MERCURY
(to the AUDIENCE ). 'Twere with better reason for me to complain of servitude after this fashion; I, who to-day was free, and whom my father is now employing as a slave: this fellow is complaining, who was born a slave. SOSIA
to himself . Really I am a rascal beyond a doubt; for only this moment it has suggested itself to me, that on my arrival I should give thanks, and address the Gods for their kindnesses vouchsafed. For surely, by my troth, if they were only desirous to give me a return according to my deserts, they would commission some person on my arrival soundly to box my ears, since those kindnesses which they have done me I have held as worthless and of no value. MERCURY
apart . He does what people are not generally in the habit of doing, in knowing what his deserts are. SOSIA
to himself . What I never expected, nor any one else of my townsmen, to befall him, that same has come to pass, for us to come home safe and sound. Victorious, the enemy conquered, the troops are returning home, this very mighty war brought to an end, and the enemy slain. A city that has caused many a bitter death for the Theban people, that same has been conquered by the strength and valour of our soldiers, and taken by storm, under the command and conduct of my master Amphitryon in especial. With booty, territory, and glory16, too, has he loaded his fellow-citizens, and for Creon, King of Thebes, has he firmly fixed his sway. From the harbour he has sent me before him to his house that I may bear these tidings to his wife, how he has promoted the public good by his guidance, conduct, and command. This now will I consider, in what manner I shall address her, when I've arrived there. If I tell a falsehood. I shall be doing as I am accustomed after my usual wont; for when they were fighting with all their might, then with all my might I ran away. But still I shall pretend as though I was present, and I'll tell her what I heard. But in what manner and with what expressions it is right for me to tell my story, I still wish first to consider here with myself. He assumes an attitude of thought. In these terms will I give this narrative. "In the first place, when we arrived there, when first we made land, Amphitryon immediately made choice of the powerful men among the chieftains. Those he despatched on the embassy, and bade them tell his mind to the Teleboans; that if without constraint and without warfare they should be ready to deliver up what was plundered and the plunderers, and if they should be ready to restore what they had carried off, he would immediately conduct the army homewards, that the Greeks would depart from their territory, and that he would grant peace and quietness to them : but if they should be otherwise disposed, and not concede the things which he demanded, he, in consequence, would attack their city with extreme violence and with his men. When the embassadors had repeated these things, which Amphitryon had enjoined, in order to the Teleboans, being men stout of heart, relying on their valour, and confident in their prowess, they rebuked our embassadors very rudely. They answered that they were able in warfare to protect themselves and theirs, and that at once they must lead the army with all haste out of their territories. When the embassadors brought back this message, straightway Amphitryon drew out all his army from the encampment; on the other side, the Teleboans led forth their legions from the town, furnished with most gorgeous arms. After they had gone forth on either side in full array, the soldiers were marshalled, the ranks were formed. We, after our manner and usage, drew up our legions; the enemy, too, drew up their legions facing us. Then either general went forth into the mid-space beyond the throng of the ranks, and they parleyed together. It was agreed between them, that, which ever side should be conquered in that battle, they should surrender up their city, lands, altars, hearths. and theraselves. After that was done, the trumpets on either side gave the signal; the earth re-echoed, they raised a shout on either side. Each general, both upon this side and on that, offered vows to Jupiter, and then encouraged his troops. Each man according to his ability does that which each one can and has the strength to do; he smites with his falchion; the weapons crash; the welkin bellows with the uproar of the men; of breaths and pantings a cloud is formed; men fall by wounds inflicted by men. At length, as we desired, our troops conquered; the foe fell in numbers; ours, on the other hand, pressed on; firm in our strength, we were victorious. But still not one betook himself to flight, nor yet gave way at his post, but standing there17 he waged the combat. Sooner than quit the spot, they parted with their lives; each, as he stood, lay there and kept his rank in death. When my master Amphitryon saw this, at once he ordered the cavalry on the right to charge. The cavalry obeyed directly; from the right wing, with a tremendous shout, with brisk onset they rushed on; and rightfully did they slaughter and trample down the impious forces of the foe." MERCURY
apart . Not even one word of these has he yet uttered correctly; for I was there in the battle personally, and my father too, when it was fought. SOSIA
continuing . "The enemy betook themselves to flight. Then was new spirit added to our men, the Teleboans flying, with darts were their bodies filled, and Amphitryon himself, with his own hand, struck off the head of Pterelas their king. This battle was being fought there even from the morning till the evening. This do I the better remember for this reason; because on that day I went without my breakfast. But night at last, by its interposing, cut short this combat. The next day, the chiefs came weeping from the city to us at the camp. With covered hands18, they entreated us to pardon their offences; and they all surrendered rendered up themselves. and all things divine and human, their city and their children, into the possession and unto the disposal of the Theban people. Lastly, by reason of his valour, a golden goblet was presented to my master Amphitryon, from which king Pterelas19 had been used to drink." These things I'll thus tell my mistress. I'll now proceed to obey my master's order and to betake me home. He moves. MERCURY
apart . Heyday! he's about to come this way; I'll go meet him; and I'll not permit this fellow at any time to-day to approach this house. Since I have his form upon myself, I'm resolved to play the fellow off. And indeed, since I have taken upon me his figure and his station, it is right for me likewise to have actions and manners like to his. Therefore it befits me to be artful, crafty, very cunning, and by his own weapon, artfulness, to drive him from the door. But what means this? He is looking up at the sky. I'll watch what scheme he's about. SOSIA
looking up at the sky . Upon my faith, for sure, if there is aught besides that I believe, or know for certain, I do believe that this night the God of Night20 has gone to sleep drunk; for neither does the Wain move itself in any direction in the sky, nor does the Moon bestir herself anywhere from where she first arose; nor does Orion21, or the Evening Star22, or the Pleiades, set. In such a fashion are the stars standing stock-still, and the night is yielding not a jot to the day. MERCURY
apart . Go on, Night, as you've begun, and pay obedience to my father. In best style23, the best of services are you performing for the best of beings; in giving this, you reap a fair return. SOSIA
to himself . I do not think that I have ever seen a longer night than this, except one of like fashion, which livelong night I was hanging up, having been first whipped. Even that as well, by my troth, does this one by far exceed in its length. I' faith, I really do believe that the Sun's asleep, and is thoroughly drenched. It's a wonder to me if he hasn't indulged himself a little too much at dinner. MERCURY
apart . Do you really say so, you scoundrel? Do you think that the Gods are like yourself? I' faith, you hang-dog, I'll entertain you for these speeches and misdeeds of yours; only come this way, will you, and you'll find your ruin. SOSIA
to himself . Where are those wenchers, who unwillingly lie a-bed alone? A rare night this for making the best of what was a bad bargain at first24. MERCURY
apart . My father then, according to this fellow's words, is doing rightly and wisely, who in his amorousness, indulging his passion, is lying in the embraces of Alcmena. SOSIA
to himself . I'll go tell Alcmena, as my master ordered me. (Advancing, he discovers MERCURY.) But who is this fellow that I see before the house at this time of night? I don't like it. MERCURY
aside . There is not in existence another such cowardly fellow as this. SOSIA
aside . Now, when I think of it, this fellow wishes to take my mantle off once more25. MERCURY
aside . The fellow's afraid; I'll have some sport with him. SOSIA
aside . I'm quite undone, my teeth are chattering. For sure, on my arrival, he is about to receive me with the hospitality of his fist. He's a merciful person, I suppose; now, because my master has obliged me to keep awake, with his fists just now he'll be making me go to sleep. I'm most confoundedly undone. Troth now, prithee, look, how big and how strong he is. MERCURY
aside . I'll talk at him aloud, he shall hear what I say. Therefore indeed, in a still greater degree, shall he conceive fears within himself. In a loud voice, holding up his fists. Come, fists, it's a long time now since you found provision for my stomach; it seems to have taken place quite a long time ago, when yesterday you laid four men asleep, stript naked. SOSIA
aside . I'm dreadfully afraid lest I should be changing my name here, and become a Quintus26 instead of a Sosia. He declares that he has laid four men asleep; I fear lest I should be adding to that number. MERCURY
throwing about his arms . Well, now then for it. This is the way I intend. SOSIA
aside . He is girded tight; for sure, he's getting himself ready. MERCURY
He shan't get off without getting a thrashing. SOSIA
aside . What person, I wonder? MERC. Beyond a doubt, whatever person comes this way, he shall eat my fists. SOSIA
aside . Get out with you, I don't wish to eat at this time of night; I've lately dined. Therefore do you, if you are wise, bestow your dinner on those who are hungry. MERCURY
The weight of this fist is no poor one. SOSIA
aside . I'm done for; he is poising his fists. MERCURY
What if I were to touch him, stroking him down27, so that he may go to sleep? SOSIA
aside . You would be proving my salvation; for I've been watching most confoundedly these three nights running28. MERCURY
My hand refuses to learn to strike his cheek; it cannot do a disgraceful action. Hand of mine, of a changed form must he become whom you smite with this fist. SOSIA
aside . This fellow will be furbishing me up, and be moulding my face anew. MERCURY
to his fist . The man that you hit full, his face must surely be boned. SOSIA
aside . It's a wonder if this fellow isn't thinking of boning me just like a lamprey. Away with a fellow that bones people! If he sees me, I'm a dead man. MERCURY
Some fellow is stinking to his destruction. SOSIA
aside . Woe to me! Is it I that stink? MERCURY
And he cannot be very far off; but he has been a long way off from here. SOSIA
aside . This person's a wizard29. MERCURY
My fists are longing. SOSIA
aside . If you are going to exercise them upon me, I beg that you'll first cool them down against the wall. MERCURY
A voice has come flying to my ears. SOSIA
aside . Unlucky fellow, for sure, was I, who didn't clip its wings. I've got a voice with wings, it seems. MERCURY
This fellow is demanding of me for himself a heavy punishment for his beast's back30. SOSIA
aside . As for me, I've got no beast's back. MERCURY
He must be well loaded with my fists. SOSIA
aside . I' faith, I'm fatigued, coming from board ship, when I was brought hither; even now I'm sea-sick. Without a burden, I can hardly creep along, so don't think that with a load I can go. MERCURY
Why, surely, somebody31 is speaking here. SOSIA
aside . I'm all right, he doesn't see me; he thinks it's "Somebody" speaking: Sosia is certainly my name. MERCURY
But here, from the right-hand side, the voice, as it seems, strikes upon my ear. SOSIA
aside . I'm afraid that I shall be getting a thrashing here this day, in place of my voice, that's striking him. Moves. MERCURY
Here he is--he's coming towards me, most opportunely. SOSIA
aside . I'm terrified--I'm numbed all over. Upon my faith, I don't know where in the world I now am, if any one should ask me; and to my misfortune, I cannot move myself for fright. It's all up with me; the orders of his master and Sosia are lost together. But I'm determined boldly to address this fellow to his face, so that I may be able to appear valiant to him; that he may keep his hands off me Advances towards the door. MERCURY
accosting him . Where are you going, you that are carrying Vulcan enclosed in your horn32? SOSIA
Why do you make that enquiry, you who are boning men's heads with your fists? MERCURY
Are you slave or free man? SOSIA
Just as it suits my inclination. MERCURY
Do you really say so? SOSIA
I really do say so. MERCURY
Whip-scoundrel33! SOSIA
Now you are telling a lie. MERCURY
But I'll soon make you own that I'm telling the truth. SOSIA
What necessity is there for it? MERCURY
Can I know whence you have set out, whose you are, or why you are come? SOSIA
pointing . This way I'm going, and I'm the servant of my master. Are you any the wiser now? MERCURY
I'll this day make you be holding that foul tongue of yours. SOSIA
You can't; it is kept pure34 and becomingly. MERCURY
Do you persist in chattering? What business now have you at this house? Points to the house. SOSIA
Aye, and what business have you? MERCURY
King Creon always sets a watch every night. SOSIA
He does right; because we were abroad, he has been protecting our house. But however, do go in now, and say that some of the family servants have arrived. MERCURY
How far you are one of the family servants I don't know. But unless you are off from here this instant, family servant as you are, I'll make you to be received in no familiar style. SOSIA
Here, I say, I live, and of these people I am the servant. MERCURY
But do you understand how it is? Unless you are off, I'll make you to be exalted35 this day. SOSIA
In what way, pray? MERCURY
You shall be carried off, you shan't walk away, if I take up a stick. SOSIA
But I declare that I am one of the domestics of this family. MERCURY
Consider, will you, how soon you want a drubbing, unless you are off from here this instant. SOSIA
Do you want, as I arrive from foreign parts, to drive me from my home? MERCURY
Is this your home? SOSIA
It is so, I say. MERCURY
Who is your master, then? SOSIA
Amphitryon, who is now the general of the Theban forces, to whom Alcmena is married. MERCURY
How say you? What's your name? SOSIA
The Thebans call me Sosia, the son of my father Davus. MERCURY
Assuredly, at your peril have you come here this day, with your trumped-up lies, your patched-up knaveries, you essence of effrontery. SOSIA
Why no, it's rather with garments patched-up that I'm arrived here, not with knaveries. MERCURY
Why, you are lying again; you come with your feet, surely, and not with your garments. SOSIA
Yes, certainly. MERCURY
Then certainly take that for your lie. He strikes him. SOSIA
By my troth, I certainly don't wish for it of course. MERCURY
But by my faith, you certainly shall have it of course, whether you wish or not: for, in fact, this is certainly my determination, and it is not at your own option. He strikes him. SOSIA
Mercy, I entreat of you. MERCURY
Do you dare to say that you are Sosia, when I myself am he? Strikes him. SOSIA
crying at the top of his voice . I'm being murdered. MERCURY
Why, you are crying out for a trifle as yet, compared with what it will be. Whose are you now? SOSIA
Your own; for with your fists you have laid hands on me36. Help, help, citizens of Thebes. MERCURY striking him. MERCURY
What, still bawling, you scoundrel? Speak--what have you come for? SOSIA
For there to be somebody for you to belabour with your fists. MERCURY
Whose are you? SOSIA
Amphitryon's Sosia, I tell you. MERCURY
For this reason then you shall be beaten the more, because you prate thus idly; I am Sosia, not you. SOSIA
aside . I wish the Gods would have it so, that you were he in preference, and that I were thrashing you. MERCURY
What, muttering still? Strikes him . SOSIA
I'll hold my tongue then. MERCURY
Who is your master? SOSIA
Whoever you like. MERCURY
How then? What's your name now? SOSIA
Nothing but what you shall command. MERCURY
You said that you were Amphitryon's Sosia. SOSIA
I made a mistake; but this I meant to say, that I was Amphitryon's associate37. MERCURY
Why, I was sure that we had no servant called Sosia except myself. Your senses are forsaking you. SOSIA
I wish that those fists of yours had done so. MERCURY
I am that Sosia, whom you were just now telling me that you are. SOSIA
I pray that I may be allowed to discourse with you in quietness, so as not to be beaten. MERCURY
Well then, let there be a truce for a short time, if you want to say anything. SOSIA
I'll not speak unless peace is concluded, since you are the stronger with your fists. MERCURY
If you wish to say anything, speak; I'll not hurt you. SOSIA
Am I to trust in your word? MERCURY
Yes, in my word. SOSIA
What, if you deceive me? MERCURY
Why, then may Mercury be angry with Sosia38. SOSIA
Then give attention: now I'm at liberty to say in freedom anything I please. I am Sosia, servant of Amphitryon. MERCURY
What, again? Offering to strike him. SOSIA
I have concluded the peace, ratified the treaty--I speak the truth. MERCURY
Take that, then. Hie strikes him. SOSIA
As you please, and what you please, pray do, since you are the stronger with your fists. But whatever you shall do, still, upon my faith, I really shall not be silent about that. MERCURY
So long as you live, you shall never make me to be any other than Sosia at this moment. SOSIA
I' faith, you certainly shall never make me to be any other person than my own self; and besides myself we have no other servant of the name of Sosia--myself, who went hence on the expedition together with Amphitryon. MERCURY
This fellow is not in his senses. SOSIA
The malady that you impute to me, you have that same yourself. How, the plague, am I not Sosia, the servant of Amphitryon? Has not our ship, which brought me, arrived here this night from the Persian port39? Has not my master sent me here? Am I not now standing before our house? Have I not a lantern in my hand? Am I not talking? Am I not wide awake? Has not this fellow been thumping me with his fists? By my troth40, he has been doing so; for even now, to my pain, my cheeks are tingling. Why, then, do I hesitate? Or why don't I go in-doors into our house? He makes towards the door. MERCURY
stepping between . How--your house? SOSIA
Indeed it really is so. MERCURY
Why, all that you have been saying just now, you have trumped up; I surely am Amphitryon's Sosia. For in the night this ship of ours weighed anchor from the Persian port, and where king Pterelas reigned, the city we took by storm, and the legions of the Teleboans in fighting we took by arms, and Amphitryon himself cut off the head of king Pterelas in battle. SOSIA
aside . I do not trust my own self, when I hear him affirm these things; certainly, he really does relate exactly the things that were done there. Aloud. But how say you? What spoil from the Teleboans was made a present to Amphitryon? MERCURY
A golden goblet, from which king Pterelas used to drink. SOSIA
aside . He has said the truth. Where now is this goblet? MERCURY
'Tis in a casket, sealed with the seal of Amphitryon. SOSIA
Tell me, what is the seal? MERCURY
The Sun rising with his chariot. Why are you on the catch for me, you villain? SOSIA
aside . He has overpowered me with his proofs. I must look out for another name. I don't know from whence he witnessed these things. I'll now entrap him finely; for what I did alone by myself, and when not another person was present in the tent, that, he certainly will never be able this day to tell me. Aloud. If you are Sosia, when the armies were fighting most vigorously, what were you doing in the tent? If you tell me that, I'm vanquished. MERCURY
There was a cask of wine; from it I filled an earthen pot41. SOSIA
aside . He has got upon the track. MERC.
That I drew full of pure wine, just as it was born from the mother grape. SOSIA
aside . It's a wonder if this fellow wasn't lying hid inside of that earthen pot. It is the fact, that there I did drink an earthen pot full of wine. MERCURY
Well--do I now convince you by my proofs that you are not Sosia? SOSIA
Do you deny that I am? MERCURY
Why should I not deny it, who am he myself? SOSIA
By Jupiter I swear that I am he, and that I do not say false. MERCURY
But by Mercury, I swear that Jupiter does not believe you; for I am sure that he will rather credit me without an oath than you with an oath. SOSIA
Who am I, at all events, if I am not Sosia? I ask you that. MERCURY
When I choose not to be Sosia, then do you be Sosia; now, since I am he, you'll get a thrashing, if you are not off hence, you fellow without a name. SOSIA
aside . Upon my faith, for sure, when I examine him and recollect my own figure, just in such manner as I am (I've often looked in a glass42): , he is exactly like me. He has the broad-brimmed hat and clothing just the same; he is as like me as I am myself. His leg, foot, stature, shorn head, eyes, nose, even his lips, cheeks, chin, beard, neck--the whole of him. What need is there of words? If his back is marked with scars, than this likeness there is nothing more like. But when I reflect, really, I surely am the same person that I always was. My master I know, I know our I house; I am quite in my wits and senses. I'm not going to I obey this fellow in what he says; I'll knock at the door. Goes towards the door. MERCURY
Whither are you betaking yourself? SOSIA
Home. MERCURY
If now you were to ascend the chariot of Jove and fly away from here, then you could hardly be able to escape destruction. SOSIA
Mayn't I be allowed to deliver the message to my mistress that my master ordered me to give? MERCURY
If you want to deliver any message to your own mistress; this mistress of mine I shall not allow you to approach. But if you provoke me, you'll be just now taking hence your loins broken. SOSIA
In preference, I'll be off. Aside. Immortal Gods, I do beseech your mercy. Where did I lose myself? Where have I been transformed? Where have I parted with my figure? Or have I left myself behind there, if perchance I have forgotten it? For really this person has possession of all my figure, such as it formerly was. While living, that is done for me, which no one will ever do for me when dead43. I'll go to the harbour, and I'll tell my master these things as they have happened--unless even he as well shall not know me, which may Jupiter grant, so that this day, bald, with shaven crown, I may assume the cap of freedom44. (Exit.)
MERCURY, alone
MERCURY
Well and prosperously has this affair gone on for me; from the door have I removed the greatest obstacle, so that it may be allowed my father to embrace her in security. When now he shall have reached his master, Amphitryon there, he will say that the servant Sosia has repulsed himself from the door here; and then the other will suppose that he is telling him a lie, and will not believe that he has come here as he had ordered him. Both of them and the whole household of Amphitryon I will fill with mistakes and distraction, even until my father shall have had full enjoyment of her whom he loves; then at last all shall know what has been done. In the end Jupiter shall restore Alcmena to the former affection of her husband. For Amphitryon will just now be beginning a quarrel with his wife, and will be accusing her of incontinence; then will my father change for her this strife into tranquillity. Now, inasmuch as yet I've said but little about Alcmena, this day will she bring forth two sons, twins; the one will be born in the tenth month after he was begotten, the other in the seventh month45; of these the one is the son of Amphitryon46, the other of Jupiter. But of the younger son the father is the superior, of the elder the inferior. To the AUDIENCE. Now do you comprehend this how it is? But for the sake of the honor47 of this Alcmena, my father will take care that it shall happen at one birth, so that in one travail she may complete her double pangs, and not be laid under suspicion of unchastity, and that the clandestine connexion may remain concealed. Although, as I have said just now, Amphitryon shall still know all the matter in the end. What then? No one surely will impute it to Alcmena as a disgrace; for it does not seem that a God is acting justly to permit his own offences and his own faultiness to fall upon a mortal. I'll cut short my talk: the door makes a noise. See, the counterfeit Amphitryon is coming out of doors, and together with him Alcmena, the wife that he has taken the loan of.
Enter JUPITER and ALCMENA, from the house.
JUPITER
Kindly fare you well, Alcmena; take care, as you are doing, of our common interest, and pray be sparing of yourself; you see that now your months are completed. It's necessary for me to go away from here; but the offspring that shall be born do you bring up48. ALCMENA
What business is this, my husband, since you thus suddenly leave your home? JUPITER
By my troth, 'tis not that I am wearied of you or of my home; but when the chief commander is not with the army, that is sooner done which ought not to be done than that which needs to be done. MERCURY
aside . This is a very clever counterfeit, who really is my own father. To the AUDIENCE. Do you observe him, how blandly he smoothes the lady over. ALCMENA
I' faith, I find by experience how much you value your wife. JUPITER
If there is no one among women whom I love so much, are you satisfied? MERCURY
aside . Verily, upon my faith, if Juno only knew that you were giving your attention to such matters, I'd warrant that you'd rather be49 Amphitryon than Jupiter. ALCMENA
I would rather that I should find it so by experience, than that it should be told me. You leave me before the spot in the bed where.you have been lying has well grown warm. Yesterday, in the middle of the night, you came, and now you are going away. Is this your pleasure? MERCURY
aside . I'll approach, and address her, and play second fiddle to my father. He approaches ALCMENA. Never, upon my faith, do I believe that any mortal did so. distractedly love his wife as he distractedly dotes upon you. JUPITER
Scoundrel!--don't I know you of old? Won't you be off out of my sight? What business have you in this matter, whip-knave? or why your muttering? Whom this very instant, with this walking-stick, I'll---- Shakes his stick over his head. ALCMENA
Oh don't. JUPITER
Only make a whisper. MERCURY
aside . My first attempt at playing second fiddle had almost come to an unfortunate conclusion. JUPITER
But as to what you say, my wife, you ought not to be angry with me. I came away privately from the army: these moments I stole for you, that you the first might know from me the first, how I had managed the common interests. All this have I related to you. If I had not loved you very much, I should not have done so. MERCURY
aside . Isn't he doing just as I said? In her alarm, he is smoothing her down. JUPITER
That the army then mayn't find it out, I must return there privately, lest they should say that I have preferred my wife before the common interests. ALCMENA
By your departure you set your wife in tears. JUPITER
Be quiet; don't spoil your eyes: I'll return very shortly. ALCMENA
That "very shortly" is a long time. JUPITER
I do not with pleasure leave you here, or go away from you. ALCMENA
I am sensible of it; for, the night that you have come to me, on the same you go away. (She embraces him.) JUPITER
Why do you hold me? It is time to go: I wish to depart from the city before it dawns. Now, Alcmena, this goblet which has been given me there on account of my valour, from which king Pterelas used to drink, he whom I slew with my own hand, the same I present to you. Presents to her the goblet. ALCMENA
taking the goblet . You do as you are wont in other things. By heavens, it is a noble gift; like him who gave the gift. MERCURY
Aye, a noble gift; just like her to whom it has been given as a gift. JUPITER
What, still going on? Can't I, you scoundrel, make an end of you? ALCMENA
Amphitryon, there's a dear, don't be angry50 with Sosia on my account. JUPITER
Just as you wish I'll do. MERCURY
aside . From his intriguing, how very savage he does become! JUPITER
Do you wish for anything else? ALCMENA
That when I am absent you will love me--me, who am yours, though absent. MERCURY
Let's go, Amphitryon; it's already dawning. JUPITER
Go you first, Sosia. Exit MERCURY. I'll follow this instant. To ALCMENA. Is there anything you wish? ALCMENA
Yes; that you'll come back speedily. JUPITER
I will; and sooner than you expect will I be here therefore be of good heart. ALCMENA goes into the house. Now Night, thou who hast tarried for me, I permit these to give place to Day, that thou mayst shine upon mortals with a bright and brilliant light. And Night, as much as on this last thou wast too long, so much the shorter will I make the Day to be, that a Day of equal disparity may succeed the Night. I'll go and follow Mercury. (Exit.)
