MERCURY:As, in purchasing and selling your merchandize, 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 news —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 Mercury.
Mercvrivs:Vt vos in vostris voltis mercimoniisemundis vendundisque me laetum lucrisadficere atque adiuvare in rebus omnibuset ut res rationesque vostrorum omniumbene ⟨me⟩ expedire voltis peregrique et domibonoque atque amplo auctare perpetuo lucroquasque incepistis res quasque inceptabitis,et uti bonis vos vostrosque omnis nuntiisme adficere voltis, ea adferam, ea uti nuntiemquae maxime in rem vostram communem sient(nam vos quidem id iam scitis concessum et datummi esse ab dis aliis, nuntiis praesim et lucro):haec ut me voltis adprobare adnitier,[lucrum ut perenne vobis semper suppetat]ita huic facietis fabulae silentiumitaque aequi et iusti hic eritis omnes arbitri.Nunc cuius iussu venio et quam ob rem venerimdicam simulque ipse eloquar nomen meum.Iovis iússu venio, nomen Mercurio est mihi.
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.
pater huc me misit ad vos oratum meus,tam etsi, pro imperio vobis quod dictum foret,scibat facturos, quippe qui intellexeratvereri vos se et metuere, ita ut aequom est Iovem;
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 mishap 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.
verum profecto hoc petere me precarioa vobis iussit, leniter, dictis bonis.etenim ille, cuius huc iussu venio, Iuppiternon minus quam vostrum quivis formidat malum:humana matre natus, humano patre,mirari non est aequom, sibi si praetimet;
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.
atque ego quoque etiam, qui Iovis sum filius,contagione mei patris metuo malum.propterea pace advenio et pacem ad vos affero:†iustam rem et facilem esse oratam a vobis volo,nam iusta ab iustis iustus sum orator datus.
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.
nam iniusta ab iustis impetrari non decet,iusta autem ab iniustis petere insipientia est;quippe illi iniqui ius ignorant neque tenent.nunc iam huc animum omnes quae loquar advortite.debetis velle quae velimus: meruimuset ego et pater de vobis et re publica;nam quid ego memorem (ut alios in tragoediisvidi, Neptunum Virtutem VictoriamMartem Bellonam, commemorare quae bonavobis fecissent) quis bene factis meus pater,deorum regnator … architectus omnibus?
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.
sed mos numquam illi fuit patri meo,†ut exprobraret quod bonis faceret boni;gratum arbitratur esse id a vobis sibimeritoque vobis bona se facere quae facit.
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 bea 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-comedy.
Nunc quam rem oratum huc veni primum proloquar,post argumentum huius eloquar tragoediae.quid? contraxistis frontem, quia tragoediamdixi futuram hanc? deus sum, commutavero.eandem hánc, si voltis, faciam ex tragoediacomoedia ut sit omnibus isdem vorsibus.utrum sit an non voltis? sed ego stultior,quasi nesciam vos velle, qui divos siem.teneo quid animi vostri super hac re siet:faciam ut commixta sit: ⟨sit⟩ tragicomoedia.
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 inspectors should go among each of the seats throughout the whole theatre, 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.
nam me perpetuo facere ut sit comoedia,reges quo veniant et di, non par arbitror.quid igitur? quoniam hic servos quoque partes habet,faciam sit, proinde ut dixi, tragicomoedia.nunc hoc me orare a vobis iussit Iuppiter,ut conquaestores singula in subselliaeant per totam caveam spectatoribus,si cui favitores delegatos viderint,ut is in cavea pignus capiantur togae;
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 Aediles, 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.
sive quí ambissint palmam histrionibussive cuíquam artifici, si per scriptas litterassive qui ípse ambissit seu per internuntium,sive adeo aediles perfidiose cui duint,sirempse legem iussit esse Iuppiter,quasi mágistratum sibi alterive ambiverit.
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 matter rests.
virtute dixit vos victores vivere,non ambitione neque perfidia: qui minuseadem histrioni sit lex quae summo viro?virtute ambire oportet, non favitoribus.sat habet favitorum semper qui recte facit,si illis fides est quibus est ea res in manu.
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 leather 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.
hoc quoque etiam mihi ⟨pater⟩ in mandatis dedit,ut conquaestores fierent histrionibus:qui sibi mandasset delegati ut plauderentquive quo placeret alter fecisset minus,eius órnamenta et corium uti conciderent.mirari nolim vos, quapropter Iuppiternunc histriones curet; ne miremini:ipse hanc acturust Iuppiter comoediam.quid? admirati estis? quasi vero novomnunc proferatur, Ióvem facere histrioniam;
But a year since, 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.
etiam, histriones anno cum in proscaenio hicIovem invocarunt, venit, auxilio is fuit.[praeterea certo prodit in tragoedia.]hanc fabulam, inquam, hic Iuppiter hodie ipse aget,et ego una cum illo. nunc ⟨vos⟩ animum advortite,dum huius argumentum éloquar comoediae.
This city is Thebes; in that house there (pointing), Amphitryon dwells, born at Argos, of an Argive sire; whose wife is Alcmena, daughter of Electryon.
Haec urbs est Thebae. in illisce habitat aedibusAmphitruo, natus Argis ex Argo patre,quicum Alcumena est nupta, Electri filia.
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.
is nunc Amphitruo praefectust legionibus,nam cum Telobois bellum est Thebano poplo.is prius quam hinc abiit ipsemet in exercitum,gravidam Alcumenam úxorem fecit suam.nam ego vos novisse credo iam ut sit páter meus,quam liber harum rerum multarum sietquantusque amator sit quod complacitum est semel.is amare occepit Alcumenam clam virumusuramque eius corporis cepit sibi,et gravidam fecit is eam compressu suo.
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.
nunc de Alcumena ut rem teneatis rectius,utrimque est gravida, et ex viro et ex summo Iove.et meus pater nunc intus hic cum illa cubat,et haec ob eam rem nox est facta longior,dum ⟨cum⟩ illa quacum volt voluptatem capit;
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;
sed ita adsimulavit se, quasi Amphitruo siet.nunc ne hunc ornatum vos meum admiremini,quod ego huc processi sic cum servili schema:veterem atque antiquam rem novam ad vos proferam,propterea ornatus in novom incessi modum.
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 nowrelating 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.
nam méus pater intus núnc est eccum Iuppiter;in Amphitruonis vertit sese imaginemomnesque eum esse censent servi qui vident:ita versipellem se facit quando lubet.ego servi sumpsi Sosiae mi imaginem,qui cum Amphitruone abiit hinc in exercitum,ut praeservire amanti meo possem patriatque ut ne, qui essem, familiares quaererent,versari crebro hic cum viderent me domi;nunc, cum esse credent servom et conservom suom,haud quisquam quaeret qui siem aut quid venerim.pater nunc intus suo animo morem gerit:cubat complexus cuius cupiens maxime est;quae illi ad legionem facta sunt memorat patermeus Alcumenae: ílla illum censet virumsuom esse, quae cum moecho est. ibi nunc meus patermemorat, legiones hostium ut fugaverit,quo pacto sit donis donatus plurimis.ea dona, quae illic Amphitruoni sunt data,abstulimus: facile meus pater quod volt facit.
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 tuftbeneath 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.
nunc hodie Amphitruo veniet huc ab exercituet servos, cuius ego hanc feró imaginem.nunc internosse ut nos possitis facilius,ego has habebo úsque in petaso pinnulas;tum meo patri autem torulus inerit aureussub petaso: id signum Amphitruoni non erit.ea signa nemo hórum familiariumvidere poterit: verum vos videbitis.sed Amphitruonis illic est servos Sosia:a portu illíc nunc cum lanterna ádvenit.
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.)
abigam iam ego illum advenientem ab aedibus.adeste: erit operae pretium híc spectantibusIovem et Mercurium facere hístrioniam.
What other person is there more bold than I, or who more stout of heart, who know the humours of young men, and who am walking at this hour of night alone?
Sosia:Qui me álter est audácior homo aút qui confidéntior,iuventútis mores qui sciam, qui hoc noctis solus ambulem?
What shall I do, if now the officers of the watch should thrust me into prison. To-morrow shall I be dealt out from there, 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.
quid faciam nunc, si tres viri me in carcerem compegerint?inde crás quasi e promptaria cella depromar ad flagrum,nec causam liceat dicere mihi, néque in ero quicquam auxilinec quisquam sit quin me ⟨malo⟩ omnes esse dignum deputent.íta quasi incudém me miserum hómines octo válidi caedant:ita peregre adveniens hospitio publicitus accipiar.haéc eri immodéstiacoegit, me qui hoc noctis a portu ingratiis excitavit.
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.
nonne ídem hoc luci me míttere potuit?opulénto homini hoc servitús dura est,hoc mágis miser est divítis servos:nóctesque diésque assiduó satis superque estquód facto aut dícto adeost ópus, quietus ne sis.
The master, abounding in servants, 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;
ípse dominus díves, operis ét laboris expers,quódcumque homini áccidit libére, posse retur:aéquom esse putát, non reputát laboris quid sit.[nec aéquom anne iníquom imperét cogitábit.]ergo ín servitúte expetúnt multa iníqua:
in pain this burden must be borne and endured.MERCURY: (to the AUDIENCE.)
habéndum et ferúndum hoc onúst cum labóre.
’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.)
Mercvrivs:Satiúst me queri íllo modó servitútem:hodié qui fuerim líber,eúm nunc potívit patér servitútis,hic qui verna natus est queritur.
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.)
Sosia:Sum véro verna vérbero: num número mi in mentém fuit,dis advenientem gratias pro meritis agere atque alloqui?ne illi edepol si merito meo referre studeant gratiam,aliquem hominem allegent qui mihi advenienti os occillet probe,quoniam bene quae in me fecerunt ingrata ea habui atque inrita.
He does what people are not generally in the habit of doing, in knowing what his deserts are.SOSIA: (to himself.)
Mercvrivs:Facit ille quod volgo haud solent, ut quid se sit dignum sciat.
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.
Sosia:Quod numquam opinatus fui neque alius quisquam civiumsibi eventurum, id contigit, ut salvi poteremur domi.victores victis hostibus legiones reveniunt domum,duelló exstincto maximo atque internecatis hostibus.
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 glory, too, has he loaded his fellow-citizens, and for Creon, King of Thebes, has he firmly fixed his sway.
quod multa Thebano poplo acerba obiecit funera,id vi et virtute militum victum atque expugnatum oppidum estimperio atque auspicio eri mei Amphitruonis maxime.praeda atque agro adoriaque adfecit populares suosregique Thebano Creoni regnum stabilivit suom.
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.
me a portu praemisit domum, ut haec nuntiem uxori suae,ut gesserit rem publicam ductu imperio auspicio suo.ea nunc meditabor quo modo illi dicam, cum illo advenero.si dixero mendacium, solens meo more fecero.nam cum pugnabant maxume, ego tum fugiebam maxume;
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.”
verum quasi adfuerim tamen simulabo atque audita eloquar.sed quo modo et verbis quibus me deceat fabularier,prius ipse mecum etiam volo hic meditari. sic hoc proloquar.Principio ut illo advenimus, ubi primum terram tetigimus,continuo Amphitruo delegit viros primorum principes;
“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.”
eos legat, Telobois iubet sententiam ut dicant suam:si sine vi et sine bello velint rapta et raptores tradere,si quae asportassent redderent, se exercitum extemplo domumreducturum, abituros agro Argivos, pacem atque otiumdare illis; sin aliter sient animati neque dent quae petat,sese igitur summa vi virisque eorum oppidum oppugnassere.haec ubi Telobois ordine iterarunt quos praefeceratAmphitruo, magnanimi viri freti virtute et viribussuperbe nimis ferociter legatos nostros increpant,respondent bello se et suos tutari posse, proinde utipropere ⟨irent⟩, de suis finibus exercitus deducerent.
“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.”
haec ubi legati pertulere, Amphitruo castris ilicoproducit omnem exercitum. Teloboae contra ex oppidolegiones educunt suas nimis pulcris armis praeditas.póstquam utrimque éxitum est máxima cópia,dispertiti viri, dispertiti ordines,nos nostras more nostro et modo instruximuslégiones, item hóstes contra légiones suas ínstruont.deínde utrique ímperatóres in medium éxeunt,éxtra turbam órdinum cólloquontúr simul.
“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.”
convenit, victi utri sint eo proelio,urbem agrum aras focos seque uti dederent.postquam id actum est, tubae contra utrimque occanunt,consonat terra, clamorem utrimque efferunt.imperator utrimque, hinc et illinc, Iovivota suscipere, ⟨utrimque⟩ hortari exercitum.
“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.”
⟨tum⟩ pro se quisque id quod quisque potest et valetedit, ferro ferit, tela frangunt, boatcaélum fremitú virum, ex spíritu atque anhélitunébula constát, cadunt vólnerum ví viri.
“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 there he waged the combat.”
denique, ut voluimus, nostra superat manus:hostes crebri cadunt, nostri contra ingruont[vicimus] ví feroces.sed †fugam in se tamen nemo convortiturnec recedit loco quin statim rem gerat;
“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.)
animam omittunt prius quam loco demigrent:quisque ut steterat iacet optinetque ordinem.hóc ubi Amphítruo erus cónspicatust,ílico equités iubet déxtera indúcere.equites parent citi: ab dextera maximocúm clamore involant ímpetu alacri,foédant et próterunt hóstium cópiasiúre iniustas.
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.)
Mercvrivs:Numquam étiam quicquam adhúc verborum est prólocutus pérperam:namque ego fui illi in re praesenti et meus, cum pugnatum est, pater.
“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 hands, 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.”
Sosia:Perduelles penetrant se in fugam; ibi nostris animus additust:vortentibus Telobois telis complebantur corpora,ipsusque Amphitruo regem Pterelam sua obtruncavit manu.haec illic est pugnata pugna úsque a mani ad vesperum(hoc adeo hoc commemini magis, quia illo die inpransus fui),sed proelium id tandem diremit nox interventu suo.postridie in castra ex urbe ad nos veniunt flentes principes:velatis manibus orant ignoscamus peccatum suom,deduntque se, divina humanaque omnia, urbem et liberosin dicionem atque in arbitratum cuncti Thebano poplo.
“Lastly, by reason of his valour, a golden goblet was presented to my master Amphitryon, from which king Pterelas 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.)
post ob virtutem ero Amphitruoni patera donata aurea est,qui Pterela potitare solitus est rex. haec sic dicam erae.nunc pergam eri imperium exequi et me domum capessere.
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.
Mercvrivs:Áttat, illic húc iturust. íbo ego illi óbviam,neque ego huc hominem hodie ad aedis has sinam umquam accedere;
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.
quando imago est huius in me, certum est hominem eludere.et enim vero quoniam formam cépi huius ín med et statum,decet et facta moresque huius habere me similes item.itaque me malum esse oportet, callidum, astutum admodumatque hunc, telo suo sibi, malitia a foribus pellere.
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.)
sed quid illúc est? caelum aspectat. observabo quam rem agat.
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 Night 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 Orion, or the Evening Star, 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.)
Sosia:Certe edepol, si quicquamst aliud quod credam aut certo sciam,credo ego hac noctu Nocturnum óbdormivisse ebrium.nam neque se Septentriones quoquam in caelo commovent,neque se Luna quoquam mutat atque uti exorta est semel,nec Iugulae neque Vesperugo neque Vergiliae óccidunt.ita statim stant signa, neque nox quoquam concedit die.
Go on, Night, as you’ve begun, and pay obedience to my father. In best style, the best of services are you performing for the best of beings; in giving this, you reap a fair return.SOSIA: (to himself.)
Mercvrivs:Perge, Nox, ut occepisti, gere patri morem meo:optumo optume optumam operam das, datam pulchre locas.
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.)
Sosia:Neque ego hac nocte longiorem me vidisse censeo,nisi item unam, verberatus quam pependi perpetem;eam quoque edepol etiam multo haec vicit longitudine.credo edepol equidem dormire Solem, atque adpotum probe;mira sunt nisi invitavit sese in cena plusculum.
Do you really say so, you scoundrel? Do you think that the Gods are like yourself?
Mercvrivs:Ain vero, verbero? deos esse tui similis putas?
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.)
ego pol te istis tuis pro dictis et male factis, furcifer,accipiam; modo sis veni huc: invenies infortunium.
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 first.MERCURY: (apart.)
Sosia:Vbi sunt isti scortatores, qui soli inviti cubant?haec nox scita est exercendo scorto conducto male.
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.)
Mercvrivs:Meus pater nunc pro huius verbis recte et sapienter facit,qui complexus cum Alcumena cubat amans animo obsequens.
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.)
Sosia:Ibo ut erus quod imperavit Alcumenae nuntiem.sed quis hic ést homo, quem ante aedis video hoc noctis? non placet.
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 more.MERCURY: (aside.)
Mercvrivs:Nullust hoc metuculosus aeque.Sosia:Mi in mentem venit,illic homó hoc dé umero volt pallium detexere.
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.)
Mercvrivs:Timet homo: deludam ego illum.Sosia:Perii, dentes pruriunt;certe advenientem hic me hospitio pugneo accepturus est.credo misericors est: nunc propterea quod me meus erusfecit ut vigilarem, hic pugnis faciet hodie ut dormiam.oppido interii. obsecro hercle, quantus et quam validus est.
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 afraidlest I should be changing my name here, and become a Quintus instead of a Sosia. He declares that he has laid four men asleep; I fear lest I should be adding to that number.
Mercvrivs:Clare advorsum fabulabor, ⟨ut⟩ hic auscultet quae loquar;igitur magis demum maiorem in sese concipiet metum.agite, pugni, iam diu est quom ventri victum non datis:iam pridem videtur factum, heri quod homines quattuorin soporem collocastis nudos.Sosia:Formido male,né ego hic nomen meum commutem et Quintus fiam e Sosia;quattuor nudos sopori se dedisse hic autumat:metuo ne numerum augeam illum.
MERCURY: (throwing about his arms.)Well, now then for it. This is the way I intend.SOSIA: (aside.)
Mercvrivs:em, nunciam ergo: sic volo.
He is girded tight; for sure, he’s getting himself ready.MERCURY:He shan’t get off without getting a thrashing.SOSIA: (aside.)
Sosia:Cingitur: certe expedit se.Mercvrivs:Non feret quin vapulet.
What person, I wonder?MERCURY:Beyond a doubt, whatever person comes this way, he shall eat my fists.SOSIA: (aside.)
Sosia:Quis homo?Mercvrivs:Quisquis homo huc profecto venerit, pugnos edet.
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.
Sosia:Apage, non placet me hoc noctis esse: cenavi modo;proin tu istam cenam largire, si sapis, esurientibus.
MERCURY:The weight of this fist is no poor one.
Mercvrivs:Haud malum huic est pondus pugno.
SOSIA: (aside.)I’m done for; he is poising his fists.
Sosia:Perii, pugnos ponderat.
MERCURY:What if I were to touch him, stroking him down, so that he may go to sleep?
Mercvrivs:Quid si ego illum tractim tangam, ut dormiat?
SOSIA: (aside.)You would be proving my salvation; for I’ve been watching most confoundedly these three nights running.
Sosia:Servaveris,nam continuas has tris noctes pervigilavi.
MERCURY:My hand refuses to learn to strike his cheek; it cannot do a disgraceful action.
Mercvrivs:Pessumest,facimus nequiter, ferire malam male discit manus;
Hand of mine, of a changed form must he become whom you smite with this fist.SOSIA: (aside.)
alia forma ésse oportet quem tu pugno legeris.
This fellow will be furbishing me up, and be moulding my face anew.MERCURY: (to his fist.)
Sosia:Illic homo me interpolabit meumque os finget denuo.
The man that you hit full, his face must surely be boned.SOSIA: (aside.)
Mercvrivs:Exossatum os esse oportet quem probe percusseris.
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.
Sosia:Mirum ni hic me quasi murenam éxossare cogitat.ultro istunc qui exossat homines. perii, si me aspexerit.
MERCURY:Some fellow is stinking to his destruction.
Mercvrivs:Olet homo quidam malo suo.
SOSIA: (aside.)Woe to me! Is it I that stink?
Sosia:ei, numnam ego óbolui?
MERCURY:And he cannot be very far off; but he has been a long way off from here.SOSIA: (aside.)
Mercvrivs:Atque haud longe abesse oportet, verum longe hinc afuit.
This person’s a wizard.MERCURY:My fists are longing.SOSIA: (aside.)
Sosia:Illic homo superstitiosust.Mercvrivs:Gestiunt pugni mihi.
If you are going to exercise them upon me, I beg that you’ll first cool them down against the wall.
Sosia:Si in me exercituru's exerciturus es, quaeso in parietem ut primum domes.
MERCURY:A voice has come flying to my ears.
Mercvrivs:Vox mi ad aures advolavit.
SOSIA: (aside.)Unlucky fellow, for sure, was I, who didn’t clip its wings. I’ve got a voice with wings, it seems.
Sosia:Né ego homo infelix fui,qui non alas intervelli: volucrem vocem gestito.
MERCURY:This fellow is demanding of me for himself a heavy punishment for his beast’s back.SOSIA: (aside.)
Mercvrivs:Illic homo a me sibi malam rem arcessit iumento suo.
As for me, I’ve got no beast’s back.MERCURY:He must be well loaded with my fists.SOSIA: (aside.)
Sosia:Non equidem ullum habeo iumentum.Mercvrivs:Onerandus est pugnis probe.
I’ faith, I’m fatigued, coming from board ship, when I was brought hither; even now I’m sea-sick.
Sosia:Lassus sum hercle, navi ut vectus huc sum: etiam nunc nauseo;
Without a burden, I can hardly creep along, so don’t think that with a load I can go.
vix incedo inanis, ne ire posse cum onere existimes.
MERCURY:Why, surely, somebody is speaking here.
Mercvrivs:Certe enim hic nescio quis loquitur.
SOSIA: (aside.)I’m all right, he doesn’t see me; he thinks it’s “Somebody” speaking: Sosia is certainly my name.
Sosia:Salvos sum, non me videt:nescioquem loqui autumat; mihi certo nomen Sosiaest.
MERCURY:But here, from the right-hand side, the voice, as it seems, strikes upon my ear.SOSIA: (aside.)
Mercvrivs:Hinc enim míhi dextra vox auris, ut videtur, verberat.
I’m afraid that I shall be getting a thrashing here this day, in place of my voice, that’s striking him.(Moves.)
Sosia:Metuo, vocis ne vicem hodie hic vapulem, quae hunc verberat.
MERCURY:Here he is—he’s coming towards me, most opportunely.
Mercvrivs:Optume eccum incedit ad me.
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.)
Sosia:Timeo, totus torpeo.non edepol nunc ubi terrarum sim scio, si quis roget,neque miser me commovere possum prae formidine.ilicet, mandata eri perierunt una et Sosia.verum certum est confidenter hominem contra conloqui,qui possim videri huic fortis, a me ut abstineat manum.
Where are you going, you that are carrying Vulcan enclosed in your horn?
Mercvrivs:Quo ambulas tu, qui Volcanum in cornu conclusum geris?
SOSIA:Why do you make that enquiry, you who are boning men’s heads with your fists?
Sosia:Quid id exquiris tu, qui pugnis os exossas hominibus?
MERCURY:Are you slave or free man?
Mercvrivs:Servosne ⟨es⟩ an liber?
SOSIA:Just as it suits my inclination.
Sosia:Vtcumque animo conlibitum est meo.
MERCURY:Do you really say so?
Mercvrivs:Ain vero?
SOSIA:I really do say so.
Sosia:Aio enim vero.
MERCURY:Whip-scoundrel!
Mercvrivs:Verbero.
SOSIA:Now you are telling a lie.
Sosia:Mentiris nunc.
MERCURY:But I’ll soon make you own that I’m telling the truth.
Mercvrivs:At iam faciam ut verum dicas dicere.
SOSIA:What necessity is there for it?
Sosia:Quid eo est opus?
MERCURY:Can I know whence you have set out, whose you are, or why you are come?SOSIA: (pointing.)
Mercvrivs:Possum scire, quo profectus, cuius sis aut quid veneris?
This way I’m going, and I’m the servant of my master. Are you any the wiser now?
Sosia:Húc eo, eri ⟨iussu, eius⟩ sum servos. numquid nunc es certior?
MERCURY:I’ll this day make you be holding that foul tongue of yours.
Mercvrivs:Ego tibi istam hodie, sceleste, comprimam linguam.
SOSIA:You can’t; it is kept pure and becomingly.
Sosia:Haud potes:bene pudiceque adservatur.
MERCURY:Do you persist in chattering?
Mercvrivs:Pergin argutarier?
What business now have you at this house?(Points to the house.)SOSIA:Aye, and what business have you?
quid apud hasce aedis negoti ést tibi?Sosia:Immo quid tibi est?
MERCURY:King Creon always sets a watch every night.
Mercvrivs:Rex Creo vigiles nocturnos singulos semper locat.
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.
Sosia:Bene facit: quia nos eramus peregre, tutatust domi;at nunc abi sane, advenisse familiares dicito.
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.
Mercvrivs:Nescio quam tu familiaris sis: nisi actutum hinc abis,familiaris accipiere faxo haud familiariter.
SOSIA:Here, I say, I live, and of these people I am the servant.
Sosia:Hic inquam habito ego atque horunc servos sum.
MERCURY:But do you understand how it is? Unless you are off, I’ll make you to be exalted this day.
Mercvrivs:At scin quo modo?faciam ego hodie te superbum, nisi hinc abis.
SOSIA:In what way, pray?
Sosia:Quonam modo?
MERCURY:You shall be carried off, you shan’t walk away, if I take up a stick.
Mercvrivs:Auferere, non abibis, sí ego fustem sumpsero.
SOSIA:But I declare that I am one of the domestics of this family.
Sosia:Quin me esse huius familiai familiarem praedico.
MERCURY:Consider, will you, how soon you want a drubbing, unless you are off from here this instant.
Mercvrivs:Vide sis quam mox vapulare vis, nisi actutum hinc abis.
SOSIA:Do you want, as I arrive from foreign parts, to drive me from my home?
Sosia:Tun domo prohibere peregre me advenientem postulas?
MERCURY:Is this your home?
Mercvrivs:Haecine tua domust?
SOSIA:It is so, I say.
Sosia:Ita inquam.
MERCURY:Who is your master, then?
Mercvrivs:Quis erus est igitur tibi?
SOSIA:Amphitryon, who is now the general of the Theban forces, to whom Alcmena is married.
Sosia:Amphitruo, qui nunc praefectust Thebanis legionibus,quicum nupta est Alcumena.
MERCURY:How say you? What’s your name?
Mercvrivs:Quid ais? quid nomen tibi est?
SOSIA:The Thebans call me Sosia, the son of my father Davus.
Sosia:Sosiam vocant Thebani, Davo prognatum patre.
MERCURY:Assuredly, at your peril have you come here this day, with your trumped-up lies, your patched-up knaveries, you essence of effrontery.
Mercvrivs:Ne tu istic hodie malo tuo compositis mendaciisadvenisti, audaciai columen, consutis dolis.
SOSIA:Why no, it’s rather with garments patched-up that I’m arrived here, not with knaveries.
Sosia:Immo equidem tunicis consutis huc advenio, non dolis.
MERCURY:Why, you are lying again; you come with your feet, surely, and not with your garments.
Mercvrivs:At mentiris etiam: certo pedibus, non tunicis venis.
SOSIA:Yes, certainly.
Sosia:Ita profecto.
MERCURY:Then certainly take that for your lie.(He strikes him.)
Mercvrivs:Nunc profecto vapula ob mendacium.
SOSIA:By my troth, I certainly don’t wish for it of course.
Sosia:Non edepol volo profecto.
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.)
Mercvrivs:At pol profecto ingratiis.hoc quidem profecto certum est, non est arbitrarium.
SOSIA:Mercy, I entreat of you.
Sosia:Tuam fidem obsecro.
MERCURY:Do you dare to say that you are Sosia, when I myself am he?(Strikes him.)
Mercvrivs:Tun te audes Sosiam esse dicere,quí ego sum?
SOSIA: (crying at the top of his voice.)I’m being murdered.
Sosia:Perii.
MERCURY:Why, you are crying out for a trifle as yet, compared with what it will be.
Mercvrivs:Parum etiam, praeut futurum est, praedicas.
Whose are you now?SOSIA:Your own; for with your fists you have laid hands on me. Help, help, citizens of Thebes.(MERCURY striking him.)
quoius nunc es?Sosia:Tuos, nam pugnis usu fecisti tuom.pro fidem, Thebani cives.
MERCURY:What, still bawling, you scoundrel? Speak—what have you come for?
Mercvrivs:Etiam clamas, carnifex?loquere, quid venisti?
SOSIA:For there to be somebody for you to belabour with your fists.
Sosia:Vt esset quem tu pugnis caederes.
MERCURY:Whose are you?
Mercvrivs:Cuius es?
SOSIA:Amphitryon’s Sosia, I tell you.
Sosia:Amphitruonis, inquam, Sosia.
MERCURY:For this reason then you shall be beaten the more, because you prate thus idly; I am Sosia, not you.SOSIA: (aside.)
Mercvrivs:Ergo istoc magis,quia vaniloquo's vaniloquus es, vapulabis: ego sum, non tu, Sosia.
I wish the Gods would have it so, that you were he in preference, and that I were thrashing you.
Sosia:Ita di faciant, ut tu potius sis atque ego te ut verberem.
MERCURY:What, muttering still?(Strikes him.)
Mercvrivs:Etiam muttis?
SOSIA:I’ll hold my tongue then.
Sosia:Iam tacebo.
MERCURY:Who is your master?
Mercvrivs:Quis tibi erust?
SOSIA:Whoever you like.
Sosia:Quem tu voles.
MERCURY:How then? What’s your name now?
Mercvrivs:Quid igitur? qui nunc vocare?
SOSIA:Nothing but what you shall command.
Sosia:Nemo nisi quem iusseris.
MERCURY:You said that you were Amphitryon’s Sosia.
Mercvrivs:Amphitruonis te esse aiebas Sosiam.
SOSIA:I made a mistake; but this I meant to say, that I was Amphitryon’s associate.
Sosia:Peccaveram,nam Amphitruonis †socium ne me esse volui dicere.
MERCURY:Why, I was sure that we had no servant called Sosia except myself. Your senses are forsaking you.
Mercvrivs:Scibam equidem nullum esse nobis nisi me servom Sosiam.fugit te ratió.
SOSIA:I wish that those fists of yours had done so.
Sosia:Vtinam istuc pugni fecissent tui.
MERCURY:I am that Sosia, whom you were just now telling me that you are.
Mercvrivs:Ego sum Sosia ille quem tu dudum esse aiebas mihi.
SOSIA:I pray that I may be allowed to discourse with you in quietness, so as not to be beaten.
Sosia:Obsecro ut per pacem liceat te alloqui, ut ne vapulem.
MERCURY:Well then, let there be a truce for a short time, if you want to say anything.
Mercvrivs:Immo indutiae parumper fiant, si quid vis loqui.
SOSIA:I’ll not speak unless peace is concluded, since you are the stronger with your fists.
Sosia:Non loquar nisi pace facta, quando pugnis plus vales.
MERCURY:If you wish to say anything, speak; I’ll not hurt you.
Mercvrivs:Dic si quid vis, non nocebo.
SOSIA:Am I to trust in your word?
Sosia:Tuae fide credo?
MERCURY:Yes, in my word.
Mercvrivs:Meae.
SOSIA:What, if you deceive me?
Sosia:Quid si falles?
MERCURY:Why, then may Mercury be angry with Sosia.
Mercvrivs:Tum Mercurius Sosiae iratus siet.
SOSIA:Then give attention: now I’m at liberty to say in freedom anything I please. I am Sosia, servant of Amphitryon.
Sosia:Animum advorte. nunc licet mihi libere quidvis loqui.Amphitruonis ego sum servos Sosia.
MERCURY:What, again?(Offering to strike him.)
Mercvrivs:Etiam denuo?
SOSIA:I have concluded the peace, ratified the treaty—I speak the truth.
Sosia:Pacem feci, foedus feci. vera dico.
MERCURY:Take that, then.(He strikes him.)
Mercvrivs:Vapula.
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.
Sosia:Vt libet quid tibi libet fac, quoniam pugnis plus vales;verum, utut es facturus, hoc quidem hercle haud reticebo tamen.
MERCURY:So long as you live, you shall never make me to be any other than Sosia at this moment.
Mercvrivs:Tu me vivos hodie numquam facies quin sim Sosia.
SOSIA:I’ faith, you certainly shall never make me to be any other person than my own self;
Sosia:Certe edepol tu me alienabis numquam quin noster siem;
and besides myself we have no other servant of the name of Sosia—myself, who went hence on the expedition together with Amphitryon.
nec nobis praeter med alius quisquam est servos Sosia.[qui cum Amphitruone hinc una ieram in exercitum.]
MERCURY:This fellow is not in his senses.
Mercvrivs:Hic homo sanus non est.
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 port?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 troth, 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.)
Sosia:Quod mihi praedicas vitium, id tibi est.quid, malum, non súm ego servos Amphitruonis Sosia?nonne hac noctu nostra navis ⟨huc⟩ ex portu Persicovenit, quae me advexit? nonne me huc erus misit meus?nonne ego nunc sto ante aedes nostras? non mi est lanterna in manu?non loquor, nón vigilo? nonne hic homo módo me pugnis contudit?fecit hercle, nam etiam misero nunc ⟨mihi⟩ malae dolent.quid igitur ego dubito, aut cur non intro eo in nostram domum?
How—your house?SOSIA:Indeed it really is so.
Mercvrivs:Quid, domum vostram?Sosia:Ita enim vero.
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.)
Mercvrivs:Quin quae dixisti modoomnia ementitu's ementitus es: equidem Sosia Amphitruonis sum.nam noctu hac soluta est navis nostra e portu Persico,et ubi Pterela rex regnavit oppidum expugnavimus,et legiones Teloboarum vi pugnando cepimus,et ipsus Amphitruo optruncavit regem Pterelam in proelio.
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?
Sosia:Egomet mihi non credo, cum illaec autumare illum audio;hic quidem cérte quae illic sunt res gestae memorat memoriter.sed quid ais? quid Amphitruoni ⟨doni⟩ a Telobois datum est?