Perde 1
[Textpart 3]
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.
JUPITER
All this have I related to you. If I had not loved you very much, I should not have done so.
525
MERCURY
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.
530
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.
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.
535
ALCMENA
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 angry Don’t be angry: It has been justly remarked that the amiable and interesting character of Alcmena is not unlike that of Desdemona, in Shakspeare’s Othello. with Sosia on my account.
540
JUPITER
Just as you wish I’ll do.
MERCURY
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.
