Perde 3
[Textpart 1]
I am that Amphitryon, whose servant Sosia is the same that becomes Mercury when there is occasion—I, who dwell in the highest storyThe highest story: Caenaculo. Caenaculum was a name given to garrets, or upper rooms, which were let out as lodgings to the poorer classes. The word here conveys a double sense, either as signifying the elevated habitation of the heavenly Jove or the humble lodging of the poor actor who is performing the part. Perhaps our cant term, sky-parlour, which is sometimes applied to a garret, would be the happiest translation here of the word., who sometimes, when it pleases me, become Jupiter.
JUPITER
But, hither soon as ever I turn my steps, I become Amphitryon that moment, and I change my garb. Now hither am I come for the sake of a compliment to you, that I may not leave this Comedy incomplete. I’ve come as well to bring assistance to Alcmena, whom, guiltless woman, her husband
865
Amphitryon is accusing of dishonor. For what I myself have brought about, if that undeservedly should fall as an injury upon her in her innocence, it would be my blame. Now, as I have already begun, I’ll again pretend that I am Amphitryon,
870
and this day will I introduce extreme confusion into this household. Then afterwards, at last, I’ll cause the matter to be disclosed, and to Alcmena timely aid will I bring, and will cause that at one birth she shall bring forth, without pangsWithout pangs: Sine doloribus. Plautus has been censured here for inconsistency, as at the close of the Play he appears to represent Alcmena as enduring the pangs of childbirth; but it is to be remembered that is only the account given by Bromia, and, according to what was her impression, on hearing Alcmena invoke the Deities., both the child with which she is pregnant by her husband and that with which she is pregnant by myself.
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I have ordered Mercury forthwith to follow me, if I should wish to give him any commands. Now will I accost her.
880
[Textpart 2]
I cannot remain in the house. That I should be thus accused by my husband of dishonor, incontinence, and disgrace! he cries aloud that things which have been done, have really not been done;
ALCMENA
and of things which have not been done, and of which I have not been guilty, he accuses me, and supposes that I shall treat it with indifference. By heavens, I will not do so, nor will I allow myself to be falsely charged with dishonor; but rather I’ll either leave him, or make him give satisfaction and swear as wellSwear as well: It was considered a sufficient atonement, if the accuser took an oath that his accusation was wrongful; and his oath was considered to wipe off the injury.
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that he wishes unsaid the things which he has alleged against me in my innocence.
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JUPITER
This must be done by me, which she requires to be done, if I wish for her to receive me into her company as loving her: since that which I have done, that same conduct has proved to the detriment of Amphitryon, and since my love has already created trouble for him who is really
guiltless, why now his wrath and his resentment towards her shall fall on me that am not accused.
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ALCMENA
And lo! I see him, who just now was accusing wretched me of incontinence and dishonor.
JUPITER
Wife, I would discourse with you. (She turns from him.) Why turn yourself away?
ALCMENA
Such is my disposition;
I always hate to look upon my enemies.
900
JUPITER
Heyday! enemies indeedEnemies indeed: Inimicos. Gronovius tells us that izimicus was term in law by which the husband was denoted after divorce if so, the expression might be supposed to strike with peculiar harshness on a husband’s ear.!
ALCMENA
It is so, I speak the truth; unless you are going to allege that this is falsely said as well.
JUPITER
You are too angry.
ALCMENA
Can’t you keep your hands off? For surely if you were wise, or quite in your senses,
with her, whom you deem and pronounce to be unchaste, you would neither hold discourse, in mirth or in seriousness, unless, indeed, you are more foolish than the most foolish.
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JUPITER
If I did say so, not a bit the more are you so, nor do I think you so, and therefore have I returned hither that I might excuse myself to you.
