Perde 5
[Textpart 1]
The hopes and resources of my life lie buried in my breast, nor is there any boldness in my heart, but what I have lost it.
BROMIA
So much to me do all things seem, the sea, the earth, the heavens, to be conspiring, that now I may be crushed, that I may be destroyed. Ah, wretched me! I know not what to do. Prodigies so great have come to pass within the house. Ah! woe is me! I’m sick at heart, some water I could wish! I’m overpowered and I’m utterly undone. My head is aching, and I cannot hear, nor do I see well with my eyes.
1055
No woman is there more wretched than myself, nor can one seem to be more so. Thus has it this day befallen my mistress; for when she invoked for herself the Deities of travail, what rumblings and grumblingsRumblings and grumblings: Strepitus, crepitus, somtus tonitrus. A jingle in evidently intended here., crashes and flashes; suddenly, how instantaneously did it thunder, and how woundy loud. On the spot where each one stood, at the peal he fell; then some one, I know not who, exclaimed in a mighty voice, Alcmena, succour is at hand, fear not:
1060
propitious both to thee and thine, the Ruler of the Heavens comes. Arise, it said, ye who have fallen down in your terror through dread of me. As I lay, I arose; I fancied that the house was in flames. Then Alcmena called me; and then did that circumstance strike me with horror. Fears for my mistress took possession of me; I ran to her to enquire what she wanted;
1065
and then I beheld that she had given birth to two male children; not yet did any one of us perceive when she was delivered, or indeed expect it. (Sees AMPHITRYON.) But what’s this? Who’s this old man that’s lying thus before our house? Has Jupiter then smitten him with his thunders? By my troth, I think so; for, oh Jupiter! he is in a lethargy just like one dead.
1070
I’ll approach, that I may learn who it is. (She advances.) Surely, this is my master Amphitryon. (Calls aloud.) Ho! Amphitryon!
1075
AMPHITRYON
I’m slain outright.
BROMIA
Give me your hand.
AMPHITRYON
Who is it that has hold of me?
BROMIA
Bromia, your maid-servant.
AMPHITRYON
I tremble all over, to such a degree has Jove pealed against me. And no otherwise is it than if I had come hither from Acheron. But why have you come out of the house?
BROMIA
The same alarm has scared ourselves, affrighted with horror;
in the house where you yourself dwell, have I seen astounding prodigies. Woe to me, Amphitryon; even now do my senses fail me to such a degree.
1080
AMPHITRYON
Come now, tell me; do you know me to be your master Amphitryon?
AMPHITRYON
Look even once again.
AMPHITRYON
She alone of all my household has a sane mind.
