Perde 5
[Textpart 9]
I don’t want you both.
MESSENIO
But which of you was brought here in the ship with me?
1085
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Not I.
1085
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
But ’twas I.
MESSENIO
You, then, I want. Step this way.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
I’ve stepped aside now. What’s the matter?
MESSENIO
This man is either an impostor, or he is your twin-brother. But I never beheld one person more like another person. Neither water, believe me, is ever more like to water nor milk to milk,
than he is to you, and you likewise to him; besides, he speaks of the same native country and father. ’Tis better for us to accost him and make further enquiries of him.
1090
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
I’ faith, but you’ve given me good advice, and I return you thanks. Troth, now, prithee, do continue to lend me your assistance. If you discover that this is my brother, be you a free man.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
I too hope that it will be so.
MESSENIO
How say you? I think you said that you are called Menaechmus?
1095
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I did so indeed.
MESSENIO
His name, too, is Menaechmus. You said that you were born at Syracuse, in Sicily; he was born there. You said that Moschus was your father; he was his as well. Now both of you can be giving help to me and to yourselves at the same time.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
You have deserved that you should beg nothing but what you should obtain that which you desire. Free as I am, I’ll serve you as though you. had bought me for money.
1100
MESSENIO
I have a hope that I shall find that you two are twin-born brothers, born of one mother and of one father on the same day.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
You mention wondrous things. I wish that you could effect what you’ve promised.
MESSENIO
I can. But attend now, both of you, and tell me that which I shall ask.
1105
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Ask as you please, I’ll answer you. I’ll not conceal anything that I know.
MESSENIO
Isn’t your name Menaechmus?
