Perde 5
[Textpart 9]
How can that be?
1120
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
We two were twins.
1120
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
The Gods wish to bless me.
1120
MESSENIO
If you interrupt, I shall hold my tongue.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Rather than that, I’ll hold my tongue.
MESSENIO
Tell me, were you both of the same name?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
By no means; for my name was what it is now Menaechmus; the other they then used to call Sosicles.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
I recognize the proofs, I cannot refrain from embracing him.
My own twin-brother, blessings on you; I am Sosicles.
1125
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
How then was the name of Menaechmus afterwards given to you?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
After word was brought to us that you and that my father was dead, my grandfather changed it; the name that was yours he gave to me.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I believe that it did so happen as you say. But answer me this.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Ask it of me.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
What was the name of our mother?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Teuximarcha.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
That quite agrees. (He again embraces him.) O welcome, unhoped-for brother, whom after many years I now behold.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
And you, whom with many and anxious labours I have ever been seeking up to this time, and whom I rejoice at being found.
MESSENIO
It was for this reason that this Courtesan called you by his name; she thought that you were he, I suppose, when she invited you to breakfast.
1135
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Why, faith, to-day I ordered a breakfast to be got ready here (pointing to EROTIUM’S house) for me, unknown to my wife; a mantle which a short time since I filched from home, to her I gave it.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Do you say, brother, that this is the mantle which I’m wearing?
