Perde 1
[Textpart 1]
By my troth, I certainly don’t wish for it of course.
MERCURY
But by my faith, you certainly shall have it of course, whether you wish or not: for, in fact, this is certainly my determination, and it is not at your own option.
SOSIA
Mercy, I entreat of you.
MERCURY
Do you dare to say that you are Sosia, when I myself am he?
SOSIA
I’m being murdered.
MERCURY
Why, you are crying out for a trifle as yet, compared with what it will be.
SOSIA
Your own; for with your fists you have laid hands on meLaid hands on me: Usufecisti. Usufacere was a term used in law, to signify the taking possession of a thing by the laying of hands thereon. this, Sosia means to say, Mercury has most effectually done.. Help, help, citizens of Thebes.
375
MERCURY
What, still bawling, you scoundrel? Speak—what have you come for?
SOSIA
For there to be somebody for you to belabour with your fists.
SOSIA
Amphitryon’s Sosia, I tell you.
MERCURY
For this reason then you shall be beaten the more, because you prate thus idly; I am Sosia, not you.
SOSIA
I wish the Gods would have it so, that you were he in preference, and that I were thrashing you.
380
MERCURY
What, muttering still?
SOSIA
I’ll hold my tongue then.
MERCURY
Who is your master?
MERCURY
How then? What’s your name now?
SOSIA
Nothing but what you shall command.
