Perde 2
[Textpart 2]
Immortal Gods! do you at least know me, Sosia?
AMPHITRYON
Did I not dine yesterday on board ship in the Persian Port?
ALCMENA
I have witnesses as well, who can confirm that which I say.
SOSIA
I don’t know what to say to this matter, unless, perchance, there is another Amphitryon, who, perhaps, though you yourself are absent, takes care of your business, and who, in your absence, performs your duties here. For about that counterfeit Sosia it is very surprising. Certainly, about this Amphitryon, now, it is another matter still more surprising.
825
AMPHITRYON
Some magician, I know not who, is bewildering this woman.
830
ALCMENA
By the realms of the supreme Sovereign I swear, and by Juno, the matron Goddess, whom for me to fear and venerate it is most especially fitting, that no mortal being No mortal being: Unknowingly, Alcmena has a salvo here for the untruth, which, unconsciously, she would be otherwise telling; Jupiter not being a mortal. except yourself alone has ever touched my person in contact with his so as to render me unchaste.
AMPHITRYON
I could wish that that was true.
ALCMENA
I speak the truth, but in vain, since you will not believe me.
835
AMPHITRYON
You are a woman; you swear at random.
ALCMENA
She who has not done wrong, her it befits to be bold and to speak confidently and positively in her own behalf.
AMPHITRYON
That’s very boldly said.
ALCMENA
Just as befits a virtuous woman.
AMPHITRYON
Say you so? By your own words you prove it.
ALCMENA
That which is called a dowry, I do not deem the same my dowry;
but chastity, and modesty, and subdued desires, fear of the Gods, and love of my parents, and concord with my kindred; to be obedient to yourself and bounteous to the good, ready to aid the upright.
840
SOSIA
Surely, by my troth, if she tells the truth in this, she’s perfect to the very ideal To the very ideal: Examussim. Literally, by the rule; a term applied to carpenter’s work..
AMPHITRYON
Really I am so bewildered, that I don’t know myself who I am.
SOSIA
Surely you are Amphitryon; take you care, please, that you don’t peradventure lose yourself; people are changing in such a fashion since we came from abroad.
845
AMPHITRYON
Madam, I’m resolved not to omit having this matter enquired into.
