Perde 2
[Textpart 2]
With madness.
ALCMENA
Really I am in my senses, and I pray the Gods that in safety I may bring forth a son; but (to SOSIA) hap-ill shall you be having, if he does his duty: for those ominous words, omen-maker, you shall catch what befits you.
720
SOSIA
Why really an apple An apple: There is a pun here upon the similarity of the two words malum, evil, and malum, an apple, in which latter sense Sosia chooses to take the expression of Alcmena. The version of the pun used in the text is borrowed from Thornton’s Translation. In a Note, he wonders why an apple (or any fruit) should be given to a pregnant woman. Sosia seems to explain the reason, in saying that if she feels faint, she will have something to gnaw. It is not improbable that tension of the muscles may in some degree counteract a tendency to faint. This wretched pun is repeated in l. 1032 ought to be given to the lady thus pregnant, that there may be something for her to gnaw if she should begin to faint.
AMPHITRYON
Did you see me here yesterday?
725
ALCMENA
I did, I say, if you wish it to be ten times repeated.
725
AMPHITRYON
In your sleep, perhaps?
ALCMENA
No—I, awake, saw you awake.
SOSIA
What’s the matter with you?
AMPHITRYON
My wife is mad.
SOSIA
She’s attacked with black bile; nothing so soon turns people mad.
AMPHITRYON
When, madam, did you first find yourself affected?
ALCMENA
Why really, upon my faith, I’m well, and in my senses.
730
AMPHITRYON
Why, then, do you say that you saw me yesterday, whereas we were brought into harbour but last night? There did I dine, and there did I rest the livelong night on board ship, nor have I set my foot even here into the house, since, with the army, I set out hence against the Teleboan foe, and since we conquered them.
730
ALCMENA
On the contrary, you dined with me, and you slept with me.
735
ALCMENA
I’m telling the truth.
AMPHITRYON
On my honor, not in this matter, really; about other matters I don’t know.
ALCMENA
At the very break of dawn you went away to your troops.
AMPHITRYON
By what means could I?
