Perde 3
[Textpart 2]
I’ll take care of that.
JUPITER
Call out Sosia hither.
Let him fetch Blepharo, the pilot that was on board my ship, to breakfast with us. (Aside.) He shall be fooled this day Be fooled this day: Jupiter save this for the information of the Audience and to raise their expectations of the fun that is to follow so as to go without his breakfast, while I shall drag Amphitryon hence by the throat.
950
ALCMENA
It’s surprising what he can be arranging alone in secrecy with himself. But the door opens; Sosia’s coming out.
[Textpart 3]
Amphitryon, I’m here; if any way you have need of me, command me; your commands I will obey.
JUPITER
Very opportunely are you come.
SOSIA
Has peace been made then between you two? But since I see you in good humour, I’m delighted, and it is a pleasure to myself. And so does it seem becoming for a trusty servant to conduct himself;
just as his superiors are, so should he be likewise; by their countenances he should fashion his own countenance; if his superiors are grave, let him be grave; if they rejoice, let him be merry. But come, answer me; have you two now come to a reconciliation?
960
JUPITER
You are laughing at me, who know full well that these things were just now said by me in joke.
SOSIA
In joke did you say it? For my part, I supposed that it was said seriously and in truthfulness.
JUPITER
Still, I’ve made my excuses; and peace has been made.
965
SOSIA
’Tis very good.
965
JUPITER
I shall now perform the sacrifice in-doors, and the vows which I have made.
JUPITER
Do you invite hither, in my name, Blepharo, the pilot, from the ship, so that when the sacrifice has been performed, he may breakfast with me.
SOSIA
I shall be here again, while you’ll be thinking that I’m there.
JUPITER
Return here directly.
ALCMENA
Do you wish for anything else, but that I should go in-doors now, that the things that are requisite may be got ready?
970
JUPITER
Go then, and take care that everything is prepared as soon as possible.
ALCMENA
Why, come in-doors whenever you please; I’ll take care that there shall not be any delay.
