Perde 4
[Textpart 2b]
Nay, Theban citizens, I say that this is he (pointing to JUPITER) who in my house has made my wife guilty of incontinence, through whom I find a store of unchastity laid up for me.
SOSIA
Master, if now you are hungry, crammed full of fisticuffs, I betake me to you.
AMPHITRYON
Do you persist, whip-scoundrel?
SOSIA
Hie thee to Acheron, sorcerer.
AMPHITRYON
What, I a sorcerer? (Strikes him.) Take that.
JUPITER
What madness possesses you, stranger, for you to be beating my servant?
JUPITER
Sosia, go in-doors, and take care the breakfast is got ready while I’m sacrificing this fellow.
SOSIA
I’ll go. (Aside.) Amphitryon, I suppose, will receive the other Amphitryon as courteously as I, that other Sosia, did me, Sosia, a while ago. Meantime, while they are contending, I’ll turn aside into the victualling departmentVictualling department: Popina usually signifies a cook’s shop; but here it evidently alludes to the larder or kitchen in Amphitryons house, which Sosia now enters and we see no more of him.: I’ll clean out all the dishes, and all the vessels I’ll drain.
[Textpart 2c]
Do you say that I lie?
AMPHITRYON
You lie, I say, you corrupter of my family.
JUPITER
For that disgraceful speech, I’ll drag you along here, seizing you by the throat.
AMPHITRYON
Ah wretched me!
JUPITER
But you should have had a care of this beforehand.
AMPHITRYON
Blepharo, aid me!
BLEPHARO
The two are so exactly alike that I don’t know which to side with. Still, so far as possible, I’ll put an end to their contention. (Aloud.) Amphitryon, don’t slay Amphitryon in fight; let go his throat, I pray.
JUPITER
Are you calling this fellow Amphitryon?
BLEPHARO
Why not? Formerly he was but one, but now he has become double. While you are wanting to be he, the other, too, doesn’t cease to be of his form. Meanwhile, prithee, do leave go of his neck.
