ia.
idem Mercurius qui fit, quando commodumst,
in superiore qui habito cenaculo,
qui interdum fio Iuppiter, quando lubet;
huc autem quom extemplo adventum adporto, ilico
Amphitruo fio et vestitum immuto meum.

(_in jocular, self-satisfied tone_) I am that Amphitryon
who has a servant Sosia, which same turns into Mercury on
occasion, I being the Amphitryon who lodge in the upper
attic (_pointing heavenward_) and become Jupiter at times,
when the humour seizes me. As soon as I wend my way into
these parts, however, on the spot I am Amphitryon and change
my clothes.

nunc huc honoris vostri venio gratia,
ne hanc incohatam transigam comoediam;
simul Alcumenae, quam vir insontem probri
Amphitruo accusat, veni ut auxilium feram: 870
nam mea sit culpa, quod egomet contraxerim,
si id Alcumenae innocenti expetat.

I now appear out of regard for you, so as not to terminate
this inchoate comedy. At the same time I am here to help out
Alcmena, poor innocent, denounced as disloyal by her lord,
Amphitryon. For it would be sinful of me, if the storm I
have brewed should descend on the head of guileless Alcmena.

nunc Amphitruonem memet, ut occepi semel,
esse adsimulabo, atque in horum familiam
frustrationem hodie iniciam maxumam;
post igitur demum faciam res fiat palam
atque Alcumenae in tempore auxilium feram
faciamque ut uno fetu et quod gravida est viro
et me quod gravidast pariat sine doloribus.
Mercurium iussi me continue consequi, 880
si quid vellem imperare. nunc hanc adloquar.

I will pretend for the present to be Amphitryon myself, as
I have already, and thoroughly confound this family to-day,
Then, after that, I will eventually clear matters up, yes,
and aid Alcmena in due season, contriving that she give
birth at one time to both the children she carries, her
husband's and my own, without a pang. Mercury has his orders
to attend me closely, in case I have commands to give. Now
for a word with the lady.

III. 2.

Scene 2.

ENTER _Alcmena_ FROM HOUSE.

_Alc._

Durare nequeo in aedibus. ita me probri,
stupri, dedecoris a viro argutam meo!
ea quae sunt facta infecta ut reddat clamitat.
quae neque sunt facta neque ego in me admisi arguit;
atque id me susque deque esse habituram puta