Act III, Scene III

Enter SOSIA, from the house.

SOS. Amphitryon, I'm here; if any way you have need of me, command me; your commands I will obey.

JUP. Very opportunely are you come.

SOS. 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?

JUP. You are laughing at me, who know full well that these things were just now said by me in joke.

SOS. In joke did you say it? For my part, I supposed that it was said seriously and in truthfulness.

JUP. Still, I've made my excuses; and peace has been made.

SOS. 'Tis very good. JUP. I shall now perform the sacrifice in-doors, and the vows which I have made.

SOS. So I suppose. JUP. 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.

SOS. I shall be here again, while you'll be thinking that I'm there.

JUP. Return here directly. (Exit SOSIA.) ALC. Do you wish for anything else, but that I should go in-doors now, that the things that are requisite may be got ready?

JUP. Go then, and take care that everything is prepared as soon as possible. ALC. Why, come in-doors whenever you please; I'll take care that there shall not be any delay.

JUP. You say well, and just as befits an attentive wife. (ALCMENA goes into the house.)