University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

JUPITER
addresses himself to the Spectators.
I'm that Amphitryon, whose slave is Sosia:
The same is Mercury, when there's occasion:
My dwelling's in the highest loft; and I
Am also Jupiter, whene'er I please:
But now that I descend, I shift my garb,
And strait I am Amphitryon. For your sakes
I now come hither, that I might not leave
This play imperfect. I am come besides
To bring the innocent Alcmena aid,
Whose husband has accus'd her of dishonour:—
The crime myself contriv'd, to let it fall
Upon her guiltless head, were baseness in me.
Now will I feign me, as I did before,
To be Amphitryon, and confound the house;
The mystery I'll afterwards disclose.
I will afford Alcmena timely aid;
And at the self-same birth the child by me,
And that with which she's pregnant by her husband,
I'll cause her to bring forth without a pang.—
I order'd Mercury to follow me
Forthwith, if haply I should want his service.—
But see, Alcmena comes—I must accost her.

[Jupiter retires back.