University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Enter SOSIA.
I'm here.—Command me, if you want my service:
I will obey your orders.

Jup.
You are come
Most opportunely.

Sos.
Is it peace betwixt ye?
For I am glad, and 'tis a pleasure to me,
To see ye in good humour. It becomes
A trusty servant still to fashion him
So as to be himself as is his master,
To set his face by his face, to be grave
If he is grave, and merry if he's merry.—
But come now, tell me, are you reconcil'd?

Jup.
You jeer me sure,—as if you did not know,
That what I said before was but in jest.

Sos.
In jest you said it? By my troth I thought
You spoke it seriously in sober sadness.

Jup.
I've clear'd myself: we've made peace.

Sos.
Best of all.

Jup.
I have a solemn business to transact
Within, which I have vow'd.

Sos.
Ay, I suppose so.

Jup.
Go to the vessel, in my name invite
The master, Blepharo, to dine with me
After the sacrifice.

Sos.
I shall be here,
Ere you can think me there.

Jup.
Return with speed.

[Exit Sosia.
Alc.
Would you ought else? or shall I now go in,
That what is needful be prepar'd?

Jup.
Pray go,
And to your best see ev'ry thing be ready.

Alc.
Come in, what time you will: I'll take due care,
That nothing shall be wanting.

Jup.
'Tis well spoken:
Like an observant wife.

[Alcmena goes in.