Menaechmi, or The Twin Brothers (1039-1067)

Very wonderful things have really happened this day to me in wonderful ways.

Some deny that I am he who I am, and shut me out of doors; others say that I am he who I am not, and will have it that they are my servants. He for instance, who said that he was going for the money, to whom I gave his freedom just now. Since he says that he will bring me a purse with money, if he does bring it[*], I’ll say that he may go free from me where he pleases,

lest at a time when he shall have come to his senses he should ask the money of me. My father-in-law and the Doctor were saying that I am mad. Whatever it is, it is a wonderful affair. These things appear to me not at all otherwise than dreams. Now I’ll go in the house to this Courtesan, although she is angry with me; if I can prevail upon her to restore the mantle for me to take back home. (He goes into EROTIUM’S house.)

Do you dare affirm, audacious fellow, that I have ever met you this day since the time when I ordered you to come here to meet me?

Why, I just now rescued you before this house, when four men were carrying you off upon their shoulders. You invoked the aid of all Gods and men, when I ran up and delivered you by main force, fighting, and in spite of them.

For this reason, because I rescued you, you set me at liberty. When I said that I was going for the money and the luggage, you ran before to meet me as quickly as you could, in order that you might deny what you did.

I, bade you go away a free man?

Certainly.

Why, on the contrary, ’tis most certain that I myself would rather become a slave than ever give you your freedom.

If you are ready to swear by your eyes, by my troth, not a bit the more for that reason, most vile woman, will you make it that I took away the mantle and the bracelet to-day.

Immortal Gods, what do I see?

What do you see?

Your resemblance in a mirror.

What’s the matter?

’Tis your image; ’tis as like as possible.

Troth, it really is not unlike, so far as I know my own form.

O young man, save you, you who preserved me, whoever you are.

By my troth, young man, prithee, tell me your name, unless it’s disagreable.

I’ faith, you’ve not so deserved of me, that it should be disagreable for me to tell what you wish. My name is Menaechmus.