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 itIf he does bring it: He contemplates robbing even the man who has just rescued him. The disnonesty of his brother, in carrying off the mantle and bracelet, and wishing to rob the servant-maid of the gold for her earrings, has been previously remarked., 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.)

(Enter MENAECHMUS SOSICLES and MESSENIO.)MENAECHMUS SOSICLES 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?MESSENIO 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.MENAECHMUS SOSICLES I, bade you go away a free man?MESSENIO Certainly. MENAECHMUS SOSICLES Why, on the contrary, ’tis most certain that I myself would rather become a slave than ever give you your freedom.

(Enter MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus, from EROTIUM’s house.)MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.(at the door, to EROTIUM within.) 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.MESSENIO Immortal Gods, what do I see?MENAECHMUS SOSICLES What do you see? MESSENIO Your resemblance in a mirror.MENAECHMUS SOSICLES What’s the matter? MESSENIO ’Tis your image; ’tis as like as possible.MENAECHMUS SOSICLES(catching sight of the other.) Troth, it really is not unlike, so far as I know my own form.MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.(to MESSENIO.) O young man, save you, you who preserved me, whoever you are.MESSENIO By my troth, young man, prithee, tell me your name, unless it’s disagreable.MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. 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.