I don’t want you both. But which of you was brought here in the ship with me? MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. Not I. MENAECHMUS SOSICLES But ’twas I. MESSENIO You, then, I want. Step this way. (They go aside.) MENAECHMUS SOSICLES I’ve stepped aside now. What’s the matter? MESSENIO This man is either an impostor, or he is your twin-brother. But I never beheld one person more like another person. Neither water, believe me, is ever more like to water nor milk to milk, than he is to you, and you likewise to him; besides, he speaks of the same native country and father. ’Tis better for us to accost him and make further enquiries of him. MENAECHMUS SOSICLES I’ faith, but you’ve given me good advice, and I return you thanks. Troth, now, prithee, do continue to lend me your assistance. If you discover that this is my brother, be you a free man. MESSENIO I hope I shall. MENAECHMUS SOSICLES I too hope that it will be so. MESSENIO (to MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.) How say you? I think you said that you are called Menaechmus? MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. I did so indeed. MESSENIO (pointing to his master.) His name, too, is Menaechmus. You said that you were born at Syracuse , in Sicily ; he was born there. You said that Moschus was your father; he was his as well. Now both of you can be giving help to me and to yourselves at the same time. MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. You have deserved that you should beg nothing but what you should obtain that which you desire. Free as I am, I’ll serve you as though you. had bought me for money. MESSENIO I have a hope that I shall find that you two are twin-born brothers, born of one mother and of one father on the same day. MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. You mention wondrous things. I wish that you could effect what you’ve promised. MESSENIO I can. But attend now, both of you, and tell me that which I shall ask. MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. Ask as you please, I’ll answer you. I’ll not conceal anything that I know. MESSENIO Isn’t your name Menaechmus? MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. I own it. MESSENIO Isn’t it yours as well? MENAECHMUS SOSICLES It is. MESSENIO Do you say that Moschus was your father? MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. Truly, I do say so. MENAECHMUS SOSICLES And mine as well. MESSENIO Are you of Syracuse ? MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. Certainly. MESSENIO And you? MENAECHMUS SOSICLES Why not the same?