AMPHITRUO

ARGUMENT I

Jupiter assumed the face of Amphitruo,
while he was waging war with the Teleboan enemies,
and took Alcmena as a temporary wife.
Mercury takes the form of the absent slave Sosia:
by these tricks Alcmena is deceived.
After the real Amphitruo and Sosia returned,
each is deluded by tricks in a wondrous way.
Hence arises an argument, a tumult for wife and husband,
until, with thunder and a voice sent from the ether,
Jupiter confessed himself an adulterer.

ARGUMENT II

Amorous, Jupiter seized Alcmena.
Morphing himself into the form of her husband,
Patriot Amphitruo while he decides [matters] with the enemies.
Habited as Sosia, Mercury serves him.
It frustrates the slave and the master as they arrive.
Turbulence Amphitruo stirs up for his wife, and in turn,
Raving, they seize [each other] for being adulterers. An arbiter, Blepharo, is taken,
Vexed, Amphitruo cannot decide which one [is which].
Of the whole matter they learn. She gives birth to twins.

I 7 "both" is displeasing; "they are deluded" Lambinus (cf. Mil. Arg. i. 9 'deluded' instead of 'played'); Cist. Arg. 7 'promised' instead of 'spondet' "tricks" deleted by the Italians (cf. 5) II 9 "she" Bothe: "Alcmena" manuscript (see line 1)