ACT III
Scene X
JUPITER, CLEANTHIS, NAUCRATES, POLIDAS, SOSIE,
AMPHITRYON, ARGATIPHONTIDAS, POSICLES
JUPITER
(In a cloud,) Behold, Amphitryon, who has imposed on you; under
his own aspect you see Jupiter. By these signs you may easily know
him; they are sufficient, I think, to restore your heart where it
should be to bring back peace and happiness to your family. My name,
which the whole earth continually adores, thus stifles all scandal
that might be spread abroad. A share with Jupiter has nothing that
in the least dishonours, for doubtless, it can be but glorious to
find one's self the rival of the sovereign of the Gods. I do not see
any reason why your love should murmur; it is I, God as I am, who
ought to be jealous in this affair. Alcmene is wholly yours,
whatever means one may employ; it must be gratifying to your passion
to see that there is no other way of pleasing her than to appear as
her husband. Even Jupiter, clothed in his immortal glory, could not
by himself undermine her fidelity; what he has received from her was
granted by her ardent heart only to you.
SOSIE
The Seigneur Jupiter knows how to gild the pill.
JUPITER
Cast aside, therefore, the black care that stifles your heart;
restore perfect peace to the ardour which consumes you. In your
house shall be born a son, who, under the name of Hercules, shall
cause the vast universe to ring with his deeds. A glorious future
crowned with a thousand blessings shall let every one see I am your
support; I will make your fate the envy of the whole world. You may
boldly flatter yourself with what these promises confer. It is a
crime to doubt them, for the words of Jupiter are the decrees of
fate. (He is lost in the clouds.)
NAUCRATES
Truly, I am delighted at these evident marks . . .
SOSIE
Gentlemen, will you please take my advice? Do not embark in
these sugary congratulations; it is a bad speculation; phrases are
embarrassing on either side, in such a compliment. The great God
Jupiter has done us much honour, and, unquestionaby, his kindness
towards us is unparalleled; he promises us the infallible happiness
of a fortune crowned with a thousand blessings, and in our house
shall be born a brave son. Nothing could be better than this. But,
nevertheless, let us cut short our speeches, and each one retire
quietly to his own house. In such affairs as these, it is always
best not to say anything.
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