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74 Sosia (aside). He beats me there. I must look out. it seems,

For a new name. Now where on earth could this fellow

Have been, to see all that? I'll have him yet;

Things that I did by myself, with no one near—

What I did in the tent—it can't be possible

He'll tell me that. (Aloud.) Now look—if you be Sosia

What was I doing in my master's tent,

That day they'd such hard fighting in the front?

Come—tell me that, my friend—and I'll give in.

Mercury (slily). There was a cask of wine: I filled a pitcher—

Sos. (to himself). He's not far out.

Mer. Filled it with good red wine—

As honest stuff as ever grew in grape.

Sos. Marvellous!—unless this chap was in the cask!—

Fact—I did fill the pitcher—and drank it too.

Mer. How now? have I convinced you I am Sosia?

Sos. (puzzled). D'ye say I'm not?

Mer. How can you be, if I am?

Sos. (half crying). I swear by Jove I am Sosia—it's no lie.

Mer. I swear by Mercury it is: Jove won't believe you;

He'd trust my word far sooner than your oath.

Sos. Who am I then, I ask you, if not Sosia?

Mer. That I can't tell you—but you can't be Sosia,

So long as I am: when I've done with the name,

Then you may take it. Now be off with you,

Name or no name, unless you want a thrashing.

Sos. Upon my life, now that I look at him,

And recollect myself—(I take a peep

Into my master's glass occasionally)

It strikes me that there is an uncommon likeness. (Ex-

amines Mercury furtively.)

The broad-brimmed hat and surcoat—just the same;

He looks as like me as I do myself!

Legs—feet—proportions—short-cropped hair—bull-neck—