CLEANTHIS, MERCURY (Mercury turns to go away)CLE.So? Is it thus you quit me?
MERC.What would you have? Do you wish me not to do my duty, and follow in Amphitryon's footsteps?
CLE.To separate from me so rudely as this, you villain!
MERC.It is a fine subject to make a fuss about! We have still plenty of time to live together!
CLE.But to go in such a churlish manner, without saying a single kind word to cheer me!
MERC.Where the deuce shall I dig up silly compliments? Fifteen years of married life exhaust nonsense; we said all we had to say to each other a long time ago.
CLE.Look at Amphitryon, you rascal; see how his ardour burns for Alcmene; and then blush for the little passion that you show your wife.
MERC.But, gracious me! Cleanthis, they are still lovers.There comes a certain age when all this passes away; what suits them well in these early days would look ridiculous in us, old married people.
It would be it fine sight to see us embracing each other, and saying sweet nothings!
CLE.Oh! You perfidious wretch, must I give up hope that a heart sighs for me?
MERC.No, I should be sorry to say that; but I have too long a beard to dare to sigh; I should make you die of laughter.