AMPH.Poltroon!
SOS.Nature has her caprices in forming us; she gives us differing inclinations; some find a thousand delights in exposing themselves;I find them in taking care of myself.
AMPH.When you arrived at the house...?
SOS.When I reached the door, I wished to rehearse to myself for a short time, in what tone and in what manner I should give a glorious account of the battle.
AMPH.What followed?
SOS.Some one came to annoy and trouble me.
AMPH.Who was he?
SOS.Sosie; another I, jealous of your orders, whom you sent to Alcmene from the port, and who has as full knowledge of our secrets as I who am speaking to you.
AMPH.What nonsense!
SOS.No, Monsieur, it is the simple truth: this I was at your house sooner than I; and, I swear to you, I was there before I had arrived.
AMPH.Pray, where does all this cursed nonsense come from? Is it a dream? Is it drunkenness? Mind-wandering? Or a sorry joke?
SOS.No, it is the thing as it is, and by no means an idle tale.Iam a man of honour, I give you my word, and you must please believe it.I tell you, believing I was but one Sosie, I found myself two at your house; and of these two I's, piqued with jealousy, one is at the house, and the other is with you; the I who is here, tired out, found the other I fresh, jolly and active, having no other anxiety than to fight and break bones.
AMPH.I confess I must be of a very placid temper, very peaceable, very gentle, to permit a valet to entertain me with such nonsense!
SOS.If you become angry, no more conference between us: you know all will be over at once.