AMPH.No; I will listen to you without being carried away; Ipromised it.But tell me in good earnest, is there any shadow of likelihood in this new mystery which you have just told me?
SOS.No; you are right, the matter must appear to everyone past credit.It is a fact past understanding, an extravagant, ridiculous, far-fetched tale: it shocks common sense; but it is none the less a fact.
AMPH.How can anyone believe it, unless he has taken leave of his senses?
SOS.I myself did not believe it without extreme difficulty: Ithought I was losing my senses when I saw myself two, and, for a long time, I treated my other self as an impostor: but he compelled me in the end to recognise myself; I saw it was I, without any trickery; from head to foot he is like me-handsome, a noble air, well built, charming manners; in fact, two peas do not resemble each other more; were it not that his hands are a little too heavy, Ishould be perfectly satisfied.
AMPH.I had need exhort myself to patience! But did you not in the end go into the house?
SOS.Good, go in! Ah! In what fashion? Have I never wished to listen to reason? Did I not forbid myself to enter our door?
AMPH.In what way?
SOS.With a stick, my back still aches from it.
AMPH.You have been thrashed?
SOS.Truly.
AMPH.And by whom?
SOS.Myself.
AMPH.You have thrashed yourself?
SOS.Yes, I; not the I who is here, but the I from the house, who whacks soundly.
AMPH.Heaven confound you for talking to me like this!
SOS.I am not joking; the I whom I have just met has great advantages over the I who speaks to you.He has a strong arm and great courage; I have had proofs of both; this devil of an I has licked me soundly; he is a fellow who can do wonders.