_Sos._ More words than one to a bargain, sir. I I thank you,--that's no part of prudence for me to commit burglary upon the seals: Do you look first upon the signet, and tell me, in your conscience, whether the seals be not as firm as when you clapt the wax upon them. _Amph._ The signature is firm. [_Looking._ _Sos._ Then take the signature into your own custody, and open it; for I will have nothing done at my proper peril. [_Giving him the Casket._ _Amph._ O heavens! here's nothing but an empty space, the nest where they were laid. [_Breaking open the Seal._ _Sos._ Then, if the birds are flown, the fault's not mine. Here has been fine conjuring work; or else the jewel, knowing to whom it should be given, took occasion to steal out, by a natural instinct, and tied itself to that pretty arm. _Amph._ Can this be possible? _Sos._ Yes, very possible: You, my lord Amphitryon, may have brought forth another. You my lord Amphitryon, as well as I, Sosia, have brought forth another Me, Sosia; and our diamonds may have procreated these diamonds, and so we are all three double. _Phæd._ If this be true, I hope my goblet has gigged another golden goblet; and then they may carry double upon all four. [_Aside._ _Alcm._ My lord, I have stood silent, out of wonder What you could wonder at. _Amph._ A chilling sweat, a damp of jealousy, Hangs on my brows, and clams upon my limbs. I fear, and yet I must be satisfied; And, to be satisfied, I must dissemble. [_Aside._ _Alcm._ Why muse you so, and murmur to yourself? If you repent your bounty, take it back. _Amph._ Not so; but, if you please, relate what past At our last interview. _Alcm._ That question would infer you were not here. _Amph._ I say not so; I only would refresh my memory, And have my reasons to desire the story. _Phæd._ So, this is as good sport for me, as an examination of a great belly before a magistrate. _Alcm._ The story is not long: you know I met you, Kissed you, and pressed you close within my arms, With all the tenderness of wifely love. _Amph._ I could have spared that kindness.-- [_Aside._ And what did I? _Alcm._ You strained me with a masculine embrace, As you would squeeze my soul out. _Amph._ Did I so? _Alcm._ You did. _Amph._ Confound those arms that were so kind!-- [_Aside._ Proceed, proceed---- [_To her._ _Alcm._ You would not stay to sup; but much complaining of your drowsiness, and want of natural rest---- _Amph._ Made haste to bed: Ha, was't not so? Go on-- [_Aside._] And stab me with each syllable thou speak'st. _Phæd._ So, now 'tis coming, now 'tis coming. _Alcm._ I have no more to say. _Amph._ Why, went we not to bed? _Alcm._ Why not? Is it a crime for husband and for wife To go to bed, my lord? _Amph._ Perfidious woman! _Alcm._ Ungrateful man!