THE ARGUMENT OF AMPHITRYO

This argument is customarily placed before the first vessel in comic plays, which is seen in the book of meters written [as] Amphitruo, indeed changing the upsilon into a 'v'.

Jupiter, in the likeness of Amphitryo,
While he waged war against the enemy Teleboae,
Began to claim Alcmena as his temporary wife;
Mercury takes the form of the absent servant Sosia;
By these deceits Alcmena is deceived.
After the true Amphitryo and Sosia returned,
Both are deluded by tricks in a wondrous way;
Hence a quarrel and uproar between wife and husband,
Until, with thunder and a voice sent from the ether,
Jupiter confessed himself an adulterer.

ANOTHER ARGUMENT.

It is said that Virgil himself made this one [in such a way] that I might bring it forth from the iron [i.e., forge].

Jupiter, captured by love for Alcmena,
Changed himself into the form of her husband,
While Amphitryo decides [the war] against the enemy [the Teleboae] for his country.
Mercury serves him, in the guise of Sosia;
He mocks both servant and master as they arrive.
Amphitryo stirs up trouble for his wife, and they, in turn,
Snatch at each other as adulterers. Blepharo, having been taken as arbiter,
Cannot decide which one is the true Amphitryo.
They learn the truth; Alcmena gives birth to twins.

PROLOGUE. MERCURY

In this prologue [...] Mercury, who is said [to be] for the sake of profit, for the letter G is interposed because he is called 'mercurius' as if 'medium currens' [running in the middle], because speech is terminated among men [...] Mercury, because he is called the god of trade, because he makes this [...] fruit [...] so that he wishes to bring to all [men] great [...] master, servant.

As you wish me to affect you with happy profit in your buying and selling,
And to assist you in all things,
And as you wish your matters and accounts, both abroad and at home,
To be well expedited,
And to increase [them] with good and ample and perpetual profit—
Both the affairs you have begun and those you will begin—
And since you wish me to bring and announce good messages to you and yours,