Titus Maccius Plautus — Amphitryo (1519)

Jupiter himself is acting, he is about to act, this comedy.

for what reason Why are you surprised? As if it were truly new

Now let it be said let it be brought forth that I am an actor here that this one makes [me] a player.

The order says to the player's art. Here he demonstrates this one is now brought forth to this form changed so that I might be able to lie, so that how adorned and cultured that person might be is represented.

Even actors of plays the players about to warn thus it is said I announce here on the stage

They have divined [invoked] Jupiter, Jupiter descended he came, he was a help to them.

Besides rightly certainly it is shown he comes forth in a tragedy.

I say that Jupiter himself will act this play this day as the person speaks.

I drive And I at the same time together with that Jupiter. Now turn your mind to this turn [to this]

While I shall explain the argument of this Amphitruo comedy.

Thebes city of the Greeks ...

here he points out This city is Thebes, in that in those he lives house in the dwelling,

Argos noble city Greek ... is in Greece

firstly Amphitruo born are distinguished [in] Argos from Argos his father Argo.

in which Who is married joined to Alcumena matrimony, daughter of Electryon,

the same He, Amphitruo, is now proposed prefect [commander] over the forces legions,

(For there is war with the Teleboans [against] the Theban is being fought people.)

He, Amphitruo, before before he himself goes hence into the army,

pregnant Made his wife Alcumena pregnant.

Jupiter calls very many women to himself for love while ... about which things written ... and they follow ... from the same ... woman.

For I believe you know it is known by now, how namely Jupiter my father,

how How liberal he may be in these many matters,

best And how great a lover, after when anything has pleased him once.

Jupiter He began began to love Alcumena Amphitruo remaining secretly from her husband,

use And he began to take the usufruct [enjoyment] of her body for himself,

And pregnant made her pregnant Jupiter [with] Alcumena he [did] by his intercourse.

Now that is so that you may know hold the matter about Alcumena better more correctly,

about both She is pregnant pregnant from both, and from her husband Amphitruo and from the highest Jupiter,

And my father Jupiter now in the dwelling inside here lies with that Alcumena,

And for this for this reason more extensive the night has been made longer.