Titus Maccius Plautus — Amphitryo (1519)

[Margin notes are largely fragmentary or structural notes on the Latin text and are omitted as per instructions.]

Sosia: By Pollux, I know—if there is anything that I should believe, or know for certain—
I believe that tonight the god Nocturnus has fallen asleep drunk.
For neither do the Seven Stars move themselves in the sky; they stand in one place.
Nor does the Moon change herself; she stands just as she once rose.
Nor do the Jugulae, nor the Vesperugo, nor the Vergiliae set;
The signs stand still, and night does not yield to this day.
Mercury: Continue, night, as you have begun; do a favor for my father [Jupiter], obey him.
You are doing an excellent job, and you are putting that time to good use.
Sosia: And I do not think I have ever seen a longer night,
Except for that one night when I hung [in the stocks] beaten.
By Pollux, this one surpasses even that one in length.
I truly believe the sun is asleep, having drunk too much.
It is a marvel, unless he invited himself to dinner and filled himself a bit too much.
Mercury: Do you say so, you scoundrel? Do you think the gods are like you?
By Pollux, I will receive you according to your words and evil deeds, you gallows-bird.
Sosia: Where are those fornicators who are accustomed to sleeping in private?
This night is excellent for practicing on a hired strumpet at a great price.
Mercury: My father [Jupiter] is now doing what is right and wise in these words,
Who lies embracing Alcmena, loving her, obeying her love.
Sosia: I will go to announce to Alcmena what my master Amphitryon ordered.
But who is this man I see before the house at this time of night? I do not like it.
Mercury: There is no one as full of fear as this man.
Sosia: What comes into my mind? That man wants to take my cloak off me again.
Mercury: The man is afraid; I shall mock him.
Sosia: Alas, my teeth are itching; he will certainly receive me with a hospitable welcome of blows.