Merc. What's that you are muttering betwixt your teeth, of a son of a whore, sirrah?
Sos. I am sure, I meant you no offence; for, if I am not Sosia, I am the son of a whore, for aught I know; and, if you are Sosia, you may be the son of a whore, for aught you know.
Merc. Whatever I am, I will be Sosia, as long as I please; and whenever you visit me, you shall be sure of the civility of the cudgel.
Sos. If you will promise to beat me into the house, you may begin when you please with me; but to be beaten out of the house, at dinner-time, flesh and blood can never bear it.
[Mercury beats him about, and Sosia is still making towards the Door; but Mercury gets betwixt, and at length drives him off the Stage.
Phæd. In the name of wonder, what are you, that are Sosia, and are not Sosia?
Merc. If thou would'st know more of me, my person is freely at thy disposing.
Phæd. Then I dispose of it to you again; for 'tis so ugly, 'tis not for my use.
Merc. I can be ugly, or handsome, as I please; go to bed old, and rise young. I have so many suits of persons by me, I can shift them when I will.
Phæd. You are a fool, then, to put on your worst clothes, when you come a-wooing.