Now, Hermes, I must take Amphitryon's form,

To enjoy his wife:

Thou must be Sosia, this Amphitryon's slave;

Who, all this night, is travelling to Thebes,

To tell Alcmena of her lord's approach,

And bring her joyful news of victory.

Merc. But why must I be Sosia?

Jup. Dull god of wit, thou statue of thyself!

Thou must be Sosia, to keep out Sosia;

Who, by his entrance, might discover Jove,