Merc. What, was your name born Sosia? take this remembrance for that lie. [Beats him.
Sos. Hold, friend! you are so very flippant with your hands, you won't hear reason: What offence has my name done you, that you should beat me for it? S. O. S. I. A. they are as civil, honest, harmless letters, as any are in the whole alphabet.
Merc. I have no quarrel to the name; but that 'tis e'en too good for you, and 'tis none of yours.
Sos. What, am not I Sosia, say you?
Merc. No.
Sos. I should think you are somewhat merrily disposed, if you had not beaten me in such sober sadness. You would persuade me out of my heathen name, would you?
Merc. Say you are Sosia again, at your peril, sirrah.
Sos. I dare say nothing, but thought is free; but whatever I am called, I am Amphitryon's man, and the first letter of my name is S. too. You had best tell me that my master did not send me home to my lady, with news of his victory?
Merc. I say, he did not.