Sos. And is not this house Amphitryon's?
Merc. Who denies it?
Sos. I thought you would have denied that too; for all hang upon a string. Remember then, that those two preliminary articles are already granted. In the next place, did not the aforesaid Amphitryon beat the Teleboans, kill their king Pterelas, and send a certain servant, meaning somebody, that for sake-sake shall be nameless, to bring a present to his wife, with news of his victory, and of his resolution to return to-morrow?
Merc. This is all true, to a very tittle; but who is that certain servant? there's all the question.
Sos. Is it peace or war betwixt us?
Merc. Peace.
Sos. I dare not wholly trust that abominable cudgel; but 'tis a certain friend of yours and mine, that had a certain name before he was beaten out of it; but if you are a man that depend not altogether upon force and brutality, but somewhat also upon reason, now do you bring better proofs, that you are that same certain man; and, in order to it, answer me to certain questions.
Merc. I say I am Sosia, Amphitryon's man; what reason have you to urge against it?
Sos. What was your father's name?