SCENE I.

SIMO, SOSIA, _and Slaves, carrying Provisions_.

_Simo._ [60]Carry in those things, directly. (_Exeunt Slaves._) Do you come hither Sosia; I have something to say to you.

_Sosia._ You mean, I suppose, that I should take care that these provisions are properly drest.

_Simo._ No; it’s quite another matter.

_Sosia._ In what else can my skill be of any service?

_Simo._ There is no need of your skill in the management of the affair I am now engaged in; all that I require of you is faithfulness and secrecy; qualities I know you to possess.

_Sosia._ I long to hear your commands.

_Simo._ You well know, Sosia, that from the time when I first bought you as my slave;[61] even from your childhood until the present moment; I have been a just and gentle master: you served me with a free spirit; and I gave you freedom; [62]as the greatest reward in my power to bestow.

_Sosia._ Believe me, Sir, I have not forgotten it.

_Simo._ Nor have you given me any cause to repent that I did so.[63]

_Sosia._ I am very glad, Simo, that my past, and present conduct has been pleasing to you; and I am grateful for your goodness in receiving my poor services so favourably: but it pains me to be thus reminded of the benefits you have conferred upon me, as it seems to upbraid me with having forgotten them.[64] Pray, Sir, let me request to know your will at once.

_Simo._ You shall; but first I must inform you that my son’s marriage, which you expect to take place, is only a feigned marriage.

_Sosia._ But why do you make use of this deceit?

_Simo._ [65]You shall hear every thing from the beginning; by which means you will learn my son’s course of life, my intentions, and the