_Amph._ Where, in what place, did I give this order?
_Sos._ Here, in this place, in the presence of this very door, and of that balcony; and, if they could speak, they would both justify it.
_Amph._ O, heaven! These accidents are so surprising, the more I think of them, the more I am lost in my imagination.
_Grip._ Nay, he has told us some passages, as he came along, that seem to surpass the power of nature.
_Sos._ What think you now, my lord, of a certain twin-brother of mine, called Sosia? 'Tis a sly youth: pray heaven, you have not just such another relation within doors, called Amphitryon. It may be it was he that put upon me, in your likeness; and perhaps he may have put something upon your lordship too, that may weigh heavy upon the forehead.
Amph. [_To those who hold him._] Let me go; Sosia may be innocent, and I will not hurt him. Open the door, I'll resolve my doubts immediately.
_Sos._ The door is peremptory, that it will not be opened without keys; and my brother on the inside is in possession, and will not part with them.
_Amph._ Then 'tis manifest that I am affronted.--Break open the door there.
_Grip._ Stir not a man of you to his assistance.
_Amph._ Dost thou take part with my adulteress too, because she is thy niece?
_Grip._ I take part with nothing, but the law; and, to break the doors open, is to break the law.
_Grip._ I command nothing without my warrant; and my clerk is not here to take his fees for drawing it.
_Amph._ [_Aside._] The devil take all justice-brokers! I curse him too, when I have been hunting him all over the town, to be my witness! But I'll bring soldiers, to force open the doors, by my own commission. [_Exit_ AMPH.
_Sos._ Pox o' these forms of law, to defeat a man of a dinner, when he's sharp set! 'Tis against the privilege of a free-born stomach; and is no less than subversion of fundamentals. [JUPITER _above in the Balcony_.
_Jup._ Oh, my friends, I am sorry I have made you wait so long: you are welcome; and the door shall be opened to you immediately.
_Grip._ In all appearance it was he; but how got be thither?
_Grip._ And so much altered, for the better, in his humour!
_Sos._ Here's such a company of foolish questions, when a man's hungry! You had best stay dinner, till he has proved himself to be Amphitryon in form of law: but I'll make short work of that business; for I'll take mine oath 'tis he.