MERC. Off a ham

SOS. That is it!

MERC. Which I unearthed, I soon cut two succulent slices: they
suited me nicely. I added to them a wine which was usually kept
dark, and, gloated over the sight of it before I tasted it. So I
took heart for our fighters.

SOS. This unparalleled proof ends matters well in his favour; and,
unless he were in the bottle, there is nothing to be said. From the
proofs you show me, I cannot deny that you are Sosie: I admit it.
But, if you are he, tell me whom you wish me to be; for I must be someone.

MERC. When I shall no longer be Sosie, you may be he, I consent to
that; but I promise you it shall be the death of you if you take up
such a fancy while I am he.

SOS. All this confusion turns me inside out, for reason is against
what I see. But I must end this by some means; and the shortest way
for me is to go in there.

MERC. Oh! You gallows-bird, you want to taste the stick.

SOS. What is the matter? Great Gods! He makes the blows ring again;
my back will ache for a month. I will leave this devil of a fellow,
and return to the harbour. O just Heavens, what a fine ambassador I have been!

MERC. At last, I have made him fly; this treatment has paid him out
for many of his deeds. But here is Jupiter, gallantly escorting his