AMPH. No; I will listen to you without being carried away; I
promised it. But tell me in good earnest, is there any shadow of
likelihood in this new mystery which you have just told me?

SOS. No; you are right, the matter must appear to everyone past
credit. It is a fact past understanding, an extravagant, ridiculous,
far-fetched tale: it shocks common sense; but it is none the less a fact.

AMPH. How can anyone believe it, unless he has taken leave of his senses?

SOS. I myself did not believe it without extreme difficulty: I
thought I was losing my senses when I saw myself two, and, for a
long time, I treated my other self as an impostor: but he compelled
me in the end to recognise myself; I saw it was I, without any
trickery; from head to foot he is like me-handsome, a noble air,
well built, charming manners; in fact, two peas do not resemble each
other more; were it not that his hands are a little too heavy, I
should be perfectly satisfied.

AMPH. I had need exhort myself to patience! But did you not in the
end go into the house?

SOS. Good, go in! Ah! In what fashion? Have I never wished to listen
to reason? Did I not forbid myself to enter our door?

AMPH. In what way?

SOS. With a stick, my back still aches from it.

AMPH. You have been thrashed?