one whom we love to see never returns too soon. I confess that the
love I bear you has cause to complain of your reception; I expected
different expressions of joy and tenderness from your heart.

ALC. I cannot understand on what you found the words you have just
uttered; if you complain of me, upon my word I do not know what
would satisfy you. I think I showed a sufficiently tender joy last
night, at your happy return; my heart responded by every means you
could wish to the claims of your affection.

AMPH. In what way?

ALC. Did I not clearly show the sudden transports of a perfect joy?
Could a heart's feelings be better expressed at the return of a
husband who is tenderly loved?

AMPH. What do you say?

ALC. That even your affection showed an inconceivable joy at my
reception; and that, as you left me at break of day, I do not see
that my surprise at this sudden return is so guilty.

AMPH. Did you, in a dream last night, Alcmene, anticipate in idea
the reality of my hastened return; and having, perhaps, treated me
kindly in your sleep, does your heart think it has fully acquitted
itself of its duty to my passion?

ALC. Has some malignant vapour in your mind, Amphitryon, clouded the
truth of last night's return? Does your heart pretend to take away
from me the credit of all the gentle affection I showed you in my