[精品]Amphitryon(安菲特利翁).pdf

Amphitryon Amphitryon Translated by A.R. Waller, M.A. 1 Amphitryon PREFACE Amphitryon was played for the first time in Paris, at the Theatre du Palais-Royal, January 13, 1668. It was successfully received, holding the boards until the 18th of March, when Easter intervened. After the re- opening of the theatre, it was played half a dozen times more the same year, and continued to please. The first edition was published in 1668. Note: It is perhaps hardly necessary to refer the reader to Amphitryon, by Plautus, the comedy upon which Molieres charming play was, in the main, based. The rendering attempted here can give but a faint reflection of the original, for hardly any comedy of Molieres loses more in the process of translation. 2 Amphitryon PROLOGUE MERCURY, on a cloud; NIGHT, in a chariot drawn by two horses MERC. Wait! Gentle Night; deign to stay awhile: Some help is needed from you. I have two words to say to you from Jupiter. NIGHT. Ah! Ah! It is you, Seigneur Mercury! Who would have thought of you here, in that position? MERC. Well, feeling tired, and not being able to fulfil the different duties Jupiter ordered me, I quietly sat down on this cloud to await your coming. NIGHT. You jest, Mercury: you do not mean it; does it become the Gods to say they are tired? MERC. Are the Gods made of iron? NIGHT. No; but one must always have a care for divine decorum. There are certain words the use of which debases this sublime quality, and it is meet that these shoul