would pierce himself with a hundred stabs before your eyes. But the
husband has cast aside that humble submission which should always be
yours; by his harsh deeds, the husband has made himself known; he
thought the rights of marriage allowed him everything. Yes, it is he
no doubt who is guilty towards you; he only has ill-treated your
lovely person. Hate, detest the husband; I consent to it; I yield
him to your mercy; but, Alcmene, spare the lover from the anger
which such an offence gives you; do not let him suffer;
differentiate between him and the guilty one; and, finally, in order
to be just, do not punish him for what he has not done.

ALC. Oh! All these subtleties are but frivolous excuses; such
language only annoys incensed minds. In vain do you use these
ridiculous prevarications. I do not make any distinction in him who
offends me; everything in him becomes the object of my anger, the
lover and the husband are alike confounded in its just violence.
Both occupy my thoughts; both are painted in the same colours by my
wounded heart. Both are guilty; both have offended me; and both are
odious to me.

JUP. Well! Then, since you wish it, I must charge myself with the
offence. Yes, you are right, when you sacrifice me as a guilty
victim to your resentment. Anger towards me sways you; it is but too
just, and all the terrible wrath you show causes me to suffer only
lawful torments. It is right you should shun my presence, and in
your anger threaten to flee from me everywhere. I must be a
detestable object to you; you are right in thinking ill of me. My
crime in being offensive in your charming eyes surpasses every
horror; it is a crime that offends men and Gods; in short, as
punishment for my insolence I deserve that your hatred should vent