Life of Hercules : Page One

Announced by Mercury, Jove visits her, lured by her beauty and challenged explaination - if it amuses Amphitryon to visit her in the guise of Jove, why shouldn't it amuse her too? Besides she has always wanted a sapphire bracelet. Juno seeking her husband, asks Alcmene if she has seen any strangers; and her fears are aroused when she hears that Amphitryon has returned unexpectedly, wearing a red beard and refusing to take a bath. Jove, feeling his honour is at stake, sacrifices his sacred beard, and even allows himself to be washed. Juno is convinced he cannot be her husband. Amphitryon and Battus return on compassionate leave, and Chloe, who has been entertaining Mercury with pickled herrings after being told that Battus is dead, and that he, Mercury has been charged to look after her, has a good deal of explaining to do. Meanwhile Juno has seen Amphitryon travelling the road when he was supposed to be in his bath, and now returns to warn Alcmene, glad to be in time. Alas a horrified Alcmene assures her she is too late. There is nothing now for Jove to do but return hastily to Olympus, and in bidding farewell to his delightful victim he confides to her a suitable name for an immortal. How lucky it is that Amphitryon decides this is a moment when a son is required to perpetuate his family! The choice of a name he will leave to his wife, and he sees no objection to - Hercules!