The Comedy of Errors Read Online Free PDF

109–219: Antipholus is mystified as Adriana beckons him over. She interprets his expression as ill temper, accusing him of giving his “sweet aspects” to “Some other mistress.” Recalling the time when her husband loved her, she asks him how he has become “estrangèd from” his previous self. She continues to complain of his infidelities until Antipholus tells her that he does not know her: he is “but two hours old” in Ephesus. Luciana remonstrates with him for his treatment of Adriana, adding that she has already sent Dromio to fetch him to dinner. Dromio denies this. Antipholus wonders whether he is dreaming, but decides to go along with events until the mystery is solved. Dromio furthers the sense of unreality by deciding that they must be in “fairy land.” Exasperated, Adriana insists that Antipholus go in to dine, and sets Dromio to “keep the gate,” telling him to “let no creature enter.”
ACT 3 SCENE 1
    Lines 1–48: Antipholus of Ephesus enters, accompanied by his own Dromio. He explains to the men he is with that his wife is “shrewish” when he is late, asking them to help him make excuses and say that he was at Angelo’s organizing the making of her necklace. His Dromio has told him of the encounter in the market, when Antipholus supposedly asked him for a thousand marks, denied his “wife and house,” and beat him, and Antipholus says he is a “drunkard” and an “ass.” They arrive at the house to find the door locked. Dromio of Ephesus calls to the other servants to let them in, and, on the other side of the door, Dromio of Syracuse refuses. Each unaware that he is speaking to his twin, the two men exchange insults through the door. Dromio of Syracuse announces his name, and Dromio of Ephesus accuses him of stealing both his “office and [his] name.”
    Lines 49–129: Concealed from the men, Luce calls to “Dromio” to ask who is at the gate, unaware that she is addressing two people with the same name. A confusing, bawdy conversation ensues until Adriana, also concealed from the men’s view, asks what all the noise is. Antipholus of Ephesus calls to his wife to let him in, but believing her husband to be inside the house, she orders him away. Antipholus threatens to break in but Balthasar persuades him that this will create “vulgar comment” and suggests he dine at an inn instead. Antipholus agrees, deciding he will dine with “a wench” who is “Pretty and witty” and “wild” and, moreover, he will give her Adriana’s necklace to spite her for refusing him entry.
ACT 3 SCENE 2
    Lines 1–73: Luciana remonstrates with Antipholus of Syracuse, believing him to be her brother-in-law. She tells him that he should remember “A husband’s office” and be kinder to Adriana, even if he did only marry her “for her wealth.” She adds that if he does “like elsewhere,” he should conceal it. Antipholus again denies that Adriana is his wife and it becomes clear that he has fallen in love with Luciana. Sustaining the play’s water imagery, he describes her as a “sweet mermaid” and a “siren.” Luciana says that he is mad, insisting that his loving words should be for Adriana, but he continues, describing Luciana as the “better part” of himself. Luciana runs to find Adriana.
    Lines 74–188: Dromio of Syracuse enters, running. When Antipholus questions him, it seems that Dromio has begun to doubt his sanity and his identity, asking “Am I Dromio?” He reveals that he is being pursued by “the kitchen wench,” who lays “claim” to him. Displaying a bawdy wit, he gives an entertaining but coarse geographical description of her. He tells Antipholus that she must be a witch since she knew his name and the location of “privy marks” on his body. Antipholus sends Dromio to see “if the wind blow any way from shore,” declaring that they will not remain in Ephesus as it is inhabited by “none but witches.” He considers Luciana’s “grace” and