Act 3, Scene 1 Summary

Act Three begins in front of the house of Antipholus of Ephesus, where Antipholus of Ephesus himself is waiting with Dromio of Ephesus, Angelo and Balthazar. Antipholus complains that his wife is shrewish, and asks Angelo to help him excuse his lateness by claiming that Antipholus has been at his shop. Antipholus now turns to Dromio to discover why Dromio has claimed that he beat him, demanded 1,000 marks in gold and denied his house and wife.

Dromio of Ephesus stands by his story, and says the marks of the beating are his proof. Antipholus calls Dromio an ass, to which Dromio replies that he might as well be, given the treatment he is receiving.

Antipholus now turns to Balthazar, hoping that the hospitality he can offer will improve Balthazar's mood. Balthazar replies, with some good-natured banter, to the effect that he...