I’ faith, I think it ought to be done. Meantime, I’ll take possession of this altarTake possession of this altar: When a person took refuge at an altar, he could not be brought to justice, or have violence offered to his person. According to some writers, there were always two altars on the stage of Comedy, one on the right hand, sacred to Apollo, and one on the left, devoted to that Divinity or Hero in honor of whom the Play was being acted..(Runs to the altar.)THEUROPIDESWhy so? TRANIOYou can understand nothing. Why, that those may not be able to take refuge here whom he shall give up for examination, I’ll keep guard here for you; so that the examination may not come to nothing.THEUROPIDESGet up from the altar. TRANIOBy no means.THEUROPIDESPrithee, don’t you take possession of the altar.TRANIOWhy so?THEUROPIDESYou shall hear; why, because I especially want this, for them to be taking refuge there. Do let them; so much the more easily shall I get him fined before the judge.TRANIOWhat you intend to do, do it. Why do you wish to sow further strife? You don’t know how ticklish a thing it is to go to law.THEUROPIDESJust get up, (beckoning) this way; it’s, then, to ask your advice upon something that I want you.TRANIOStill, as I am, I’ll give my advice from this spot: my wits are much sharper when I’m sittingsSharper when I’m sitting: Warner suggests that a little raillery is intended here, upon the custom of sitting when dispensing justice and paying adoration to the Gods.. Besides, advice is given with higher sanction from holy placesWith higher sanction from holy places: The ancients made use of sacred places for the purpose of debating on affairs of importance in, as being likely to add weight and authority to their judgment. The Roman Senate often met in the Temples, and there administered justice and gave audience to ambassadors..THEUROPIDESGet up; don’t be trifling. Just look me in the face. TRANIO(looking at him.)I am looking.THEUROPIDESDo you see me? TRANIOI do see—that if any third person were to step in here, he would die of hunger.THEUROPIDESWhy so? TRANIOBecause he would get no profit; for, upon my faith, we are both artful ones.THEUROPIDESI’m undone! TRANIOWhat’s the matter with you?THEUROPIDESYou have deceived me. TRANIOHow so, pray?THEUROPIDESYou’ve wiped me cleanYou’ve wiped me clean: Emungo,to wipe the nose for a person, also meant to cheat or impose upon him; probably, by reason of the state of helplessness it implied in the party who was so treated.. TRANIOConsider, please, if it wasn’t well done; is your nose running still?THEUROPIDESAye, all my brains besides have you been wiping out of my head as well. For all your villanies I have discovered from their very roots; and not from the roots, indeed, i’ faith, but even from beneath the very roots.Never this day, by my troth, will you have planned all this without being punished. I shall at once, you villain, order fire and faggotsOrder fire and faggots: Though a suppliant could not be removed from the altar by force, still it was allowable to burn him away, by surrounding him with fire. to be placed around you.TRANIODon’t do it; for it’s my way to be sweeter boiled than roasted. THEUROPIDESUpon my faith, I’ll make an example of you.