TRA. I' faith, I think it ought to be done. Meantime, I'll take
possession of this altar [2]. (_Runs to the altar._)
THEU. Why so? TRA. You 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.
THEU. Get up _from the altar_. TRA. By no means.
THEU. Prithee, don't you take possession of the altar.
TRA. Why so?
THEU. You 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.
TRA. What 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.
THEU. Just get up, (_beckoning_) this way; it's, then, to ask your
advice upon something _that I want you_.
TRA. Still, as I am, I'll give my advice from this spot; my wits are
much sharper when I'm sitting [3]. Besides, advice is given with higher
sanction from holy places [4].
THEU. Get up; don't be trifling. Just look me in the face. TRA.
(_looking at him_). I am looking.
THEU. Do you see me? TRA. I do see--that if any third person were to
step in here, he would die of hunger.
THEU. Why so? TRA. Because he would get no profit; for, upon my faith,
we are both artful ones.
THEU. I'm undone! TRA.
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