Perde 5
[Textpart 1]
I’ faith, I think it ought to be done.
TRANIO
Meantime, I’ll take possession of this altar Take 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..
TRANIO
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.
1095
THEUROPIDES
Get up from the altar.
THEUROPIDES
Prithee, don’t you take possession of the altar.
THEUROPIDES
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.
TRANIO
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.
1100
THEUROPIDES
Just get up, (beckoning) this way; it’s, then, to ask your advice upon something that I want you.
TRANIO
Still, as I am, I’ll give my advice from this spot: my wits are much sharper when I’m sittings Sharper 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 places With 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..
THEUROPIDES
Get up; don’t be trifling. Just look me in the face.
1105
TRANIO
I am looking.
1105
THEUROPIDES
Do you see me?
1105
TRANIO
I do see—that if any third person were to step in here, he would die of hunger.
TRANIO
Because he would get no profit; for, upon my faith, we are both artful ones.
