TRA. Come, let this pass, and say that I shall go to the dinner. Why are you silent?
CALL. (to TRANIO). But why, you greatest of simpletons, have you taken refuge at the altar?
TRA. He frightened me on his arrival. (To THEUROPIDES.) Say now, what I have done amiss. Look, now there's an umpire for us both; come, discuss the matter.
THEU. I say that you have corrupted my son.
TRA. Only listen. I confess that he has done amiss; that he has given freedom to his mistress; that in your absence he has borrowed money at interest; that, I admit, is squandered away. Has he done anything different to what sons of the noblest families do?
THEU. Upon my faith, I must be on my guard with you; you are too clever a pleader.
CALL. Just let me be umpire in this matter. (To TRANIO.) Get up; I'll seat myself there.
THEU. By all means: take the management of this dispute to yourself. (Pushes him to one side of the altar.)
TRA. Why, this is surely a trick. Make me, then, not to be in a fright, and yourself to be in a fright in my stead.
THEU. I consider now everything of trifling consequence, compared with the way in which he has fooled me.