Despite their power, they interfered but little in the management of political affairs, save in cases of imminent danger.

Their duties, grave, tranquil, and solemn, held them aloof from the stir of temporary agitation.

They were the last great refuge of the state, to which, on common occasions, it was almost profanity to appeal.

Their very demeanour was modelled to harmonize with the reputation of their virtues and the dignity of their office.
It was forbidden to laugh in their assembly--no archon who had been seen in a public tavern could be admitted to their order [208], and for an areopagite to compose a comedy was a matter of special prohibition [209].

They sat in the open air, in common with all courts having cognizance of murder.