In that
situation, not a timid, not an abject, but undoubtedly a modest
behavior, would become a person even of the most exalted dignity and of
the firmest fortitude.
The Romans (who were a people that understood the decorum of life as
well as we do) considered a person accused to stand in such a doubtful
situation that from the moment of accusation he assumed either a
mourning or some squalid garb, although, by the nature of their
constitution, accusations were brought forward by one of their lowest
magistrates. The spirit of that decent usage has continued from the time
of the Romans till this very day. No man was ever brought before your
Lordships that did not carry the outward as well as inward demeanor of
modesty, of fear, of apprehension, of a sense of his situation, of a
sense of our accusation, and a sense of your Lordships' dignity.
These, however, are but outward things; they are, as Hamlet says,
"things which a man may play." But, my Lords, this prisoner has gone a
great deal further than being merely deficient in decent humility.
Instead of defending himself, he has, with a degree of insolence
unparalleled in the history of pride and guilt, cast out a recriminatory
accusation upon the House of Commons.
Pages:
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208