Defence of the ‘portrait-study’ (16)

Lycinus How I wish I could have spoken in her own presence! that would have been far better; but I must do it by proxy.

Polystratus Trust me to do justice to the defence; but put it shortly, in mercy to my memory.

Lycinus So severe an indictment should by rights be met at length; but for your sake I will cut it short. Put these considerations before her from me, then.

Polystratus No, not that way, please. Make your speech, just as though she were listening, and I will reproduce you to her.

Lycinus Very well, then. She is here; she has just delivered the oration which you have described to me; it is now counsel’s turn. And yet—I must confide my feelings to you—you have made my undertaking somehow more formidable; you see the beads gather on my brow; my courage goes; I seem to see her there; my situation bewilders me. Yet begin I will; how can I draw back when she is there?

Polystratus Ah, but her face promises a kindly hearing; see how bright and gracious. Pluck up heart, man, and begin.