"To what directly pertains to the case? Very well! I've already
compelled myself to think that you are in reality judges, independent
people, honest----"
"The court has no need of your characterization."
"It has no need of SUCH a characterization? Hey? Well, but after
all I'm going to continue. You are men who make no distinction
between your own and strangers. You are free people. Now, here two
parties stand before you; one complains, 'He robbed me and did me up
completely'; and the other answers, 'I have a right to rob and to do
up because I have arms'----"
"Please don't tell anecdotes."
"Why, I've heard that old people like anecdotes--naughty ones in
particular."
"I'll prohibit you from speaking. You may say something about what
directly pertains to the case. Speak, but without buffoonery,
without unbecoming sallies."
The Little Russian looked at the judges, silently rubbing his head.
"About what directly pertains to the case?" he asked seriously.
"Yes; but why should I speak to you about what directly pertains
to the case? What you need to know my comrade has told you. The
rest will be told you; the time will come, by others----"
The old judge rose and declared:
"I forbid you to speak.
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