Strawman.

Ah, that was all a joke?

Falk.

Yes, pluck up courage, that will turn to smoke;

I break the ice in action, not in ink.

Strawman.

But even though you spare me, sure enough

There’s one who won’t so lightly let me off;

He has the advantage, and he won’t forego it,

That lawyer’s clerk—and ’tis to you I owe it;