“‘Why, then,’ said he, ‘do you not come into Court with your plaint? Our lawyers have the skill to discover a claim in anything, and you may be sure that all that can be said in your favour would be allowed in the freest manner, and if there is a single loophole, the whole or part of your former fortunes may be restored at whatever cost. For it is a maxim peculiar to our island law that if a case is decided in favour of the plaintiff, then the plaintiff has the decision in his favour.’
“I confess that my acquaintance with the manners and habits of the foreign people among whom I had had the wretched luck to be born had made me think it futile indeed to approach the august judges in a matter where a king was concerned, or to ask relief from State officials for what the State had done to me. He stoutly denied the idea I had that the judges were State officials. Said he: ‘Have you never read the famous oath which every judge makes on taking office? Do you not know how we elect him?’
“‘Yes,’ said I, in tones which betrayed no enthusiasm, ‘I know indeed how the judges are appointed and the oath they take. They are appointed—(how often have I not seen the Firman signed in Council! How often have I not affixed my own poor name to it!)—they are appointed, as the rule goes, “by his Sacred Majesty, that is, by the familiars, the wives, and the secretaries of the Richest Men, indifferently.” Such are the very words of the Statute.’
“‘You answer rightly,’ said my friend, with a noble carriage of his head. ‘Surely so impartial a source of office must make you feel secure! On the odious Mainland the king appoints his own judges: it is a tyranny to which we in Izmat have long refused to submit. Our Monarch is the ruler of free men! He would disdain to influence an appointment. He leaves that to his gentry, and they, in turn, leave it to their women and other dependents. Thus we alone of all nations secure a Bench of judges wholly independent! But there is more: Have you forgotten the oath they take, my friend—the oath they take on appointment?’
“‘No,’ said I, still wearily. ‘I remember it well enough. Indeed, I have it all by heart, for I have read it a hundred times:—“I swear by the Almighty God and by the contents of this book that I will not depart from justice in anything, either for orders, or favours, or personal advantage, or any consideration whatsoever, save in the political interests of my class or family, of the Lawyers’ Guild to which I belong, or for such other considerations as may occur to me.”’
“‘That is right!’ said my friend in triumphant tones. ‘Well, can you want a better guarantee?’
“‘No,’ said I, ‘I suppose not.’
“‘Well, then,’ he cried, rising, ‘let me take you to a friend of mine among the most able Scriveners of the city, and be assured that whatever can be done for you will be done.’
“‘I have no great part of my fortune left,’ said I timidly, rising as he did, but unwilling to follow him.
“‘Fear nothing,’ he returned heartily. ‘Justice in Izmat is not bought and sold. There are, of course, certain necessary fees. But the law compels you to hire no pleader. You can appear yourself in Court. That freedom is one of our great privileges; and, believe me, you will be heard as patiently and directed as honestly as though you were one of the greatest pleaders in the city.’