How Sir.... Do you pretend that we ever do such things?
I do.... Will you say that you do not?...
Yes ... and waive the authority of a judge, and the irregularity of your procedure that you may reply.
Then ... if what I hear is true ... if it is law I mean ... the judges before me will not regard character?
Why as to regarding character ... that’s another affair Mr. Burroughs....
I implore you ... take one side or the other! Say whether you do or do not regard character.... I care not for the degree, nor do I care which side you take. For if you say that you do, then I say that you act in the teeth of all your professions; for you declare in every shape, every man of you, every day of your lives, that nobody shall be punished by law but for that which he has been charged with in due course of law ... technically charged with and apprised of ... and you never charge a man with having a bad character....
Well, then ... suppose we say that we do not regard character?
When character is not in issue, brother, added the chief-judge; for it may be put in issue by the traverser—in which case we are bound to weigh the proof on both sides along with the jury.
If you say that, in your character of judge ... and if you are all agreed in saying that.... Lo, I am prepared for you.
We are agreed—we perceive the truth now.