Counsel for Pros. What then? Why, when all the breath is squeezed out of his body, if he should still continue dumb, which sometimes has been the case, he generally dies for want of breath.
Court. Very likely.
Counsel for Pros. And thereby saves the court a great deal of trouble; and the nation, the expense of a halter.
Court. Well, then, since the land stands thus—constable, twist a cord about the culprit’s—
Counsel for Pros. Fore-paws.
Constable. Four paws? Why he has but two.
Court. Fore-paws, or fore-feet, blockhead! and strain it as tight as you can, ’till you make him open his mouth.
[The constable attempted to enforce the order, but in drawing a little too hard, received a severe bite.]
Constable. ’Sblood and suet! He has snapped off a piece of my nose.
Court. Mr. Constable, you are within the statute of swearing, and owe the court one shilling.