that deliberately and with malice aforethought he had provoked the defendant. He would ask rather if the witness Hessling, because of his provocative intention, were not really guilty of incitement to commit an offence, which he had carried out with the involuntary co-operation of another party, by consciously taking advantage of the latter's excited condition. Counsel recommended the witness Hessling to the further investigations of the Public Prosecutor. Every one turned towards Diederich, who began to feel uncomfortably warm. But the deprecatory air of the judge restored his courage.
Buck's voice became tender and impassioned. No. He did not wish any ill to the witness Hessling, whom he regarded as the victim of one more exalted. "Why do the charges of lèse-majesté multiply in these times? You may say: as a result of such occurrences as the shooting of the workman. I answer: No. But as a result of the speeches which accompany those occurrences." Sprezius moved his head, sharpened his beak, but drew back. Buck refused to be disturbed, and a strong, virile note crept into his voice.
"Threats and exaggerated claims on the one side bring forth their appropriate response on the other. The principle: he who is not with me is against me, draws too sharp a line between sycophants and calumniators."
Then Sprezius snapped. "Counsel for the defence cannot be permitted to criticise the words of His Majesty in this place. If he continues to do so the court will impose a fine."
"I accept the ruling," said Buck and his tone became softer and more emphatic. "I will not speak of the prince, but of the loyal subject, whom he has moulded; not of William II but of Diederich Hessling. You have seen what he is like! An average man, with a commonplace mind, the creature of circumstance and opportunity, without courage so long as things were going badly for him here, and tremendously self-important as soon as they had turned in his favour."
Diederich fumed in his seat. Why did Sprezius not protect
