Page:Paul Clifford Vol 3.djvu/295

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PAUL CLIFFORD.
287

moment on the attempt to cast disrepute on the testimony of Mac Grawler,—but called a proper attention to the fact, that the attempt had been unsupported by witnesses or proof. As he proceeded, the impression made by the Prisoner on the minds of the Jury, slowly melted away; and perhaps, so much do men soften when they behold clearly the face of a fellow-man dependent on them for life, it acted disadvantageously on the interests of Clifford, that, during the summing up, he leant back in the dock, and prevented his countenance from being seen. When the evidence had been gone through, the Judge concluded thus:—

"The Prisoner, who, in his defence, (on the principles and opinions of which I now forbear to comment,) certainly exhibited the signs of a superior education, and a high though perverted ability, has alluded to the reports circulated by the public press, and leant some little stress on the various anecdotes tending to his advantage, which he supposes have reached your ears. I am by no means willing that the Prisoner should be deprived of whatever benefit may be derivable from such a source; but it is not in this place,