very soon we shall see that which may appear strange to English
lawyers, but really is most reasonable--the accused stepping out of the
dock into the witness-box, and giving his evidence, subject to the
ordeal of cross-examination. It may be a bad look-out for rogues, but
for nobody else."--_Times_.]

The Law _should_ be the embodiment
Of everything that is excellent.
But I fancy I've found one diminutive flaw
In that else impeccable thing, the Law.
As its constitutional guardian, I
Must extract that mote from the legal eye.
It seems a preposterous paradox
To exclude the accused from the Witness's Box.
To alter that is a duty for
A very unprejudiced Chancellor.

Here's the Box, my SIKES! With particular pride
I invite you, WILLIAM, to--step inside,
Some peculiar things, things rich and rare,
I shall have to show you when you are there.
"Will you walk into my par----" _dear_ me!
What a curious matter is memory!
What, _what_ has that old song to do
With the little matter 'twixt me and you?
I apologise for the irrelevance, for
I _am_ such a logical Chancellor!

If you step inside--as I trust you will--
We shall worm out the Truth with forensic skill;