The advocates in ancient Rome gave effect to their appeals by
producing on fit occasions the living image of the client’s
misery, and his claims on the compassion of the courts. Thus,
when Antony was defending against the charge of pecuniary
corruption, Aquilius, who had successfully conducted the
campaign in Sicily against the fugitive slaves, and was unable
to disprove or refute the charge, in the midst of his harangue,
after appealing in impassioned tones to the services rendered
to his country by the brave soldier who stood by his side--he
suddenly unloosed the folds of his client’s robe, and showed
to his fellow citizens who sat upon his trial the scars of the
wounds which had been received in their behalf. They could not
resist the effect of such a sight, and Aquilius was acquitted.
(Text.)--CROAKE JAMES, “Curiosities of Law and Lawyers.”
Many a heart, like that of Thomas, has been softened and convinced by
the sight of the marks of Christ’s passion.
(3519)
=Writing Life Records=--See RECORDS, LIVING.