One can read pleadings when one cannot collect one's ideas to speak.

It is not usual to do so.

The counsel in a cause states the substance of the pleadings, leaving the Court to refer to them if it thinks necessary.

But still there was nothing absolutely wrong about it; so he snatched at the papers and promptly began: "(I.) The plaintiff is the sole and universal legatee under the true last will of Jonathan Meeson, deceased, late of Pompadour Hall, in the County of Warwick, who died on the 23rd of December, 1885, the said will being undated, but duly executed on, or subsequent to, the 22nd day of December, 1885." Here the learned Judge lifted his eyebrows in remonstrance, and cleared his throat preparatory to interfering; but apparently thought better of it, for he took up a blue pencil and made a note of the date of the will.
"(II.)," went on James.

"On the 21st day of May, 1886, probate of an alleged will of the said Jonathan Meeson was granted to the defendants, the said will bearing date the 10th day of November, 1885.