"This is a political case--ah, yes, Mr.Balfour! whether we like it or no, the case is political--and I tremble when I think what issues may depend from it.

To a political case, I need scarce tell a young man of your education, we approach with very different thoughts from one which is criminal only.
_Salus populi suprema lex_ is a maxim susceptible of great abuse, but it has that force which we find elsewhere only in the laws of nature: I mean it has the force of necessity.

I will open this out to you, if you will allow me, at more length.

You would have me believe--" "Under your pardon, my lord, I would have you to believe nothing but that which I can prove," said I.
"Tut! tut! young gentleman," says he, "be not so pragmatical, and suffer a man who might be your father (if it was nothing more) to employ his own imperfect language, and express his own poor thoughts, even when they have the misfortune not to coincide with Mr.Balfour's.

You would have me to believe Breck innocent.