Lawyer

When the jury files in to deliver a verdict after weeks of direct and cross examinations, hot clashes of lawyers and cool decisions of the judge,

There are points of high silence — twiddling of thumbs is at an end — bailiffs near cuspidors take fresh chews of tobacco and wait — and the clock has a chance for its ticking to be heard.

A lawyer for the defense clears his throat and holds himself ready if the word is " Guilty " to enter motion for a new trial, speaking in a soft voice, speaking in a voice slightly colored with bitter wrongs mingled with monumental patience, speaking with mythic Atlas shoulders of many preposterous, unjust circumstances.