[23]
But the general method is the same
in both. For if what we say is not less nor more
than is required, and is clear and systematically
arranged, the whole matter will be plain and obvious
even to a not too attentive audience. For we must
[p. 211]
never forget that the attention of the judge is not
always so keen that he will dispel obscurities without assistance, and bring the light of his intelligence
to bear on the dark places of our speech. On the
contrary, lie will have many other thoughts to distract him unless what we say is so clear that our
words will thrust themselves into his mind even
when he is not giving us his attention, just as the
sunlight forces itself upon the eyes.
Quintilian. With An English Translation. Harold Edgeworth Butler. Cambridge. Cambridge, Mass., Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann, Ltd. 1922.
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