A good pleader ought to have good sense, a sound understanding, and a subtle genius ; he should be free from the faults of indecision, timidity, false shame, haste, and nonchalance while he pleads, he should keep his attention from wandering to any other subject, and should also take care to avoid undue
heat and asperity.
Assizes de Jerusalem, Abbé Mably, Observations sur l'histoire de France, Geneva, 1765