Acts 24:2: And when he was called forth, Tertullus, &c

The counsel learned in the laws,
Skilful to flatter and defame,
Opens the prosecutors' cause,
Lost to all sense of truth and shame,
Smoothly employs his venal tongue,
Proves wrong is right, and right is wrong.

The judge corrupt and most unjust,
The' oppressor covetous and base,
The slave of every sordid lust,
His worth he blushes not to praise,
But cringing courts a tyrant's smiles,
Loaded with the whole nation's spoils.

How can the governor withstand,
When such a powerful speaker pleads?
He must allow the priests' demand,
And add to all his worthy deeds
The proof supreme, the crown of all,
By sentencing the vagrant Paul.