Let us admit, he says, that I am iniquitous and impious; but I gain no profit from these remarks and know that you will mock me; therefore, I do not yield.
As you have all spoken now twice, "Bear with me so that I may speak," answering those things which were last proposed to me. So that they make no judgment of condemnation before they heard him he says, "and after my words, if it seems right to you, laugh," as if to say: If you judge this my opinion to be laughable, first listen to my answer; and if that does not satisfy you, you will be able to laugh at me with more justice afterwards.