[14]
Akin to this kind of answer is the dissimulatory
[p. 383]
reply, which is employed solely with the purpose
of raising a laugh, and has therefore been treated
in its appropriate place.1 If it were meant seriously,
it would be tantamount to a confession. Further,
there is the practice of putting the question and
answering it oneself, which may have quite a pleasing
effect. Take as an example the following passage
from the pro Ligario,2 where Cicero says, “Before
whom do I say this? Before one who, although he
was aware of these facts, yet restored me to my
country even before he had seen me.”
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