Note ii-9 — Chapter II · TRUTH IN LAW
Reading edition
Works, ii, 142. Lincoln’s comment—“the nominal winner is often a real loser”—suggests the similarity between his advice and that of Professor Porson, as expressed in that learned humorist’s mock examination questions for students:—
“What happens if you win your cause?”
“You are nearly ruined.”
“What happens if you lose your cause?”
“You are quite ruined.”