I agree. It strengthens your point to note that, although the quote is normally used seriously, the author intended it mischievously. In context, the “thirteenth stroke” is a defendant, who has successfully rebutted all the charges against him, making the additional claim that “this [is] a free country and a man can do what he likes if he does nobody any harm.”
This “crazy” claim convinces the judge to convict him anyway.
I agree. It strengthens your point to note that, although the quote is normally used seriously, the author intended it mischievously. In context, the “thirteenth stroke” is a defendant, who has successfully rebutted all the charges against him, making the additional claim that “this [is] a free country and a man can do what he likes if he does nobody any harm.”
This “crazy” claim convinces the judge to convict him anyway.