to foul the face or hands with mire

A host of evidence is adduced by the accused, evidence whose sometimes self-contradictory nature belies a certain desperation

Instead of inquiring why the facts oppose the theory, and where the explanation is to be found for this remarkable discrepancy, he disingenuously endeavours to give reasons for the causes which operated, and do commonly operate, to prevent these extraordinary drafts on the productive resources of the country from being so much felt as it might seem reasonable to expect.

How do I ask her out?