A common theme throughout history: a person is seen as some as a criminal and others see him as a savior, likely caused by opposing political views. Maybe the man was fighting for what was right, while his oppressors seek to destroy him and his movement

The man is made out to be such a despicable person that he finds himself wondering how God even created such a man

He is thinking in a negative way here, thinking dimly and in a misty way means that he's not thinking clearly, and also his thoughts are devoid of light

Saying that someone's reputation has been smeared is a common phrase, but he adds that it's been smeared with the thickest kind of grime, meaning that it's severely hurt.

After the other lawyer speaks, the man appears in a different light now, now appearing virtuous because of the arguments put forward by his attorney

The man is praised by the other lawyer

Saying he's been painted black meaning that he is dark and evil.

He/she wonders how a man could be seen in such opposing viewpoints. On one hand, he's made to look so awful that a person would wonder how God could create such a person. Then, the defense lawyer talks about the good nature of the man, who is a martyr. He is praised shortly after he is condemned, and both arguments are equally convincing.

I think argy in this context means argue.

One lawyer paints the man as a devil, which the speaker believes because his argument is compelling. Next, the defense lawyer gives his argument which gives the man conflicting viewpoints. How can he be both an angel and a devil?

Past tense of rise

Beat by what? The difficulty of deciding the innocence of the defendant? Pris'ner is repeated here. Perhaps this word was used again to reiterate that this is the same man both lawyers are talking about, despite the opposing viewpoints that they display.

Here is where the change happens. No longer does see the man as wicked, but now he also sees how the man could possibly be a hero of sorts. For me, this line is what puts a firm image in my head. I imagine a man in a courtroom after terrible things are being said about him. When his lawyer speaks up and gives a diffferent perspective, everyone sees the man as good

How can he be seen as awful and righteous at the same exact time?

The way the lawyers control the narrative is amazing. They're good at their jobs, and can make anyone seem good or bad depending on what they've been hired to do. The truth will be lost in situations like this, because the lawyer with the more convincing argument (or is just better at their job) will win the case, rather than the one that tells the most truth.

I couldn't find a definition for persess, but here I'm assuming that it could mean "posess," as both angel and devil are possessing the mans soul.