Behind the absence of the former Chief Minister's trademark boisterous wit in his replies was fodder scam co-accused Jagannath Mishra's advice to control his tongue and temper his remarks.

Yesterday, Mishra confessed at his press conference that he had advised Laloo to exercise restraint in his speech which have created a lot of problems for him. These have even formed the basis of CBI reports against him in court.

Today, he played the part of an obedient prisoner to the hilt -- albeit with a trace of sarcasm.

Asked about his opinion of the Bihar Congress which was going all out to pull down his party's government in the state, he quipped: ``How I can comment on these things! Don't you know I am in prison?''

When mediapersons persisted, he said: ``This is the not the place for answering your political questions. I am a prisoner and have come to appear before thecourt.''

The change in attitude has surprised many though his followers, are quite happy.

One remarked: ``These people (mediapersons) ask questions and his replies are forwarded to the court, which invariably angers the judges. He is doing the right thing by not answering.''

Earlier in court, while stating his grievances against the CBI for ``delaying supply of documents'' in the case, Laloo said he wanted to be a lawyer. ``Main lawyer banna chahata hoon. Mujhe licence chahiye. (I want to become a lawyer and I want a licence),'' he said. Laloo has a law degree but has never practised law.

The designated judge, S.K. Lal, told him: ``Being an accused in the case, you are well within your rights to argue your case. But if you want to become a practising lawyer it is a different matter.''