The Reminiscences of Sir Henry Hawkins (Baron Brampton)Brampton, Henry Hawkins, Baron
History
The Reminiscences of Sir Henry Hawkins (Baron Brampton)
Brampton, Henry Hawkins, Baron
Brampton, Henry Hawkins, Baron, 1817-1907; Judges -- Great Britain -- Biography
The counsel shook his head, and then began to say that the fact was
that his client had an engagement, and his lordship would see it was
the great race of the year.
"I do not like these applications made in this random manner. I
am willing to oblige the parties in all cases if I can, but these
constant motions to postpone interfere very much with the public
convenience, and I mean to say that the public are to be considered."
Now came the gentleman who never attended races, and devoted himself
to business. He could not have told you the name of a horse to save
his life. But he also made his application to postpone a case
until Thursday. Delightful day, Thursday; such a convenient day,
too--between the Derby and the Oaks.
Said my lord, who was very friendly to the learned counsel, and liked
him not only as a member of his old circuit, but as a brother Bencher
and a clever advocate,--
"Oh, I see; I see where _you_ want to be to-morrow."
"My lord!"
It was no use; in spite of the gentleman's remonstrance and
protestations, he said,--
"You may go, Mr. ----, and I hope you will enjoy yourself."
I need hardly say nothing was left of the list by twelve o'clock the
next day, and Sir Henry had the honour of going in the royal train and
dining at Marlborough House in the evening.
I ought, perhaps, to mention that there was a case proceeding when all
these interruptions took place. I don't know the name, but two counsel
were in it, one of whom was remarkable for the soul of wit which is
called _brevity_, and the other was not. One was Frank Lockwood, Q.C.,
a very amusing counsel, whom I always liked, because he often sketched
me and my lord in pen and ink.
Mr. Jelf, Q.C., was the other learned counsel. Although I liked most
of the barristers, I often wished I could teach them the invaluable
lesson _when to leave off_. It would have saved many a verdict, and
given me the opportunity of hearing my own voice.
Lockwood was cross-examining, and appeared to me dealing rather
seriously with Jelf's witnesses, who were a pious body of gentlemen,
and prided themselves, above all things, on speaking the truth, as
though it was a great credit not to commit perjury.
At last Mr. Jelf, tired with being routed in so ruthless a manner,
cried in a lamentable voice,--
"Pray, pray, Mr. Lockwood!"
"So I do," said Lockwood--"so I do, Mr. Jelf, at fitting and proper
times."
CHAPTER XXXIV.
TWO TRAGEDIES.
[The _Daily Telegraph_, speaking of the necessity for Justice
sometimes "to strip the bandage from her eyes and look into the real
merits of a case, mentions the following case as showing Sir Henry's
unequalled knowledge of human nature and the sound equity of his
decrees:--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account