When drowning men for aid implore,
Some people run along the shore,
And weep and pray and hope.
Till others with some common sense,
Come like a blest providence,
And throw a saving rope.
--_Public Opinion._
(485)
Mr. John Clerk, an eminent Scotch counsel, was arguing at the
bar of the House of Lords in a Scotch appeal, and turning his
periods in the broadest Scotch, and after clinching a point,
added, “That’s the whole thing in plain English, ma lorrdds.”
Upon which Lord Eldon replied: “You mean in plain Scotch, Mr.
Clerk.” The advocate readily retorted, “Nae maitter! in plain
common sense, ma lords, and that’s the same in a’ languages, we
ken weel eneuch.” (Text.)--CROAKE JAMES, “Curiosities
of Law and Lawyers.”
(486)