["The basements of the Royal Courts of Justice have lately
been invaded by swarms of mice. They have become very
audacious, and have penetrated into the Courts themselves,
whose walls are lined with legal volumes, the leaves of which
provide them with a rich feast."--_Daily Paper_.]
For students of the law to "eat
Their terms" is obviously right,
But to devour the books themselves
Is impolite.
Unfortunately Mr. STREET.
Who planned the legal edif-[=i]ce,
Designed a splendid trap for men,
But not for mice.
To view the Courts at midnight now,
The Courts all in the stilly Strand,
With rodents squeaking out their pleas,
That _would_ be grand!
No Ushers 'ush them; they consume
The stiffest calf you ever saw,
Developing, these curious beasts,
A taste for Law.
They fill--perhaps--the box wherein,
Twelve bothered men have often sat,
And try, with every proper form,
Some absent cat.
A fore-mouse probably they choose,
The culprit's advocate deride,
And fix upon that cat the guilt
Of mouseycide.
At the Refreshment-bars, perchance,
They eat the cakes, and drink the milk,
And in the Robing-room indulge
In "taking silk."
The Judges' sacred Bench itself
From scampering feet is not exempt;
With calmness they commit, of Court,
Frightful "contempt."
Through _Byles on Bills_ they eat their way;
Law "Digests" they at will digest;
Not even _Coke on Littleton_
Sticks on _their_ chests!
Wanted--the stodgiest Law-book out!
The Judges soon _must_ note these facts,
And try a copy of the Ju-
-dicature Acts!
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