And probably he saw with wrathful eyes,
The tactics by which many strove to rise
In their profession and pursued their way,
By which they harassed and secured their prey.
Of that too numerous and thriving tribe,
A great variety I could describe;
And could, did time permit, in satire show,
What many men by sad experience know—
That the fraternity of British lawyers,
Have in their ranks some wily peace-destroyers;
Some, whose transactions—I need scarce remark.
Remind one of the spider—fox—and shark;
And of the dentist, who, with clumsy paw,
Has introduced his steel, a tooth to draw;
Of that sensation too, which longer lingers,
When accidentally one burns his fingers;
NOTES
those which are common solicitors of causes, and set up a new profession, not being allowed in any court, or, at least, not in this court, where they follow causes; and these are the retainers of causes, and devourers of men's estates by contention and prolonging suits to make them without end.'
A Mr Sergeant Davy was once accused of having disgraced the Bar by taking silver from a client. 'I took silver,' he replied, 'because I could not get gold; but I took every farthing the fellow had in the world, and I hope you don't call that disgracing the profession.'
