GREAT MEN'S BODIES
spoken of by the Bar as 'The Rolls.' Right worthily does he fill his high and ancient office, and right proud of him are we all.
"Born in 1819; he took his B.A. at Cambridge, in Caius College, in 1840; was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn, in 1840; from the outset he made his mark. In 1868, Solicitor-General, which carried with it a Knighthood; in 1868, Justice of the Common Pleas; in 1876, Lord Justice of Appeal; and on Mr. Gladstone's recommendation, in 1883, made Master of the Rolls.
"At the 'Varsity young Brett was exceedingly popular all round; and on the river, particularly getting his colors and rowing in the 'Varsity crew. His prominence as an oarsman is still the theme of many a college yarn. Caius men, whenever they hear reference to the Rolls, take care to ejaculate: 'Oh yes; Brett was one of our Blues!'—a College and 'Varsity honor surpassing in undergraduate eyes even the dignity of Master of the Rolls."—Law Gazette, June 16, 1893.
"Writing of Lord Esher's rumored retirement, an evening paper remarks: 'Lord Esher's knowledge of the world is in striking contrast to the guilelessness of some of his colleagues. In his early days he was a noted athlete. Three times he rowed in the Cambridge eight and was one of the victorious crew. Since then he has been a lively figure in society—also a prominent one—thanks to his six feet of robust manhood, and his large development of the humorous faculty.
"'And it took good men to row a 'Varsity race in that day, when dainty shells were unknown; outriggers, too; and when the boat weighed nearly, or quite, twice as much as a racing eight does now. We seriously debate to-day whether, with frail shell, sliding seats, spoon-oars, great expense of preparation, and all, four miles is not too far; and too hard on the men; and
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