Punch: Punch (100.1891)

June 13, 1891.] PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI, 279

A DAY IN THE LAW COURTS.

{A page from the Posthumous Diary of the late Mr. Pepys.)

[MR. PUNCH'S " TABLEAU." SOCIETY IN COURT.]

Up betimes and to the Court at the New Palace of Justice hard by
the Strand, and near the sign of the Griffin which has taken the
place of Temple Bar, upon which did stand long ago the heads of
traitors. There did I see a crowd high and low trying to get in.
But the custodians and the police mighty haughty, but withal
courteous, and no one to be admitted without a ticket signed, by the
Lord Chief Justice. And I thought it was a good job my wife was
not with me. She had a great longing to see a sensation action (as
the journals have it), and she being of a fiery disposition and not com-
placent -when refused, might have made an uproar, which would have
vexed me to the heart. But in truth I found no trouble. It did
seem to me that they did not see me as I entered in. And plenty of
room and no crowding, at which I was greatly contented, as I love not
crushing. Pretty to see the crowd of fine folks! And there were
those who had opera-glasses. And when the Bench was occupied by
the Lord Chief Justice—a stately gentleman—and the other persons

of quality, how they did gaze! And the dresses of the ladies very
fine, and did make the place—which was splendid, and they tell
me the largest in the building—like a piece at the play-house!
And the Counsel, how they did talk! Mighty droll to hear them
contradict! One would have it that Black was White ; which con-
vinced me I had fallen into error, until another had it that he who
had spoken was wrong, and White was Black! Good lack I who
shall decide when Counsel differ ? and I was mightily content that I
was not on the jury, although one of these good people did have the
honour of asking a question of His Royal Highness. And it was
answered most courteously, at which I was greatly pleased and con-
tented. Then did I hear the witnesses. In a mighty dread that I might
be called myself! For that which did seem plain enough when he
who was in the box was asked by his Counsel, did appear all wrong
when another questioned him. And the Jury, looking wise, and making
notes. And it is droll to see how civil everyone is to the Jury, who,
methinks, are no cleverer than any of us ? The Lord Chief Justice
himself smiling upon them, and mighty courteous! And met my
friend, A. Briefless, Junior, who it seems, is always in the Courts,
and yet doeth no business. _ And he did say that it was the strongest
Bar in England. And he did tell me how Sir Charles was eloquent,
and Sir Edwabd was clever at fence, and how young Master
Gill was most promising. And I noticed how one fair Lady, who
was seated on the Bench, did seem to arrange everything. And
many beauties there, who I did gaze upon with satisfaction. To see
them in such gay attire was a pretty sight, and did put my heart in
a flutter. And I was pleased when the Court adjourned for luncheon ;
and it did divert me much to see what appetites they all had! Some
had brought sandwiches, and, how they did eat them! But the Lord
Chief Justice soon back again, and more witnesses examined until
four of the clock, when the day was over. So home, and described
to my wife what I had seen, except the damsels. [