DOE VERSUS ROE(DENT).
["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-īce,
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!