“I did, yer honor, and knock him flat. Faix! but 'twas a big blow! 'Twas like the kick ov a horse!”
“Your question is answered, Mr. Counsel,” said the magistrate, “and your testimony is now in.”
Dryden's lesson, that “it needs all we know to make things plain,” is somewhat illustrated by this actual occurrence.
Many a disciple of Lavater and of Spurzheim will tell you that physiology and phrenology are each, and of themselves, infallible tests of character. But, as Robert Burns sings:
“The best-laid schemes of mice and men
Gang aft aglee:”
a fact which was very humorously illustrated at the recent trial of the Michigan railroad conspirators. A man entered the crowded court-room one day, during the progress of the long-protracted trial, and looking eagerly around, asked of a by-stander which were the prisoners? A wag, without moving a muscle, pointed to the jury-box, and said.
“There they are, in that box!”
“I thought so!” said the inquirer, in a whisper. “What a set of gallows-looking wretches they are! If there's any thing in physiology and phrenology, they deserve hanging, any how!”