Life and Literature Part 78

1079

Laughing is not always a proof that the mind is at ease, or in composure.

1080

Agree if possible, for the law is costly.

1081

If you've a good case, try to compromise; If you've a bad one, take it into court.

1082

The law's delay, the insolence of office.

--_Shakespeare._

1083

Law is sometimes like a mouse-trap; easy to enter, but not easy to get out of.

1084

FOLLY OF GOING TO LAW.

To go to law is for two persons to kindle a fire at their own cost to warm others, and singe themselves to cinders; and because they cannot agree as to what is truth and equity, they will both agree to unplume themselves, that others may be decorated with their feathers.

--_Feltham._

1085

He that goes to law for a sheep will be apt to lose a cow.

1086

A lawyer's office is, I'm sure you'll find, Just like a mill, whereto for grinding come A crowd of folk of every sort and kind.

1087

REQUISITES FOR GOING TO LAW.

Wisely has it been said--that he who would go to law, Must have a _good_ cause, A _good_ purse, A _good_ attorney, _Good_ evidence And a _good_ judge and jury--and having all these _goods_, unless he has also _good luck_, he will stand but a _bad_ chance of success.

1088

In a lawsuit nothing is certain but the expense.

1089

The Talmud says that when a man once asked Shamai to teach him the law in one lesson, Shamai drove him away in anger. He then went to Hillel with the same request. Hillel said, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. This is the whole law; the rest merely commentaries upon it."

1090

Two go to law; a third, generally, bears off the spoil.

1091

LEAVING THE LAWYERS A MARGIN.

A man from the country applied lately to a respectable solicitor in this town for legal advice. After detailing the circ.u.mstances of the case, he was asked if he had stated the facts exactly as they occurred. "Ou, ay, sir," rejoined the applicant, "I thought it best to tell you the plain truth; ye can put the lees till't yoursel'."

1092

LAWYERS.

I know you lawyers can, with ease, Twist your words and meanings as you please; That language, by your skill made pliant, Will bend to favor every client; That 'tis the fee directs the sense, To make out either side's pretence.

--_Gay._

1093

Lawyers' gowns are lined with the wilfulness of their clients.

1094

Two lawyers, when a knotty case was o'er, Shook hands, and were as good friends as before.

"Zounds!" says the losing client, "How come you To be such friends, who were such foes just now?"

"Thou fool," says one, "we lawyers, tho' so keen, Like shears, ne'er cut ourselves, but what's between."

1095