4 An Impromptu written in the Court of King's Bench during a
recent trial for libel.

The Learned Pig.

"My learned Friend," the showman cries;
The pig assents--the showman lies;
So counsel oft address a brother
In flattering lie to one another;
Calling their friend some legal varlet,
Who lies, and bullies, till he's Scarlett.

~360~~the present Attorney-General, is a strong proof of the truth of
this quotation. To a systematic and profound knowledge of the law,
this gentleman unites a mind richly stored with all the advantages of a
liberal education and extensive reading, not merely confined to the
dry pursuit in which he is engaged, but branching forth into the most
luxuriant and highly-cultivated fields of science and the arts. On this
account, he shines with peculiar brightness at _Nisi Prius_; and is as
much above the former in the powers of his mind and splendour of
his oratory, as he is superior to the presumptuousness of Scarlett's
vulgarity. Mr. Marryat is said to possess an excellent knowledge of
the heavy business of his profession; and it must be admitted, that his
full, round, heavy-looking countenance, and still heavier attempts at
wit and humour, admirably suit the man to his peculiar manner: after
all, he is a most persevering counsel; not deficient in good sense,
and always distinguished by great zeal for his client's interests. Mr.
Gurney is a steady, pains-taking advocate, considered by the profession
as a tolerable criminal lawyer, but never affecting any very learned
arguments in affairs of principles or precedents. In addressing a
jury, he is both perspicuous and convincing; but far too candid
and gentlemanly in his practice to contend with the trickery of
Scarlett.--Mr. Common-Serjeant Denman is a man fitted by nature for the
law. I never saw a more judicial-looking countenance in my life; there
is a sedate gravity about it, both "stern and mild," firm without
fierceness, and severe without austerity:--he appears thoughtful,
penetrating, and serene, yet not by any means devoid of feeling and
expression:--deeply read in the learning of his profession, he is
yet much better than a mere lawyer; for his speeches and manners must
convince his hearers that he is an accomplished gentleman. Of Brougham,
it may be justly said,~361~~

----" his delights
Are dolphin-like; they show his back above