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
The elements he lives in:"
his voice, manner, and personal appearance, are not the happiest; but
the gigantic powers of his mind, and the energy of his unconquerable
spirit, rise superior to these defects.
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