A POETICAL BARRISTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1234, 2 September 1884, Page 1

A POETICAL BARRISTER.

Some time ago M. L. Towns, of the New York bar (a lawyer well known for his wit in private life, as well as his professional successes), conducted for the plaintiff a suit, against one Charles W. Bedell, brought by Mrs Bridget , Rowan. Mrs Rowan alleged that on a certain July day, she was carrying her husband his dinner in a pail, when the said Bedell, who kept a saloon near by, mocked and reviled her from afar, set _ his dogs on her, and commanded an assistant to squirt the boss upon the luckless dinner carrier. The Court was convulsed when Mr Towns rose and presented his causesolely in the following unusual form, the truth and poetry of which proved fetching : lu July last, about the time That hungry mortals like to dine, The plaintiff, being a prudent woman, Set forth to find her husband, Rowan. His frugal meal, yet smoking, warm, She bore in bucket on her arm ; Tor 'twas this lady's chief delight To tempt her husband’s appetite. Now the defendant, Charles Bedell, Keeps near the Park—oh ! sad to tell!— A dramshop, sometimes called an inn, Where he dispenses rum and gin ; And, not content with deadly cups, He keeps two wild, ferocious pups. When plaintiff came unto the Park, Ti is Charles Bedell (lust for a lark, As he avers in his defence, ; By way of excuse or pretence) Seeing that she was but a tyoman Sat the puppy on Mrs Rowan, To bite her and to tear her.dress And pul her in extreme distress ; Then, as, he saw her, pale with fright, Trying to save herself by fl ght, He shouted “ Bill, before she goes, Just play upon her with th&hoss !” ' , Cursed, assaulted* almost drowned. And bleeding from a painful wound, The plaintiff, gentlemen of the jury, Escaped at last the blackguard’s fury, She brings this suit to see if you Will do as you’d have others do. The jury were out three hours, but came in with a verdict for Mrs Rowan, much to the amusement of all.