d the ---- Circuit for some years with little
notice, and with no opportunity to put forth his abilities; when the
housekeeper of a Duke of N---- was prosecuted for stealing a great
deal of linen, with which she had been intrusted. An attorney of
little note and practice conducted the woman's case. He knew full well
that he could expect no hearty co-operation in employing any of the
leading counsel: it was a poor case, and a low case; and it could not
be supposed that they, "the foremost men of all the bar," would set
themselves, "_tooth and nail_," against the Duke, who in himself, his
agents, and his friends, made the greatest part of every high legal
and political assemblage in the country. The attorney looked round,
therefore, for some young barrister who had nothing to lose, and might
have something to win; and he fixed upon Thurlow. Thurlow read over
his brief with the highest glee, and had an interview with the
prisoner. As he entered the court, he jogged another briefless one
like himself, and said, in his favourite slang language--"Neck or
nothing, my boy, to-day! I'll soar or tumble!" The opening speech
of the eminent counsel for the Duke, and the evidence, completely
convicted the woman. The articles stolen were brought into court. When
Thurlow rose to cross-examine the leading witness, before he asked
a question, he merely, bending his black brows upon the man, turned
round, and desired to look at the things that were said to be stolen.
They were before him all the time, and were then presented to him;
and, without a word, he carelessly tossed them again upon the table
before him. He now closely questioned the witness, as to points of
honour and honesty; then, in a minute or two, again asked to see the
things. He was informed that he had already had them handed to
him, and that they were now before him. "I mean," said he, with
well-assumed ignorance, "the things that this unhappy woman is accused
of having stolen." The witness, with great sufficiency and knowledge,
as if to prove his own correctness, pointed them out upon the table
before him. "And what else?" said he. He was answered that they were
the whole. "And you, Mr. Witness," said he, with a sneer, "are the man
of great trust, of accredited honour and honesty; and, full of your
own consequence, and in high feather, you come here to follow up a
prosecution against a fellow-servant, and a confidential one (you
tell me), whom you have indicted as a felon