Page:Paul Clifford Vol 3.djvu/294

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
286
PAUL CLIFFORD.

mon crowd, among whom the general impulse always manifests itself first, and to whom the opinions of the Prisoner, though but imperfectly understood, came more immediately home, than they did to the better and richer classes of the audience. Ever alive to the decorums of form, Brandon instantly ordered silence in the Court; and when it was again restored, and it was fully understood that the Prisoner's defence had closed, the Judge proceeded to sum up.

It is worthy of remark, that many of the qualities of mind which seem most unamiable in private life, often conduce with a singular felicity to the ends of public: And thus the stony firmness characteristic of Brandon, was a main cause which made him admirable as a judge. For men in office err no less from their feelings, than their interests.

Glancing over his notes, the Judge inclined himself to the Jury, and began with that silver and ringing voice which particularly distinguished Brandon's eloquence, and carries with it in high stations so majestic and candid a tone of persuasion. He pointed out, with a clear brevity, the various points of the evidence; he dwelt for a