Uploaded September 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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FOURTH – A THRENODY

I

Our most eminent effective criminal advocate
From the age of interest and of class
Courage prevailing with a need to remonstrate
Of the bench boldly as shining brass

A massive figure presented with compact ease
Grisly murderer tale of Camden Town
Of eloquence, personal passionate pleas
Within the flapping black silky gown

Horrid experiences with human reaction
Left from a tragic sad first marriage
Rarely allowed briefing for the prosecution
But defence at the time of horse and carriage

Your special gifts of understanding sympathy
Mixed munificence charm and extra generosity



II

Cogent versatile intelligence quaint dignity
Combine such special human qualities
An appeal with high honour and integrity
Strengths brush aside weak slim prejudices

And yet so overbearing always masterful
Ever paying full attention to detail
High exponent of the antique rhetorical
Flamboyant style so rarely to fail

A view of profound and scholarly patience
So helped the pathetic and insular accused
Through guises of detective vigilance
For Face, Fortune, Freedom or Life be saved

You were a giant amongst the men
In heart as in your stature repeated never again

EMH Harrogate September 1973