[In a recent case before Mr. Justice CHITTY, a doubt was
expressed as to whether there was still such an officer as the
Sergeant-at-Arms attending the Courts. His services had not
been required since 1879. After some inquiry, however, he was
discovered.]

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS, where wert thou? Haply pensioned
In some remote and solitary spot;
By lips judicial never even mentioned,
The Courts forgetting, by the Courts forgot.
Far from thy kind in some provincial village,
Didst thou devote thy hoary age to tillage?

Didst thou, perchance to lower heights declining
Lately, as busman, strike for higher pay?
Or, to the lash of fate thy soul resigning,
Wear a red cap and drive a brewer's dray?
Or didst thou on a hansom seek to fleece men,
And scorn the fair, and battle with policemen?

Or, didst thou play (as often I have seen a
Musician play in snow, or sleet, or rain)
The cornet or expansive concertina
Outside a public-house, and all in vain?
Music hath charms, but public-house men mock it,
Let loose an oath, but button up their pocket.

Or, didst thou write, as some have done, a shocker,
And sell it on the stalls of Mr. SMITH?
Or, write us versicles like FREDERICK LOCKER,