Talk:F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead

Unsourced

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• A couple of aspirates. (F. E. Smith's prescription for J. H. Thomas, who had complained of "an 'ell of an 'eadache".)

• Judge: Are you trying to show contempt for this court, Mr Smith?
  Smith: No, My Lord. I am attempting to conceal it.

• Judge: Have you ever heard of a saying by Bacon — the great Bacon — that youth and discretion are ill-wedded companions?
  Smith: Yes, I have. And have you ever heard of a saying of Bacon — the great Bacon — that a much-talking judge is like an ill-tuned cymbal?

• Smith (to witness): So, you were as drunk as a judge?
  Judge (interjecting): You mean as drunk as a lord?
  Smith: Yes, My Lord.

• Master of the Rolls: Really, Mr Smith, do give this Court credit for some little intelligence.
  Smith: That is the mistake I made in the Court below, My Lord.

Providence

Judge: What do you suppose I am on the bench for? Smith: It is not for me, Your Honour, to attempt to fathom the inscrutable workings of Providence. Quoted in F.E. : The Life of F. E. Smith First Earl of Birkenhead (1933) by Frederick Second Earl of Birkenhead, 1959 edition, Ch 9

Can anyone with the book confirm that the full quote is "Mr Smith, you must not direct the jury. What do you suppose I am on the bench for?" Cagliost (talk) 07:56, 22 September 2019 (UTC)

I have the 1959 edition. The judge asked: "What do you suppose I am on the Bench for, Mr. Smith?" (p. 98).--Britannicus (talk) 09:24, 23 September 2019 (UTC)