Lord Clare
One day when it was known that Curran had to make an elaborate argument
in Chancery, Lord Clare brought a large Newfoundland dog upon the bench
with him, and during the progress of the argument he lent his ear much
more to the dog than to the barrister. This was observed at length by
the entire profession. In time the Chancellor lost all regard for
decency; he turned himself quite aside in the most material part of the
case, and began in full court to fondle the animal. Curran stopped at
once. Go on, go on, Mr. Curran, said Lord Clare. Oh! I beg a
thousand pardons, my Lord; I really took it for granted that your
Lordship was employed in consultation.