In the state of Virginia there lived a loyal patriot and an excellent lawyer named Patrick Henry.
He became famous not only for the famous call that spread throughout the country during the War of Independence: “Freedom or Death!”, but also for his wise decisions in ordinary life and in court. All kinds of stories are told about him both in the North and in the South, but most of all in the state of Virginia. We will tell you one of them now. And you, in turn, tell it to someone else, it's worth it, because there's something to laugh about.
Once upon a time there lived a young man who fell in love with a young girl, which has often happened since the time of Adam. Yes, but this Virginian Juliet was still too young, and the law forbade marrying her. Worse, the girl’s father did not want her to marry this particular young man.
However, for lovers, the law and father’s wishes are not a decree; it has always been this way, since people learned about love.
But in Virginia there was a wonderful old custom of running away from your parents’ house and getting married secretly. When the job was done, most parents forgave the young and forgot everything. But for this couple, running away from home promised serious trouble. For according to the laws of the state of Virginia, a young man who kidnapped a too-young bride was sent to prison, and for a long time. So you can see for yourself how many difficulties the young lovers had ahead of them if they ran away from home and got married.
The young Virginian racked his brains, pondering his love troubles. What should we do anyway?
And then he remembered Patrick Henry, about whom his father always told him that Patrick had the brightest head, no one in the whole state understood the laws better than him, and he went to Patrick and told him his sad story.
The famous lawyer listened to everything attentively, and a smile appeared on his face.
“Are you very fond of this young lady?” he asked.
- More life! I would pay anything to marry her and not go to jail.
— Would you pay anything? This is a good conversation starter. Even a hundred gold guineas?
- With pleasure, sir! Father, of course, will give me this money.
- Well, then it’s better, I like this conversation even more. I am sure that I will be able to arrange everything with your marriage so that you can live peacefully in your beautiful home and not go to jail.
- Oh, Mister Henry, I will never forget your service!
- Great, great. Come with the young lady to my office tomorrow, and I will tell you how we will arrange all your affairs.
And so the couple in love came to Patrick Henry's office: a young man full of determination, and a young lady in high spirits, so characteristic of Virginia girls.
Patrick Henry received them warmly and addressed the bride:
“My young lady, when your generous father, who opposes marriage with this worthy young man, leaves home, go to your stable and choose the best horse there.” And then ride as quickly as possible to the meeting place with your chosen one, who will be there waiting for you... When the miss arrives at the meeting place, you, the young man, will sit astride the same horse, but only behind her. Remember: behind her! She will control the horse and lead it to the priest, who will marry you. Remember, my young beauty, you must hold the reins in your hands and guide the horse too, and let your groom sit behind you and hug you around the waist. After the wedding, go to your father and tell him that you got married. And if your noble father stands his ground and sues you, I will be your defender. And remember, young lady, at the trial you must tell exactly how
an escape has been made, and then, I promise you, you will return home safely and you will not have to visit your lover in prison. The main thing is to tell everything as it is - how you ran away and how you got married.
The girl promised to do everything exactly. They thanked the lawyer and left.
Soon after this, the young lady learned that her father had to leave home, and made arrangements to meet her fiancé. The path was clear, she chose the best horse in the stable and galloped to the meeting place. He jumped on his horse behind her, as the lawyer told him to do, and she started the horse at a fast trot straight to the priest, who immediately married them according to all the rules. Then they appeared before her father and confessed everything to him.
The noble gentleman became very angry. He put his daughter under lock and key and sued his young husband. He demanded a life sentence for him.
The day of judgment has arrived. With both families present at the trial, the courtroom was packed. In addition, there was a rumor that Patrick Henry himself would speak in defense, and people flocked from everywhere just to listen to him.
The prosecution lawyer on behalf of the angry father stood up and spoke, but not for long. He only said that the young scoundrel took away a girl who, according to the laws of the state of Virginia, was too early to marry, and therefore the court should make an appropriate fair decision and send him to prison.
Then Patrick Henry stood up.
“Your honor,” he turned to the judge, “personally, I can say little about this case.” I suggest it is better to ask the beautiful, angelic young bride to tell us everything about the perfect escape, because of which my colleague is making his accusation. Then, your honor, it will be easier for you to judge whether this dear young man should go to a cold prison or to his home with his beloved bride.
Then, turning to the girl, he said:
“I beg you, young lady, tell his honor everything.”
exactly as it happened. Remember, everything is exactly right!
The flushed bride rose to the witness stand. She was a little worried, but spoke clearly and without hesitation.
“That’s how it was, your honor.” Last Wednesday morning I went to our stable, picked out Prince Star and rode off to a date with my fiancé. He mounted his horse behind me. I drove the horse, he sat behind me. We went to the priest, and the priest married us.
Patrick Henry stood up:
“Do you mean to say that you put him on a horse behind you and took him to the priest?”
- Yes, sir, that's right. I took him away. There was loud laughter in the courtroom.
“So you see, your honor,” said Patrick Henry, “the young man did not take away this flower-lovely young lady.” The point is clear: the girl herself ran away with the young man. Therefore, of course, you will not put this fine gentleman in prison, since he personally did not take anyone away.
The judge laughed for a long time, and so did everyone present in the hall, and even the angry father. So everything was resolved to everyone's satisfaction thanks to the smart advice of Patrick Henry.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru