I thought, when I read the petition, that the Beetle or Bittle had been the thing that the women have when they are washing towels or napery with--things for dadding them with; and I see the petitioner is a jeweller till his trade; and I thought he had are o' thae Beetles, and set it all round with diamonds; and I thought it a foolish and extravagant idea; and I saw no resemblance it could have to a Louse.

But I find I was mistaken, my Lord; and I find it only a Beetle-clock the petitioner has; but my opinion's the same as it was before.

I say, my Lords, 'am for refusing the petition, I say-- "LORD WOODHOUSELEE .-- There is a case abridged in the third volume of the _Dictionary of Decisions_, Chalmers _v._ Douglas, in which it was found that _veritas convicii excusat_, which may be rendered not literally, but in a free and spirited manner, according to the most approved principles of translation, 'the truth of calumny affords a relevant defence.' If, therefore, it be the law of Scotland (which I am clearly of opinion it is) that the truth of the calumny affords a relevant defence, and if it be likewise true that the Diamond Beetle is really an Egyptian Louse, I am inclined to conclude (though certainly the case is attended with difficulty) that the defender ought to be assoilzied .-- _Refuse_.
"LORD JUSTICE-CLERK (RAE) .-- I am very well acquainted with the defender in this action, and have respect for him, and esteem him likewise.

I know him to be a skilful and expert surgeon, and also a good man; and I would do a great deal to serve him or to be of use to him, if I had it in my power to do so.

But I think on this occasion he has spoken rashly, and I fear foolishly and improperly.