The Lord Justice-Clerk—Sir, I tell you that the jury have nothing to do with, the law, but to take it simpliciter from me.
Mr. Clerk—That I deny.
[Consternation in Court.]
Lord Hailes—Sir, will you deny the authority of this High Court?
Mr. Clerk—Gentlemen of the jury, notwithstanding of this interruption, I beg to tell you, with all confidence and all respect, that you are the judges of the law as well as the facts. You are the judges of the whole case.
The Lord Justice-Clerk—You are talking nonsense, sir.
Mr. Clerk—My Lord, you had better not snub me in this way. I never mean to speak nonsense.
The Lord Justice-Clerk—Proceed—gang on, sir.
Mr. Clerk—Gentlemen, I was telling you that this infernal witness was convicted of felony in England, and how dare he come here to be received as a witness in this case?
The Lord Advocate—He has, as I have shown you, received His Majesty’s free pardon.