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Everybody tittered when the Sitwell counsel declared that "the plaintiffs would be the last persons to deny they are not of the same type as poets who dare not say Boo to a goose. . . ." They tittered louder as they heard:
> Osbert testify that he played cricket against the Yorkshire eleven when he was seven years old.
> Edith testify: "I have advertised my books in the way all tradesmen advertise their wares."
> Sacheverell testify that he had not passed into oblivion, had no intention of doing so.
> The presiding judge quip "You hope not," suggest waggishly that all three Sitwells ought to testify at once.
Cross-examined, Osbert admitted that the Sitwells had refused an offer of 150 pounds and an apology from Reynolds News. Snapped the defense: "What is the object of this action, publicity or money?" Snapped Osbert: "To try to obtain some compensation for the damage done and to prevent the newspapers from libeling artists in this way."
After three days of fun, the court found Reviewer Fyfe's review defamatory, ordered Reynolds News and Editor Elliott to pay each of the Sitwells 350 pounds—about $1,400 apiece.