King. Hast thou not sworn allegiance unto me?
Sal. I have. 180
King. Canst thou dispense with heaven for such an oath?
Sal. It is great sin to swear unto a sin,
But greater sin to keep a sinful oath.
Who can be bound by any solemn vow 184
To do a murderous deed, to rob a man,
To force a spotless virgin's chastity,
To reave the orphan of his patrimony,
To wring the widow from her custom'd right, 188
And have no other reason for this wrong
But that he was bound by a solemn oath?
Queen. A subtle traitor needs no sophister.
King. Call Buckingham, and bid him arm himself. 192
York. Call Buckingham, and all the friends thou hast,
I am resolv'd for death or dignity.
Clif. The first I warrant thee, if dreams prove true.
War. You were best to go to bed and dream again,
To keep thee from the tempest of the field.
Clif. I am resolv'd to bear a greater storm
Than any thou canst conjure up to-day;
And that I'll write upon thy burgonet, 200
Might I but know thee by thy household badge.
War. Now, by my father's badge, old Nevil's crest,
The rampant bear chain'd to the ragged staff,
This day I'll wear aloft my burgonet,— 204
181 dispense with: get exemption from
182 swear: pledge oneself
187 reave: bereave
188 custom'd: sanctioned by custom
191 sophister: teacher of equivocation
194 resolv'd for: determined to win
196 You . . . best: it would be best for you
200 burgonet: helmet
201 household badge: distinguishing emblem of a family
202,
203 Cf. n.
204 aloft: on top of
