Page:Henry VI Part 2 (1923) Yale.djvu/124

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King. Hast thou not sworn allegiance unto me?

Sal. I have.

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

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,

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.

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,

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,—

 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 