MALET. Harold, I am thy friend, one life with thee,
And even as I should bless thee saving mine,
I thank thee now for having saved thyself.
[_Exit_ MALET.
HAROLD. For having lost myself to save myself,
Said 'ay' when I meant 'no,' lied like a lad
That dreads the pendent scourge, said 'ay' for 'no'!
Ay! No!--he hath not bound me by an oath--
Is 'ay' an oath? is 'ay' strong as an oath?
Or is it the same sin to break my word
As break mine oath? He call'd my word my bond!
He is a liar who knows I am a liar,
And makes believe that he believes my word--
The crime be on his head--not bounden--no.
[_Suddenly doors are flung open, discovering in an
inner hall_ COUNT WILLIAM _in his state robes,
seated upon his throne, between two_ BISHOPS,
ODO OP BAYEUX _being one: in the centre of
the hall an ark covered with cloth of gold;
and on either side of it the_ NORMAN BARONS.
_Enter a_ JAILOR _before_ WILLIAM'S _throne_.
WILLIAM (_to_ JAILOR).
Knave, hast thou let thy prisoner scape?
JAILOR. Sir Count,
He had but one foot, he must have hopt away,
Yea, some familiar spirit must have help'd him.
WILLIAM. Woe knave to thy familiar and to thee!
Give me thy keys. [_They fall clashing_.
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