Nay let them lie. Stand there and wait my will.
[_The_ JAILOR _stands aside_.
WILLIAM (_to_ HAROLD).
Hast thou such trustless jailors in thy North?
HAROLD. We have few prisoners in mine earldom there,
So less chance for false keepers.
WILLIAM. We have heard
Of thy just, mild, and equal governance;
Honour to thee! thou art perfect in all honour!
Thy naked word thy bond! confirm it now
Before our gather'd Norman baronage,
For they will not believe thee--as I believe.
[_Descends from his throne and stands by the ark_.
Let all men here bear witness of our bond!
[_Beckons to_ HAROLD, _who advances_.
_Enter_ MALET _behind him_.
Lay thou thy hand upon this golden pall!
Behold the jewel of St. Pancratius
Woven into the gold. Swear thou on this!
HAROLD. What should I swear? Why should I swear on this?
WILLIAM (_savagely_).
Swear thou to help me to the crown of England.
MALET (_whispering_ HAROLD).
My friend, thou hast gone too far to palter now.
WULFNOTH (_whispering_ HAROLD).
Swear thou to-day, to-morrow is thine own.
HAROLD. I swear to help thee to the crown of England ...
According as King Edward promises.
WILLIAM. Thou must swear absolutely, noble Earl.
MALET (_whispering_).
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