How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #10
SALISBURY
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 murd'rous 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 customed right,
And have no other reason for this wrong
But that he was bound by a solemn oath? (5.1.186-194)
Salisbury is upfront with his loyalty: be doesn't play games or pretend to be something he's not. We appreciate how he explains his reasoning for backing York up here. Sure, he's taken an oath, but he says it's no good to keep a bad oath just because it's an oath. If only everyone were that blunt about which side they were on this play.