patron of truth and right, the unavoidable chastiser of
perfidiousness and improbity.

To such purposes, therefore, oaths have ever been applied, as the
most effectual instruments of working them; not only among the
followers of true and perfect religion, but even among all those who
had any glimmering notions concerning a Divine Power and Providence;
who have deemed an oath the fastest tie of conscience, and held the
violation of it for the most detestable impiety and iniquity. So
that what Cicero saith of the Romans, that "their ancestors had no
band to constrain faith more strait than an oath," is true of all
other nations, common reason not being able to devise any engagement
more obliging than it is; it being in the nature of things [Greek],
and [Greek], the utmost assurance, the last resort of human faith,
the surest pledge that any man can yield of his trustiness. Hence
ever in transactions of highest moment this hath been used to bind
the faith of men.

Hereby nations have been wont to ratify leagues of peace and amity
between each other (which therefore the Greeks call [Greek]).

Hereby princes have obliged their subjects to loyalty: and it hath
ever been the strongest argument to press that duty, which the
Preacher useth, "I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and
that in regard of the oath of God."

Hereby generals have engaged their soldiers to stick close to them
in bearing hardships and encountering dangers.

Hereby the nuptial league hath been confirmed; the solemnisation