Whereas, if the oath which he accounted
inviolable was once publicly known, no party with whom he might have
occasion to contract, would have rested satisfied with any other. Louis
XI of France practised the same sophistry, for he also had a peculiar
species of oath, the only one which he was ever known to respect, and
which, therefore, he was very unwilling to pledge. The only engagement
which that wily tyrant accounted binding upon him, was an oath by the
Holy Cross of Saint Lo d'Angers, which contained a Portion of the True
Cross. If he prevaricated after taking this oath, Louis believed he
should die within the year. The Constable Saint Paul, being invited to a
personal conference with Louis, refused to meet the king unless he would
agree to ensure him safe conduct under sanction of this oath. But, says
Comines, the king replied, he would never again pledge that engagement
to mortal man, though he was willing to take any other oath which could
be devised. The treaty broke off, therefore, after much chaffering
concerning the nature of the vow which Louis was to take. Such is the
difference between the dictates of superstition and those of conscience.
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