[1] [2] The earle of Warwike as he was of a noble and inuincible courage, valiant, hardie,The earles answere. and not able to abide anie spot of reproch, whereby to lose the least péece of honour that might be, made this answer:

Whie (saith he) and doo your harts faile you so soone? Or are you so mad withall, to thinke that so long as anie life resteth in me, that I will consent to such dis|honour? Should I leaue the citie, heaping vp to my selfe and likewise to you such shame and reproofe as worthilie might be reputed an infamie to vs for euer? I will rather suffer whatsoeuer either fire or sword can worke against me.

These words being vttered with such a courage as was maruellous to consider, he drew out his sword. Which other of the honorable and worshipfull that were then present likewise did, whome he commanded that each one should kisse others sword, according to an ancient custome vsed amongst men of war in time of great danger: and herewith they made a solemne vow, bin|ding it with a solemne oth, that they should not de|part from thence, till they had either vanquished the enimies, or lost their liues in manfull fight for de|fense of the kings honour.