Note 24 — Chapter V · THE STRUGGLE WITH BECKET

A small point, not without significance as an indication of character, is observable in the gradual degradation of the royal oath. The Conqueror swore “by the splendour of God,” Henry “by the eyes of God,” Richard “by the body” or “by the thighs of God,” and John “by the feet,” or even “by the nails, of God.”