John Perrot, a natural son of Henry VIII., was the first to employ the profane oath of God’s Wounds, which Queen Elizabeth adopted, but the ladies of her court minced and softened it into zounds and zouterkins.
William the Conqueror swore by the Splendor of God.
William Rufus, by St. Luke’s face.
King John, by God’s Tooth.
Henry VIII., by God’s Wounds.
Charles II., by Ods fish [God’s Flesh].
Louis XI. of France, by God’s Easter.
Charles VIII. of France, by God’s Light.
Louis XII., by The Devil take me (Diable m’emporte).
The Chevalier Bayard by God’s Holyday.