Or when the power to keep the oath is fled;
If I’ve no vote, I’ve neither friend nor foe,
Nor can be said on either side to go.”
They were no casuists:—“Well!” the Captain cried,
“Give up your vote, man, and behold your bride!” 140
Thus was it fix’d, and fix’d the day for both
To take the vow, and set aside the oath.
It gave some pain; but all agreed to say,
“You’re now absolved, and have no other way.
’Tis not expected you should love resign