PEASANT. Don't you understand? Aren't you a Russian?... The oath is—well, it's the oath!
TRAVELLER. It means swearing, doesn't it?
PEASANT. Well, of course! They swear by the Cross and by the Gospels, to lay down their life for their country.
TRAVELLER. Well, I think that should not be done.
PEASANT. What should not be done?
TRAVELLER. Taking the oath.
PEASANT. Not done? Why, the law demands it!
TRAVELLER. No, it is not in the Law. In the Law of Christ, it is plainly forbidden. He said: "Swear not at all."
PEASANT. Come now! What about the priests?
TRAVELLER [takes a book, looks for the place, and reads]: "It was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but I say unto you, Swear not at all.... But let your speech be, Yea, yea; nay, nay: and whatsoever is more than these is of the evil one" (Matthew v. 33). So, according to Christ's Law, you must not swear.