Question

which line from the passage provides the best evidence that king richard sees force as a legitimate means of taking and holding power?

(35) king richard iii: (reads) jockey of norfolk, be not too bold,
for dickon thy master is bought and sold.
a thing devised by the enemy.
go, gentleman, every man unto his charge
let not our babbling dreams affright our souls:
(40) conscience is but a word that cowards use,
devised at first to keep the strong in awe:
our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law.
march on, join bravely, let us tot pell-mell
if not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell.

Explanation:

Analyze the prompt's requirement

The question asks for the line from the passage that provides the best evidence that King Richard sees force (military might, weapons) as a legitimate means of taking and holding power.

Evaluate the lines of the passage

• "Conscience is but a word that cowards use, / Devised at first to keep the strong in awe" dismisses moral constraints.
• "Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law" explicitly equates physical force ("strong arms") and weapons ("swords") with moral authority ("conscience") and governing authority ("law").

Select the best evidence

The line "Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law" directly establishes force and weaponry as the legitimate basis for his authority and actions.

Answer:

"Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law."