"I was on oath." joke

RENOWNED wit was Cardinal Hinsley who did not suffer from a sense of modesty.
Cardinal Hinsley was once called upon to give evidence in a court case. To impress the jury, the defence counsel asked if he was the leader of the English Catholics.
"That's right,' said the cardinal.
'In fact you are the Prince of the Church of Rome?'
'Correct.'
'One of the greatest scholars, not only in England, but also in the world?'
'True.'
'A brilliant man in every way?'
'Yes.'
Later a friend reproached the cardinal.' You weren't very humble today, were you?'
The cardinal smiled,' True,' he said,' but what could I do? I was on oath.'