The Massacre at Paris

THE MASSACRE AT PARIS . With the Death of the Duke of Guise . Enter Charles the French King , the Queene Mother , the King of Nauarre , the Prince of Condye , the Lord high Admirall , and the Queene of Nauarre , with others . Charles . Prince of Nauarre my honourable brother , Prince Condy , and my good Lord Admirall , I Wishe this vnion and religious league , Knit in these hands thus ioyn'd in nuptiall rites , May not desolue , till death desolue our liues , And that the natiue sparkes of princely loue , That kindled first this motion in our hearts : May still be feweld in our progenye . Nauar.

The many fauours which your grace hath showne ,

From time to time , but specially in this : Shall binde me euer to your highnes will , In what Queen Mother or your grace commands . Old Qu.

Thanks sonne Nauarre , you see we loue you well ,

That linke you in mariage with our daughter heer : And as you know our difference in Religion , Might be a meanes to crosse you in your loue . Charles . Well Madam , let that rest : And now my Lords the mariage rites perfourm'd , We think it good to goe and consumate the rest ,

With hearing of a holy Masse : Sister , I think your selfe will beare vs company .

Q. Mar. I will my good Lord , Charles .

The rest that will not goe ( my Lords ) may stay :

Come Mother let vs goe to honor this solemnitie . Old Q. Which I le desolue with bloud and crueltie . Exit the King , Q Mother , and the Q. of Nauar , and manet Nauar , the Prince of Condy , and the Lord high Admirall . Nauar. Prince Condy and my good L. Admiral , Now Guise may storme but doe vs little hurt : Hauing the King , Qu. Mother on our sides , To stop the mallice of his enuious heart , That seekes to murder all the Protestants : Haue you not heard of late how he decreed , If that the King had giuen consent thereto , That all the protestants that are in Paris , Should haue been murdered the other night ? Ad. My Lord I meruaile that th' aspiring Guise , Dares once aduenture without the Kings consent , To meddle or attempt such dangerous things . Con. My L. you need not meruaile at the Guise , For what he doth the Pope will ratifie : In murder , mischeefe , or in tiranny . Na. But he that sits and rules aboue the clowdes , Doth heare and see the praiers of the iust : And will reuenge the bloud of innocents , That Guise hath slaine by treason of his heart , And brought by murder to their timeles ends . Ad. My Lord , but did you mark the Cardinall , The Guises brother and the Duke Dumain : How they did storme at these your nuptial rites , Because the house of Burbon now comes in , And ioynes your linnage to the crowne of France ? Na, And that s the cause that Guise so frowns at vs , And beates his braines to catch vs in his trap : Which he hath pitcht within his deadly toyle . Come my Lords let s go to the Church and pray , That God may still defend the right of France : And make his Gospel flourish in this land . Exeunt . Enter the Duke of Guise . Guise . If euer Hymen lowr'd at marriage rites , And had his alters deckt with duskie lightes : If euer sunne stainde heauen with bloudy clowdes , And made it look with terrour on the worlde : If euer day were turned to vgly night . And night made semblance of the hue of hell , This day , this houre , this fatall night , Shall fully shew the fury of them all , Apothecarie . Enter the Pothecarie . Pothe. My Lord . Guise . Now shall I proue and guerdon to the ful , The loue thou bear'st vnto the house of Guise : Where are those perfumed gloues which I sent To be poysoned , hast thou done them ? speake , Will euery sauour breed a pangue of death ? Pothe. See where they be my good Lord , And he that smelles but to them , dyes . Guise . Then thou remainest resolute . Pothe.

I am my Lord , in what your grace commaundes till death .

Guise . Thankes my good freend , I wil requite thy loue , Goe then present them to the Queene Nauarre : For she is that huge blemish in our eye , That makes these vpstart heresies in Fraunce : Be gone my freend present them to her straite . Souldyer . Exit Pothe. Enter a Souldier . Soul . My Lord , Guise .

Now come thou forth and play thy tragick part .

Stand in some window opening neere the street , And when thou seest the Admirall ride by , Discharge thy musket and perfourme his death : And then I le guerdon thee with store of crownes . Soul . I will my Lord . Exit Souldi . Guise .

Now Guise begins those deepe ingendred thoughts ,

To burst abroad those neuer dying flames , Which cannot be extinguisht but by bloud . Oft haue I leueld , and at last haue learnd , That perill is the cheefest way to happines , And resolution honors fairest aime . What glory is there in a common good , That hanges for euery peasant to atchiue ? That like I best that flyes beyond my reach , Set me to scale the high Peramides , And thereon set the Dradem of Fraunce , I le either rend it with my nayles to naught , Or mount the top with my aspiring winges , Although my downfall be the deepest hell . For this , I wake , when others think I sleepe , For this , I waite , that scornes attendance else : For this , my quenchles thirst whereon I builde , Hath often pleaded kindred to the King . For this , this head , this heart , this hand and sworde , Contriues , imagines and fully executes , Matters of importe , aimde at by many , Yet vnderstoode by none . For this , hath heauen engendred me of earth , For this , this earth sustaines my bodies waight , And with this wiat I le counterpoise a Crowne , Or with seditions weary all the worlde : For this , from Spaine the stately Catholickes , Sends Indian golde to coyne me French ecues : For this haue I a largesse from the Pope , A pension and a dispensation too : And by that priuiledge to worke vpon , My policye hath framde religion , Religion : O Diabole . Fye , I am ashamde how euer that I seeme , To think a word of such a simple sound , Of so great matter should be made the ground . The gentle King whose pleasure vncontrolde , Weakneth his body , and will waste his Realme , If I repaire not what he ruinates : Him as a childe I dayly winne with words , So that for proofe , he barely beares the name : I execute , and he sustaines the blame .

The Mother Queene workes wonders for my sake ,

And in my loue entombes the hope of Fraunce : Rifling the bowels of her treasurie , To supply my wants and necessitie . Paris hath full fiue hundred Colledges , As Monestaries , Priories , Abbyes and halles , Wherein are thirtie thousand able men , Besides a thousand sturdy student Catholicks , And more of my knowledge in one cloyster keeps , Fiue hundred fatte Franciscan Fryers and priestes . All this and more , if more may be comprisde , To bring the will of our desires to end . Then Guise since thou hast all the Cardes ,

Within thy hands to shuffle or cut , take this as surest thing :

That right or wrong , thou deale thy selfe a King . I but , Nauarre , Nauarre , t is but a nook of France , Sufficient yet for such a pettie King : That with a rablement of his hereticks , Blindes Europs eyes and troubleth our estate : Him will we Pointing to his Sworde . But first let s follow those in France , That hinder our possession to the crowne : As Caesar to his souldiers , so say I : Those that hate me , will I learn to loath . Giue me a look , that when I bend the browes , Pale death may walke in furrowes of my face : A hand , that with a graspe may gripe the world , An eare , to heare what my detractors say , A royall seate , a scepter and a crowne : That those which doe beholde , they may become As men that stand and gase against the Sunne . The plot is laide , and things shall come to passe : Where resolution striues for victory . Exit . Enter the King of Nauar and Queen , and his Mother Queen , the Prince of Condy , the Admirall , and the Pothecary with the gloues , and giues them to the olde Queene . Pothe.

Maddame , I beseech your grace to except this simple gift .

Old Qu.

Thanks my good freend , holde take thou this reward .

Pothe. I humbly thank your Maiestie . Exit Po. Old Qu.

Me thinkes the gloues haue a very strong perfume ,

The sent whereof doth make my head to ake . Nauar. Doth not your grace know the man that gaue them you ? Old Qu Not wel , but do remember such a man . Ad. Your grace was ill aduisde to take them then , Considering of these dangerous times . Old Qu Help sonne Nauarre I am poysoned . Q Mar.

The heauens forbid your highnes such mishap .

Nauar. The late suspition of the Duke of Guise , Might well haue moued your highnes to beware : How you did meddle with such dangerous giftes . Q. Mar. Too late it is my Lord if that be true To blame her highnes , but I hope it be Only some naturall passion makes her sicke . O d Qu O no , sweet Margret , the fatall poyson Workes within my head , my brain pan breakes , My heart doth faint , I dye . She dyes . Nauar.

My Mother poysoned heere before my face :

O gracious God , what times are these ? O graunt sweet God my daies may end with hers , That I with her may dye and liue againe . Q. Mar.

Let not this heauy chaunce my dearest Lord ,

For whose effects my soule is massacred ) infect thy gracious brest with fresh supply , to agrauate our sodaine miserie . Ad. Come my Lords let vs beare her body hence , and see it honoured with iust solemnitie . As they are going , the Souldier dischargeth his Musket at the Lord Admirall . Condy , What are you hurt my L. high Admiral ? Admi. I my good Lord shot through the arme . Nauar.

We are betraide come my Lords , and let vs goe tell the King of this .

Admi.

These are the cursed Guisians that doe seeke our death .

Oh fatall was this mariage to vs all . They beare away the Queene and goe out . Enter the King , Queene Mother , Duke of Guise , Duke Anioy , Duke Demayne . Queene Mother . My noble sonne , and princely Duke of Guise , Now haue we got the fatall stragling deere : Within the compasse of a deadly toyle , And as we late decreed we may perfourme . King . Madam , it wil be noted through the world , An action bloudy and tirannicall : Cheefely since vnder safetie of our word , They iustly challenge their protection : Besides my heart relentes that noble men , Onely corrupted in religion , Ladies of honor ,

Knightes and Gentlemen , should for their conscience taste such rutheles ends .

Anioy.

Though gentle mindes should pittie others paines ,

Yet will the wisest note their proper greefes : And rather seeke to scourge their enemies , Then be themselues base subiects to the whip . Guise .

Me thinkes my Lord , Anioy hath well aduisde ,

Your highnes to consider of the thing , And rather chuse to seck your countries good , Then pittie or releeue these vp start hereticks . Queene .

I hope these reasons may serue my princely Sonne ,

To haue some care for feare of enemies : King . Well Madam , I referre it to your Maiestie , And to my Nephew heere the Duke of Guise : What you determine , I will ratifie . Queene .

Thankes to my princely sonne , then tell me Guise ,

What order wil you set downe for the Massacre ? Guise . Thus Madame . They that shal be actors in this Massacre , Shall weare white crosses on their Burgonets : And tye white linnen scarfes about their armes . He that wantes these , and is suspected of heresie , Shall dye , be he King or Emperour .

Then I le haue a peale of ordinance shot from the tower ,

At which they all shall issue out and set the streetes .

And then the watchword being giuen , a bell shall ring ,

Which when they heare , they shall begin to kill : And neuer cease vntill that bell shall cease , Then breath a while . Enter the Admirals man . King . How now fellow , what newes ? Man.

And it please your grace the Lord high Admirall ,

Riding the streetes was traiterously shot , And most humble intreates your Maiestie To visite him sick in his bed . King . Messenger , tell him I will see him straite . Exit Messenger . What shall we doe now with the Admirall ? Qu. Your Maiesty were best goe visite him , And make a shew as if all were well . King . Content , I will goe visite the Admirall . Guise . And I will goe take order for his death . Exit Guise . Enter the Admirall in his bed . King . How fares it with my Lord high Admiral , Hath he been hurt with villaines in the street ? I vow and sweare as I am King of France , To finde and to repay the man with death : With death delay'd and torments neuer vsde , That durst presume for hope of any gaine , To hurt the noble man their soueraign loues . Ad. Ah my good Lord , these are the Guisians , That seeke to massacre our guiltles liues . King . Assure your selfe my good Lord Admirall , I deepely sorrow for your trecherous wrong : And that I am not more secure my selfe , Then I am carefull you should be preserued . Cosin , take twenty of our strongest guarde , And vnder your direction see they keep , All trecherous violence from our noble freend , Repaying all attempts with present death , Vpon the cursed breakers of our peace . And so be pacient good Lord Admirall , And euery hower I will visite you . Admi. I humbly thank your royall Maiestie . Exeunt omnes . Enter Guise , Anioy , Dumaine , Gonzago , Retes , Montsorrell , and Souldiers to the massacre . Guise . Anioy , Dumaine , Gonzago , Retes , Sweare by the argent crosses in your burgonets , To kill all that you suspect of heresie . Dumain. I sweare by this to be vnmercifull . Anioy.

I am disguisde and none knows who I am .

And therfore meane to murder all I meet . Gonza. And so will I . Retes. And I . Guise . Away then , break into the Admirals house , Retes. I let the Admirall be first dispatchr . Guise .

The Admirall cheefe standard bearer to the Lutheranes ,

Shall in the entrance of this Massacre ,

Be murdered in his bed . Gonzago conduct them thither ,

And then beset his house that not a man may liue . Anioy.

That charge is mine , Swizers keepe you the streetes ,

And at ech corner shall the Kings garde stand . Gonzago . Come sirs follow me . Exit Gonzago and others with him . Anioy.

Cosin , the Captaine of the Admirals guarde ,

Plac'd by my brother , will betray his Lord : Now Guise shall catholiques flourish once againe , The head being of , the members cannot stand . Retes.

But look my Lord , ther 's some in the Admirals house .

Enter into the Admirals house , and he in his bed . Anioy. In lucky time , come let vs keep this lane , And slay his seruants that shall issue out . Gonza, Where is the Admirall ? Admi. O let me pray before I dye . Gonza. Then pray vnto our Ladye , kisse this crosse . Stab him . Admi. O God forgiue my sins . Guise , Gonzago , what , is he dead ? Gonza. I my Lord . Guise . Then throw him down . Anioy.

Now cosin view him well , it may be it is some other , and he escapte .

Guise . Cosin t is he , I know him by his look . See where my Souldier shot him through the arm . He mist him neer , but we haue strook him now .

Ah base Shatillian and degenerate , cheef standard bearer to the Lutheranes ,

Thus in despite of thy Religion , The Duke of Guise stampes on thy liueles bulke . Anioy.

A way with him , cut of his head and handes .

And send them for a present to the Pope : And when this iust reuenge is finished , Vnto mount Faucon will we dragge his coarse : And he that liuing hated so the crosse , Shall being dead , be hangd thereon in chaines . Guise . Anioy , Gonzago , Retes , if that you three , Will be as resolute as I and Dumaine : There shall not a Hugonet breath in France . Anioy.

I sweare by this crosse , wee 'l not be partiall ,

But slay as many as we can come neer . Guise . Mountsorrell , goe shoote the ordinance of , That they which haue already set the street May know their watchword , then tole the bell , And so let s forward to the Massacre . Mount . I will my Lord , Exit . Mount . Guise .

And now my Lords let vs closely to our busines .

Anioy. Anioy will follow thee . Du.

And so will Dumaine .

The ordinance being shot of , the bell tolles . Guise . Come then , let s away . Exeunt . The Guise enters againe , with all the rest , with their Swords drawne , chasing the Protestants . Guise .

Tue tue , tue , let none escape , murder the Hugonets .

Anioy. Kill them , kill them . Exeunt . Enter Loreine running , the Guise and the rest pursuing him . Guise . Loreine , Loreine , follow Loreine , Sirra ,

Are you a preacher of these heresies ?

Loreine I am a preacher of the word of God , And thou a traitor to thy soule and him . Guise .

Dearely beloued brother , thus t is written .

he stabs him . Anioy.

Stay my Lord , let me begin the psalme .

Guise .

Come dragge him away and throw him in a ditch .

Exeunt . Enter Mountsorrell and knocks at Serouns doore . Serouns wife . Who is that which knocks there ? Mount . Mountsorrell from the Duke of Guise . Wife .

Husband come down , heer 's one would speak with you from the Duke of Guise .

Enter Seroune . Seroune . To speek with me from such a man as he ? Mount .

I , I , for this Seroune , and thou shalt hate .

shewing his dagger . Seroune . O let me pray before I take my death . Mount . Despatch then quickly . Seronne . O Christ my Sauiour . Mount .

Christ , villaine , why darst thou presume to call on Christ , without the intercession of some Saint ? Sancta Iacobus hee was my Saint , pray to him .

Seronne . O let me pray vnto my God . Mount . Then take this with you . Stab him . Exit . Enter Ramus in his studie . Ramus .

What fearfull cries comes from the riuer Sene ,

That frightes poore Ramus sitting at his book ? I feare the Guisians haue past the bridge , And meane once more to menace me . Enter Taleus . Taleus . Flye Ramus flye , if thou wilt saue thy life , Ramus . Tell me Taleus , wherfore should I flye ? Taleus .

The Guisians are hard at thy doore , and meane to murder vs : harke , harke they come , I le leap out at the window .

Ramus . Sweet Taleus stay . Enter Gonzago and Retes. Gonzago . Who goes there ? Retes. T is Taleus , Ramas bedfellow . Gonza. What art thou ? Tal. I am as Ramus is , a Christian . Ret. O let him goe , he is a catholick . Enter Ramus . Exit Taleus . Gon.

Come Ramus , more golde , or thou shalt haue the stabbe .

Ramus .

Alas I am a scholler , how should I haue golde ?

All that I haue is but my stipend from the King , Which is no sooner receiu'd but it is spent . Enter the Guise and Anioy. Anioy. Who haue you there ? Ret. T is Ramus , the Kings professor of Logick . Guise , Stab him . Ramus .

O good my Lord , wherein hath Ramus been so offencious .

Guise . Marry sir , in hauing a smack in all , And yet didst neuer sound any thing to the depth . Was it not thou that scoftes the Organon , And said it was a heape of vanities ? He that will be a flat decotamest , And seen in nothing but Epetomies : Is in your iudgment thought a learned man . And he forsooth must goe and preach in Germany : Excepting against Doctors actions , And ipsi dixi with this quidditie , Argumentum testimonis est in arte fetialis . To contradict which , I say Ramus shall dye : How answere you that ? your nego argumentum cannot serue , sirra , kill him . Ra. O good my Lord , let me but speak a word . Anioy.

Well , say on .

Ramus . Not for my life doe I desire this pause , But in my latter houre to purge my selfe , In that I know the things that I haue wrote , Which as I heare one Shekins takes it ill : Because my places being but three , contains all his : I knew the Organon to be confusde , And I reduc'd it into better forme . And this for Aristotle will I say , That he that despiseth him , can nere Be good in Logick or Philosophie . And that s because the blockish thorbonest , Attribute as much vnto their workes , As to the seruice of the eternall God . Guise . Why suffer you that peasant to declaime ? Stab him I say and send him to his freends in hell . Anioy. Nere was there Colliars sonne so full of pride . kill him . Guise . My Lord of Anioy , there are a hundred Protestants . Which we haue chaste into the riuer Sene , That swim about and so preserue their liues : How may we doe ? I feare me they will liue . Dumaine . Goe place some men vpon the bridge , With bowes and dartes to shoot at them they see , And sinke them in the riuer as they swim . Guise .

T is well aduisde Dumain , goe see it strait be done .

And in the mean time my Lord , could we deuise , To get those pedantes from the King Nauarre , that are tutors to him and the prince of Condy . Anioy. For that let me alone , Cousin stay you heer , And when you see me in , then follow hard . He knocketh , and enter the King of Nauarre and Prince of Condy , with their scholmaisters . How now my Lords , how fare you ? Nauar. My Lord , they say that all the protestants are massacred . Anioy I , so they are , but yet what remedy : I haue done what I could to stay this broile . Nauarr. But yet my Lord the report doth run , That you were one that made this Massacre . An. Who I , you are deceiued , I rose but now . Enter Guise . Guise . Murder the Hugonets , take those pedantes hence . Na. Thou traitor Guise , lay of thy bloudy hands . Condy. Come let vs goe tell the King . Exeunt . Guise .

Come sirs , I le whip you to death with my punniards point .

he kils them . An. A way with them both . Exit Anioy. Guise . And now sirs for this night let our fury stay . Yet will we not that the Massacre shall end , Gonzago poste you to Orleance , Retes to Deep , Mountsorrell vnto Roan , And spare not one that you suspect of heresy . and now stay that bel that to the deuils mattins rings Now euery man put of his burgonet , And so conuey him closely to his bed . Exeunt . Enter Anioy , with two Lords of Poland . Anioy. My Lords of Poland I must needs confesse , The offer of your Prince Electors , farre Beyond the reach of my desertes : For Poland is as I haue been enformde , A martiall people , worthy such a King , As hath sufficient counsaile in himselfe , To lighten doubts and frustrate subtile foes . And such a King whom practise long hath taught , To please himselfe with mannage of the warres . The greatest warres within our Christian bounds , I meane our warres against the Muscouites : And on the other side against the Turke , Rich Princes both , and mighty Emperours : Yet by my brother Charles our King of France , And by his graces councell it is thought , that if I vndertake to weare the crowne Of Poland , it may preiudice their hope Of my inheritance to the crowne of France : For if th' almighty take my brother hence , By due discent the Regall seat is mine . With Poland therfore must I couenant thus , That if by death of Charles , the diadem Of France be cast on me , then with your leaues I may retire me to my natiue home . If your commission serue to warrant this , I thankfully shall vndertake the charge Of you and yours , and carefully maintaine the wealth and safety of your kingdomes right . Lord .

All this and more your highnes shall commaund ,

For Polands crowne and kingly diadem . Anioy. Then come my Lords , let s goe . Exeunt . Enter two with the Admirals body . 1.

Now sirra , what shall we doe with the Admirall ?

2. Why let vs burne him for an heretick . 1.

O no , his bodye will infect the fire , and the fire the aire , and so we shall be poysoned with him .

2. What shall we doe then ? 1. Let s throw him into the riuer . 2.

Oh t will corrupt the water , and the water the fish , and by the fish our selues when we eate them .

1. Then throw him into the ditch . 2.

No , no , to decide all doubts , be rulde by me , let s hang him heere vpon this tree .

1 , Agreede . They hang him . Enter the Duke of Guise , and Queene Mother , and the Cardinall . Guise .

Now Madame , how like you our lusty Admirall ?

Queene .

Beleeue me Guise he becomes the place so well ,

As I could long ere this haue wisht him there . But come let s walke aside , thair 's not very sweet . Guise . No by my faith Madam . Sirs , take him away and throw him in some ditch . carry away the dead body . And now Madam as I vnderstand , There are a hundred Hugonets and more , Which in the woods doe holde their synagogue : And dayly meet about this time of day , And thither will I to put them to the sword . Qu. Doe so sweet Guise , let vs delay no time , For if these straglers gather head againe ,

And disperse themselues throughout the Realme of France ,

It will be hard for vs to worke their deaths . Be gone , delay no time sweet Guise . Guise .

Madam , I goe as whirl-windes rage before a storme ,

Exit Guise . Qu. My Lord of Loraine haue you markt of late , How Charles our sonne begins for to lament : For the late nights worke which my Lord of Guise Did make in Paris amongst the Hugonites ? Card. Madam , I haue heard him solemnly vow , With the rebellious King of Nauarre , For to reuenge their deaths vpon vs all . Qu. I , but my Lord let me alone for that , For Katherine must haue her will in France : As I doe liue , so surely shall he dye . And Henry then shall weare the diadem . And if he grudge or crosse his Mothers will , I le disinherite him and all the rest : For I le rule France , but they shall weare the crowne : And if they storme , I then may pull them downe . Come my Lord let s vs goe . Exeunt . Enter fiue or sixe Protestants with bookes , and kneele together . Enter also the Guise . Guise . Downe with the Hugonites , murder them . Protestant .

O Mounser de Guise , heare me but speake .

Guise . No villain , that toung of thine , That hath blasphemde the holy Church of Rome , Shall driue no plaintes into the Guises eares , To make the iustice of my heart relent : Tue , tue , tue , let none escape : kill them . So , dragge them away . Exeunt . Enter the King of France , Nauar and Epernoune staying him : enter Qu. Mother , and the Cardinall . King . O let me stay and rest me heer a while , A griping paine hath ceasde vpon my heart : A sodaine pang , the messenger of death . Qu. O say not so , thou kill'st thy mothers heart . King . I must say so , paine forceth me complaine . Na.

Comfort your selfe my Lord and haue no doubt ,

But God will sure restore you to your health . King . O no , my louing brother of Nauarre . I haue deseru'd a scourge I must confesse , Yet is there pacience of another sort , Then to misdoe the welfare of their King :

God graunt my neerest freends may proue no worse .

O holde me vp , my sight begins to faile ,

My sinnewes shrinke , my braines turne vpside downe ,

My heart doth break , I faint and dye . He dies . Queene ,

What art thou dead , sweet sonne speak to thy Mother ,

O no , his soule is fled from out his breast , And he nor heares , nor sees vs what we doe : My Lords , what resteth there now for to be done ? But that we presently despatch Embassadours To Poland , to call Henry back againe , To weare his brothers crowne and dignity . Epernoune , goe see it presently be done , And bid him come without delay to vs . Eper. Madam , I will . Exit Eper. Queene .

And now my Lords after these funerals be done ,

We will with all the speed we can prouide , For Henries coronation from Polonie : Come let vs take his body hence . All goe out , but Nauarre and Pleshe . Nauar ,

And now Nauarre whilste that these broiles doe last ,

My opportunity may serue me fit , To steale from France , and hye me to my home . For heer s no saftie in the Realme for me , And now that Henry is cal'd from Polland , It is my due by iust succession : And therefore as speedily as I can perfourme , I le muster vp an army secretly , For feare that Guise ioyn'd with the K. of Spaine , Might seeme to crosse me in mine enterprise . But God that alwaies doth defend the right , Will shew his mercy and preserue vs still . Pleshe . The vertues of our true Religion , Cannot but march with many graces more : Whose army shall discomfort all your foes , And at the length in Pampelonia crowne , In spite of Spaine and all the popish power , That holdes it from your highnesse wrongfully : Your Maiestie her rightfull Lord and Soueraigne . Nauar.

Truth Pleshe , and God so prosper me in all ,

As I entend to labour for the truth , And true profession of his holy word : Come Pleshe , let s away whilste time doth serue , Ezeunt . Sound Trumpets within , and then all crye viue la Roy two or three times . Enter Henry crownd : Queene , Cardinall , Duke of Guise , Epernoone , the kings Minions , with others , and the Cutpurse . All . Viue la Roy , viue la Roy , Sound Trumpets . Qu. Welcome from Poland Henry once agayne , Welcome to France thy fathers royall seate , Heere hast thou a country voide of feares , A warlike people to maintaine thy right , A watchfull Senate for ordaining lawes , A louing mother to preserue thy state , And all things that a King may wish besides : All this and more hath Henry with his crowne . Car. And long may Henry enioy all this & more , All . Viue la Roy , viue la Roy . Sound trumpets . Henry ,

Thanks to you al . The guider of all crownes ,

Graunt that our deeds may wel deserue your loues : And so they shall , if fortune speed my will , And yeeld your thoughts to height of my desertes . What saies our Minions , think they Henries heart Will not both harbour loue and Maiestie ? Put of that feare , they are already ioynde , No person , place , or time , or circumstance , Shall slacke my loues affection from his bent , As now you are , so shall you still persist , Remooueles from the fauours of your King . Mugeroun .

We know that noble mindes change not their thoughts

For wearing of a crowne : in that your grace , Hath worne the Poland diadem , before you were inuested in the crowne of France : Henry . I tell thee Mugeroun we will be freends , And fellowes to , what euer stormes arise . Mugeroun .

Then may it please your Maiestie to giue me leaue ,

To punish those that doe prophane this holy feast . He cuts of the Cutpurse eare , for cutting of the golde buttons off his cloake . Henry . How meanst thou that ? Cutpurse . O Lord , mine eare . Mugeroun .

Come sir , giue me my buttons and heer s your eare .

Guise . Sirra , take him away . Henry .

Hands of good fellow , I will be his baile

For this offence : goe sirra , worke no more , Till this our Coronation day be past : And now our solemne rites of Coronation done , What now remaines , but for a while to feast , And spend some daies in barriers , tourny , tylte , and like disportes , such as doe fit the Court ? Let s goe my Lords , our dinner staies for vs . Goe out all , but the Queene and the Cardinall . Queene . My Lord Cardinall of Loraine , tell me , How likes your grace my sonnes pleasantnes ? His minde you see runnes on his minions , And all his heauen is to delight himselfe : And whilste he sleepes securely thus in ease , Thy brother Guise and we may now prouide , To plant our selues with such authoritie , as not a man may liue without our leaues . Then shall the Catholick faith of Rome , Flourish in France , and none deny the same , Car. Madam , as in secrecy I was tolde , My brother Guise hath gathered a power of men , Which as he saith , to kill the Puritans , But t is the house of Burbon that he meanes . Now Madam must you insinuate with the King , And tell him that t is for his Countries good , And common profit of Religion . Qu. Tush man , let me alone with him , To work the way to bring this thing to passe : And if he doe deny what I doe say , I le dispatch him with his brother presently . And then shall Mounser weare the diadem : Tush , all shall dye vnles I haue my will . For while she liues Katherine will be Queene . Come my Lords , let vs goe seek the Guise , And then determine of this enterprise . Exeunt . Enter the Duchesse of Guise , and her Maide , Duch. Goe fetch me pen and inke . Maid . I will Madam . Exit Maid . Duch. That I may write vnto my dearest Lord . Sweet Mugeroune , t is he that hath my heart , And Guise vsurpes it , cause I am his wife : Faine would I finde some means to speak with him but cannot , and therfore am enforst to write , That he may come and meet me in some place , Where we may one inioy the others sight . Enter the Maid with Inke and Paper . So , set it down and leaue me to my selfe . She writes . O would to God this quill that heere doth write , Had late been pluckt from out faire Cupids wing : That it might print these lines within his heart . Enter the Guise . Guise . What , all alone my loue , and writing too : I prethee say to whome thou writes ? Duch. To such a one my Lord , as when she reads my lines , will laugh I feare me at their good aray . Guise . I pray thee let me see . Duch. O no my Lord , a woman only must partake the secrets of my heart . Guise . But Madam I must see . he takes it . Are these your secrets that no man must know ? Duch. O pardon me my Lord . Guise .

Thou trothles and vniust , what lines are these ?

Am I growne olde , or is thy lust growne yong , Or hath my loue been so obscurde in thee , That others needs to comment on my text ? Isall my loue forgot which helde thee deare ? I , dearer then the apple of mine eye ? Is Guises glory but a clowdy mist , In sight and iudgement of thy lustfull eye ? Mor du , wert not the fruit within thy wombe , Of whose encrease I set some longing hope : This wrathfull hand should strike thee to the hart . Hence strumpet , hide thy head for shame , And fly my presence if thou looke to liue . Exit . O wicked sexe , periured and vniust , Now doe I see that from the very first , Her eyes and lookes sow'd seeds of periury , But villaine he to whom these lines should goe , Shall buy her loue euen with his dearest bloud . Exit . Enter the King of Nauarre , Pleshe and Bartus , and their train , with drums and trumpets . Nauarre . My Lords , sith in a quarrell iust and right , We vndertake to mannage these our warres : Against the proud disturbers of the faith , I meane the Guise , the Pope , and King of Spaine , Who set themselues to tread vs vnder foot , And rent our true religion from this land . But for you know our quarrell is no more , But to defend their strange inuentions , Which they will put vs to with sword and fire : We must with resolute mindes resolue to fight , In honor of our God and countries good . Spaine is the counsell chamber of the pope ,

Spaine is the place where he makes peace and warre ,

And Guise for Spaine hath now incenst the King , To send his power to meet vs in the field . Bartus .

Then in this bloudy brunt they may beholde ,

The sole endeuour of your princely care ,

To plant the true succession of the faith , In spite of Spaine and all his heresies . Nauarre .

The power of vengeance now incampes it selfe ,

Vpon the hauty mountains of my brest : plaies with her goary coulours of reuenge , Whom I respect as leaues of boasting greene , That change their coulour when the winter comes , When I shall vaunt as victor in reuenge . Enter a Messenger . How now sirra , what newes ? Mes.

My Lord , as by our scoutes we vnderstande ,

A mighty army comes from France with speed : Which are already mustered in the land , And meanes to meet your highnes in the field . Na. In Gods name , let them come . This is the Guise that hath incenst the King , To leauy armes and make these ciuill broyless But canst thou tell who is their generall ? Mes.

Not yet my Lord , for thereon doe they stay :

But as report doth goe , the Duke of Ioyeux Hath made great sute vnto the King therfore . Na. It will not counteruaile his paines I hope , I would the Guise in his steed might haue come , But he doth lurke within his drousie couch , And makes his footstoole on securitie : So he be safe he cares not what becomes , Of King or Country , no not for them both . But come my Lords , let vs away with speed , And place our selues in order for the fight . Exeunt . Enter the King of France , Duke of Guise , Epernoune , and Duke Ioyeux . King . My sweet Ioyeux , I make thee Generall , Of all my army now in readines : To march against the rebellious King Nauarre . At thy request I am content thou goe , Although my loue to thee can hardly suffer , Regarding still the danger of thy life . Ioyeux .

Thanks to your Maiestie , and so I take my leaue .

Farwell to my Lord of Guise and Epernoune , Guise .

Health and harty farwell to my Lord Ioyeux .

Exit Ioyeux . King .

So kindely Cosin of Guise you and your wife doe both salute our louely Minions .

he makes hornes at the Guise .

Remember you the letter gentle sir , which your wife writ to my deare Minion , and her chosen freend ?

Guise .

How now my Lord , faith this is more then need ,

Am I thus to be iested at and scornde ? T is more then kingly or Emperious . And sure if all the proudest Kings in Christendome , should beare me such derision :

They should know how I scornde them and their mockes .

I loue your Minions , dote on them your selfe , I know none els but holdes them in disgrace : And heer by all the Saints in heauen I sweare , That villain for whom I beare this deep disgrace : Euen for your words that haue incenst me so , Shall buy that strumpets fauour with his blood . Whether he haue dishonoured me or no . Par la mor du , Il mera . Exit . King . Beleeue me this iest bites sore . Eper. My Lord , t were good to make them frends For his othes are seldome spent in vaine . Enter Mugeroun . King .

How now Mugeroun , metst thou not the Guise at the doore ?

Muge. Not I my Lord , what if I had ? King .

Marry if thou hadst , thou mightst haue had the stab ,

For he hath solemnely sworne thy death . Muge. I may be stabd , and liue till he be dead , But wherfore beares he me such deadly hate ? King .

Because his wife beares thee such kindely loue .

Muge. If that be all , the next time that I meet her , I le make her shake off loue with her heeles .

But which way is he gone , I le goe make a walk on purpose from the Court to meet with him .

Exit . King .

I like not this , come Epernoune let s goe seek the Duke and make them freends .

Exeunt . Alarums within . The Duke Ioyeux slaine . Enter the King of Nauarre and his traine . Nauarre . The Duke is slaine and all his power dispearst , And we are grac'd with wreathes of victory : Thus God we see doth euer guide the right , To make his glory great vpon the earth . Bar. The terrour of this happy victory , I hope will make the King surcease his hate : And either neuer mannage army more , Or else employ them in some better cause . Na.

How many noble men haue lost their liues ,

In prosecution of these cruell armes , Is ruth and almost death to call to minde : But God we know will alwaies put them downe , That lift themselues against the perfect truth , Which I le maintaine so long as life doth last , And with the Q. of England ioyne my force : To beat the papall Monarck from our lands , And keep those relicks from our countries coastes . Come my Lords now that this storme is ouerpast , Let vs away with triumph to our tents . Exeunt . Enter a Souldier . Soul .

Sir , to you sir , that dares make the Duke a cuckolde ,

And vse a counterfeite key to his priuie Chamber doore : And although you take out nothing but your owne , yet you put in that which displeaseth him , and so forestall his market , and set vp your standing where you should not : and whereas hee is your Landlord , you will take vpon you to be his , and tyll the ground that he himself should occupy , which is his own free land . If it be not too free there 's the question : and though I come not to take possession ( as I would I might ) yet I meane to keepe you out , which I will if this geare holde : what are ye come so soone ? haue at ye sir .

Enter Mugeroun . He shootes at him and killes him . Enter the Guise . Guise .

Holde thee tall Souldier , take thee this and flye .

Exit Soul . Lye there the Kings delight , and Guises scorne . Reuenge it Henry as thou list or dare , I did it only in despite of thee . Take him away . Enter the King and Epernoune . King .

My Lord of Guise , we vnderstand that you haue gathered a power of men , what your intent is yet we cannot learn , but we presume it is not for our good .

Guise .

Why I am no traitor to the crowne of France .

What I haue done t is for the Gospell sake . Eper.

Nay for the Popes sake , and thine owne benefite .

What Peere in France but thou ( aspiring Guise ) Durst be in armes without the Kings consent ? I challenge thee for treason in the cause . Guise .

Ah base Epernoune , were not his highnes heere ,

Thou shouldst perceiue the D. of Guise is mou'd . King . Be patient Guise and threat not Epernoune , Least thou perceiue the King of France be mou'd . Guise . Why ? I am a Prince of the Valoyses line , Therfore an enemy to the Burbonites . I am a iuror in the holy league , And therfore hated of the Protestants . What should I doe but stand vpon my guarde ? And being able , I le keep an hoast in pay . Epernoune .

Thou able to maintaine an hoast in pay ,

That liuest by forraine exhibition . The Pope and King of Spaine are thy good frends , Else all France knowes how poor a Duke thou art . King .

I , those are they that feed him with their golde ,

To counter maund our will and check our freends . Guise . My Lord , to speak more plainely , thus it is : Being animated by Religious zeale , I meane to muster all the power I can , To ouerthrow those sexious Puritans :

And know my Lord , the Pope will sell his triple crowne ,

I , and the catholick Philip King of Spaine , Ere I shall want , will cause his Indians , To rip the golden bowels of America . Nauarre that cloakes them vnderneath his wings , Shall feele the house of Lorayne is his foe : Your highnes needs not feare mine armies force , T is for your safetie and your enemies wrack . King .

Guise , weare our crowne , and be thou King of France ,

And as Dictator make or warre or peace , Whilste I cry placet like a Senator , I cannot brook thy hauty insolence , Dismisse thy campe or else by our Edict , Be thou proclaimde a traitor throughout France . Guise . The choyse is hard , I must dissemble . My Lord , in token of my true humilitie , And simple meaning to your Maiestie : I kisse your graces hand , and take my leaue , Intending to dislodge my campe with speed . King .

Then farwell Guise , the King and thou are freends .

Exit Guise . Eper.

But trust him not my Lord , for had your highnesse ,

Seene with what a pompe he entred Paris , And how the Citizens with gifts and shewes

Did entertaine him and promised to be at his commaund :

Nay , they fear'd not to speak in the streetes ,

That the Guise durst stand in armes against the King ,

For not effecting of his holines will . King . Did they of Paris entertaine him so ? Then meanes he present treason to our state . Well , let me alone , whos 's within there ? Enter one with a pen and inke . Make a discharge of all my counsell straite , And I le subscribe my name and seale it straight . My head shall be my counsell , they are false : And Epernoune I will be rulde by thee . Eper.

My Lord , I think for safety of your royall person ,

It would be good the Guise were made away , And so to quite your grace of all suspect . King .

First let vs set our hand and seale to this ,

( he writes . And then I le tell thee what I meane to doe . So , conuey this to the counsell presently . Exit one . And Epernoune though I seeme milde and calme , Thinke not but I am tragicall within : I le secretly conuay me vnto Bloyse , For now that Paris takes the Guises parte , Heere is no staying for the King of France , Vnles he meane to be betraide and dye : But as I hue , so sure the Guise shall dye . Exeunt . Enter the King of Nauarre reading of a letter , and Bartus . Nauarre . My Lord , I am aduertised from France , That the Guise hath taken armes against the King , And that Paris is reuolted from his grace . Bar. Then hath your grace fit oportunitie , To shew your loue vnto the King of France : Offering him aide against his enemies , Which cannot but be thankfully receiu'd . Nauarre .

Bartus , it shall be so , poast then to Fraunce ,

And there salute his highnesse in our name , Assure him all the aide we can prouide , Against the Guisians and their complices . Bartus be gone , commend me to his grace , And tell him ere it be long , I le visite him . Bar. I will my Lord . Exit . Enter Pleshe . Nauarre . Pleshe , Pleshe . My Lord . Na Pleshe , goe muster vp our men with speed , And let them march away to France amaine : For we must aide the King against the Guise . Be gone I say , t is time that we were there . Pleshe . I goe my Lord . Nauar.

That wicked Guise I feare me much will be ,

The ruine of that famous Realme of France : For his aspiring thoughts aime at the crowne , And takes his vantage on Religion , To plant the Pope and popelings in the Realme , And binde it wholy to the Sea of Rome : But if that God doe prosper mine attempts , And send vs safely to arriue in France : Wee 'l beat him back , and driue him to his death , That basely seekes the ruine of his Realme . Exeunt . Enter the Captaine of the guarde , and three murtherers . Captaine . Come on sirs , what , are you resolutely bent , Hating the life and honour of the Guise ? What , will you not feare when you see him come ? 1.

Feare him said you ? tush , were he heere , we would kill him presently .

O that his heart were leaping in my hand .

But when will he come that we may murther him ?

Cap. Well , then I see you are resolute . 1. Let vs alone , I warrant you . Cap.

Then sirs take your standings within this Chamber ,

For anon the Guise will come . All . You will giue vs our money . Cap. I , I , feare not , stand close , so be resolute :

Now fals the star whose influence gouernes France ,

Whose light was deadly to the Protestants Now must he fall and perish in his height . Enter the King and Epernoune . King .

Now Captain of my guarde , are these murtherers ready ?

Cap. They be my good Lord . King . But are they resolute and armde to kill , Hating the life and honour of the Guise ? Cap. I warrant ye my Lord . King .

Then come proud Guise and heere disgordge thy brest ,

Surchargde with surfet of ambitious thoughts : Breath out that life wherein my death was hid , And end thy endles treasons with thy death . Enter the Guise and knocketh . Guise . Halla verlete hey : Epernoune , where is the King ? Eper. Mounted his royall Cabonet . Guise .

I prethee tell him that the Guise is heere .

Eper.

And please your grace the Duke of Guise , doth craue accesse vnto your highnes .

King . Let him come in . Come Guise and see thy traiterous guile outreacht , And perish in the pit thou mad'st for me . The Guise comes to the King . Guise . Good morrow to your Maiestie . King .

Good morrow to my louing Cousin of Guise .

How fares it this morning with your excellence ? Guise .

I heard your Maiestie was scarsely pleasde ,

That in the Court I bare so great a traine .

King .

They were to blame that said I was displeasde ,

And you good Cosin to imagine it .

T were hard with me if I should doubt my kinne ,

Or be suspicious of my deerest freends : Cousin , assure you I am resolute , Whatsoeuer any whisper in mine eares , Not to suspect disloyaltye in thee , And so sweet Cuz farwell . Exit King . Guise .

So , now sues the King for fauour to the Guise ,

And all his Minions stoup when I commaund : Why this t is to haue an army in the fielde , Now by the holy sacrament I sweare , As ancient Romanes ouer their Captiue Lords , So will I triumph ouer this wanton King , And he shall follow my proud Chariots wheeles . Now doe I but begin to look about , And all my former time was spent in vaine :

Holde Sworde , for in thee is the Duke of Guises hope .

Enter one of the Murtherers .

Villaine , why dost thou look so gastly ? speake .

Mur. O pardon me my Lord of Guise . Guise . Pardon thee , why what hast thou done ? Mur.

O my Lord , I am one of them that is set to murder you .

Guise . To murder me villaine . Mur.

I my Lord , the rest haue taine their standings in the next roome , therefore good my Lord goe not foorth .

Guise .

Yet Caesar shall goe forth , let mean consaits , and baser men feare death : tut they are pesants ,

I am Duke of Guise : and princes with their lookes , ingender feare .

Stand close , he is comming , I know him by his voice .

Guise .

As pale as ashes , nay then t is time to look about .

All . Downe with him , downe with him . They stabbe him . Guise .

Oh I haue my deaths wound , giue me leaue to speak .

Then pray to God , and aske forgiuenes of the King .

Guise .

Trouble me not , I neare offended him .

Nor will I aske forgiuenes of the King . Oh that I haue not power to stay my life , Nor immortalitie to be reueng'd : To dye by Pesantes , what a greefe is this ? Ah Sextus , be reueng'd vpon the King , Philip and Parma , I am slaine for you : Pope excommunicate , Philip depose ,

The wicked branch of curst Valois his line .

Viue la messa , perish Hugonets ,

Thus Coesar did goe foorth , and thus he dyed .

He dyes . Enter Captaine of the Guarde . Captaine .

What haue you done ? then stay a while and I le goe call the King , but see where he comes .

My Lord , see where the Guise is slaine . King .

Ah this sweet sight is phisick to my soule ,

Goe fetch his sonne for to beholde his death :

Surchargde with guilt of thousand massacres :

Mounser of Loraine sinke away to hell ,

And in remembrance of those bloudy broyles :

To which thou didst alure me being aliue : And heere in presence of you all I sweare , I nere was King of France vntill this houre : This is the traitor that hath spent my golde , In making forraine warres and ciuile broiles . Did he not draw a sorte of English priestes , From Doway to the Seminary at Remes ,

To hatch forth treason gainst their naturall Queene ?

Did he not cause the King of Spaines huge fleete ,

To threaten England and to menace me ? Did he not iniure Mounser that s deceast ? Hath he not made me in the Popes defence ,

To spend the treasure that should strength my land :

In ciuill broiles between Nauarre and me ? Tush , to be short , he meant to make me Munke , Or else to murder me , and so be King . Let Christian princes that shall heare of this , ( As all the world shall know our Guise is dead ) Rest satisfied with this that heer I sweare , Nere was there King of France so yoakt as I . Eper. My Lord heer is his sonne . Enter the Guises sonne . King . Boy , look where your father lyes , Yong Guise .

My father slaine , who hath done this deed ?

King .

Sirra t was I that slew him , and will slay thee too , and thou proue such a traitor .

Yong Guise .

Art thou King , and hast done this bloudy deed ?

I le be reuengde . He offereth to throwe his dagger . King .

A way to prison with him , I le clippe his winges or ere he passe my handes , away with him .

Exit Boy . But what auaileth that this traitor s dead , When Duke Dumaine his brother is aliue ,

And that young Cardinall that is growne so proud ?

Goe to the Gouernour of Orleance , And will him in my name to kill the Duke . Get you away and strangle the Cardinall , These two will make one entire Duke of Guise , Especially with our olde mothers helpe . Eper.

My Lord , see where she comes , as if she droupt to heare these newes .

Enter Queene Mother . King .

And let her droup , my heart is light enough .

Mother , how like you this deuice of mine ? I slew the Guise , because I would be King . Queene . King , why so thou wert before . Pray God thou be a King now this is done . King . Nay he was King and countermanded me , But now I will be King and rule my selfe , And make the Guisians stoup that are aliue . Queene .

I cannot speak for greefe , when thou wast borne ,

I would that I had murdered thee my sonne . My sonne : thou art a changeling , not my sonne . I curse thee and exclaime thee miscreant , Traitor to God , and to the realme of France . King .

Cry out , exclaime , houle till thy throat be hoarce ,

The Guise is slaine , and I reioyce therefore : And now will I to armes , come Epernoune : And let her greeue her heart out if she will . Exit the King and Epernoune . Queene . Away , leaue me alone to meditate ,

Sweet Guise , would he had died so thou wert heere :

To whom shall I bewray my secrets now , Or who will helpe to builde Religion ? The Protestants will glory and insulte , Wicked Nauarre will get the crowne of France , The Popedome cannot stand , all goes to wrack . And all for thee my Guise , what may I doe ? But sorrow seaze vpon my toyling soule , For since the Guise is dead , I will not liue . Exit . Enter two dragging in the Cardenall . Car. Murder me not , I am a Cardenall . 1.

Wert thou the Pope thou mightst not scape from vs .

Car.

What will you fyle your handes with Churchmens bloud ?

Shed your bloud , O Lord no : for we entend to strangle you .

Car.

Then there is no remedye but I must dye .

No remedye , therefore prepare your selfe .

Car.

Yet liues my brother Duke Dumaine , and many moe :

To reuenge our deaths vpon that cursed King .

Vpon whose heart may all the furies gripe ,

And with their pawes drench his black soule in hell .

Yours my Lord Cardinall , you should haue saide .

Now they strangle him .

So , pluck amaine , he is hard hearted , therfore pull with violence .

Come take him away . Exeunt . Enter Duke Dumayn reading of a letter , with others . Dumaine .

My noble brother murthered by the King ,

Oh what may I doe , for to reuenge thy death ?

The Kings alone , it cannot satisfie .

Sweet Duke of Guise our prop to leane vpon ,

Now thou art dead , heere is no stay for vs :

I am thy brother , and i le reuenge thy death ,

And roote Valoys his line from forth of France ,

And beate proud Burbon to his natiue home .

That basely seekes to ioyne with such a King .

Whose murderous thoughts will be his ouerthrow .

Hee wild the Gouernour of Orleance in his name ,

That I with speed should haue beene put to death .

But that s preuented , for to end his life .

His life , and all those traitors to the Church of Rome ,

That durst attempt to murder noble Guise .

Enter the Frier . Frier .

My Lord , I come to bring you newes , that your brother the Cardinall of Loraine by the Kings consent is lately strangled vnto death .

Dumaine .

My brother Cardenall slaine and I aliue ?

O wordes of power to kill a thousand men . Come let vs away and leauy men ,

T is warre that must asswage this tyrantes pride .

Frier . My Lord , heare me but speak .

I am a Frier of the order of the Iacobyns ,

That for my conscience sake will kill the King .

Dumaine .

But what doth moue thee aboue the rest to doe the deed ?

Frier .

O my Lord , I haue beene a great sinner in my dayes , and the deed is meritorious .

Dumaine .

But how wilt thou get opportunitye ?

Frier . Tush my Lord , let me alone for that . Dumaine . Frier come with me , We will goe talke more of this within . Exeunt . Sound Drumme and Trumpets , and enter the King of France , and Nauarre , Epernoune , Bartus , Pleshe and Souldiers . King . Brother of Nauarre , I sorrow much , That euer I was prou'd your enemy , And that the sweet and princely minde you beare , Was euer troubled with iniurious warres : I vow as I am lawfull King of France , To recompence your reconciled loue , With all the honors and affections , That euer I vouchsafte my dearest freends . Nauarre .

It is enough if that Nauarre may be ,

Esteemed faithfull to the King of France :

Whose seruice he may still commaund till death .

King .

Thankes to my Kingly Brother of Nauarre .

Then heere wee 'l lye before Lutetia walles , Girting this strumpet Cittie with our siege , Till surfeiting with our afflicting armes , She cast her hatefull stomack to the earth . Enter a Messenger . Messenger .

And it please your Maiestie heere is a Frier of the order of the Iacobins , sent from the President of Paris , that craues accesse vnto your grace .

King . Let him come in . Enter Frier with a Letter . Epernoune . I like not this Friers look .

T were not amisse my Lord , if he were searcht .

King .

Sweete Epernoune , our Friers are holy men ,

And will not offer violence to their King ,

For all the wealth and treasure of the world ,

Frier , thou dost acknowledge me thy King :

Frier .

I my good Lord , and will dye therein .

King .

Then come thou neer , and tell what newes thou bringst .

Frier .

My Lord , the President of Paris greetes your grace , and sends his dutie by these speedye lines , humblye crauing your gracious reply .

King .

I le read them Frier , and then I le answere thee .

Frier . Sancte Iacobus , now haue mercye vpon me . He stabs the King with a knife as he readeth the letter , and then the King getteth the knife and killes him . Epernoune . O my Lord , let him liue a while . King .

No , let the villaine dye , and feele in hell , iust torments for his trechery .

Nauarre . What , is your highnes hurt ? King .

Yes Nauarre , but not to death I hope .

Nauarre .

God shield your grace from such a sodaine death :

Goe call a surgeon hether strait . King .

What irreligeous Pagans partes be these ,

Of such as holde them of the holy church ? Take hence that damned villaine from my sight . Eper. Ah , had your highnes let him liue , We might haue punisht him to his deserts . King .

Sweet Epernoune all Rebels vnder heauen , shall take example by their punishment , how they beare armes against their soueraigne .

Goe call the English Agent hether strait , I le send my sister England newes of this , And giue her warning of her trecherous foes . Nauarre .

Pleaseth your grace to let the Surgeon search your wound .

King .

The wound I warrant ye is deepe my Lord ,

Search Surgeon and resolue me what thou seest .

The Surgeon searcheth . Enter the English Agent . Agent for England , send thy mistres word , What this detested Iacobin hath done . Tell her for all this that I hope to liue ,

Which if I doe , the Papall Monarck goes to wrack .

And antechristian kingdome falles . These bloudy hands shall teare his triple Crowne , And fire accursed Rome about his eares . He fire his I le buildings and incense , The papall towers to kisse the holy earth . Nauarre , giue me thy hand , I heere do sweare , To ruinate that wicked Church of Rome , That hatcheth vp such bloudy practises . And heere protest eternall loue to thee , And to the Queene of England specially , Whom God hath blest for hating Papestry . Nauarre .

These words reuiue my thoughts and comforts me ,

To see your highnes in this vertuous minde . King . Tell me Surgeon , shall I liue ? Sur.

Alas my Lord , the wound is dangerous , for you are stricken with a poysoned knife .

King .

A poysoned knife , what shall the French king dye ,

Wounded and poysoned , both at once ? Eper.

O that that damned villaine were aliue againe ,

That we might torture him with some new found death .

Bar.

He died a death too good , the deuill of hell torture his wicked soule .

King .

Ah curse him not sith he is dead , O the fatall poyson workes within my brest , tell me Surgeon and flatter not , may I liue ?

Sur. Alas my Lord , your highnes cannot liue . Nauarre .

Surgeon , why saist thou so ? the King may liue .

King .

Oh no Nauarre , thou must be King of France .

Nauarre .

Long may you liue , and still be King of France .

Eper. Or else dye Epernoune . King . Sweet Epernoune thy King must dye .

My Lords , fight in the quarrell of this valiant Prince ,

For he is your lawfull King and my next heire : Valoyses lyne ends in my tragedie . Now let the house of Bourbon weare the crowne ,

And may it neuer end in bloud as mine hath done .

Weep not sweet Nauarre , but reuenge my death .

Ah Epernoune , is this thy loue to me ?

Henry thy King wipes of these childish teares ,

And bids thee whet thy sword on Sextus bones , That it may keenly slice the Catholicks . He loues me not that sheds most teares , But he that makes most lauish of his bloud . Fire Paris where these trecherous rebels lurke , I dye Nauarre , come beare me to my Sepulchre . Salute the Queene of England in my name , And tell her Henry dyes her faithfull freend . He dyes . Nauarre .

Come Lords , take vp the body of the King .

That we may see it honourably interde : And then I vow for to reuenge his death , As Rome and all those popish Prelates there , Shall curse the time that ere Nauarre was King . And rulde in France by Henries fatall death . They march out with the body of the King , lying on foure mens shoulders with a dead march , drawing weapons on the ground . FINIS .