SCENE IV.

_Enter_[359] KING CHARLES, CATHERINE _the Queen-Mother_, GUISE, ANJOU, _and_ DUMAINE.

_Cath._ My noble son, and princely Duke of Guise, Now have we got the fatal, straggling deer Within the compass of a deadly toil, And, as we late decreed, we may perform.

_Char._ Madam, it will be noted through the world An action bloody and tyrannical; Chiefly, since under safety of our word They justly challenge their protection: Besides, my heart relents that noblemen, Only corrupted in religion, 10 Ladies of honour, knights, and gentlemen, Should, for their conscience, taste such ruthless ends.

_Anj._ Though gentle minds should pity others' pain, Yet will the wisest note their proper griefs, And rather seek to scourge their enemies Than be themselves base subjects to the whip.

_Guise._ Methinks my Lord Anjou hath well advised Your highness to consider of the thing, And rather choose to seek your country's good Than pity or relieve these upstart heretics. 20

_Cath._ I hope these reasons may serve my princely son To have some care for fear of enemies.

_Char._ Well, madam, I refer it to your majesty, And to my nephew here, the Duke of Guise: What you determine, I will ratify.

_Cat._ Thanks to my princely son.--Then tell me,Guise, What order will you set down for the massacre?

_Guise._ Thus, madam. They That shall be actors in this massacre, Shall wear white crosses on their burgonets, 30 And tie white linen scarfs about their arms: He that wants these, and is suspect[360] of heresy, Shall die, be he king or emperor. Then I'll have A peal of ordnance shot from the tower, at which They all shall issue out, and set[361] the streets; And then, The watch-word being given, a bell shall ring, Which when they hear, they shall begin to kill, And never cease until that bell shall cease; Then breathe a while. 40

_Enter the_ ADMIRAL'S Serving-Man.

_Char._ How now, fellow! what news?

_Serv.-M._ An it please your grace, the Lord High Admiral, Riding the streets, was traitorously shot; And most humbly[362] entreats your majesty To visit him, sick in his bed.

_Char._ Messenger, tell him I will see him straight. [_Exit_ Serv.-M. What shall we do now with the Admiral?

_Cath._ Your majesty were best go visit him, And make a show as if all were well.

_Char._ Content; I will go visit the Admiral. 50

_Guise._ And I will go take order for his death. [_Exeunt_.[363]