_Guise._ I heard your majesty was scarcely pleased, That in the court I bear so great a train.
_Henry._ They were to blame that said I was displeased; And you, good cousin, to imagine it. 'Twere hard with me, if I should doubt my kin, 40 Or be suspicious of my dearest friends, Cousin, assure you I am resolute, Whatsoever any whisper in mine ears, Not to suspect disloyalty in thee: And so, sweet coz, farewell. [_Exit with_ EPERNOUN.
_Guise._ So; Now sues the king for favour to the Guise, And all his minions stoop when I command: Why, this 'tis to have an army in the field. Now, by the holy sacrament, I swear, 50 As ancient Romans o'er their captive lords, So will I triumph o'er this wanton king; And he shall follow my proud chariot's wheels. Now do I but begin to look about, And all my former time was spent in vain. Hold, sword, For in thee is the Duke of Guise's hope.
Villain, why dost thou look so ghastly? speak.
_Third Murd._ O, pardon me, my Lord of Guise!
_Guise._ Pardon thee! why, what hast thou done? 60
_Third Murd._ O my lord, I am one of them that is set to murder you!
_Third Murd._ I, my lord: the rest have ta'en their standings in the next room; therefore, good my lord, go not forth.
_Guise._ Yet Cæsar shall go forth. Let mean conceits and baser men fear death: Tut, they are peasants; I am Duke of Guise; And princes with their looks engender fear. 70
_First Murd._ [_within_] Stand close; he is coming; I know him by his voice.
_Guise._ As pale as ashes![420] nay, then, it is time To look about.
_First and Sec. Murderers._ Down with him, down with him! [_They stab_ GUISE. _Guise._ O, I have my death's wound! give me leave to speak.
_Sec. Murd._ Then pray to God, and ask forgiveness of the king.
_Guise._ Trouble me not; I ne'er offended him, Nor will I ask forgiveness of the king. O, that I have not power to stay my life, Nor immortality to be revenged! 80 To die by peasants, what a grief is this! Ah, Sixtus, be reveng'd upon the king! Philip and Parma, I am slain for you! Pope, excommunicate, Philip, depose The wicked branch of curs'd Valois his line! _Vive la messe!_ perish Huguenots! Thus Cæsar did go forth, and thus he died. [_Dies._
_Cap._ What, have you done? Then stay a while, and I'll go call the king. But see, where he comes. 90