_Guise._ The choice is hard; I must dissemble.-- [_Aside._ My lord, in token of my true humility, And simple meaning to your majesty, I kiss your grace's hand, and take my leave, Intending to dislodge my camp with speed.
_Henry._ Then farewell, Guise; the king and thou are friends. [_Exit_ GUISE. _Eper._ But trust him not, my lord; for, had your highness Seen with what a pomp he enter'd Paris, And how the citizens with gifts and shows Did entertain him, 70 And promisèd to be at his command-- Nay, they fear'd not to speak it in the streets, That the Guise durst stand in arms against the king, For not effecting of his holiness' will.
_Henry._ Did they of Paris entertain him so? Then means he present treason to our state. Well, let me alone.--Who's within there?
_Enter an_ Attendant, _with pen and ink_.
Make a discharge of all my council straight, And I'll subscribe my name, and seal it straight.-- [Attendant _writes_. My head shall be my council; they are false; 80 And, Epernoun, I will be rul'd by thee.
_Eper._ My lord, I think, for safety of your royal person, It would be good the Guise were made away, And so to quite[415] your grace of all suspect.
_Henry._ First let us set our hand and seal to this, And then I'll tell thee what I mean to do.-- [_Writes._ So; convey this to the council presently. [_Exit_ Attendant. And, Epernoun, though I seem mild and calm, Think not but I am tragical within. 90 I'll secretly convey me unto Blois; For, now that Paris takes the Guise's part, Here is no staying for the king of France, Unless he mean to be betray'd and die: But, as I live, so sure the Guise shall die. [_Exeunt._
_Enter_[416] _the_ KING OF NAVARRE, _reading a letter, and_ BARTUS.
_Nav._ My lord, I am advertisèd from France That the Guise hath taken arms against the king, And that Paris is revolted from his grace.
_Bar._ Then hath your grace fit opportunity To show your love unto the king of France, Offering him aid against his enemies, Which cannot but be thankfully receiv'd.
_Nav._ Bartus, it shall be so: post, then, to France, And there salute his highness in our name; Assure him all the aid we can provide 10 Against the Guisians and their complices. Bartus, be gone: commend me to his grace, And tell him, ere it be long, I'll visit him.