“Oh! I have right of absolution, and I absolve myself in advance. Come, renounce, Brother Valois.”
“Renounce what?”
“The throne of France.”
“Rather death!”
“Oh! then you shall die! Here is the prior returning. Decide!”
“I have my guards—my friends; they will defend me.”
“Yes, but you will be killed first.”
“Leave me at least a little time for reflection.”
“Not an instant!”
“Your zeal carries you away, brother,” said the prior, opening the door; and saying to the king, “Your request is granted,” he shut it again.