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.