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]
SCENE V.
The [364] Admiral discovered in bed. Enter King Charles.
Char. How fares it with my Lord High Admiral? Hath he been hurt with villain's in the street? I vow and swear, as I am king of France, To find and to repay the man with death, With death delayed and torments never us'd, That durst presume, for hope of any gain, To hurt the nobleman their [365] sovereign loves.
Adm. Ah, my good lord, these are the Guisians, That seek to massacre our guiltless lives!
Char. Assure yourself, my good Lord Admiral,10 I deeply sorrow for your treacherous wrong; And that I am not more secure myself Than I am careful you should be preserv'd.— Cousin, take twenty of our strongest guard, And, under your direction, see they keep All treacherous violence from our noble friend; Repaying all attempts with present death Upon the cursèd breakers of our peace.— And so be patient, good Lord Admiral, And every hour I will visit you.20
Adm. I humbly thank your royal majesty. [Exit Charles. The bed is drawn in.