The King rises from his Chair, comes forward with his Cabinet-council.
King. Open the closet, and let in the council;
Bid Dugast execute the cardinal;
Seize all the factious leaders, as I ordered,
And every one be answered, on your lives.
Enter Queen-Mother followed by the Counsellors.
O, madam, you are welcome; how goes your health?
Qu. M. A little mended, sir.—What have you done?
King. That which has made me king of France; for there
The king of Paris at your feet lies dead.
Qu. M. You have cut out dangerous work, but make it up
With speed and resolution[24].
King. Yes, I'll wear
The fox no longer, but put on the lion;
And since I could resolve to take the heads
Of this great insurrection, you, the members,
Look to it; beware, turn from your stubbornness,
And learn to know me, for I will be king.
Gril. 'Sdeath, how the traitors lower, and quake, and droop,
And gather to the wing of his protection,
121 As if they were his friends, and fought his cause!
King. [Looking upon Guise.]
Be witness, heaven, I gave him treble warning!
He's gone—no more.—Disperse, and think upon it.
Beware my sword, which, if I once unsheath,
By all the reverence due to thrones and crowns,
Nought shall atone the vows of speedy justice,
Till fate to ruin every traitor brings,
That dares the vengeance of indulgent kings.[Exuent.