Enter Abbot Delbene.
Abb. Colonel, your ear.
Mar. By these whispering councils,
My soul presages that the Guise is coming.
If he dares come, were I a man, a king,
061 I'd sacrifice him in the city's sight.—
O heavens! what was't I said? Were I a man,
I know not that; but, as I am a virgin,
If I would offer thee, too lovely Guise,
It should be kneeling to the throne of mercy.—
Ha! then thou lovest, that thou art thus concerned.
Down, rising mischief, down, or I will kill thee,
Even in thy cause, and strangle new-born pity!—
Yet if he were not married!—ha, what then?
His charms prevail;—no, let the rebel die.
I faint beneath this strong oppression here;
Reason and love rend my divided soul;
Heaven be the judge, and still let virtue conquer.
Love to his tune my jarring heart would bring,
But reason over-winds, and cracks the string.[Exit.
Abb. The king dispatches order upon order,
With positive command to stop his coming.
Yet there is notice given to the city;
Besides, Belleure brought but a half account,
How that the Guise replied, he would obey
His majesty in all; yet, if he might
Have leave to justify himself before him,
He doubted not his cause.
Gril. The axe, the axe:
Rebellion's pampered to a pleurisy,
And it must bleed.[Shout within.
Abb. Hark, what a shout was there!
I'll to the king; it may be, 'tis reported
On purpose thus.
Let there be truth or lies
In this mad fame, I'll bring you instant word.[Exit Abbot.
Manet Grillon: Enter Guise, Cardinal, Mayenne, Malicorn, Attendants, &c. Shouts again.
Gril. Death, and thou devil Malicorn, is that
Thy master?
Gui. Yes, Grillon, 'tis the Guise;
062 One, that would court you for a friend.
Gril. A friend!
Traitor thou mean'st, and so I bid thee welcome;
But since thou art so insolent, thy blood
Be on thy head, and fall by me unpitied.[Exit.