"The Duc de Guise is dead to all that transpires," he replied, "and I propose to act as if he were really dead."
With these words, he removed his doublet, and rolled up his sleeves.
"The idea of performing such experiments on Monseigneur, tanquam in anima vili," said an old physician, shocked at these preparations, and clasping his hands in horror.
"Yes," replied Ambroise, without raising his eyes from the sufferer. "I am going to treat him, not as a man, not even as a beast of the field, but as an inanimate thing. See!"
He placed his foot boldly upon the duke's chest.
A subdued sound of commingled terror, doubt, and menace ran through the assemblage.
"Take care, Master!" said Monsieur de Nevers, touching Ambroise Paré on the shoulder; "take care! If you fail I will not answer for the anger of the duke's friends and servants."
"Ah!" said Ambroise, with a sad smile, as he turned toward the speaker.
"Your head is in danger," said another.
Ambroise Paré looked up to Heaven as if for strength; then he rejoined with melancholy gravity,—