But ere I suffer that, fall all together,
Or rather, on their slaughtered heaps erect
My throne, and then proclaim it for example.
I'm born a monarch, which implies alone
To wield the sceptre, and depend on none. [_Exeunt[13]._
ACT IV.
SCENE I._--The Louvre._
_A Chair of State placed; the King appears sitting in it; a Table by
him, on which he leans; Attendants on each Side of him; amongst the
rest,_ ABBOT, GRILLON, _and_ BELLIEURE. _The_ QUEEN-MOTHER _enters,
led by the Duke of_ GUISE, _who makes his Approach with three
Reverences to the King's Chair; after the third, the King rises, and
coming forward, speaks._
_King._ I sent you word, you should not come.
_Gui._ Sir, that I came--
_King._ Why, that you came, I see.
Once more, I sent you word, you should not come.
_Gui._ Not come to throw myself, with all submission,
Beneath your royal feet! to put my cause
And person in the hands of sovereign justice!
_King._ Now 'tis with all submission,--that's the preface,--
Yet still you came against my strict command;
You disobeyed me, duke, with all submission.
_Gui._ Sir, 'twas the last necessity that drove me,
To clear myself of calumnies, and slanders,
Much urged, but never proved, against my innocence;
Yet had I known 'twas your express command,
I should not have approached.
_King._ 'Twas as express, as words could signify;--
Stand forth, Bellieure,--it shall be proved you knew it,--
Stand forth, and to this false man's face declare
Your message, word for word.
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