_ Yes; we for them,
And they for us; the benefits are mutual,
And so the ties are too.
_Card._ To cut things short,
The Commons will decree, to exclude Navarre
From the succession of the realm of France.
_King._ Decree, my lord! What! one estate decree?
Where then are the other two, and what am I?
The government is cast up somewhat short,
The clergy and nobility cashiered,
Five hundred popular figures on a row,
And I myself, that am, or should be, king,
An o'ergrown cypher set before the sum:
What reasons urge our sovereigns for the exclusion?
_Arch._ He stands suspected, sir, of heresy.
_King._ Has he been called to make his just defence?
_Card._ That needs not, for 'tis known.
_King._ To whom?
_Card._ The Commons.
_King._ What is't those gods, the Commons, do not know?
But heresy, you churchmen teach us vulgar,
Supposes obstinate, and stiff persisting
In errors proved, long admonitions made,
And all rejected: Has this course been used?
_Arch._ We grant it has not; but--
_King._ Nay, give me leave,--
I urge, from your own grant, it has not been.
If then, in process of a petty sum,
Both parties having not been fully heard,
No sentence can be given;
Much less in the succession of a crown,
Which, after my decease, by right inherent,
Devolves upon my brother of Navarre.
_Card._ The right of souls is still to be preferred;
Religion must not suffer for a claim.
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