GUISE. Why I am no traitor to the crowne of France. What I have done tis for the Gospel's sake. EPERNOUNE. Nay for the Popes sake, and shine owne benefite. What Peere in France but thou (aspiring Guise) Durst be in armes without the Kings consent? I challenge thee for treason in the cause. GUISE. Oh base Epernoune, were not his highnes heere, Thou shouldst perceive the Duke of Guise is mov'd. KING. Be patient Guise and threat not Epernoune, Least thou perceive the King of France be mov'd. GUISE. Why? I am a Prince of the Valoyses line, Therfore an enemy to the Burbonites. I am a juror in the holy league, And therfore hated of the Protestants. What should I doe but stand upon my guarde? And being able, Ile keep an hoast in pay. EPERNOUNE. Thou able to maintaine an hoast in pay, That livest by forraine exhibition? The Pope and King of Spaine are thy good frends, Else all France knowes how poor a Duke thou art. KING. I, those are they that feed him with their golde, To countermaund our will and check our freends. GUISE. My Lord, to speak more plainely, thus it is: Being animated by Religious zeale, I meane to muster all the power I can, To overthrow those factious Puritans: And know, the Pope will sell his triple crowne, I, and the catholick Philip King of Spaine, Ere I shall want, will cause his Indians, To rip the golden bowels of America. Navarre that cloakes them underneath his wings, Shall feele the house of Lorayne is his foe: Your highnes need not feare mine armies force, Tis for your safetie and your enemies wrack. KING. Guise, weare our crowne, and be thou King of France, And as Dictator make or warre or peace, Whilste I cry placet like a Senator. I cannot brook thy hauty insolence, Dismisse thy campe or else by our Edict, Be thou proclaimde a traitor throughout France. GUISE. The choyse is hard, I must dissemble. [Aside.] My Lord, in token of my true humilitie, And simple meaning to your Majestie, I kisse your graces hand, and take my leave, Intending to dislodge my campe with speed. KING. Then farwell Guise, the King and thou art freends. Exit Guise. EPERNOUNE. But trust him not my Lord, For had your highnesse seene with what a pompe He entred Paris, and how the Citizens With gifts and shewes did entertaine him And promised to be at his commaund: Nay, they fear'd not to speak in the streetes, That Guise ch, durst stand in armes against the King, For not effecting of his holines will. KING. Did they of Paris entertaine him so? Then meanes he present treason to our state. Well, let me alone, whose within there? Enter one with e pen and inke.