Pol. Well; the next article in our solemn covenant Has cleared the point again.

Buss. What is’t?  I should be glad to find the king No safer than needs must.

Pol. That, in case of opposition from any person whatsoever—­

Cur. That’s well, that well; then the king is not excepted, if he oppose us.—­

Pol. We are obliged to join as one, to punish All, who attempt to hinder or disturb us.

Buss. ’Tis a plain case; the king’s included in the punishment, in case he rebel against the people.

Pol. But how can he rebel?

Cur. I’ll make it out:  Rebellion is an insurrection against the government; but they that have the power are actually the government; therefore, if the people have the power, the rebellion is in the king.

Buss. A most convincing argument for faction.

Cur. For arming, if you please, but not for faction: 
For still the faction is the fewest number: 
So what they call the lawful government,
Is now the faction; for the most are ours.

Pol. Since we are proved to be above the king, I would gladly understand whom we are to obey, or, whether we are to be all kings together?

Cur. Are you a member of the League, and ask that question?  There’s an article, that, I may say, is as necessary as any in the creed; namely, that we, the said associates, are sworn to yield ready obedience, and faithful service, to that head which shall be deputed.

Buss. ’Tis most manifest, that, by virtue of our oath, we are all subjects to the Duke of Guise.  The king’s an officer that has betrayed his trust; and therefore we have turned him out of service.

Omn. Agreed, agreed.

  Enter the Duke of GUISE, Cardinal of GUISE, AUMALE:  Torches
  before them.  The Duke takes the Chair.

Buss. Your highness enters in a lucky hour; The unanimous vote you heard, confirms your choice.  As head of Paris and the Holy League.

Card. I say amen to that.

Pol. You are our champion, buckler of our faith.

Card. The king, like Saul, is heaven’s repented choice; You his anointed one, on better thought.

Gui. I’m what you please to call me; any thing, Lieutenant-general, chief, or constable, Good decent names, that only mean—­your slave.

Buss. You chased the Germans hence, exiled Navarre, And rescued France from heretics and strangers.

Aum. What he, and all of us have done, is known.  What’s our reward?  Our offices are lost, Turned out, like laboured oxen after harvest, To the bare commons of the withered field.

Buss. Our charters will go next; because we sheriffs Permit no justice to be done on those The court calls rebels, but we call them saints.