and for answer, I produced this book.
A Calvinist minister of Orleans
Writ this, to justify the admiral
For taking arms against the king deceased;
Wherein he proves, that irreligious kings
May justly be deposed, and put to death.

_Buss._ To borrow arguments from heretic books,
Methinks, was not so prudent.

_Cur._ Yes; from the devil, if it would help our cause.
The author was indeed a heretic;
The matter of the book is good and pious.

_Pol._ But one prime article of our Holy League
Is to preserve the king, his power, and person.

_Cur._ That must be said, you know, for decency;
A pretty blind to make the shoot secure.

_Buss._ But did the primitive Christians e'er rebel,
When under heathen lords? I hope they did.

_Cur._ No sure, they did not; for they had not power;
The conscience of a people is their power.

_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, ag