s more bound to the service of the King and his country then
to his owne health, or to that of his children. A gentleman, being at
his table, speaking of this taking, said, 'Sir, if the King should
command mee to take you, I would doe it, although I bee your most humble
servant, that you march in the first rankes of greatnesse in the realm,
and that all things touching armes, depend upon your commandments.' 'I
beleeve it' (answered the Constable) 'else you should do ill, for the
King is both your King and mine. I am your friend.' There is no love nor
affection to dispence any one from the Kings commandments."

II

GRIMESTON'S TRANSLATION OF J. DE SERRES'S NARRATIVE OF THE MURDER OF THE
DUKE OF GUISE IN HIS INVENTAIRE GENERAL

The King determines to get rid of Guise, "this newe starre in the East
whom the people worshipped already." (722.) "Hee hath caused bookes to
bee printed in favour of the lawfull succession of the House of Lorraine
to the Crowne. At the Barricades this voice was heard: 'It is no longer
time to dally, let us lead my lord to Reimes.' He hath suffered himselfe
to be saluted by the people, with cries and acclamations which belong
only to the Soveraigne Prince."

The Duke, scenting danger, thinks of absenting himself from the meetings
of the Estates, but is dissuaded.

(723.) "The Archbishop of Lion, attending a Cardinals hatt within a few
dayes from Rome, 'Retyring your selfe from the Estates' (said he unto
him) 'you shall beare the blame to have abandoned France in so important
an occasion, and your enemies, making their profit of your absence, wil
sone overthrowe al that which you have with so much paine effected for
the assurance of religion.'

"Man doth often loose his judgement upon the point of his fal.
Advertisements were come to him from all parts, both within and without
the realme, from Rome, Spaine, Lorraine and Savoye, that a bloodie
catastrophe would dissolve the assemblie. The almanakes had well
observed it: it was generally bruted in the Estates, that the execution
should be on Saint Thomas day. The eve before his death, the Duke
himselfe sitting downe to dinner, found a scroule under his napkin,
advertising him of this secret ambush. But (as ambition blinds those
whome shee hath raised up to the pies nest, and the furie of Gods
judgements confounds such as trust in their authoritie) he writ
underneath, with his owne hand 'They dare not'; and threw it under the
table.

"The Du