Protestantism in France From Death of Francis I to Edict of Nantes - James Aitken Wylie

and so to set an example to all Christendom and
posterity. "With what conscience," said he, "can I
advise you to go to mass if I do not first go myself?
and what kind of religion can that be which is
taken off as easily as one's coat?" So did this great
patriot and Christian advise.
But Henry was only playing with both his
counselors. His course was already irrevocably
taken; he had set his face towards Rome. On
Thursday, July 22, 1593, he met the bishops, with
whom he was to confer on the points of difference
between the two religions. With a half-malicious
humor he would occasionally interrupt their
harangues with a few puzzling questions. On the
following Sunday morning, the 25th, he repaired
with a sumptuous following of men-at-arms to the
Church of St. Denis. On the king's knocking the
cathedral door was immediately opened.
The Bishop of Bourges met him at the head of
a train of prelates and priests, and demanded to
know the errand on which the king had come.
Henry made answer, "To be admitted into the
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