Lachapelle-Marteau had worked on the magistrates and had 200 black robes
ready for councilors. Brigard had gained the merchants of the Rue
Lombards and the Rue St. Denis. Cruce could answer for the University of
Paris, and Delbar promised for all the sailors in the port, a dangerous
body of 500 men. Each of the others had something to offer, even
Nicholas Poulain, the friend of Chicot.

When Mayenne had heard them all, he said, "I admire your strength, but I
do not see the end you propose to yourselves."

Bussy Leclerc answered, "We want a change, and as we are the
strongest--"

"But how will you arrive at this change?"

"It seems to me," replied Bussy, boldly, "that as the idea of the Union
came from our chiefs, it is for them to point out its aim."

"You are perfectly right," said Mayenne, "but it is also for them to
judge of the proper time for action. The troops of M. de Guise may be
ready, but he does not give the signal until he thinks fit."

"But, monseigneur, we are impatient."

"For what?"

"To arrive at our end. We also have our plan."

"Ah! that is different; if you have your own plan, I say no more."