THE SCENE: A constant threat of assassination can trouble the strongest of minds, as is demonstrated by this passage about the otherwise celebrated King Henry I showing unmistakable signs of stress and paranoia.
THE TEXT: To crown his misfortune, he was even troubled by a piece of wickedness inside his very own household. Frightened thoroughly by a clandestine conspiracy of stewards and chamberlains, he changed beds often and, dreading night’s terrors, regularly increased his armed guards. He also ordered that a shield and sword be placed before him every night while he slept. One member of the cabal, named H., was an intimate counsellor who had been enriched by the king’s generosity; but having become powerful and renowned, he became even more renowned as a traitor. Caught taking part in this terrible ploy, he was mercifully condemned to losing his eyes and genitals when he deserved to be choked to death by a noose.
– The Deeds of Louis the Fat, Suger, 12th Century AD
