ACT I

Charles I.Earl ofHolland.LordSavile.SirHenry Vane.Wentworth, ViscountWentworth, Earl ofStrafford.John Pym.John Hampden.The youngerVane.Denzil Hollis.Benjamin Rudyard.Nathaniel Fiennes.Earl ofLoudon.Maxwell,Usher of the Black Rod.Balfour,Constable of the Tower.A Puritan.QueenHenrietta.Lucy Percy,Countess of Carlisle.Presbyterians, Scots Commissioners, Adherents of Strafford, Secretaries, Officers of the Court, etc.Two of Stafford'sChildren.

Scene I.A House near Whitehall.Hampden,Hollis,theyoungerVane,Rudyard,Fiennesand many of the Presbyterian Party:Loudonand other Scots Commissioners.Vane.I say, if he be here—Rudyard.(And he is here!)—Hollis.For England's sake let every man be stillNor speak of him, so much as say his name,Till Pym rejoin us! Rudyard! Henry Vane!One rash conclusion may decide our courseAnd with it England's fate—think—England's fate!Hampden, for England's sake they should be still!Vane.You say so, Hollis? Well, I must be still.It is indeed too bitter that one man,Any one man's mere presence, should suspendEngland's combined endeavor: little needTo name him!Rud.For you are his brother, Hollis!Hampden.Shame on you, Rudyard! time to tell him thatWhen he forgets the Mother of us all.Rud.Do I forget her?Hamp.You talk idle hateAgainst her foe: is that so strange a thing?Is hating Wentworth all the help she needs?A Puritan.The Philistine strode, cursing as he went:But David—five smooth pebbles from the brookWithin his scrip ...Rud.Be you as still as David!Fiennes.Here 's Rudyard not ashamed to wag a tongueStiff with ten years' disuse of Parliaments;Why, when the last sat, Wentworth sat with us!Rud.Let 's hope for news of them now he returns—He that was safe in Ireland, as we thought!—But I 'll abide Pym's coming.Vane.Now, by Heaven,Then may be cool who can, silent who will—Some have a gift that way! Wentworth is here,Here, and the King's safe closeted with himEre this. And when I think on all that 's pastSince that man left us, how his single armRolled the advancing good of England backAnd set the woeful past up in its place,Exalting Dagon where the Ark should be,—How that man has made firm the fickle King(Hampden, I will speak out!)—in aught he fearedTo venture on before; taught tyrannyHer dismal trade, the use of all her tools,To ply the scourge yet screw the gag so closeThat strangled agony bleeds mute to death—How he turns Ireland to a private stageFor training infant villanies, new waysOf wringing treasure out of tears and blood,Unheard oppressions nourished in the darkTo try how much man's nature can endure—If he dies under it, what harm? if not,Why, one more trick is added to the restWorth a king's knowing, and what Ireland bearsEngland may learn to bear:—how all this whileThat man has set himself to one dear task,The bringing Charles to relish more and morePower, power without law, power and blood too—Can I be still?Hamp.For that you should be still.Vane.Oh Hampden, then and now! The year he left us,The People in full Parliament could wrestThe Bill of Rights from the reluctant King;And now, he 'll find in an obscure small roomA stealthy gathering of great-hearted menThat take up England's cause: England is here!Hamp.And who despairs of England?Rud.That do I,If Wentworth comes to rule her. I am sickTo think her wretched masters, Hamilton,The muckworm Cottington, the maniac Laud,May yet be longed-for back again. I say,I do despair.Vane.And, Rudyard, I 'll say this—Which all true men say after me, not loudBut solemnly and as you 'd say a prayer!This King, who treads our England underfoot,Has just so much ... it may be fear or craft,As bids him pause at each fresh outrage; friends,He needs some sterner hand to grasp his own,Some voice to ask, "Why shrink? Am I not by?"Now, one whom England loved for serving her,Found in his heart to say, "I know where bestThe iron heel shall bruise her, for she leansUpon me when you trample." Witness, you!So Wentworth heartened Charles, so England fell.But inasmuch as life is hard to takeFrom England ...Many Voices.Go on, Vane! 'T is well said, Vane!Vane.Who has not so forgotten Runnymede!—Voices.'T is well and bravely spoken, Vane! Go on!Vane.There are some little signs of late she knowsThe ground no place for her. She glances round,Wentworth has dropped the hand, is gone his wayOn other service: what if she arise?No! the King beckons, and beside him standsThe same bad man once more, with the same smileAnd the same gesture. Now shall England crouch,Or catch at us and rise?Voices.The Renegade!Haman! Ahithophel!Hamp.Gentlemen of the North,It was not thus the night your claims were urged,And we pronounced the League and Covenant,The cause of Scotland, England's cause as well:Vane there, sat motionless the whole night through.Vane.Hampden!Fien.Stay, Vane!Loudon.Be just and patient, Vane!Vane.Mind how you counsel patience, Loudon! youHave still a Parliament, and this your LeagueTo back it; you are free in Scotland still:While we are brothers, hope 's for England yet.But know you wherefore Wentworth comes? to quenchThis last of hopes? that he brings war with him?Know you the man's self? what he dares?Lou.We know,All know—'t is nothing new.Vane.And what 's new, then,In calling for his life? Why, Pym himself—You must have heard—ere Wentworth dropped our causeHe would see Pym first; there were many moreStrong on the people's side and friends of his,Eliot that 's dead, Rudyard and Hampden here,But for these Wentworth cared not; only, PymHe would see—Pym and he were sworn, 't is said,To live and die together; so, they metAt Greenwich. Wentworth, you are sure, was long,Specious enough, the devil's argumentLost nothing on his lips; he 'd have Pym ownA patriot could not play a purer partThan follow in his track; they two combinedMight put down England. Well, Pym heard him out;One glance—you know Pym's eye—one word was all:"You leave us, Wentworth! while your head is on,I 'll not leave you."Hamp.Has he left Wentworth, then?Has England lost him? Will you let him speak,Or put your crude surmises in his mouth?Away with this! Will you have Pym or Vane?Voices.Wait Pym's arrival! Pym shall speak.Hamp.MeanwhileLet Loudon read the Parliament's reportFrom Edinburgh: our last hope, as Vane says,Is in the stand it makes. Loudon!Vane.No, no!Silent I can be: not indifferent!Hamp.Then each keep silence, praying God to spareHis anger, cast not England quite awayIn this her visitation!A Puritan.Seven years longThe Midianite drove Israel into densAnd caves. Till God sent forth a mighty man,(Pymenters.)Even Gideon!Pym.Wentworth 's come: nor sickness, care,The ravaged body nor the ruined soul,More than the winds and waves that beat his ship,Could keep him from the King. He has not reachedWhitehall: they 've hurried up a Council thereTo lose no time and find him work enough.Where 's Loudon? your Scots' Parliament ...Lou.Holds firm:We were about to read reports.Pym.The KingHas just dissolved your Parliament.Lou. and other Scots.Great God!An oath-breaker! Stand by us, England, then!Pym.The King 's too sanguine; doubtless Wentworth 's here;But still some little form might be kept up.Hamp.Now speak, Vane! Rudyard, you had much to say!Hol.The rumor 's false, then ...Pym.Ay, the Court gives outHis own concerns have brought him back: I know'T is the King calls him. Wentworth supersedesThe tribe of Cottingtons and HamiltonsWhose part is played; there 's talk enough, by this,—Merciful talk, the King thinks: time is nowTo turn the record's last and bloody leafWhich, chronicling a nation's great despair,Tells they were long rebellious, and their lordIndulgent, till, all kind expedients tried,He drew the sword on them and reigned in peace.Laud 's laying his religion on the ScotsWas the last gentle entry: the new pageShall run, the King thinks, "Wentworth thrust it downAt the sword's point."A Puritan.I 'll do your bidding, Pym,England's and God's—one blow!Pym.A goodly thing—We all say, friends, it is a goodly thingTo right that England. Heaven grows dark above:Let 's snatch one moment ere the thunder fall,To say how well the English spirit comes outBeneath it! All have done their best, indeed,From lion Eliot, that grand Englishman,To the least here: and who, the least one here,When she is saved (for her redemption dawnsDimly, most dimly, but it dawns—it dawns)Who 'd give at any price his hope awayOf being named along with the Great Men?We would not—no, we would not give that up!Hamp.And one name shall be dearer than all names,When children, yet unborn, are taught that nameAfter their fathers',—taught what matchless man ...Pym.... Saved England? What if Wentworth's should be stillThat name?Rud. and others.We have just said it, Pym! His deathSaves her! We said it—there 's no way beside!I 'll do God's bidding, Pym! They struck down JoabAnd purged the land.Vane.No villanous striking-down!Rud.No, a calm vengeance: let the whole land riseAnd shout for it. No Feltons!Pym.Rudyard, no!England rejects all Feltons; most of allSince Wentworth ... Hampden, say the trust againOf England in her servants—but I 'll thinkYou know me, all of you. Then, I believe,Spite of the past, Wentworth rejoins you, friends!Vane and others.Wentworth? Apostate! Judas! Double-dyedA traitor! Is it Pym, indeed ...Pym.... Who saysVane never knew that Wentworth, loved that man,Was used to stroll with him, arm locked in arm,Along the streets to see the people pass,And read in every island-countenanceFresh argument for God against the King,—Never sat down, say, in the very houseWhere Eliot's brow grew broad with noble thoughts,(You 've joined us, Hampden—Hollis, you as well,)And then left talking over Gracchus's death ...Vane.To frame, we know it well, the choicest clauseIn the Petition of Right: he framed such clauseOne month before he took at the King's handHis Northern Presidency, which that BillDenounced.Pym.Too true! Never more, never moreWalked we together! Most alone I went.I have had friends—all here are fast my friends—But I shall never quite forget that friend.And yet it could not but be real in him!You, Vane,—you, Rudyard, have no right to trustTo Wentworth: but can no one hope with me?Hampden, will Wentworth dare shed English bloodLike water?Hamp.Ireland is Aceldama.Pym.Will he turn Scotland to a hunting-groundTo please the King, now that he knows the King?The People or the King? and that King, Charles!Hamp.Pym, all here know you: you 'll not set your heartOn any baseless dream. But say one deedOf Wentworth's, since he left us ...[Shouting without.Vane.There! he comes,And they shout for him! Wentworth 's at Whitehall,The King embracing him, now, as we speak,And he, to be his match in courtesies,Taking the whole war's risk upon himself,Now, while you tell us here how changed he is!Hear you?Pym.And yet if 't is a dream, no more,That Wentworth chose their side, and brought the KingTo love it as though Laud had loved it first,And the Queen after; that he led their causeCalm to success, and kept it spotless through,So that our very eyes could look uponThe travail of our souls, and close contentThat violence, which something mars even rightWhich sanctions it, had taken off no graceFrom its serene regard. Only a dream!Hamp.We meet here to accomplish certain goodBy obvious means, and keep tradition upOf free assemblages, else obsolete,In this poor chamber: nor without effectHas friend met friend to counsel and confirm,As, listening to the beats of England's heart,We spoke its wants to Scotland's prompt replyBy these her delegates. Remains aloneThat word grow deed, as with God's help it shall—But with the devil's hindrance, who doubts too?Looked we or no that tyranny should turnHer engines of oppression to their use?Whereof, suppose the worst be Wentworth here—Shall we break off the tactics which succeedIn drawing out our formidablest foe,Let bickering and disunion take their place?Or count his presence as our conquest's proof,And keep the old arms at their steady play?Proceed to England's work! Fiennes, read the list!Fien.Ship-money is refused or fiercely paidIn every county, save the northern partsWhere Wentworth's influence ...[Shouting.Vane.I, in England's name,Declare her work, this day, at end! Till now,Up to this moment, peaceful strife was best.We English had free leave to think; till now,We had a shadow of a ParliamentIn Scotland. But all 's changed: they change the first,They try brute-force for law, they, first of all ...Voices.Good! Talk enough! The old true hearts with Vane!Vane.Till we crush Wentworth for her, there 's no actServes England!Voices.Vane for England!Pym.Pym should beSomething to England. I seek Wentworth, friends.

Scene I.A House near Whitehall.Hampden,Hollis,theyoungerVane,Rudyard,Fiennesand many of the Presbyterian Party:Loudonand other Scots Commissioners.

Vane.I say, if he be here—

Rudyard.(And he is here!)—

Hollis.For England's sake let every man be stillNor speak of him, so much as say his name,Till Pym rejoin us! Rudyard! Henry Vane!One rash conclusion may decide our courseAnd with it England's fate—think—England's fate!Hampden, for England's sake they should be still!

Hollis.For England's sake let every man be still

Nor speak of him, so much as say his name,

Till Pym rejoin us! Rudyard! Henry Vane!

One rash conclusion may decide our course

And with it England's fate—think—England's fate!

Hampden, for England's sake they should be still!

Vane.You say so, Hollis? Well, I must be still.It is indeed too bitter that one man,Any one man's mere presence, should suspendEngland's combined endeavor: little needTo name him!

Vane.You say so, Hollis? Well, I must be still.

It is indeed too bitter that one man,

Any one man's mere presence, should suspend

England's combined endeavor: little need

To name him!

Rud.For you are his brother, Hollis!

Hampden.Shame on you, Rudyard! time to tell him thatWhen he forgets the Mother of us all.

Hampden.Shame on you, Rudyard! time to tell him that

When he forgets the Mother of us all.

Rud.Do I forget her?

Hamp.You talk idle hateAgainst her foe: is that so strange a thing?Is hating Wentworth all the help she needs?

Hamp.You talk idle hate

Against her foe: is that so strange a thing?

Is hating Wentworth all the help she needs?

A Puritan.The Philistine strode, cursing as he went:But David—five smooth pebbles from the brookWithin his scrip ...

A Puritan.The Philistine strode, cursing as he went:

But David—five smooth pebbles from the brook

Within his scrip ...

Rud.Be you as still as David!

Fiennes.Here 's Rudyard not ashamed to wag a tongueStiff with ten years' disuse of Parliaments;Why, when the last sat, Wentworth sat with us!

Fiennes.Here 's Rudyard not ashamed to wag a tongue

Stiff with ten years' disuse of Parliaments;

Why, when the last sat, Wentworth sat with us!

Rud.Let 's hope for news of them now he returns—He that was safe in Ireland, as we thought!—But I 'll abide Pym's coming.

Rud.Let 's hope for news of them now he returns—

He that was safe in Ireland, as we thought!

—But I 'll abide Pym's coming.

Vane.Now, by Heaven,Then may be cool who can, silent who will—Some have a gift that way! Wentworth is here,Here, and the King's safe closeted with himEre this. And when I think on all that 's pastSince that man left us, how his single armRolled the advancing good of England backAnd set the woeful past up in its place,Exalting Dagon where the Ark should be,—How that man has made firm the fickle King(Hampden, I will speak out!)—in aught he fearedTo venture on before; taught tyrannyHer dismal trade, the use of all her tools,To ply the scourge yet screw the gag so closeThat strangled agony bleeds mute to death—How he turns Ireland to a private stageFor training infant villanies, new waysOf wringing treasure out of tears and blood,Unheard oppressions nourished in the darkTo try how much man's nature can endure—If he dies under it, what harm? if not,Why, one more trick is added to the restWorth a king's knowing, and what Ireland bearsEngland may learn to bear:—how all this whileThat man has set himself to one dear task,The bringing Charles to relish more and morePower, power without law, power and blood too—Can I be still?

Vane.Now, by Heaven,

Then may be cool who can, silent who will—

Some have a gift that way! Wentworth is here,

Here, and the King's safe closeted with him

Ere this. And when I think on all that 's past

Since that man left us, how his single arm

Rolled the advancing good of England back

And set the woeful past up in its place,

Exalting Dagon where the Ark should be,—

How that man has made firm the fickle King

(Hampden, I will speak out!)—in aught he feared

To venture on before; taught tyranny

Her dismal trade, the use of all her tools,

To ply the scourge yet screw the gag so close

That strangled agony bleeds mute to death—

How he turns Ireland to a private stage

For training infant villanies, new ways

Of wringing treasure out of tears and blood,

Unheard oppressions nourished in the dark

To try how much man's nature can endure

—If he dies under it, what harm? if not,

Why, one more trick is added to the rest

Worth a king's knowing, and what Ireland bears

England may learn to bear:—how all this while

That man has set himself to one dear task,

The bringing Charles to relish more and more

Power, power without law, power and blood too

—Can I be still?

Hamp.For that you should be still.

Vane.Oh Hampden, then and now! The year he left us,The People in full Parliament could wrestThe Bill of Rights from the reluctant King;And now, he 'll find in an obscure small roomA stealthy gathering of great-hearted menThat take up England's cause: England is here!

Vane.Oh Hampden, then and now! The year he left us,

The People in full Parliament could wrest

The Bill of Rights from the reluctant King;

And now, he 'll find in an obscure small room

A stealthy gathering of great-hearted men

That take up England's cause: England is here!

Hamp.And who despairs of England?

Rud.That do I,If Wentworth comes to rule her. I am sickTo think her wretched masters, Hamilton,The muckworm Cottington, the maniac Laud,May yet be longed-for back again. I say,I do despair.

Rud.That do I,

If Wentworth comes to rule her. I am sick

To think her wretched masters, Hamilton,

The muckworm Cottington, the maniac Laud,

May yet be longed-for back again. I say,

I do despair.

Vane.And, Rudyard, I 'll say this—Which all true men say after me, not loudBut solemnly and as you 'd say a prayer!This King, who treads our England underfoot,Has just so much ... it may be fear or craft,As bids him pause at each fresh outrage; friends,He needs some sterner hand to grasp his own,Some voice to ask, "Why shrink? Am I not by?"Now, one whom England loved for serving her,Found in his heart to say, "I know where bestThe iron heel shall bruise her, for she leansUpon me when you trample." Witness, you!So Wentworth heartened Charles, so England fell.But inasmuch as life is hard to takeFrom England ...

Vane.And, Rudyard, I 'll say this—

Which all true men say after me, not loud

But solemnly and as you 'd say a prayer!

This King, who treads our England underfoot,

Has just so much ... it may be fear or craft,

As bids him pause at each fresh outrage; friends,

He needs some sterner hand to grasp his own,

Some voice to ask, "Why shrink? Am I not by?"

Now, one whom England loved for serving her,

Found in his heart to say, "I know where best

The iron heel shall bruise her, for she leans

Upon me when you trample." Witness, you!

So Wentworth heartened Charles, so England fell.

But inasmuch as life is hard to take

From England ...

Many Voices.Go on, Vane! 'T is well said, Vane!

Vane.Who has not so forgotten Runnymede!—

Voices.'T is well and bravely spoken, Vane! Go on!

Vane.There are some little signs of late she knowsThe ground no place for her. She glances round,Wentworth has dropped the hand, is gone his wayOn other service: what if she arise?No! the King beckons, and beside him standsThe same bad man once more, with the same smileAnd the same gesture. Now shall England crouch,Or catch at us and rise?

Vane.There are some little signs of late she knows

The ground no place for her. She glances round,

Wentworth has dropped the hand, is gone his way

On other service: what if she arise?

No! the King beckons, and beside him stands

The same bad man once more, with the same smile

And the same gesture. Now shall England crouch,

Or catch at us and rise?

Voices.The Renegade!Haman! Ahithophel!

Voices.The Renegade!

Haman! Ahithophel!

Hamp.Gentlemen of the North,It was not thus the night your claims were urged,And we pronounced the League and Covenant,The cause of Scotland, England's cause as well:Vane there, sat motionless the whole night through.

Hamp.Gentlemen of the North,

It was not thus the night your claims were urged,

And we pronounced the League and Covenant,

The cause of Scotland, England's cause as well:

Vane there, sat motionless the whole night through.

Vane.Hampden!

Fien.Stay, Vane!

Loudon.Be just and patient, Vane!

Vane.Mind how you counsel patience, Loudon! youHave still a Parliament, and this your LeagueTo back it; you are free in Scotland still:While we are brothers, hope 's for England yet.But know you wherefore Wentworth comes? to quenchThis last of hopes? that he brings war with him?Know you the man's self? what he dares?

Vane.Mind how you counsel patience, Loudon! you

Have still a Parliament, and this your League

To back it; you are free in Scotland still:

While we are brothers, hope 's for England yet.

But know you wherefore Wentworth comes? to quench

This last of hopes? that he brings war with him?

Know you the man's self? what he dares?

Lou.We know,All know—'t is nothing new.

Lou.We know,

All know—'t is nothing new.

Vane.And what 's new, then,In calling for his life? Why, Pym himself—You must have heard—ere Wentworth dropped our causeHe would see Pym first; there were many moreStrong on the people's side and friends of his,Eliot that 's dead, Rudyard and Hampden here,But for these Wentworth cared not; only, PymHe would see—Pym and he were sworn, 't is said,To live and die together; so, they metAt Greenwich. Wentworth, you are sure, was long,Specious enough, the devil's argumentLost nothing on his lips; he 'd have Pym ownA patriot could not play a purer partThan follow in his track; they two combinedMight put down England. Well, Pym heard him out;One glance—you know Pym's eye—one word was all:"You leave us, Wentworth! while your head is on,I 'll not leave you."

Vane.And what 's new, then,

In calling for his life? Why, Pym himself—

You must have heard—ere Wentworth dropped our cause

He would see Pym first; there were many more

Strong on the people's side and friends of his,

Eliot that 's dead, Rudyard and Hampden here,

But for these Wentworth cared not; only, Pym

He would see—Pym and he were sworn, 't is said,

To live and die together; so, they met

At Greenwich. Wentworth, you are sure, was long,

Specious enough, the devil's argument

Lost nothing on his lips; he 'd have Pym own

A patriot could not play a purer part

Than follow in his track; they two combined

Might put down England. Well, Pym heard him out;

One glance—you know Pym's eye—one word was all:

"You leave us, Wentworth! while your head is on,

I 'll not leave you."

Hamp.Has he left Wentworth, then?Has England lost him? Will you let him speak,Or put your crude surmises in his mouth?Away with this! Will you have Pym or Vane?

Hamp.Has he left Wentworth, then?

Has England lost him? Will you let him speak,

Or put your crude surmises in his mouth?

Away with this! Will you have Pym or Vane?

Voices.Wait Pym's arrival! Pym shall speak.

Hamp.MeanwhileLet Loudon read the Parliament's reportFrom Edinburgh: our last hope, as Vane says,Is in the stand it makes. Loudon!

Hamp.Meanwhile

Let Loudon read the Parliament's report

From Edinburgh: our last hope, as Vane says,

Is in the stand it makes. Loudon!

Vane.No, no!Silent I can be: not indifferent!

Vane.No, no!

Silent I can be: not indifferent!

Hamp.Then each keep silence, praying God to spareHis anger, cast not England quite awayIn this her visitation!

Hamp.Then each keep silence, praying God to spare

His anger, cast not England quite away

In this her visitation!

A Puritan.Seven years longThe Midianite drove Israel into densAnd caves. Till God sent forth a mighty man,(Pymenters.)Even Gideon!

A Puritan.Seven years long

The Midianite drove Israel into dens

And caves. Till God sent forth a mighty man,

(Pymenters.)

Even Gideon!

Pym.Wentworth 's come: nor sickness, care,The ravaged body nor the ruined soul,More than the winds and waves that beat his ship,Could keep him from the King. He has not reachedWhitehall: they 've hurried up a Council thereTo lose no time and find him work enough.Where 's Loudon? your Scots' Parliament ...

Pym.Wentworth 's come: nor sickness, care,

The ravaged body nor the ruined soul,

More than the winds and waves that beat his ship,

Could keep him from the King. He has not reached

Whitehall: they 've hurried up a Council there

To lose no time and find him work enough.

Where 's Loudon? your Scots' Parliament ...

Lou.Holds firm:We were about to read reports.

Lou.Holds firm:

We were about to read reports.

Pym.The KingHas just dissolved your Parliament.

Pym.The King

Has just dissolved your Parliament.

Lou. and other Scots.Great God!An oath-breaker! Stand by us, England, then!

Lou. and other Scots.Great God!

An oath-breaker! Stand by us, England, then!

Pym.The King 's too sanguine; doubtless Wentworth 's here;But still some little form might be kept up.

Pym.The King 's too sanguine; doubtless Wentworth 's here;

But still some little form might be kept up.

Hamp.Now speak, Vane! Rudyard, you had much to say!

Hol.The rumor 's false, then ...

Pym.Ay, the Court gives outHis own concerns have brought him back: I know'T is the King calls him. Wentworth supersedesThe tribe of Cottingtons and HamiltonsWhose part is played; there 's talk enough, by this,—Merciful talk, the King thinks: time is nowTo turn the record's last and bloody leafWhich, chronicling a nation's great despair,Tells they were long rebellious, and their lordIndulgent, till, all kind expedients tried,He drew the sword on them and reigned in peace.Laud 's laying his religion on the ScotsWas the last gentle entry: the new pageShall run, the King thinks, "Wentworth thrust it downAt the sword's point."

Pym.Ay, the Court gives out

His own concerns have brought him back: I know

'T is the King calls him. Wentworth supersedes

The tribe of Cottingtons and Hamiltons

Whose part is played; there 's talk enough, by this,—

Merciful talk, the King thinks: time is now

To turn the record's last and bloody leaf

Which, chronicling a nation's great despair,

Tells they were long rebellious, and their lord

Indulgent, till, all kind expedients tried,

He drew the sword on them and reigned in peace.

Laud 's laying his religion on the Scots

Was the last gentle entry: the new page

Shall run, the King thinks, "Wentworth thrust it down

At the sword's point."

A Puritan.I 'll do your bidding, Pym,England's and God's—one blow!

A Puritan.I 'll do your bidding, Pym,

England's and God's—one blow!

Pym.A goodly thing—We all say, friends, it is a goodly thingTo right that England. Heaven grows dark above:Let 's snatch one moment ere the thunder fall,To say how well the English spirit comes outBeneath it! All have done their best, indeed,From lion Eliot, that grand Englishman,To the least here: and who, the least one here,When she is saved (for her redemption dawnsDimly, most dimly, but it dawns—it dawns)Who 'd give at any price his hope awayOf being named along with the Great Men?We would not—no, we would not give that up!

Pym.A goodly thing—

We all say, friends, it is a goodly thing

To right that England. Heaven grows dark above:

Let 's snatch one moment ere the thunder fall,

To say how well the English spirit comes out

Beneath it! All have done their best, indeed,

From lion Eliot, that grand Englishman,

To the least here: and who, the least one here,

When she is saved (for her redemption dawns

Dimly, most dimly, but it dawns—it dawns)

Who 'd give at any price his hope away

Of being named along with the Great Men?

We would not—no, we would not give that up!

Hamp.And one name shall be dearer than all names,When children, yet unborn, are taught that nameAfter their fathers',—taught what matchless man ...

Hamp.And one name shall be dearer than all names,

When children, yet unborn, are taught that name

After their fathers',—taught what matchless man ...

Pym.... Saved England? What if Wentworth's should be stillThat name?

Pym.... Saved England? What if Wentworth's should be still

That name?

Rud. and others.We have just said it, Pym! His deathSaves her! We said it—there 's no way beside!I 'll do God's bidding, Pym! They struck down JoabAnd purged the land.

Rud. and others.We have just said it, Pym! His death

Saves her! We said it—there 's no way beside!

I 'll do God's bidding, Pym! They struck down Joab

And purged the land.

Vane.No villanous striking-down!

Rud.No, a calm vengeance: let the whole land riseAnd shout for it. No Feltons!

Rud.No, a calm vengeance: let the whole land rise

And shout for it. No Feltons!

Pym.Rudyard, no!England rejects all Feltons; most of allSince Wentworth ... Hampden, say the trust againOf England in her servants—but I 'll thinkYou know me, all of you. Then, I believe,Spite of the past, Wentworth rejoins you, friends!

Pym.Rudyard, no!

England rejects all Feltons; most of all

Since Wentworth ... Hampden, say the trust again

Of England in her servants—but I 'll think

You know me, all of you. Then, I believe,

Spite of the past, Wentworth rejoins you, friends!

Vane and others.Wentworth? Apostate! Judas! Double-dyedA traitor! Is it Pym, indeed ...

Vane and others.Wentworth? Apostate! Judas! Double-dyed

A traitor! Is it Pym, indeed ...

Pym.... Who saysVane never knew that Wentworth, loved that man,Was used to stroll with him, arm locked in arm,Along the streets to see the people pass,And read in every island-countenanceFresh argument for God against the King,—Never sat down, say, in the very houseWhere Eliot's brow grew broad with noble thoughts,(You 've joined us, Hampden—Hollis, you as well,)And then left talking over Gracchus's death ...

Pym.... Who says

Vane never knew that Wentworth, loved that man,

Was used to stroll with him, arm locked in arm,

Along the streets to see the people pass,

And read in every island-countenance

Fresh argument for God against the King,—

Never sat down, say, in the very house

Where Eliot's brow grew broad with noble thoughts,

(You 've joined us, Hampden—Hollis, you as well,)

And then left talking over Gracchus's death ...

Vane.To frame, we know it well, the choicest clauseIn the Petition of Right: he framed such clauseOne month before he took at the King's handHis Northern Presidency, which that BillDenounced.

Vane.To frame, we know it well, the choicest clause

In the Petition of Right: he framed such clause

One month before he took at the King's hand

His Northern Presidency, which that Bill

Denounced.

Pym.Too true! Never more, never moreWalked we together! Most alone I went.I have had friends—all here are fast my friends—But I shall never quite forget that friend.And yet it could not but be real in him!You, Vane,—you, Rudyard, have no right to trustTo Wentworth: but can no one hope with me?Hampden, will Wentworth dare shed English bloodLike water?

Pym.Too true! Never more, never more

Walked we together! Most alone I went.

I have had friends—all here are fast my friends—

But I shall never quite forget that friend.

And yet it could not but be real in him!

You, Vane,—you, Rudyard, have no right to trust

To Wentworth: but can no one hope with me?

Hampden, will Wentworth dare shed English blood

Like water?

Hamp.Ireland is Aceldama.

Pym.Will he turn Scotland to a hunting-groundTo please the King, now that he knows the King?The People or the King? and that King, Charles!

Pym.Will he turn Scotland to a hunting-ground

To please the King, now that he knows the King?

The People or the King? and that King, Charles!

Hamp.Pym, all here know you: you 'll not set your heartOn any baseless dream. But say one deedOf Wentworth's, since he left us ...[Shouting without.

Hamp.Pym, all here know you: you 'll not set your heart

On any baseless dream. But say one deed

Of Wentworth's, since he left us ...[Shouting without.

Vane.There! he comes,And they shout for him! Wentworth 's at Whitehall,The King embracing him, now, as we speak,And he, to be his match in courtesies,Taking the whole war's risk upon himself,Now, while you tell us here how changed he is!Hear you?

Vane.There! he comes,

And they shout for him! Wentworth 's at Whitehall,

The King embracing him, now, as we speak,

And he, to be his match in courtesies,

Taking the whole war's risk upon himself,

Now, while you tell us here how changed he is!

Hear you?

Pym.And yet if 't is a dream, no more,That Wentworth chose their side, and brought the KingTo love it as though Laud had loved it first,And the Queen after; that he led their causeCalm to success, and kept it spotless through,So that our very eyes could look uponThe travail of our souls, and close contentThat violence, which something mars even rightWhich sanctions it, had taken off no graceFrom its serene regard. Only a dream!

Pym.And yet if 't is a dream, no more,

That Wentworth chose their side, and brought the King

To love it as though Laud had loved it first,

And the Queen after; that he led their cause

Calm to success, and kept it spotless through,

So that our very eyes could look upon

The travail of our souls, and close content

That violence, which something mars even right

Which sanctions it, had taken off no grace

From its serene regard. Only a dream!

Hamp.We meet here to accomplish certain goodBy obvious means, and keep tradition upOf free assemblages, else obsolete,In this poor chamber: nor without effectHas friend met friend to counsel and confirm,As, listening to the beats of England's heart,We spoke its wants to Scotland's prompt replyBy these her delegates. Remains aloneThat word grow deed, as with God's help it shall—But with the devil's hindrance, who doubts too?Looked we or no that tyranny should turnHer engines of oppression to their use?Whereof, suppose the worst be Wentworth here—Shall we break off the tactics which succeedIn drawing out our formidablest foe,Let bickering and disunion take their place?Or count his presence as our conquest's proof,And keep the old arms at their steady play?Proceed to England's work! Fiennes, read the list!

Hamp.We meet here to accomplish certain good

By obvious means, and keep tradition up

Of free assemblages, else obsolete,

In this poor chamber: nor without effect

Has friend met friend to counsel and confirm,

As, listening to the beats of England's heart,

We spoke its wants to Scotland's prompt reply

By these her delegates. Remains alone

That word grow deed, as with God's help it shall—

But with the devil's hindrance, who doubts too?

Looked we or no that tyranny should turn

Her engines of oppression to their use?

Whereof, suppose the worst be Wentworth here—

Shall we break off the tactics which succeed

In drawing out our formidablest foe,

Let bickering and disunion take their place?

Or count his presence as our conquest's proof,

And keep the old arms at their steady play?

Proceed to England's work! Fiennes, read the list!

Fien.Ship-money is refused or fiercely paidIn every county, save the northern partsWhere Wentworth's influence ...[Shouting.

Fien.Ship-money is refused or fiercely paid

In every county, save the northern parts

Where Wentworth's influence ...[Shouting.

Vane.I, in England's name,Declare her work, this day, at end! Till now,Up to this moment, peaceful strife was best.We English had free leave to think; till now,We had a shadow of a ParliamentIn Scotland. But all 's changed: they change the first,They try brute-force for law, they, first of all ...

Vane.I, in England's name,

Declare her work, this day, at end! Till now,

Up to this moment, peaceful strife was best.

We English had free leave to think; till now,

We had a shadow of a Parliament

In Scotland. But all 's changed: they change the first,

They try brute-force for law, they, first of all ...

Voices.Good! Talk enough! The old true hearts with Vane!

Vane.Till we crush Wentworth for her, there 's no actServes England!

Vane.Till we crush Wentworth for her, there 's no act

Serves England!

Voices.Vane for England!

Pym.Pym should beSomething to England. I seek Wentworth, friends.

Pym.Pym should be

Something to England. I seek Wentworth, friends.

Scene II.Whitehall.

LadyCarlisleandWentworth.Wentworth.And the King?Lady Carlisle.Wentworth, lean on me! Sit then!I 'll tell you all; this horrible fatigueWill kill you.Went.No;—or, Lucy, just your arm;I 'll not sit till I 've cleared this up with him:After that, rest. The King?Lady Car.Confides in you.Went.Why? or, why now?—They have kind throats, the knaves!Shout for me—they!Lady Car.You come so strangely soon:Yet we took measures to keep off the crowd—Did they shout for you?Went.Wherefore should they not?Does the King take such measures for himself?Beside, there 's such a dearth of malcontents,You say!Lady Car.I said but few dared carp at you.Went.At me? at us, I hope! The King and I!He 's surely not disposed to let me bearThe fame away from him of these late deedsIn Ireland? I am yet his instrumentBe it for well or ill? He trusts me, too!Lady Car.The King, dear Wentworth, purposes, I said,To grant you, in the face of all the Court ...Went.All the Court! Evermore the Court about us!Savile and Holland, Hamilton and VaneAbout us,—then the King: will grant me—what?That he for once put these aside and say—"Tell me your whole mind, Wentworth!"Lady Car.You professedYou would be calm.Went.Lucy, and I am calm!How else shall I do all I come to do,Broken, as you may see, body and mind,How shall I serve the King? Time wastes meanwhile,You have not told me half. His footstep! No,Quick, then, before I meet him,—I am calm—Why does the King distrust me?Lady Car.He does notDistrust you.Went.Lucy, you can help me; youHave even seemed to care for me: one word!Is it the Queen?Lady Car.No, not the Queen: the partyThat poisons the Queen's ear, Savile and Holland.Went.I know, I know: old Vane, too, he 's one too?Go on—and he 's made Secretary. Well?Or leave them out and go straight to the charge;The charge!Lady Car.Oh, there 's no charge, no precise charge;Only they sneer, make light of—one may say,Nibble at what you do.Went.I know! but, Lucy,I reckoned on you from the first!—Go on!—Was sure could I once see this gentle friendWhen I arrived, she 'd throw an hour awayTo help her ... what am I?Lady Car.You thought of me,Dear Wentworth?Went.But go on! The party here!Lady Car.They do not think your Irish governmentOf that surpassing value ...Went.The one thingOf value! The one service that the crownMay count on! All that keeps these very VanesIn power, to vex me—not that they do vex,Only it might vex some to hear that serviceDecried, the sole support that 's left the King!Lady Car.So the Archbishop says.Went.Ah? well, perhapsThe only hand held up in my defenceMay be old Laud's! These Hollands then, these SavilesNibble? They nibble?—that 's the very word!Lady Car.Your profit in the Customs, Bristol says,Exceeds the due proportion: while the tax ...Went.Enough! 't is too unworthy,—I am notSo patient as I thought! What 's Pym about?Lady Car.Pym?Went.Pym and the People.Lady Car.Oh, the Faction!Extinct—of no account: there 'll never beAnother Parliament.Went.Tell Savile that!You may know—(ay, you do—the creatures hereNever forget!) that in my earliest lifeI was not ... much that I am now! The KingMay take my word on points concerning PymBefore Lord Savile's, Lucy, or if not,I bid them ruin their wise selves, not me,These Vanes and Hollands! I 'll not be their toolWho might be Pym's friend yet.But there 's the King!Where is he?Lady Car.Just apprised that you arrive.Went.And why not here to meet me? I was toldHe sent for me, nay, longed for me.Lady Car.Because,—He is now ... I think a Council 's sitting nowAbout this Scots affair.Went.A Council sits?They have not taken a decided courseWithout me in the matter?Lady Car.I should say ...Went.The war? They cannot have agreed to that?Not the Scots' war?—without consulting me—Me, that am here to show how rash it is,How easy to dispense with?—Ah, you tooAgainst me! well,—the King may take his time.—Forget it, Lucy! Cares make peevish: mineWeigh me (but 't is a secret) to my grave.Lady Car.For life or death I am your own, dear friend![Goes out.Went.Heartless! but all are heartless here. Go now,Forsake the People! I did not forsakeThe People: they shall know it, when the KingWill trust me!—who trusts all beside at once,While I have not spoke Vane and Savile fair,And am not trusted: have but saved the throne:Have not picked up the Queen's glove prettily,And am not trusted. But he 'll see me now.Weston is dead: the Queen's half English now—More English: one decisive word will brushThese insects from ... the step I know so well!The King! But now, to tell him ... no—to askWhat 's in me he distrusts:—or, best beginBy proving that this frightful Scots affairIs just what I foretold. So much to say,And the flesh fails, now, and the time is come,And one false step no way to be repaired.You were avenged, Pym, could you look on me.(Pymenters.)Went.I little thought of you just then.Pym.No? IThink always of you, Wentworth.Went.The old voice!I wait the King, sir.Pym.True—you look so pale!A Council sits within; when that breaks upHe 'll see you.Went.Sir, I thank you.Pym.Oh, thank Laud!You know when Laud once gets on Church affairsThe case is desperate: he 'll not be longTo-day: he only means to prove, to-day,We English all are mad to have a handIn butchering the Scots for serving GodAfter their fathers' fashion: only that!Went.Sir, keep your jests for those who relish them!(Does he enjoy their confidence?) 'T is kindTo tell me what the Council does.Pym.You grudgeThat I should know it had resolved on warBefore you came? no need: you shall have allThe credit, trust me!Went.Have the Council dared—They have not dared ... that is—I know you not.Farewell, sir: times are changed.Pym.—Since we two metAt Greenwich? Yes: poor patriots though we be,You cut a figure, makes some slight returnFor your exploits in Ireland! Changed indeed,Could our friend Eliot look from out his grave!Ah, Wentworth, one thing for acquaintance' sake,Just to decide a question; have you, now,Felt your old self since you forsook us?Went.Sir!Pym.Spare me the gesture! you misapprehend.Think not I mean the advantage is with me.I was about to say that, for my part,I never quite held up my head since then—Was quite myself since then: for first, you see,I lost all credit after that eventWith those who recollect how sure I wasWentworth would outdo Eliot on our side.Forgive me: Savile, old Vane, Holland here,Eschew plain-speaking: 't is a trick I keep.Went.How, when, where, Savile, Vane, and Holland speak,Plainly or otherwise, would have my scorn,All of my scorn, sir ...Pym.... Did not my poor thoughtsClaim somewhat?Went.Keep your thoughts! believe the KingMistrusts me for their prattle, all these VanesAnd Saviles! make your mind up, o' God's love,That I am discontented with the King!Pym.Why, you may be: I should be, that I know,Were I like you.Went.Like me?Pym.I care not muchFor titles: our friend Eliot died no lord,Hampden 's no lord, and Savile is a lord;But you care, since you sold your soul for one.I can 't think, therefore, your soul's purchaserDid well to laugh you to such utter scornWhen you twice prayed so humbly for its price,The thirty silver pieces ... I should say,The Earldom you expected, still expect,And may. Your letters were the movingest!Console yourself: I 've borne him prayers just nowFrom Scotland not to be oppressed by Laud,Words moving in their way: he 'll pay, be sure,As much attention as to those you sent.Went.False, sir! Who showed them you? Suppose it so,The King did very well ... nay, I was gladWhen it was shown me: I refused, the first!John Pym, you were my friend—forbear me once!Pym.Oh, Wentworth, ancient brother of my soul,That all should come to this!Went.Leave me!Pym.My friend,Why should I leave you?Went.To tell Rudyard this,And Hampden this!Pym.Whose faces once were brightAt my approach, now sad with doubt and fear,Because I hope in you—yes, Wentworth, youWho never mean to ruin England—youWho shake off, with God's help, an obscene dreamIn this Ezekiel chamber, where it creptUpon you first, and wake, yourself, your trueAnd proper self, our Leader, England's Chief,And Hampden's friend!This is the proudest day!Come, Wentworth! Do not even see the King!The rough old room will seem itself again!We 'll both go in together: you 've not seenHampden so long: come: and there 's Fiennes: you 'll haveTo know young Vane. This is the proudest day![TheKingenters.Wentworthlets fallPym'shand.Charles.Arrived, my lord?—This gentleman, we knowWas your old friend.The Scots shall be informedWhat we determine for their happiness.[Pymgoes out.You have made haste, my lord.Went.Sir, I am come ...Cha.To see an old familiar—nay, 't is well;Aid us with his experience: this Scots' LeagueAnd Covenant spreads too far, and we have proofsThat they intrigue with France: the Faction too,Whereof your friend there is the head and front,Abets them,—as he boasted, very like.Went.Sir, trust me! but for this once, trust me, sir!Cha.What can you mean?Went.That you should trust me, sir!Oh—not for my sake! but 't is sad, so sadThat for distrusting me, you suffer—youWhom I would die to serve: sir, do you thinkThat I would die to serve you?Cha.But rise, Wentworth!Went.What shall convince you? What does Savile doTo prove him ... Ah, one can 't tear out one's heartAnd show it, how sincere a thing it is!Cha.Have I not trusted you?Went.Say aught but that!There is my comfort, mark you: all will beSo different when you trust me—as you shall!It has not been your fault,—I was away,Mistook, maligned, how was the King to know?I am here, now—he means to trust me, now—All will go on so well!Cha.Be sure I do—I 've heard that I should trust you: as you came,Your friend, the Countess, told me ...Went.No,—hear nothing—Be told nothing about me!—you 're not toldYour right-hand serves you, or your children love you!Cha.You love me, Wentworth: rise!Went.I can speak now.I have no right to hide the truth. 'T is ICan save you: only I. Sir, what must be?Cha.Since Laud 's assured (the minutes are within)—Loath as I am to spill my subjects' blood ...Went.That is, he 'll have a war: what 's done is done!Cha.They have intrigued with France; that 's clear to Laud.Went.Has Laud suggested any way to meetThe war's expense?Cha.He 'd not decide so farUntil you joined us.Went.Most considerate!He 's certain they intrigue with France, these Scots?The People would be with us.Cha.Pym should know.Went.The People for us—were the People for us!Sir, a great thought comes to reward your trust:Summon a Parliament! in Ireland first,Then, here.Cha.In truth?Went.That saves us! that puts offThe war, gives time to right their grievances—To talk with Pym. I know the Faction—LaudSo styles it—tutors Scotland: all their plansSuppose no Parliament: in calling oneYou take them by surprise. Produce the proofsOf Scotland's treason; then bid England help:Even Pym will not refuse.Cha.You would beginWith Ireland?Went.Take no care for that: that 's sureTo prosper.Cha.You shall rule me. You were bestReturn at once: but take this ere you go!Now, do I trust you? You 're an Earl: my FriendOf Friends: yes, while ... You hear me not!Went.Say it all o'er again—but once again:The first was for the music: once again!Cha.Strafford, my friend, there may have been reports,Vain rumors. Henceforth touching Strafford isTo touch the apple of my sight: why gazeSo earnestly?Went.I am grown young again,And foolish. What was it we spoke of?Cha.Ireland,The Parliament,—Went.I may go when I will?—Now?Cha.Are you tired so soon of us?Went.My King!But you will not so utterly abhorA Parliament? I 'd serve you any way.Cha.You said just now this was the only way.Went.Sir, I will serve you!Cha.Strafford, spare yourself:You are so sick, they tell me.Went.'T is my soulThat 's well and prospers now.This Parliament—We 'll summon it, the English one—I 'll careFor everything. You shall not need them much.Cha.If they prove restive ...Went.I shall be with you.Cha.Ere they assemble?Went.I will come, or elseDeposit this infirm humanityI' the dust. My whole heart stays with you, my King![AsWentworthgoes out, theQueenenters.Cha.That man must love me.Queen.Is it over then?Why, he looks yellower than ever! Well,At least we shall not hear eternallyOf service—services: he 's paid at least.Cha.Not done with: he engages to surpassAll yet performed in Ireland.Queen.I had thoughtNothing beyond was ever to be done.The war, Charles—will he raise supplies enough?Cha.We 've hit on an expedient; he ... that is,I have advised ... we have decided onThe calling—in Ireland—of a Parliament.Queen.O truly! You agree to that? Is thatThe first-fruit of his counsel? But I guessedAs much.Cha.This is too idle, Henriette!I should know best. He will strain every nerve,And once a precedent established ...Queen.NoticeHow sure he is of a long term of favor!He 'll see the next, and the next after that;No end to Parliaments!Cha.Well, it is done.He talks it smoothly, doubtless. If, indeed,The Commons here ...Queen.Here! you will summon themHere? Would I were in France again to seeA King!Cha.But, Henriette ...Queen.Oh, the Scots see clear!Why should they bear your rule?Cha.But listen, sweet!Queen.Let Wentworth listen—you confide in him!Cha.I do not, love,—I do not so confide!The Parliament shall never trouble us!... Nay, hear me! I have schemes, such schemes: we 'll buyThe leaders off: without that, Wentworth's counselHad ne'er prevailed on me. Perhaps I call itTo have excuse for breaking it forever,And whose will then the blame be? See you not?Come, dearest!—look, the little fairy, now,That cannot reach my shoulder! Dearest, come!

LadyCarlisleandWentworth.

Wentworth.And the King?

Lady Carlisle.Wentworth, lean on me! Sit then!I 'll tell you all; this horrible fatigueWill kill you.

Lady Carlisle.Wentworth, lean on me! Sit then!

I 'll tell you all; this horrible fatigue

Will kill you.

Went.No;—or, Lucy, just your arm;I 'll not sit till I 've cleared this up with him:After that, rest. The King?

Went.No;—or, Lucy, just your arm;

I 'll not sit till I 've cleared this up with him:

After that, rest. The King?

Lady Car.Confides in you.

Went.Why? or, why now?—They have kind throats, the knaves!Shout for me—they!

Went.Why? or, why now?—They have kind throats, the knaves!

Shout for me—they!

Lady Car.You come so strangely soon:Yet we took measures to keep off the crowd—Did they shout for you?

Lady Car.You come so strangely soon:

Yet we took measures to keep off the crowd—

Did they shout for you?

Went.Wherefore should they not?Does the King take such measures for himself?Beside, there 's such a dearth of malcontents,You say!

Went.Wherefore should they not?

Does the King take such measures for himself?

Beside, there 's such a dearth of malcontents,

You say!

Lady Car.I said but few dared carp at you.

Went.At me? at us, I hope! The King and I!He 's surely not disposed to let me bearThe fame away from him of these late deedsIn Ireland? I am yet his instrumentBe it for well or ill? He trusts me, too!

Went.At me? at us, I hope! The King and I!

He 's surely not disposed to let me bear

The fame away from him of these late deeds

In Ireland? I am yet his instrument

Be it for well or ill? He trusts me, too!

Lady Car.The King, dear Wentworth, purposes, I said,To grant you, in the face of all the Court ...

Lady Car.The King, dear Wentworth, purposes, I said,

To grant you, in the face of all the Court ...

Went.All the Court! Evermore the Court about us!Savile and Holland, Hamilton and VaneAbout us,—then the King: will grant me—what?That he for once put these aside and say—"Tell me your whole mind, Wentworth!"

Went.All the Court! Evermore the Court about us!

Savile and Holland, Hamilton and Vane

About us,—then the King: will grant me—what?

That he for once put these aside and say—

"Tell me your whole mind, Wentworth!"

Lady Car.You professedYou would be calm.

Lady Car.You professed

You would be calm.

Went.Lucy, and I am calm!How else shall I do all I come to do,Broken, as you may see, body and mind,How shall I serve the King? Time wastes meanwhile,You have not told me half. His footstep! No,Quick, then, before I meet him,—I am calm—Why does the King distrust me?

Went.Lucy, and I am calm!

How else shall I do all I come to do,

Broken, as you may see, body and mind,

How shall I serve the King? Time wastes meanwhile,

You have not told me half. His footstep! No,

Quick, then, before I meet him,—I am calm—

Why does the King distrust me?

Lady Car.He does notDistrust you.

Lady Car.He does not

Distrust you.

Went.Lucy, you can help me; youHave even seemed to care for me: one word!Is it the Queen?

Went.Lucy, you can help me; you

Have even seemed to care for me: one word!

Is it the Queen?

Lady Car.No, not the Queen: the partyThat poisons the Queen's ear, Savile and Holland.

Lady Car.No, not the Queen: the party

That poisons the Queen's ear, Savile and Holland.

Went.I know, I know: old Vane, too, he 's one too?Go on—and he 's made Secretary. Well?Or leave them out and go straight to the charge;The charge!

Went.I know, I know: old Vane, too, he 's one too?

Go on—and he 's made Secretary. Well?

Or leave them out and go straight to the charge;

The charge!

Lady Car.Oh, there 's no charge, no precise charge;Only they sneer, make light of—one may say,Nibble at what you do.

Lady Car.Oh, there 's no charge, no precise charge;

Only they sneer, make light of—one may say,

Nibble at what you do.

Went.I know! but, Lucy,I reckoned on you from the first!—Go on!—Was sure could I once see this gentle friendWhen I arrived, she 'd throw an hour awayTo help her ... what am I?

Went.I know! but, Lucy,

I reckoned on you from the first!—Go on!

—Was sure could I once see this gentle friend

When I arrived, she 'd throw an hour away

To help her ... what am I?

Lady Car.You thought of me,Dear Wentworth?

Lady Car.You thought of me,

Dear Wentworth?

Went.But go on! The party here!

Lady Car.They do not think your Irish governmentOf that surpassing value ...

Lady Car.They do not think your Irish government

Of that surpassing value ...

Went.The one thingOf value! The one service that the crownMay count on! All that keeps these very VanesIn power, to vex me—not that they do vex,Only it might vex some to hear that serviceDecried, the sole support that 's left the King!

Went.The one thing

Of value! The one service that the crown

May count on! All that keeps these very Vanes

In power, to vex me—not that they do vex,

Only it might vex some to hear that service

Decried, the sole support that 's left the King!

Lady Car.So the Archbishop says.

Went.Ah? well, perhapsThe only hand held up in my defenceMay be old Laud's! These Hollands then, these SavilesNibble? They nibble?—that 's the very word!

Went.Ah? well, perhaps

The only hand held up in my defence

May be old Laud's! These Hollands then, these Saviles

Nibble? They nibble?—that 's the very word!

Lady Car.Your profit in the Customs, Bristol says,Exceeds the due proportion: while the tax ...

Lady Car.Your profit in the Customs, Bristol says,

Exceeds the due proportion: while the tax ...

Went.Enough! 't is too unworthy,—I am notSo patient as I thought! What 's Pym about?

Went.Enough! 't is too unworthy,—I am not

So patient as I thought! What 's Pym about?

Lady Car.Pym?

Went.Pym and the People.

Lady Car.Oh, the Faction!Extinct—of no account: there 'll never beAnother Parliament.

Lady Car.Oh, the Faction!

Extinct—of no account: there 'll never be

Another Parliament.

Went.Tell Savile that!You may know—(ay, you do—the creatures hereNever forget!) that in my earliest lifeI was not ... much that I am now! The KingMay take my word on points concerning PymBefore Lord Savile's, Lucy, or if not,I bid them ruin their wise selves, not me,These Vanes and Hollands! I 'll not be their toolWho might be Pym's friend yet.But there 's the King!Where is he?

Went.Tell Savile that!

You may know—(ay, you do—the creatures here

Never forget!) that in my earliest life

I was not ... much that I am now! The King

May take my word on points concerning Pym

Before Lord Savile's, Lucy, or if not,

I bid them ruin their wise selves, not me,

These Vanes and Hollands! I 'll not be their tool

Who might be Pym's friend yet.

But there 's the King!

Where is he?

Lady Car.Just apprised that you arrive.

Went.And why not here to meet me? I was toldHe sent for me, nay, longed for me.

Went.And why not here to meet me? I was told

He sent for me, nay, longed for me.

Lady Car.Because,—He is now ... I think a Council 's sitting nowAbout this Scots affair.

Lady Car.Because,—

He is now ... I think a Council 's sitting now

About this Scots affair.

Went.A Council sits?They have not taken a decided courseWithout me in the matter?

Went.A Council sits?

They have not taken a decided course

Without me in the matter?

Lady Car.I should say ...

Went.The war? They cannot have agreed to that?Not the Scots' war?—without consulting me—Me, that am here to show how rash it is,How easy to dispense with?—Ah, you tooAgainst me! well,—the King may take his time.—Forget it, Lucy! Cares make peevish: mineWeigh me (but 't is a secret) to my grave.

Went.The war? They cannot have agreed to that?

Not the Scots' war?—without consulting me—

Me, that am here to show how rash it is,

How easy to dispense with?—Ah, you too

Against me! well,—the King may take his time.

—Forget it, Lucy! Cares make peevish: mine

Weigh me (but 't is a secret) to my grave.

Lady Car.For life or death I am your own, dear friend![Goes out.

Went.Heartless! but all are heartless here. Go now,Forsake the People! I did not forsakeThe People: they shall know it, when the KingWill trust me!—who trusts all beside at once,While I have not spoke Vane and Savile fair,And am not trusted: have but saved the throne:Have not picked up the Queen's glove prettily,And am not trusted. But he 'll see me now.Weston is dead: the Queen's half English now—More English: one decisive word will brushThese insects from ... the step I know so well!The King! But now, to tell him ... no—to askWhat 's in me he distrusts:—or, best beginBy proving that this frightful Scots affairIs just what I foretold. So much to say,And the flesh fails, now, and the time is come,And one false step no way to be repaired.You were avenged, Pym, could you look on me.

Went.Heartless! but all are heartless here. Go now,

Forsake the People! I did not forsake

The People: they shall know it, when the King

Will trust me!—who trusts all beside at once,

While I have not spoke Vane and Savile fair,

And am not trusted: have but saved the throne:

Have not picked up the Queen's glove prettily,

And am not trusted. But he 'll see me now.

Weston is dead: the Queen's half English now—

More English: one decisive word will brush

These insects from ... the step I know so well!

The King! But now, to tell him ... no—to ask

What 's in me he distrusts:—or, best begin

By proving that this frightful Scots affair

Is just what I foretold. So much to say,

And the flesh fails, now, and the time is come,

And one false step no way to be repaired.

You were avenged, Pym, could you look on me.

(Pymenters.)

Went.I little thought of you just then.

Pym.No? IThink always of you, Wentworth.

Pym.No? I

Think always of you, Wentworth.

Went.The old voice!I wait the King, sir.

Went.The old voice!

I wait the King, sir.

Pym.True—you look so pale!A Council sits within; when that breaks upHe 'll see you.

Pym.True—you look so pale!

A Council sits within; when that breaks up

He 'll see you.

Went.Sir, I thank you.

Pym.Oh, thank Laud!You know when Laud once gets on Church affairsThe case is desperate: he 'll not be longTo-day: he only means to prove, to-day,We English all are mad to have a handIn butchering the Scots for serving GodAfter their fathers' fashion: only that!

Pym.Oh, thank Laud!

You know when Laud once gets on Church affairs

The case is desperate: he 'll not be long

To-day: he only means to prove, to-day,

We English all are mad to have a hand

In butchering the Scots for serving God

After their fathers' fashion: only that!

Went.Sir, keep your jests for those who relish them!(Does he enjoy their confidence?) 'T is kindTo tell me what the Council does.

Went.Sir, keep your jests for those who relish them!

(Does he enjoy their confidence?) 'T is kind

To tell me what the Council does.

Pym.You grudgeThat I should know it had resolved on warBefore you came? no need: you shall have allThe credit, trust me!

Pym.You grudge

That I should know it had resolved on war

Before you came? no need: you shall have all

The credit, trust me!

Went.Have the Council dared—They have not dared ... that is—I know you not.Farewell, sir: times are changed.

Went.Have the Council dared—

They have not dared ... that is—I know you not.

Farewell, sir: times are changed.

Pym.—Since we two metAt Greenwich? Yes: poor patriots though we be,You cut a figure, makes some slight returnFor your exploits in Ireland! Changed indeed,Could our friend Eliot look from out his grave!Ah, Wentworth, one thing for acquaintance' sake,Just to decide a question; have you, now,Felt your old self since you forsook us?

Pym.—Since we two met

At Greenwich? Yes: poor patriots though we be,

You cut a figure, makes some slight return

For your exploits in Ireland! Changed indeed,

Could our friend Eliot look from out his grave!

Ah, Wentworth, one thing for acquaintance' sake,

Just to decide a question; have you, now,

Felt your old self since you forsook us?

Went.Sir!

Pym.Spare me the gesture! you misapprehend.Think not I mean the advantage is with me.I was about to say that, for my part,I never quite held up my head since then—Was quite myself since then: for first, you see,I lost all credit after that eventWith those who recollect how sure I wasWentworth would outdo Eliot on our side.Forgive me: Savile, old Vane, Holland here,Eschew plain-speaking: 't is a trick I keep.

Pym.Spare me the gesture! you misapprehend.

Think not I mean the advantage is with me.

I was about to say that, for my part,

I never quite held up my head since then—

Was quite myself since then: for first, you see,

I lost all credit after that event

With those who recollect how sure I was

Wentworth would outdo Eliot on our side.

Forgive me: Savile, old Vane, Holland here,

Eschew plain-speaking: 't is a trick I keep.

Went.How, when, where, Savile, Vane, and Holland speak,Plainly or otherwise, would have my scorn,All of my scorn, sir ...

Went.How, when, where, Savile, Vane, and Holland speak,

Plainly or otherwise, would have my scorn,

All of my scorn, sir ...

Pym.... Did not my poor thoughtsClaim somewhat?

Pym.... Did not my poor thoughts

Claim somewhat?

Went.Keep your thoughts! believe the KingMistrusts me for their prattle, all these VanesAnd Saviles! make your mind up, o' God's love,That I am discontented with the King!

Went.Keep your thoughts! believe the King

Mistrusts me for their prattle, all these Vanes

And Saviles! make your mind up, o' God's love,

That I am discontented with the King!

Pym.Why, you may be: I should be, that I know,Were I like you.

Pym.Why, you may be: I should be, that I know,

Were I like you.

Went.Like me?

Pym.I care not muchFor titles: our friend Eliot died no lord,Hampden 's no lord, and Savile is a lord;But you care, since you sold your soul for one.I can 't think, therefore, your soul's purchaserDid well to laugh you to such utter scornWhen you twice prayed so humbly for its price,The thirty silver pieces ... I should say,The Earldom you expected, still expect,And may. Your letters were the movingest!Console yourself: I 've borne him prayers just nowFrom Scotland not to be oppressed by Laud,Words moving in their way: he 'll pay, be sure,As much attention as to those you sent.

Pym.I care not much

For titles: our friend Eliot died no lord,

Hampden 's no lord, and Savile is a lord;

But you care, since you sold your soul for one.

I can 't think, therefore, your soul's purchaser

Did well to laugh you to such utter scorn

When you twice prayed so humbly for its price,

The thirty silver pieces ... I should say,

The Earldom you expected, still expect,

And may. Your letters were the movingest!

Console yourself: I 've borne him prayers just now

From Scotland not to be oppressed by Laud,

Words moving in their way: he 'll pay, be sure,

As much attention as to those you sent.

Went.False, sir! Who showed them you? Suppose it so,The King did very well ... nay, I was gladWhen it was shown me: I refused, the first!John Pym, you were my friend—forbear me once!

Went.False, sir! Who showed them you? Suppose it so,

The King did very well ... nay, I was glad

When it was shown me: I refused, the first!

John Pym, you were my friend—forbear me once!

Pym.Oh, Wentworth, ancient brother of my soul,That all should come to this!

Pym.Oh, Wentworth, ancient brother of my soul,

That all should come to this!

Went.Leave me!

Pym.My friend,Why should I leave you?

Pym.My friend,

Why should I leave you?

Went.To tell Rudyard this,And Hampden this!

Went.To tell Rudyard this,

And Hampden this!

Pym.Whose faces once were brightAt my approach, now sad with doubt and fear,Because I hope in you—yes, Wentworth, youWho never mean to ruin England—youWho shake off, with God's help, an obscene dreamIn this Ezekiel chamber, where it creptUpon you first, and wake, yourself, your trueAnd proper self, our Leader, England's Chief,And Hampden's friend!This is the proudest day!Come, Wentworth! Do not even see the King!The rough old room will seem itself again!We 'll both go in together: you 've not seenHampden so long: come: and there 's Fiennes: you 'll haveTo know young Vane. This is the proudest day!

Pym.Whose faces once were bright

At my approach, now sad with doubt and fear,

Because I hope in you—yes, Wentworth, you

Who never mean to ruin England—you

Who shake off, with God's help, an obscene dream

In this Ezekiel chamber, where it crept

Upon you first, and wake, yourself, your true

And proper self, our Leader, England's Chief,

And Hampden's friend!

This is the proudest day!

Come, Wentworth! Do not even see the King!

The rough old room will seem itself again!

We 'll both go in together: you 've not seen

Hampden so long: come: and there 's Fiennes: you 'll have

To know young Vane. This is the proudest day!

[TheKingenters.Wentworthlets fallPym'shand.

Charles.Arrived, my lord?—This gentleman, we knowWas your old friend.The Scots shall be informedWhat we determine for their happiness.[Pymgoes out.You have made haste, my lord.

Charles.Arrived, my lord?—This gentleman, we know

Was your old friend.

The Scots shall be informed

What we determine for their happiness.[Pymgoes out.

You have made haste, my lord.

Went.Sir, I am come ...

Cha.To see an old familiar—nay, 't is well;Aid us with his experience: this Scots' LeagueAnd Covenant spreads too far, and we have proofsThat they intrigue with France: the Faction too,Whereof your friend there is the head and front,Abets them,—as he boasted, very like.

Cha.To see an old familiar—nay, 't is well;

Aid us with his experience: this Scots' League

And Covenant spreads too far, and we have proofs

That they intrigue with France: the Faction too,

Whereof your friend there is the head and front,

Abets them,—as he boasted, very like.

Went.Sir, trust me! but for this once, trust me, sir!

Cha.What can you mean?

Went.That you should trust me, sir!Oh—not for my sake! but 't is sad, so sadThat for distrusting me, you suffer—youWhom I would die to serve: sir, do you thinkThat I would die to serve you?

Went.That you should trust me, sir!

Oh—not for my sake! but 't is sad, so sad

That for distrusting me, you suffer—you

Whom I would die to serve: sir, do you think

That I would die to serve you?

Cha.But rise, Wentworth!

Went.What shall convince you? What does Savile doTo prove him ... Ah, one can 't tear out one's heartAnd show it, how sincere a thing it is!

Went.What shall convince you? What does Savile do

To prove him ... Ah, one can 't tear out one's heart

And show it, how sincere a thing it is!

Cha.Have I not trusted you?

Went.Say aught but that!There is my comfort, mark you: all will beSo different when you trust me—as you shall!It has not been your fault,—I was away,Mistook, maligned, how was the King to know?I am here, now—he means to trust me, now—All will go on so well!

Went.Say aught but that!

There is my comfort, mark you: all will be

So different when you trust me—as you shall!

It has not been your fault,—I was away,

Mistook, maligned, how was the King to know?

I am here, now—he means to trust me, now—

All will go on so well!

Cha.Be sure I do—I 've heard that I should trust you: as you came,Your friend, the Countess, told me ...

Cha.Be sure I do—

I 've heard that I should trust you: as you came,

Your friend, the Countess, told me ...

Went.No,—hear nothing—Be told nothing about me!—you 're not toldYour right-hand serves you, or your children love you!

Went.No,—hear nothing—

Be told nothing about me!—you 're not told

Your right-hand serves you, or your children love you!

Cha.You love me, Wentworth: rise!

Went.I can speak now.I have no right to hide the truth. 'T is ICan save you: only I. Sir, what must be?

Went.I can speak now.

I have no right to hide the truth. 'T is I

Can save you: only I. Sir, what must be?

Cha.Since Laud 's assured (the minutes are within)—Loath as I am to spill my subjects' blood ...

Cha.Since Laud 's assured (the minutes are within)

—Loath as I am to spill my subjects' blood ...

Went.That is, he 'll have a war: what 's done is done!

Cha.They have intrigued with France; that 's clear to Laud.

Went.Has Laud suggested any way to meetThe war's expense?

Went.Has Laud suggested any way to meet

The war's expense?

Cha.He 'd not decide so farUntil you joined us.

Cha.He 'd not decide so far

Until you joined us.

Went.Most considerate!He 's certain they intrigue with France, these Scots?The People would be with us.

Went.Most considerate!

He 's certain they intrigue with France, these Scots?

The People would be with us.

Cha.Pym should know.

Went.The People for us—were the People for us!Sir, a great thought comes to reward your trust:Summon a Parliament! in Ireland first,Then, here.

Went.The People for us—were the People for us!

Sir, a great thought comes to reward your trust:

Summon a Parliament! in Ireland first,

Then, here.

Cha.In truth?

Went.That saves us! that puts offThe war, gives time to right their grievances—To talk with Pym. I know the Faction—LaudSo styles it—tutors Scotland: all their plansSuppose no Parliament: in calling oneYou take them by surprise. Produce the proofsOf Scotland's treason; then bid England help:Even Pym will not refuse.

Went.That saves us! that puts off

The war, gives time to right their grievances—

To talk with Pym. I know the Faction—Laud

So styles it—tutors Scotland: all their plans

Suppose no Parliament: in calling one

You take them by surprise. Produce the proofs

Of Scotland's treason; then bid England help:

Even Pym will not refuse.

Cha.You would beginWith Ireland?

Cha.You would begin

With Ireland?

Went.Take no care for that: that 's sureTo prosper.

Went.Take no care for that: that 's sure

To prosper.

Cha.You shall rule me. You were bestReturn at once: but take this ere you go!Now, do I trust you? You 're an Earl: my FriendOf Friends: yes, while ... You hear me not!

Cha.You shall rule me. You were best

Return at once: but take this ere you go!

Now, do I trust you? You 're an Earl: my Friend

Of Friends: yes, while ... You hear me not!

Went.Say it all o'er again—but once again:The first was for the music: once again!

Went.Say it all o'er again—but once again:

The first was for the music: once again!

Cha.Strafford, my friend, there may have been reports,Vain rumors. Henceforth touching Strafford isTo touch the apple of my sight: why gazeSo earnestly?

Cha.Strafford, my friend, there may have been reports,

Vain rumors. Henceforth touching Strafford is

To touch the apple of my sight: why gaze

So earnestly?

Went.I am grown young again,And foolish. What was it we spoke of?

Went.I am grown young again,

And foolish. What was it we spoke of?

Cha.Ireland,The Parliament,—

Cha.Ireland,

The Parliament,—

Went.I may go when I will?—Now?

Went.I may go when I will?

—Now?

Cha.Are you tired so soon of us?

Went.My King!But you will not so utterly abhorA Parliament? I 'd serve you any way.

Went.My King!

But you will not so utterly abhor

A Parliament? I 'd serve you any way.

Cha.You said just now this was the only way.

Went.Sir, I will serve you!

Cha.Strafford, spare yourself:You are so sick, they tell me.

Cha.Strafford, spare yourself:

You are so sick, they tell me.

Went.'T is my soulThat 's well and prospers now.This Parliament—We 'll summon it, the English one—I 'll careFor everything. You shall not need them much.

Went.'T is my soul

That 's well and prospers now.

This Parliament—

We 'll summon it, the English one—I 'll care

For everything. You shall not need them much.

Cha.If they prove restive ...

Went.I shall be with you.

Cha.Ere they assemble?

Went.I will come, or elseDeposit this infirm humanityI' the dust. My whole heart stays with you, my King![AsWentworthgoes out, theQueenenters.

Went.I will come, or else

Deposit this infirm humanity

I' the dust. My whole heart stays with you, my King!

[AsWentworthgoes out, theQueenenters.

Cha.That man must love me.

Queen.Is it over then?Why, he looks yellower than ever! Well,At least we shall not hear eternallyOf service—services: he 's paid at least.

Queen.Is it over then?

Why, he looks yellower than ever! Well,

At least we shall not hear eternally

Of service—services: he 's paid at least.

Cha.Not done with: he engages to surpassAll yet performed in Ireland.

Cha.Not done with: he engages to surpass

All yet performed in Ireland.

Queen.I had thoughtNothing beyond was ever to be done.The war, Charles—will he raise supplies enough?

Queen.I had thought

Nothing beyond was ever to be done.

The war, Charles—will he raise supplies enough?

Cha.We 've hit on an expedient; he ... that is,I have advised ... we have decided onThe calling—in Ireland—of a Parliament.

Cha.We 've hit on an expedient; he ... that is,

I have advised ... we have decided on

The calling—in Ireland—of a Parliament.

Queen.O truly! You agree to that? Is thatThe first-fruit of his counsel? But I guessedAs much.

Queen.O truly! You agree to that? Is that

The first-fruit of his counsel? But I guessed

As much.

Cha.This is too idle, Henriette!I should know best. He will strain every nerve,And once a precedent established ...

Cha.This is too idle, Henriette!

I should know best. He will strain every nerve,

And once a precedent established ...

Queen.NoticeHow sure he is of a long term of favor!He 'll see the next, and the next after that;No end to Parliaments!

Queen.Notice

How sure he is of a long term of favor!

He 'll see the next, and the next after that;

No end to Parliaments!

Cha.Well, it is done.He talks it smoothly, doubtless. If, indeed,The Commons here ...

Cha.Well, it is done.

He talks it smoothly, doubtless. If, indeed,

The Commons here ...

Queen.Here! you will summon themHere? Would I were in France again to seeA King!

Queen.Here! you will summon them

Here? Would I were in France again to see

A King!

Cha.But, Henriette ...

Queen.Oh, the Scots see clear!Why should they bear your rule?

Queen.Oh, the Scots see clear!

Why should they bear your rule?

Cha.But listen, sweet!

Queen.Let Wentworth listen—you confide in him!

Cha.I do not, love,—I do not so confide!The Parliament shall never trouble us!... Nay, hear me! I have schemes, such schemes: we 'll buyThe leaders off: without that, Wentworth's counselHad ne'er prevailed on me. Perhaps I call itTo have excuse for breaking it forever,And whose will then the blame be? See you not?Come, dearest!—look, the little fairy, now,That cannot reach my shoulder! Dearest, come!

Cha.I do not, love,—I do not so confide!

The Parliament shall never trouble us!

... Nay, hear me! I have schemes, such schemes: we 'll buy

The leaders off: without that, Wentworth's counsel

Had ne'er prevailed on me. Perhaps I call it

To have excuse for breaking it forever,

And whose will then the blame be? See you not?

Come, dearest!—look, the little fairy, now,

That cannot reach my shoulder! Dearest, come!

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