Browning's England Part 19

_Strafford._ I knew They would be glad of it,--all over once, I knew they would be glad: but he'd contrive, The Queen and he, to mar, by helping it, An angel's making.

_Lady Carlisle._ (Is he mad?) Dear Strafford, You were not wont to look so happy.

_Strafford._ Sweet, I tried obedience thoroughly. I took The King's wild plan: of course, ere I could reach My army, Conway ruined it. I drew The wrecks together, raised all heaven and earth, And would have fought the Scots: the King at once Made truce with them. Then, Lucy, then, dear child, G.o.d put it in my mind to love, serve, die For Charles, but never to obey him more!

While he endured their insolence at Ripon I fell on them at Durham. But you'll tell The King I waited? All the anteroom Is filled with my adherents.

_Lady Carlisle._ Strafford--Strafford, What daring act is this you hint?

_Strafford._ No, no!

'Tis here, not daring if you knew? all here!

[_Drawing papers from his breast._

Full proof, see, ample proof--does the Queen know I have such d.a.m.ning proof? Bedford and Ess.e.x, Brooke, Warwick, Savile (did you notice Savile?

The simper that I spoilt?), Saye, Mandeville-- Sold to the Scots, body and soul, by Pym!

_Lady Carlisle._ Great heaven!

_Strafford._ From Savile and his lords, to Pym And his losels, crushed!--Pym shall not ward the blow Nor Savile creep aside from it! The Crew And the Cabal--I crush them!

_Lady Carlisle._ And you go-- Strafford,--and now you go?--

_Strafford._ --About no work In the background, I promise you! I go Straight to the House of Lords to claim these knaves.

Mainwaring!

_Lady Carlisle._ Stay--stay, Strafford!

_Strafford._ She'll return, The Queen--some little project of her own!

No time to lose: the King takes fright perhaps.

_Lady Carlisle._ Pym's strong, remember!

_Strafford._ Very strong, as fits The Faction's head--with no offence to Hampden, Vane, Rudyard and my loving Hollis: one And all they lodge within the Tower to-night In just equality. Bryan! Mainwaring!

[_Many of his +Adherents+ enter._

The Peers debate just now (a lucky chance) On the Scots' war; my visit's opportune.

When all is over, Bryan, you proceed To Ireland: these dispatches, mark me, Bryan, Are for the Deputy, and these for Ormond: We want the army here--my army, raised At such a cost, that should have done such good, And was inactive all the time! no matter, We'll find a use for it. Willis ... or, no--you!

You, friend, make haste to York: bear this, at once ...

Or,--better stay for form's sake, see yourself The news you carry. You remain with me To execute the Parliament's command, Mainwaring! Help to seize these lesser knaves, Take care there's no escaping at backdoors: I'll not have one escape, mind me--not one!

I seem revengeful, Lucy? Did you know What these men dare!

_Lady Carlisle._ It is so much they dare!

_Strafford._ I proved that long ago; my turn is now.

Keep sharp watch, Goring, on the citizens!

Observe who harbors any of the brood That scramble off: be sure they smart for it!

Our coffers are but lean.

And you, child, too, Shall have your task; deliver this to Laud.

Laud will not be the slowest in thy praise: "Thorough" he'll cry!--Foolish, to be so glad!

This life is gay and glowing, after all: 'Tis worth while, Lucy, having foes like mine Just for the bliss of crus.h.i.+ng them. To-day Is worth the living for.

_Lady Carlisle._ That reddening brow!

You seem....

_Strafford._ Well--do I not? I would be well-- I could not but be well on such a day!

And, this day ended, 'tis of slight import How long the ravaged frame subjects the soul In Strafford.

_Lady Carlisle._ n.o.ble Strafford!

_Strafford._ No farewell!

I'll see you anon, to-morrow--the first thing.

--If She should come to stay me!

_Lady Carlisle._ Go--'tis nothing-- Only my heart that swells: it has been thus Ere now: go, Strafford!

_Strafford._ To-night, then, let it be.

I must see Him: you, the next after Him.

I'll tell how Pym looked. Follow me, friends!

You, gentlemen, shall see a sight this hour To talk of all your lives. Close after me!

"My friend of friends!"

[_STRAFFORD and the rest go out._

_Lady Carlisle._ The King--ever the King!

No thought of one beside, whose little word Unveils the King to him--one word from me, Which yet I do not breathe!

Ah, have I spared Strafford a pang, and shall I seek reward Beyond that memory? Surely too, some way He is the better for my love. No, no-- He would not look so joyous--I'll believe His very eye would never sparkle thus, Had I not prayed for him this long, long while.

SCENE III.--_The Antechamber of the House of Lords._

_Many of the Presbyterian Party. The +Adherents+ of STRAFFORD, etc._

_A Group of Presbyterians._ --1. I tell you he struck Maxwell: Maxwell sought To stay the Earl: he struck him and pa.s.sed on.

2. Fear as you may, keep a good countenance Before these rufflers.

3. Strafford here the first, With the great army at his back!

4. No doubt.

I would Pym had made haste: that's Bryan, hush-- The gallant pointing.

_Strafford's Followers._ --1. Mark these worthies, now!

2. A goodly gathering! "Where the carca.s.s is There shall the eagles"--what's the rest?

3. For eagles Say crows.

_A Presbyterian._ Stand back, sirs!

_One of Strafford's Followers._ Are we in Geneva?

_A Presbyterian._ No, nor in Ireland; we have leave to breathe.