Chapter VI: Act I: SCENE I.--A House near Whitehall (2)

The conditions of affairs at the time of this Parliament were well-nigh desperate for Charles and Wentworth. Things had not gone well with the Scottish war and Wentworth was falling more and more into disfavor. England was now threatened with a Scottish invasion. Still, even with this danger to face it was impossible to raise money to support the army. The English had a suspicion that the Scotch cause was their own. The universal demand for a Parliament could no longer be ignored; the King, therefore, summoned it to meet on the third of November. As Firth observes, "To Strafford this meant ruin, but he hardly realized the greatness of the danger in which he stood. On October 8, the Scotch Commissioners in a public paper denounced him as an incendiary, and declared that they meant to insist on his punishment.

"As soon as the Parliament opened Charles discovered that it was necessary for his service to have Strafford again by his side, and summoned him to London. There is evidence that his friends urged him to pass over to Ireland where the army rested at his devotion, or to transport himself to foreign Kingdoms till fairer weather here should invite him home. The Marquis of Hamilton advised him to fly, but as Hamilton told the King, the Earl was too great-hearted to fear. Though conscious of the peril of obedience, he set out to London to stand by his Master."

The enmity of the Court party to Strafford is touched upon in the first scene, and in the second, Strafford's return, unsuspecting of the great blow that awaits him. He had indeed meditated a blow on his own part. According to Firth, he felt that "One desperate resource remained. The intrigues of the parliamentary leaders with the Scots had come to Strafford's knowledge, and he had determined to impeach them of high treason. He could prove that Pym and his friends had secretly communicated with the rebels, and invited them to bring a Scottish army into England. Strafford arrived in London on Monday, November 9, 1640, and spent Tuesday in resting after his journey. On the morning of Wednesday the 11th, he took his seat in the House of Lords, but did not strike the blow." Upon that day he was impeached of high treason by Pym. Gardiner's account here has much the same dramatic force as the play.

"Followed by a crowd of approving members, Pym carried up the message. Whilst the Lords were still debating on this unusual request for imprisonment before the charge had been set forth, the news of the impeachment was carried to Strafford. 'I will go,' he proudly said 'and look my accusers in the face.' With haughty mien and scowling brow he strode up the floor of the House to his place of honor. There were those amongst the Peers who had no wish to allow him to speak, lest he should accuse them of complicity with the Scots. The Lords, as a body, felt even more personally aggrieved by his method of government than the Commons. Shouts of 'Withdraw! withdraw!' rose from every side. As soon as he was gone an order was passed sequestering the Lord-Lieutenant from his place in the House and committing him to the custody of the Gentleman Usher. He was then called in and bidden to kneel whilst the order was read. He asked permission to speak, but his request was sternly refused. Maxwell, the Usher of the Black Rod, took from him his sword, and conducted him out of the House. The crowd outside gazed pitilessly on the fallen minister, 'No man capping to him, before whom that morning the greatest in England would have stood dis-covered.' 'What is the matter?' they asked. 'A small matter, I warrant you,' replied Strafford with forced levity. 'Yes, indeed,' answered a bystander, 'high treason is a small matter.'"

This passage brings up the scene in a manner so similar to that of the play, it is safe to say that Gardiner was here influenced by Browning, the history having been written many years after the play.

SCENE II.--_Whitehall._

_The QUEEN and +Lady+ CARLISLE._

_Queen._ It cannot be.

_Lady Carlisle._ It is so.

_Queen._ Why, the House
Have hardly met.

_Lady Carlisle._ They met for that.

_Queen._ No, no!
Meet to impeach Lord Strafford? 'Tis a jest.

_Lady Carlisle._ A bitter one.

_Queen._ Consider! 'Tis the House
We summoned so reluctantly, which nothing
But the disastrous issue of the war
Persuaded us to summon. They'll wreak all
Their spite on us, no doubt; but the old way
Is to begin by talk of grievances:
They have their grievances to busy them.

_Lady Carlisle._ Pym has begun his speech.

_Queen._ Where's Vane?--That is,
Pym will impeach Lord Strafford if he leaves
His Presidency; he's at York, we know,
Since the Scots beat him: why should he leave York?

_Lady Carlisle._ Because the King sent for him.

_Queen._ Ah--but if
The King did send for him, he let him know
We had been forced to call a Parliament--
A step which Strafford, now I come to think,
Was vehement against.

_Lady Carlisle._ The policy
Escaped him, of first striking Parliaments
To earth, then setting them upon their feet
And giving them a sword: but this is idle.
Did the King send for Strafford? He will come.

_Queen._ And what am I to do?

_Lady Carlisle._ What do? Fail, madam!
Be ruined for his sake! what matters how,
So it but stand on record that you made
An effort, only one?

_Queen._ The King away
At Theobald's!

_Lady Carlisle._ Send for him at once: he must
Dissolve the House.

_Queen._ Wait till Vane finds the truth
Of the report: then....

_Lady Carlisle._ --It will matter little
What the King does. Strafford that lends his arm
And breaks his heart for you!

_+Sir+ H. VANE enters._

_Vane._ The Commons, madam,
Are sitting with closed doors. A huge debate,
No lack of noise; but nothing, I should guess,
Concerning Strafford: Pym has certainly
Not spoken yet.

_Queen_ [_to +Lady+ CARLISLE_]. You hear?

_Lady Carlisle._ I do not hear
That the King's sent for!

_Vane._ Savile will be able
To tell you more.

_HOLLAND enters._

_Queen._ The last news, Holland?

_Holland._ Pym
Is raging like a fire. The whole House means
To follow him together to Whitehall
And force the King to give up Strafford.

_Queen._ Strafford?

_Holland._ If they content themselves with Strafford! Laud
Is talked of, Cottington and Windebank too.
Pym has not left out one of them--I would
You heard Pym raging!

_Queen._ Vane, go find the King!
Tell the King, Vane, the People follow Pym
To brave us at Whitehall!

_SAVILE enters._

_Savile._ Not to Whitehall--
'Tis to the Lords they go: they seek redress
On Strafford from his peers--the legal way,
They call it.

_Queen._ (Wait, Vane!)

_Savile._ But the adage gives
Long life to threatened men. Strafford can save
Himself so readily: at York, remember,
In his own country: what has he to fear?
The Commons only mean to frighten him
From leaving York. Surely, he will not come.

_Queen._ Lucy, he will not come!

_Lady Carlisle._ Once more, the King
Has sent for Strafford. He will come.

_Vane._ Oh doubtless!
And bring destruction with him: that's his way.
What but his coming spoilt all Conway's plan?
The King must take his counsel, choose his friends,
Be wholly ruled by him! What's the result?
The North that was to rise, Ireland to help,--
What came of it? In my poor mind, a fright
Is no prodigious punishment.

_Lady Carlisle._ A fright?
Pym will fail worse than Strafford if he thinks
To frighten him. [_To the QUEEN._] You will not save him then?

_Savile._ When something like a charge is made, the King
Will best know how to save him: and t'is clear,
While Strafford suffers nothing by the matter,
The King may reap advantage: this in question,
No dinning you with ship-money complaints!

_Queen_ [_to +Lady+ CARLISLE_]. If we dissolve them, who will pay
the army?
Protect us from the insolent Scots?

_Lady Carlisle._ In truth,
I know not, madam. Strafford's fate concerns
Me little: you desired to learn what course
Would save him: I obey you.

_Vane._ Notice, too,
There can't be fairer ground for taking full
Revenge--(Strafford's revengeful)--than he'll have
Against his old friend Pym.

_Queen._ Why, he shall claim
Vengeance on Pym!

_Vane._ And Strafford, who is he
To 'scape unscathed amid the accidents
That harass all beside? I, for my part,
Should look for something of discomfiture
Had the King trusted me so thoroughly
And been so paid for it.

_Holland._ He'll keep at York:
All will blow over: he'll return no worse,
Humbled a little, thankful for a place
Under as good a man. Oh, we'll dispense
With seeing Strafford for a month or two!

_STRAFFORD enters._

_Queen._ You here!

_Strafford._ The King sends for me, madam.

_Queen._ Sir,
The King....

_Strafford._ An urgent matter that imports the King!
[_To +Lady+ CARLISLE._] Why, Lucy, what's in agitation now,
That all this muttering and shrugging, see,
Begins at me? They do not speak!

_Lady Carlisle._ 'Tis welcome!
For we are proud of you--happy and proud
To have you with us, Strafford! You were staunch
At Durham: you did well there! Had you not
Been stayed, you might have ... we said, even now,
Our hope's in you!

_Vane_ [_to +Lady+ CARLISLE_]. The Queen would speak with you.

_Strafford._ Will one of you, his servants here, vouchsafe
To signify my presence to the King?

_Savile._ An urgent matter?

_Strafford._ None that touches you,
Lord Savile! Say, it were some treacherous
Sly pitiful intriguing with the Scots--
You would go free, at least! (They half divine
My purpose!) Madam, shall I see the King?
The service I would render, much concerns
His welfare.

_Queen._ But his Majesty, my lord,
May not be here, may....

_Strafford._ Its importance, then,
Must plead excuse for this withdrawal, madam,
And for the grief it gives Lord Savile here.

_Queen_ [_who has been conversing with VANE and HOLLAND_].
The King will see you, sir!
[_To +Lady+ CARLISLE._] Mark me: Pym's worst
Is done by now: he has impeached the Earl,
Or found the Earl too strong for him, by now.
Let us not seem instructed! We should work
No good to Strafford, but deform ourselves
With shame in the world's eye. [_To STRAFFORD._] His Majesty
Has much to say with you.

_Strafford._ Time fleeting, too!
[_To +Lady+ CARLISLE._] No means of getting them away? And She--
What does she whisper? Does she know my purpose?
What does she think of it? Get them away!

_Queen_ [_to +Lady+ CARLISLE_]. He comes to baffle Pym--he thinks
the danger
Far off: tell him no word of it! a time
For help will come; we'll not be wanting then.
Keep him in play, Lucy--you, self-possessed
And calm! [_To STRAFFORD._] To spare your lordship some delay
I will myself acquaint the King. [_To +Lady+ CARLISLE._] Beware!

[_The QUEEN, VANE, HOLLAND, and SAVILE go out._

_Strafford._ She knows it?

_Lady Carlisle._ Tell me, Strafford!

_Strafford._ Afterward!
This moment's the great moment of all time.
She knows my purpose?

_Lady Carlisle._ Thoroughly: just now
She bade me hide it from you.

_Strafford._ Quick, dear child,
The whole o' the scheme?

_Lady Carlisle._ (Ah, he would learn if they
Connive at Pym's procedure! Could they but
Have once apprised the King! But there's no time
For falsehood, now.) Strafford, the whole is known.

_Strafford._ Known and approved?

_Lady Carlisle._ Hardly discountenanced.

_Strafford._ And the King--say, the King consents as well?

_Lady Carlisle._ The King's not yet informed, but will not dare
To interpose.

_Strafford._ What need to wait him, then?
He'll sanction it! I stayed, child, tell him, long!
It vexed me to the soul--this waiting here.
You know him, there's no counting on the King.
Tell him I waited long!

_Lady Carlisle._ (What can he mean?
Rejoice at the King's hollowness?)

_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,
God 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 damning proof? Bedford and Essex,
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 crushing 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._ Noble 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 passed 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 carcass 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.

_One of Strafford's Followers._ Truly? Behold how privileged we be
That serve "King Pym"! There's Some-one at Whitehall
Who skulks obscure; but Pym struts....

_The Presbyterian._ Nearer.

_A Follower of Strafford._ Higher,
We look to see him. [_To his +Companions+._] I'm to have St. John
In charge; was he among the knaves just now
That followed Pym within there?

_Another._ The gaunt man
Talking with Rudyard. Did the Earl expect
Pym at his heels so fast? I like it not.

_MAXWELL enters._

_Another._ Why, man, they rush into the net! Here's Maxwell--
Ha, Maxwell? How the brethren flock around
The fellow! Do you feel the Earl's hand yet
Upon your shoulder, Maxwell?

_Maxwell._ Gentlemen,
Stand back! a great thing passes here.

_A Follower of Strafford_ [_To another_]. The Earl
Is at his work! [_To +M.+_] Say, Maxwell, what great thing!
Speak out! [_To a +Presbyterian+._] Friend, I've a kindness for you!
Friend,
I've seen you with St. John: O stockishness!
Wear such a ruff, and never call to mind
St. John's head in a charger? How, the plague,
Not laugh?

_Another._ Say, Maxwell, what great thing!

_Another._ Nay, wait:
The jest will be to wait.

_First._ And who's to bear
These demure hypocrites? You'd swear they came ...
Came ... just as we come!

[_A +Puritan+ enters hastily and without observing STRAFFORD'S +Followers+._

_The Puritan._ How goes on the work?
Has Pym....

_A Follower of Strafford._ The secret's out at last. Aha,
The carrion's scented! Welcome, crow the first!
Gorge merrily, you with the blinking eye!
"King Pym has fallen!"

_The Puritan._ Pym?

_A Strafford._ Pym!

_A Presbyterian._ Only Pym?

_Many of Strafford's Followers._ No, brother, not Pym only;
Vane as well,
Rudyard as well, Hampden, St. John as well!

_A Presbyterian._ My mind misgives: can it be true?

_Another._ Lost! Lost!

_A Strafford._ Say we true, Maxwell?

_The Puritan._ Pride before destruction,
A haughty spirit goeth before a fall.

_Many of Strafford's Followers._ Ah now! The very thing!
A word in season!
A golden apple in a silver picture,
To greet Pym as he passes!

[_The doors at the back begin to open, noise and light issuing._

_Maxwell._ Stand back, all!

_Many of the Presbyterians._ I hold with Pym! And I!

_Strafford's Followers._ Now for the text!
He comes! Quick!

_The Puritan._ How hath the oppressor ceased!
The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked!
The sceptre of the rulers, he who smote
The people in wrath with a continual stroke,
That ruled the nations in his anger--he
Is persecuted and none hindreth!

[_The doors open, and STRAFFORD issues in the greatest disorder, and amid cries from within of "+Void the House+!"_

_Strafford._ Impeach me! Pym! I never struck, I think,
The felon on that calm insulting mouth
When it proclaimed--Pym's mouth proclaimed me ... God!
Was it a word, only a word that held
The outrageous blood back on my heart--which beats!
Which beats! Some one word--"Traitor," did he say,
Bending that eye, brimful of bitter fire,
Upon me?

_Maxwell._ In the Commons' name, their servant
Demands Lord Strafford's sword.

_Strafford._ What did you say?

_Maxwell._ The Commons bid me ask your lordship's sword.

_Strafford._ Let us go forth: follow me, gentlemen!
Draw your swords too: cut any down that bar us.
On the King's service! Maxwell, clear the way!

[_The +Presbyterians+ prepare to dispute his passage._

_Strafford._ I stay: the King himself shall see me here.
Your tablets, fellow!
[_To MAINWARING._] Give that to the King!
Yes, Maxwell, for the next half-hour, let be!
Nay, you shall take my sword!

[_MAXWELL advances to take it._

Or, no--not that!
Their blood, perhaps, may wipe out all thus far,
All up to that--not that! Why, friend, you see
When the King lays your head beneath my foot
It will not pay for that. Go, all of you!

_Maxwell._ I dare, my lord, to disobey: none stir!

_Strafford._ This gentle Maxwell!--Do not touch him, Bryan!
[_To the +Presbyterians+._] Whichever cur of you will carry this
Escapes his fellow's fate. None saves his life?
None?

[_Cries from within of "STRAFFORD!"_

Slingsby, I've loved you at least: make haste!
Stab me! I have not time to tell you why.
You then, my Bryan! Mainwaring, you then!
Is it because I spoke so hastily
At Allerton? The King had vexed me.
[_To the +Presbyterians+._] You!
--Not even you? If I live over this,
The King is sure to have your heads, you know!
But what if I can't live this minute through?
Pym, who is there with his pursuing smile!

[_Louder cries of "STRAFFORD!"_

The King! I troubled him, stood in the way
Of his negotiations, was the one
Great obstacle to peace, the Enemy
Of Scotland: and he sent for me, from York,
My safety guaranteed--having prepared
A Parliament--I see! And at Whitehall
The Queen was whispering with Vane--I see
The trap!

[_Tearing off the George._

I tread a gewgaw underfoot,
And cast a memory from me. One stroke, now!

[_His own +Adherents+ disarm him. Renewed cries of "STRAFFORD!"_

England! I see thy arm in this and yield.
Pray you now--Pym awaits me--pray you now!

[_STRAFFORD reaches the doors: they open wide. HAMPDEN and a crowd discovered, and, at the bar, PYM standing apart. As STRAFFORD kneels, the scene shuts._

The history of the fourth act deals with further episodes of Strafford's trial, especially with the change in the procedure from Impeachment to a Bill of Attainder against Strafford. The details of this great trial are complicated and cannot be followed in all their ramifications here. There was danger that the Impeachment would not go through. Strafford, himself, felt confident that in law his actions could not be found treasonable.

After Strafford's brilliant defense of himself, it was decided to bring in a Bill of Attainder. New evidence against Strafford contained in some notes which the younger Vane had found among his father's papers were used to strengthen the charge of treason. In these notes Strafford had advised the King to act "loose and absolved from all rules of government," and had reminded him that there was an army in Ireland, ready to reduce the Kingdom. These notes were found by the merest accident. The younger Vane who had just been knighted and was about to be married, borrowed his father's keys in order to look up some law papers. In his search he fell upon these notes taken at a committee that met immediately after the dissolution of the short Parliament. He made a copy and carried it to Pym who also made a copy.

According to Baillie, the "secret" of the change from the Impeachment to the Bill was "to prevent the hearing of the Earl's lawyers, who give out that there is no law yet in force whereby he can be condemned to die for aught yet objected against him, and therefore their intent by this Bill to supply the defect of the laws therein." To this may be added the opinion of a member of the Commons. "If the House of Commons proceeds to demand judgment of the Lords, without doubt they will acquit him, there being no law extant whereby to condemn him of treason. Wherefore the Commons are determined to desert the Lord's judicature, and to proceed against him by Bill of Attainder, whereby he shall be adjudged to death upon a treason now to be declared."

One of the chief results in this change of procedure, emphasized by Browning in an intense scene between Pym and Charles was that it altered entirely the King's attitude towards Strafford's trial. As Baillie expresses it, "Had the Commons gone on in the former way of pursuit, the King might have been a patient, and only beheld the striking off of Strafford's head; but now they have put them on a Bill which will force the King either to be our agent and formal voicer to his death, or else do the world knows not what."

For the sake of a gain in dramatic power, Browning has once more departed from history by making Pym the moving power in the Bill of Attainder, and Hampden in favor of it; while in reality they were opposed to the change in procedure, and believed that the Impeachment could have been carried through.

The relentless, scourging force of Pym in the play, pursuing the arch-foe of England as he regarded Wentworth to the death, once he is convinced that England's welfare demands it, would have been weakened had he been represented in favor of the policy which was abandoned, instead of with the policy that succeeded. But Pym is made to intimate that he will abandon the Bill unless the King gives his word that he will ratify it, and further, Pym declares, should he not ratify the Bill his next step will be against the King himself.

_Enter HAMPDEN and VANE._

_Vane._ O Hampden, save the great misguided man!
Plead Strafford's cause with Pym! I have remarked
He moved no muscle when we all declaimed
Against him: you had but to breathe--he turned
Those kind calm eyes upon you.

[_Enter PYM, the +Solicitor-General+ ST. JOHN, the +Managers+ of the Trial, FIENNES, RUDYARD, etc._

_Rudyard._ Horrible!
Till now all hearts were with you: I withdraw
For one. Too horrible! But we mistake
Your purpose, Pym: you cannot snatch away
The last spar from the drowning man.

_Fiennes._ He talks
With St. John of it--see, how quietly!
[_To other +Presbyterians+._] You'll join us? Strafford may deserve
the worst:
But this new course is monstrous. Vane, take heart!
This Bill of his Attainder shall not have
One true man's hand to it.

_Vane._ Consider, Pym!
Confront your Bill, your own Bill: what is it?
You cannot catch the Earl on any charge,--
No man will say the law has hold of him
On any charge; and therefore you resolve
To take the general sense on his desert,
As though no law existed, and we met
To found one. You refer to Parliament
To speak its thought upon the abortive mass
Of half-borne-out assertions, dubious hints
Hereafter to be cleared, distortions--ay,
And wild inventions. Every man is saved
The task of fixing any single charge
On Strafford: he has but to see in him
The enemy of England.

_Pym._ A right scruple!
I have heard some called England's enemy
With less consideration.

_Vane._ Pity me!
Indeed you made me think I was your friend!
I who have murdered Strafford, how remove
That memory from me?

_Pym._ I absolve you, Vane.
Take you no care for aught that you have done!

_Vane._ John Hampden, not this Bill! Reject this Bill!
He staggers through the ordeal: let him go,
Strew no fresh fire before him! Plead for us!
When Strafford spoke, your eyes were thick with tears!

_Hampden._ England speaks louder: who are we, to play
The generous pardoner at her expense,
Magnanimously waive advantages,
And, if he conquer us, applaud his skill?

_Vane._ He was your friend.

_Pym._ I have heard that before.

_Fiennes._ And England trusts you.

_Hampden._ Shame be his, who turns
The opportunity of serving her
She trusts him with, to his own mean account--
Who would look nobly frank at her expense!

_Fiennes._ I never thought it could have come to this.

_Pym._ But I have made myself familiar, Fiennes,
With this one thought--have walked, and sat, and slept,
This thought before me. I have done such things,
Being the chosen man that should destroy
The traitor. You have taken up this thought
To play with, for a gentle stimulant,
To give a dignity to idler life
By the dim prospect of emprise to come,
But ever with the softening, sure belief,
That all would end some strange way right at last.

_Fiennes._ Had we made out some weightier charge!

_Pym._ You say
That these are petty charges: can we come
To the real charge at all? There he is safe
In tyranny's stronghold. Apostasy
Is not a crime, treachery not a crime:
The cheek burns, the blood tingles, when you speak
The words, but where's the power to take revenge
Upon them? We must make occasion serve,--
The oversight shall pay for the main sin
That mocks us.

_Rudyard._ But his unexampled course,
This Bill!

_Pym._ By this, we roll the clouds away
Of precedent and custom, and at once
Bid the great beacon-light God sets in all,
The conscience of each bosom, shine upon
The guilt of Strafford: each man lay his hand
Upon his breast, and judge!

_Vane._ I only see
Strafford, nor pass his corpse for all beyond!

_Rudyard and others._ Forgive him! He would join us, now he finds
What the King counts reward! The pardon, too,
Should be your own. Yourself should bear to Strafford
The pardon of the Commons.

_Pym._ Meet him? Strafford?
Have we to meet once more, then? Be it so!
And yet--the prophecy seemed half fulfilled
When, at the Trial, as he gazed, my youth,
Our friendship, divers thoughts came back at once
And left me, for a time.... 'Tis very sad!
To-morrow we discuss the points of law
With Lane--to-morrow?

_Vane._ Not before to-morrow--
So, time enough! I knew you would relent!

_Pym._ The next day, Haselrig, you introduce
The Bill of his Attainder. Pray for me!

SCENE III.--_Whitehall._

_The KING._

_Charles._ My loyal servant! To defend himself
Thus irresistibly,--withholding aught
That seemed to implicate us!
We have done
Less gallantly by Strafford. Well, the future
Must recompense the past.
She tarries long.
I understand you, Strafford, now!
The scheme--
Carlisle's mad scheme--he'll sanction it, I fear,
For love of me. 'Twas too precipitate:
Before the army's fairly on its march,
He'll be at large: no matter.
Well, Carlisle?

_Enter PYM._

_Pym._ Fear me not, sir:--my mission is to save,
This time.

_Charles._ To break thus on me! Unannounced!

_Pym._ It is of Strafford I would speak.

_Charles._ No more
Of Strafford! I have heard too much from you.

_Pym._ I spoke, sir, for the People; will you hear
A word upon my own account?

_Charles._ Of Strafford?
(So turns the tide already? Have we tamed
The insolent brawler?--Strafford's eloquence
Is swift in its effect.) Lord Strafford, sir,
Has spoken for himself.

_Pym._ Sufficiently.
I would apprise you of the novel course
The People take: the Trial fails.

_Charles._ Yes, yes:
We are aware, sir: for your part in it
Means shall be found to thank you.

_Pym._ Pray you, read
This schedule! I would learn from your own mouth
--(It is a matter much concerning me)--
Whether, if two Estates of us concede
The death of Strafford, on the grounds set forth
Within that parchment, you, sir, can resolve
To grant your own consent to it. This Bill
Is framed by me. If you determine, sir,
That England's manifested will should guide
Your judgment, ere another week such will
Shall manifest itself. If not,--I cast
Aside the measure.

_Charles._ You can hinder, then,
The introduction of this Bill?

_Pym._ I can.

_Charles._ He is my friend, sir: I have wronged him: mark you,
Had I not wronged him, this might be. You think
Because you hate the Earl ... (turn not away,
We know you hate him)--no one else could love
Strafford: but he has saved me, some affirm.
Think of his pride! And do you know one strange,
One frightful thing? We all have used the man
As though a drudge of ours, with not a source
Of happy thoughts except in us; and yet
Strafford has wife and children, household cares,
Just as if we had never been. Ah sir,
You are moved, even you, a solitary man
Wed to your cause--to England if you will!

_Pym._ Yes--think, my soul--to England! Draw not back!

_Charles._ Prevent that Bill, sir! All your course seems fair
Till now. Why, in the end, 'tis I should sign
The warrant for his death! You have said much
I ponder on; I never meant, indeed,
Strafford should serve me any more. I take
The Commons' counsel; but this Bill is yours--
Nor worthy of its leader: care not, sir,
For that, however! I will quite forget
You named it to me. You are satisfied?

_Pym._ Listen to me, sir! Eliot laid his hand,
Wasted and white, upon my forehead once;
Wentworth--he's gone now!--has talked on, whole nights,
And I beside him; Hampden loves me: sir,
How can I breathe and not wish England well,
And her King well?

_Charles._ I thank you, sir, who leave
That King his servant. Thanks, sir!

_Pym._ Let me speak!
--Who may not speak again; whose spirit yearns
For a cool night after this weary day:
--Who would not have my soul turn sicker yet
In a new task, more fatal, more august,
More full of England's utter weal or woe.
I thought, sir, could I find myself with you,
After this trial, alone, as man to man--
I might say something, warn you, pray you, save--
Mark me, King Charles, save----you!
But God must do it. Yet I warn you, sir--
(With Strafford's faded eyes yet full on me)
As you would have no deeper question moved
--"How long the Many must endure the One,"
Assure me, sir, if England give assent
To Strafford's death, you will not interfere!
Or----

_Charles._ God forsakes me. I am in a net
And cannot move. Let all be as you say!

_Enter +Lady+ CARLISLE._

_Lady Carlisle._ He loves you--looking beautiful with joy
Because you sent me! he would spare you all
The pain! he never dreamed you would forsake
Your servant in the evil day--nay, see
Your scheme returned! That generous heart of his!
He needs it not--or, needing it, disdains
A course that might endanger you--you, sir,
Whom Strafford from his inmost soul....
[_Seeing PYM._] Well met!
No fear for Strafford! All that's true and brave
On your own side shall help us: we are now
Stronger than ever.
Ha--what, sir, is this?
All is not well! What parchment have you there?

_Pym._ Sir, much is saved us both.

_Lady Carlisle._ This Bill! Your lip
Whitens--you could not read one line to me
Your voice would falter so!

_Pym._ No recreant yet!
The great word went from England to my soul,
And I arose. The end is very near.

_Lady Carlisle._ I am to save him! All have shrunk beside;
'Tis only I am left. Heaven will make strong
The hand now as the heart. Then let both die!

In the last act Browning has drawn upon his imagination more than in any other part of the play. Strafford in prison in the Tower is the center around which all the other elements of the drama are made to revolve. A glimpse, the first, of the man in a purely human capacity is given in the second scene with Strafford and his children. From all accounts little Anne was a precocious child and Browning has sketched her accordingly. The scene is like a gleam of sunshine in the gathering gloom.

The genuine grief felt by the historical Charles over the part he played in the ruin of Strafford is brought out in an interview between Strafford and Charles, who is represented as coming disguised to the prison. Strafford who has been hoping for pardon from the King learns from Hollis, in the King's presence, that the King has signed his death warrant. He receives this shock with the remark which history attributes to him.

"Put not your trust
In princes, neither in the sons of men,
In whom is no salvation!"

History tells us of two efforts to rescue Strafford. One of these was an attempt to bribe Balfour to allow him to escape from the tower. This hint the Poet has worked up into the episode of Charles, calling Balfour and begging him to go at once to Parliament, to say he will grant all demands, and that he chooses to pardon Strafford. History, however, does not say that Lady Carlisle was implicated in any plan for the rescue of Strafford, of which Browning makes so much. According to Gardiner, she was by this time bestowing her favors upon Pym. Devotion to the truth here on Browning's part would have completely ruined the inner unity of the play. Carlisle, the woman ready to devote herself to Strafford's utmost need, while Strafford is more or less indifferent to her is the artistic compliment of Strafford the man devoted to the unresponsive King. The failure of the escape through Pym's intervention is a final dramatic climax bringing face to face not so much the two individual men as the two principles of government for which England was warring, the Monarchical and the Parliamentary. To the last, Strafford is loyal to the King and the Kingly idea, while Pym crushing his human feelings under foot, calmly contemplates the sacrifice not only of Strafford, but even of the King, if England's need demand it.

In this supreme moment of agony when Strafford and Pym meet face to face both men are made to realize an abiding love for each other beneath all their earthly differences. "A great poet of our own day," writes Gardiner, "clothing the reconciling spirit of the nineteenth century in words which never could have been spoken in the seventeenth, has breathed a high wish. On his page an imaginary Pym, recalling an imaginary friendship, looks forward hopefully to a reunion in a better and brighter world."

SCENE II.--_The Tower._

_STRAFFORD sitting with his +Children+. They sing._

_O bell 'andare
Per barca in mare,
Verso la sera
Di Primavera!_

_William._ The boat's in the broad moonlight all this while--

_Verso la sera
Di Primavera!_

And the boat shoots from underneath the moon
Into the shadowy distance; only still
You hear the dipping oar--

_Verso la sera_,

And faint, and fainter, and then all's quite gone,
Music and light and all, like a lost star.

_Anne._ But you should sleep, father; you were to sleep.

_Strafford._ I do sleep, Anne; or if not--you must know
There's such a thing as....

_William._ You're too tired to sleep?

_Strafford._ It will come by-and-by and all day long,
In that old quiet house I told you of:
We sleep safe there.

_Anne._ Why not in Ireland?

_Strafford._ No!
Too many dreams!--That song's for Venice, William:
You know how Venice looks upon the map--
Isles that the mainland hardly can let go?

_William._ You've been to Venice, father?

_Strafford._ I was young, then.

_William._ A city with no King; that's why I like
Even a song that comes from Venice.

_Strafford._ William!

_William._ Oh, I know why! Anne, do you love the King?
But I'll see Venice for myself one day.

_Strafford._ See many lands, boy--England last of all,--
That way you'll love her best.

_William._ Why do men say
You sought to ruin her then?

_Strafford._ Ah,--they say that.

_William._ Why?

_Strafford._ I suppose they must have words to say,
As you to sing.

_Anne._ But they make songs beside:
Last night I heard one, in the street beneath,
That called you.... Oh, the names!

_William._ Don't mind her, father!
They soon left off when I cried out to them.

_Strafford._ We shall so soon be out of it, my boy!
'Tis not worth while: who heeds a foolish song?

_William._ Why, not the King.

_Strafford._ Well: it has been the fate
Of better; and yet,--wherefore not feel sure
That Time, who in the twilight comes to mend
All the fantastic day's caprice, consign
To the low ground once more the ignoble Term,
And raise the Genius on his orb again,--
That Time will do me right?

_Anne._ (Shall we sing, William?
He does not look thus when we sing.)

_Strafford._ For Ireland,
Something is done: too little, but enough
To show what might have been.

_William._ (I have no heart
To sing now! Anne, how very sad he looks!
Oh, I so hate the King for all he says!)

_Strafford._ Forsook them! What, the common songs will run
That I forsook the People? Nothing more?
Ay, Fame, the busy scribe, will pause, no doubt,
Turning a deaf ear to her thousand slaves
Noisy to be enrolled,--will register
The curious glosses, subtle notices,
Ingenious clearings-up one fain would see
Beside that plain inscription of The Name--
The Patriot Pym, or the Apostate Strafford!

[_The +Children+ resume their song timidly, but break off._

_Enter HOLLIS and an +Attendant+._

_Strafford._ No,--Hollis? in good time!--Who is he?

_Hollis._ One
That must be present.

_Strafford._ Ah--I understand.
They will not let me see poor Laud alone.
How politic! They'd use me by degrees
To solitude: and, just as you came in,
I was solicitous what life to lead
When Strafford's "not so much as Constable
In the King's service." Is there any means
To keep oneself awake? What would you do
After this bustle, Hollis, in my place?

_Hollis._ Strafford!

_Strafford._ Observe, not but that Pym and you
Will find me news enough--news I shall hear
Under a quince-tree by a fish-pond side
At Wentworth. Garrard must be re-engaged
My newsman. Or, a better project now--
What if when all's consummated, and the Saints
Reign, and the Senate's work goes swimmingly,--
What if I venture up, some day, unseen,
To saunter through the Town, notice how Pym,
Your Tribune, likes Whitehall, drop quietly
Into a tavern, hear a point discussed,
As, whether Strafford's name were John or James--
And be myself appealed to--I, who shall
Myself have near forgotten!

_Hollis._ I would speak....

_Strafford._ Then you shall speak,--not now. I want just now,
To hear the sound of my own tongue. This place
Is full of ghosts.

_Hollis._ Nay, you must hear me, Strafford!

_Strafford._ Oh, readily! Only, one rare thing more,--
The minister! Who will advise the King,
Turn his Sejanus, Richelieu and what not,
And yet have health--children, for aught I know--
My patient pair of traitors! Ah,--but, William--
Does not his cheek grow thin?

_William._ 'Tis you look thin, Father!

_Strafford._ A scamper o'er the breezy wolds
Sets all to-rights.

_Hollis._ You cannot sure forget
A prison-roof is o'er you, Strafford?

_Strafford._ No,
Why, no. I would not touch on that, the first.
I left you that. Well, Hollis? Say at once,
The King can find no time to set me free!
A mask at Theobald's?

_Hollis._ Hold: no such affair
Detains him.

_Strafford._ True: what needs so great a matter?
The Queen's lip may be sore. Well: when he pleases,--
Only, I want the air: it vexes flesh
To be pent up so long.

_Hollis._ The King--I bear
His message, Strafford: pray you, let me speak!

_Strafford._ Go, William! Anne, try o'er your song again!

[_The +Children+ retire._

They shall be loyal, friend, at all events.
I know your message: you have nothing new
To tell me: from the first I guessed as much.
I know, instead of coming here himself,
Leading me forth in public by the hand,
The King prefers to leave the door ajar
As though I were escaping--bids me trudge
While the mob gapes upon some show prepared
On the other side of the river! Give at once
His order of release! I've heard, as well
Of certain poor manoeuvres to avoid
The granting pardon at his proper risk;
First, he must prattle somewhat to the Lords,
Must talk a trifle with the Commons first,
Be grieved I should abuse his confidence,
And far from blaming them, and.... Where's the order?

_Hollis._ Spare me!

_Strafford._ Why, he'd not have me steal away?
With an old doublet and a steeple hat
Like Prynne's? Be smuggled into France, perhaps?
Hollis, 'tis for my children! 'Twas for them
I first consented to stand day by day
And give your Puritans the best of words,
Be patient, speak when called upon, observe
Their rules, and not return them prompt their lie!
What's in that boy of mine that he should prove
Son to a prison-breaker? I shall stay
And he'll stay with me. Charles should know as much,
He too has children!
[_Turning to HOLLIS'S +Companion+._] Sir, you feel for me!
No need to hide that face! Though it have looked
Upon me from the judgment-seat ... I know
Strangely, that somewhere it has looked on me, ...
Your coming has my pardon, nay, my thanks:
For there is one who comes not.

_Hollis._ Whom forgive,
As one to die!

_Strafford._ True, all die, and all need
Forgiveness: I forgive him from my soul.

_Hollis._ 'Tis a world's wonder: Strafford, you must die!

_Strafford._ Sir, if your errand is to set me free
This heartless jest mars much. Ha! Tears in truth?
We'll end this! See this paper, warm--feel--warm
With lying next my heart! Whose hand is there?
Whose promise? Read, and loud for God to hear!
"Strafford shall take no hurt"--read it, I say!
"In person, honor, nor estate"--

_Hollis._ The King....

_Strafford._ I could unking him by a breath! You sit
Where Loudon sat, who came to prophesy
The certain end, and offer me Pym's grace
If I'd renounce the King: and I stood firm
On the King's faith. The King who lives....

_Hollis._ To sign
The warrant for your death.

_Strafford._ "Put not your trust
In princes, neither in the sons of men,
In whom is no salvation!"

_Hollis._ Trust in God!
The scaffold is prepared: they wait for you:
He has consented. Cast the earth behind!

_Charles._ You would not see me, Strafford, at your foot!
It was wrung from me! Only, curse me not!

_Hollis_ [_to STRAFFORD_]. As you hope grace and pardon in your need,
Be merciful to this most wretched man.

[_Voices from within._

_Verso la sera
Di Primavera_

_Strafford._ You'll be good to those children, sir? I know
You'll not believe her, even should the Queen
Think they take after one they rarely saw.
I had intended that my son should live
A stranger to these matters: but you are
So utterly deprived of friends! He too
Must serve you--will you not be good to him?
Or, stay, sir, do not promise--do not swear!
You, Hollis--do the best you can for me!
I've not a soul to trust to: Wandesford's dead,
And you've got Radcliffe safe, Laud's turn comes next:
I've found small time of late for my affairs,
But I trust any of you, Pym himself--
No one could hurt them: there's an infant, too.
These tedious cares! Your Majesty could spare them.
Nay--pardon me, my King! I had forgotten
Your education, trials, much temptation,
Some weakness: there escaped a peevish word--
'Tis gone: I bless you at the last. You know
All's between you and me: what has the world
To do with it? Farewell!

_Charles_ [_at the door_]. Balfour! Balfour!

_Enter BALFOUR._

The Parliament!--go to them: I grant all
Demands. Their sittings shall be permanent:
Tell them to keep their money if they will:
I'll come to them for every coat I wear
And every crust I eat: only I choose
To pardon Strafford. As the Queen shall choose!
--You never heard the People howl for blood,
Beside!

_Balfour._ Your Majesty may hear them now:
The walls can hardly keep their murmurs out:
Please you retire!

_Charles._ Take all the troops, Balfour!

_Balfour._ There are some hundred thousand of the crowd.

_Charles._ Come with me, Strafford! You'll not fear, at least!

_Strafford._ Balfour, say nothing to the world of this!
I charge you, as a dying man, forget
You gazed upon this agony of one ...
Of one ... or if ... why you may say, Balfour,
The King was sorry: 'tis no shame in him:
Yes, you may say he even wept, Balfour,
And that I walked the lighter to the block
Because of it. I shall walk lightly, sir!
Earth fades, heaven breaks on me: I shall stand next
Before God's throne: the moment's close at hand
When man the first, last time, has leave to lay
His whole heart bare before its Maker, leave
To clear up the long error of a life
And choose one happiness for evermore.
With all mortality about me, Charles,
The sudden wreck, the dregs of violent death--
What if, despite the opening angel-song,
There penetrate one prayer for you? Be saved
Through me! Bear witness, no one could prevent
My death! Lead on! ere he awake--best, now!
All must be ready: did you say, Balfour,
The crowd began to murmur? They'll be kept
Too late for sermon at St. Antholin's!
Now! But tread softly--children are at play
In the next room. Precede! I follow--

_Enter +Lady+ CARLISLE with many +Attendants+._

_Lady Carlisle._ Me!
Follow me, Strafford, and be saved! The King?
[_To the KING._] Well--as you ordered, they are ranged without,
The convoy.... [_seeing the KING'S state._]
[_To STRAFFORD._] You know all, then! Why I thought
It looked best that the King should save you,--Charles
Alone; 'tis a shame that you should owe me aught.
Or no, not shame! Strafford, you'll not feel shame
At being saved by me?

_Hollis._ All true! Oh Strafford,
She saves you! all her deed! this lady's deed!
And is the boat in readiness? You, friend,
Are Billingsley, no doubt. Speak to her, Strafford!
See how she trembles, waiting for your voice!
The world's to learn its bravest story yet.

_Lady Carlisle._ Talk afterward! Long nights in France enough,
To sit beneath the vines and talk of home.

_Strafford._ You love me, child? Ah, Strafford can be loved
As well as Vane! I could escape, then?

_Lady Carlisle._ Haste!
Advance the torches, Bryan!

_Strafford._ I will die.
They call me proud: but England had no right,
When she encountered me--her strength to mine--
To find the chosen foe a craven. Girl,
I fought her to the utterance, I fell,
I am hers now, and I will die. Beside,
The lookers-on! Eliot is all about
This place, with his most uncomplaining brow.

_Lady Carlisle._ Strafford!

_Strafford._ I think if you could know how much
I love you, you would be repaid, my friend!

_Lady Carlisle._ Then, for my sake!

_Strafford._ Even for your sweet sake,
I stay.

_Hollis._ For _their_ sake!

_Strafford._ To bequeath a stain?
Leave me! Girl, humor me and let me die!

_Lady Carlisle._ Bid him escape--wake, King! Bid him escape!

_Strafford._ True, I will go! Die, and forsake the King?
I'll not draw back from the last service.

_Lady Carlisle._ Strafford!

_Strafford._ And, after all, what is disgrace to me?
Let us come, child! That it should end this way!
Lead them! but I feel strangely: it was not
To end this way.

_Lady Carlisle._ Lean--lean on me!

_Strafford._ My King!
Oh, had he trusted me--his friend of friends!

_Lady Carlisle._ I can support him, Hollis!

_Strafford._ Not this way!
This gate--I dreamed of it, this very gate.

_Lady Carlisle._ It opens on the river: our good boat
Is moored below, our friends are there.

_Strafford._ The same:
Only with something ominous and dark,
Fatal, inevitable.

_Lady Carlisle._ Strafford! Strafford!

_Strafford._ Not by this gate! I feel what will be there!
I dreamed of it, I tell you: touch it not!

_Lady Carlisle._ To save the King,--Strafford, to save the King!

[_As STRAFFORD opens the door, PYM is discovered with HAMPDEN, VANE, etc. STRAFFORD falls back; PYM follows slowly and confronts him._