_Charles._ Have I not trusted you?
_Wentworth._ 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!
_Charles._ Be sure I do-- I"ve heard that I should trust you: as you came, Your friend, the Countess, told me....
_Wentworth._ No,--hear nothing-- Be told nothing about me!--you"re not told Your right-hand serves you, or your children love you!
_Charles._ You love me, Wentworth: rise!
_Wentworth._ I can speak now.
I have no right to hide the truth. "Tis I Can save you: only I. Sir, what must be?
_Charles._ Since Laud"s a.s.sured (the minutes are within) --Loath as I am to spill my subjects" blood....
_Wentworth._ That is, he"ll have a war: what"s done is done!
_Charles._ They have intrigued with France; that"s clear to Laud.
_Wentworth._ Has Laud suggested any way to meet The war"s expense?
_Charles._ He"d not decide so far Until you joined us.
_Wentworth._ Most considerate!
He"s certain they intrigue with France, these Scots?
The People would be with us.
_Charles._ Pym should know.
_Wentworth._ 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.
_Charles._ In truth?
_Wentworth._ 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.
_Charles._ You would begin With Ireland?
_Wentworth._ Take no care for that: that"s sure To prosper.
_Charles._ 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!
_Wentworth._ Say it all o"er again--but once again: The first was for the music: once again!
_Charles._ 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?
_Wentworth._ I am grown young again, And foolish. What was it we spoke of?
_Charles._ Ireland, The Parliament,--
_Wentworth._ I may go when I will?
--Now?
_Charles._ Are you tired so soon of us?
_Wentworth._ My King!
But you will not so utterly abhor A Parliament? I"d serve you any way.
_Charles._ You said just now this was the only way.
_Wentworth._ Sir, I will serve you.
_Charles._ Strafford, spare yourself: You are so sick, they tell me.
_Wentworth._ "Tis 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.
_Charles._ If they prove restive....
_Wentworth._ I shall be with you.
_Charles._ Ere they a.s.semble?
_Wentworth._ I will come, or else Deposit this infirm humanity I" the dust. My whole heart stays with you, my King!
[_As WENTWORTH goes out, the QUEEN enters._
_Charles._ That man must love me.
_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.
_Charles._ Not done with: he engages to surpa.s.s All yet performed in Ireland.
_Queen._ I had thought Nothing beyond was ever to be done.
The war, Charles--will he raise supplies enough?
_Charles._ 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 that The first fruit of his counsel? But I guessed As much.
_Charles._ This is too idle, Henriette!
I should know best. He will strain every nerve, And once a precedent established....
_Queen._ Notice How sure he is of a long term of favor!