O, the Faction!
Extinct--of no account: there'll never be
Another Parliament.

_Wentworth._ 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 Carlisle._ Just apprised that you arrive.

_Wentworth._ And why not here to meet me? I was told
He sent for me, nay, longed for me.

_Lady Carlisle._ Because,--
He is now ... I think a Council's sitting now
About this Scots affair.

_Wentworth._ A Council sits?
They have not taken a decided course
Without me in the matter?

_Lady Carlisle._ I should say....

_Wentworth._ 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 'tis a secret) to my grave.

_Lady Carlisle._ For life or death I am your own, dear friend!

[_Goes out._

_Wentworth._ 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.

_PYM enters._

_Wentworth._ I little thought of you just then.

_Pym._ No? I
Think always of you, Wentworth.

_Wentworth