fuse.

_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 assemble?

_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 surpass
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, Henri