ring 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 reluctantl