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 forehe