_Straf._ Alone, and like to be! No fear, when some unworthy scheme grows ripe, Of those, who hatched it, leaving me to loose The mischief on the world! Laud hatches war, Falls to his prayers, and leaves the rest to me, And I 'm alone. _Cha._ At least, you knew as much When first you undertook the war. _Straf._ My liege, Was this the way? I said, since Laud would lap A little blood, 't were best to hurry over The loathsome business, not to be whole months At slaughter--one blow, only one, then, peace, Save for the dreams. I said, to please you both I 'd lead an Irish army to the West, While in the South an English ... but you look As though you had not told me fifty times 'T was a brave plan! My army is all raised, I am prepared to join it ... _Cha._ Hear me, Strafford! _Straf._ ... When, for some little thing, my whole design Is set aside--(where is the wretched paper?) I am to lead--(ay, here it is)--to lead The English army: why? Northumberland, That I appointed, chooses to be sick-- Is frightened: and, meanwhile, who answers for The Irish Parliament? or army, either? Is this my plan? _Cha._ So disrespectful, sir? _Straf._ My liege, do not believe it! I am yours, Yours ever: 't is too late to think about: To the death, yours. Elsewhere, this untoward step Shall pass for mine; the world shall think it mine. But here! But here! I am so seldom here, Seldom with you, my King! I, soon to rush Alone upon a giant in the dark! _Cha._ My Strafford! _Straf._ [_Examines papers awhile._] "Seize the passes of the Tyne!" But, sir, you see--see all I say is true? My plan was sure to prosper, so, no cause To ask the Parliament for help; whereas We need them frightfully. _Cha._ Need the Parliament? _Straf._ Now, for God's sake, sir, not one error more! We can afford no error; we draw, now, Upon our last resource: the Parliament Must help us! _Cha._ I 've undone you, Strafford! _Straf._ Nay-- Nay--why despond, sir, 't is not come to that! I have not hurt you? Sir, what have I said To hurt you? I unsay it! Don't despond! Sir, do you turn from me? _Cha._ My friend of friends! _Straf._ We 'll make a shift. Leave me the Parliament! Help they us ne'er so little and I 'll make Sufficient out of it. We 'll speak them fair. They 're sitting, that 's one great thing; that half gives Their sanction to us; that 's much: don't despond! Why, let them keep their money, at the worst! The reputation of the People's help Is all we want: we 'll make shift yet! _Cha._ Good Strafford!