_Straf._ But meantime, let the sum be ne'er so small They offer, we 'll accept it: any sum-- For the look of it: the least grant tells the Scots The Parliament is ours--their stanch ally Turned ours: that told, there 's half the blow to strike! What will the grant be? What does Glanville think? _Cha._ Alas! _Straf._ My liege? _Cha._ Strafford! _Straf._ But answer me! Have they ... Oh surely not refused us half? Half the twelve subsidies? We never looked For all of them. How many do they give? _Cha._ You have not heard ... _Straf._ (What has he done?)--Heard what? But speak at once, sir, this grows terrible! [_The King continuing silent._ You have dissolved them!--I 'll not leave this man. _Cha._ 'T was old Vane's ill-judged vehemence. _Straf._ Old Vane? _Cha._ He told them, just about to vote the half, That nothing short of all twelve subsidies Would serve our turn, or be accepted. _Straf._ Vane! Vane! Who, sir, promised me, that very Vane ... O God, to have it gone, quite gone from me, The one last hope--I that despair, my hope-- That I should reach his heart one day, and cure All bitterness one day, be proud again And young again, care for the sunshine too, And never think of Eliot any more,-- God, and to toil for this, go far for this, Get nearer, and still nearer, reach this heart And find Vane there! [_Suddenly taking up a paper, and continuing with a forced calmness._ Northumberland is sick: Well, then, I take the army: Wilmot leads The horse, and he, with Conway, must secure The passes of the Tyne: Ormond supplies My place in Ireland. Here, we 'll try the City: If they refuse a loan--debase the coin And seize the bullion! we 've no other choice. Herbert ... And this while I am here! with you! And there are hosts such, hosts like Vane! I go, And, I once gone, they 'll close around you, sir, When the least pique, pettiest mistrust, is sure To ruin me--and you along with me! Do you see that? And you along with me! --Sir, you 'll not ever listen to these men, And I away, fighting your battle? Sir, If they--if She--charge me, no matter how-- Say you, "At any time when he returns His head is mine!" Don't stop me there! You know My head is yours, but never stop me there! _Cha._ Too shameful, Strafford! You advised the war, And ...