_Straf._ Very strong, as fits The Faction's head--with no offence to Hampden, Vane, Rudyard, and my loving Hollis: one And all they lodge within the Tower to-night In just equality. Bryan! Mainwaring! [_Many of his Adherents enter._ The Peers debate just now (a lucky chance) On the Scots' war: my visit 's opportune. When all is over, Bryan, you proceed To Ireland: these dispatches, mark me, Bryan, Are for the Deputy, and these for Ormond: We want the army here--my army, raised At such a cost, that should have done such good, And was inactive all the time! no matter, We 'll find a use for it. Willis ... or, no--you! You, friend, make haste to York: bear this, at once ... Or,--better stay for form's sake, see yourself The news you carry. You remain with me To execute the Parliament's command, Mainwaring! Help to seize these lesser knaves, Take care there 's no escaping at backdoors: I 'll not have one escape, mind me--not one! I seem revengeful, Lucy? Did you know What these men dare! _Lady Car._ It is so much they dare! _Straf._ I proved that long ago; my turn is now. Keep sharp watch, Goring, on the citizens! Observe who harbors any of the brood That scramble off: be sure they smart for it! Our coffers are but lean. And you, child, too, Shall have your task; deliver this to Laud. Laud will not be the slowest in my praise: "Thorough," he 'll cry!--Foolish, to be so glad! This life is gay and glowing, after all: 'T is worth while, Lucy, having foes like mine Just for the bliss of crushing them. To-day Is worth the living for. _Lady Car._ That reddening brow! You seem ... _Straf._ Well--do I not? I would be well-- I could not but be well on such a day! And, this day ended, 't is of slight import How long the ravaged frame subjects the soul In Strafford. _Lady Car._ Noble Strafford! _Straf._ No farewell! I 'll see you anon, to-morrow--the first thing. --If She should come to stay me! _Lady Car._ Go--'t is nothing-- Only my heart that swells: it has been thus Ere now: go, Strafford! _Straf._ To-night, then, let it be. I must see Him: you, the next after Him. I 'll tell you how Pym looked. Follow me, friends! You, gentlemen, shall see a sight this hour To talk of all your lives. Close after me! "My friend of friends!" [STRAFFORD _and the rest go out._