_Lady Car._ The King--ever the King! No thought of one beside, whose little word Unveils the King to him--one word from me, Which yet I do not breathe! Ah, have I spared Strafford a pang, and shall I seek reward Beyond that memory? Surely too, some way He is the better for my love. No, no-- He would not look so joyous--I 'll believe His very eye would never sparkle thus, Had I not prayed for him this long, long while. SCENE III. _The Antechamber of the House of Lords._ _Many of the Presbyterian Party. The Adherents of_ STRAFFORD, _etc._ _A Group of Presbyterians._--1. I tell you he struck MAXWELL: Maxwell sought To stay the Earl: he struck him and passed on. 2. Fear as you may, keep a good countenance Before these rufflers. 3. Strafford here the first, With the great army at his back! 4. No doubt. I would Pym had made haste: that 's Bryan, hush-- The gallant pointing. _Strafford's Followers._--1. Mark these worthies, now! 2. A goodly gathering! "Where the carcass is There shall the eagles"--What 's the rest? 3. For eagles Say crows. _A Presbyterian._ Stand back, sirs! _One of Strafford's Followers._ Are we in Geneva? _A Presbyterian._ No, nor in Ireland; we have leave to breathe. _One of Strafford's Followers._ Truly? Behold how privileged we be That serve "King Pym"! There 's Some-one at Whitehall Who skulks obscure; but Pym struts ... _The Presbyterian._ Nearer. _A Follower of Strafford._ Higher, We look to see him. [_To his_ Companions.] I 'm to have St. John In charge; was he among the knaves just now That followed Pym within there? _Another._ The gaunt man Talking with Rudyard. Did the Earl expect Pym at his heels so fast? I like it not. (MAXWELL _enters._) _Another._ Why, man, they rush into the net! Here 's Maxwell-- Ha, Maxwell? How the brethren flock around The fellow! Do you feel the Earl's hand yet Upon your shoulder, Maxwell? _Maxwell._ Gentlemen, Stand back! a great thing passes here. _A Follower of Strafford._ [_To another._] The Earl Is at his work! [_To_ M.] Say, Maxwell, what great thing! Speak out! [_To a_ Presbyterian.] Friend, I 've a kindness for you! Friend, I 've seen you with St. John: O stockishness! Wear such a ruff, and never call to mind St. John's head in a charger? How, the plague, Not laugh? _Another._ Say, Maxwell, what great thing! _Another._ Nay, wait: The jest will be to wait.