_Hol._ This day. Did Vane deliver up or no Those notes which, furnished by his son to Pym, Seal Strafford's fate? _Cha._ Sir, as I live, I know Nothing that Vane has done! What treason next? I wash my hands of it. Vane, speak the truth! Ask Vane himself! _Hol._ I will not speak to Vane, Who speak to Pym and Hampden every day. _Queen._ Speak to Vane's master then! What gain to him Were Strafford's death? _Hol._ Ha? Strafford cannot turn As you, sir, sit there--bid you forth, demand If every hateful act were not set down In his commission?--whether you contrived Or no, that all the violence should seem His work, the gentle ways--your own,--his part, To counteract the King's kind impulses-- While ... but you know what he could say! And then He might produce--mark, sir!--a certain charge To set the King's express command aside, If need were, and be blameless. He might add ... _Cha._ Enough! _Hol._ --Who bade him break the Parliament, Find some pretence for setting up sword-law! _Queen._ Retire! _Cha._ Once more, whatever Vane dared do, I know not: he is rash, a fool--I know Nothing of Vane! _Hol._ Well--I believe you. Sir, Believe me, in return, that ... [_Turning to_ Lady CARLISLE.] Gentle lady, The few words I would say, the stones might hear Sooner than these,--I rather speak to you, You, with the heart! The question, trust me, takes Another shape, to-day: not, if the King Or England shall succumb,--but, who shall pay The forfeit, Strafford or his master. Sir, You loved me once: think on my warning now! [_Goes out._ _Cha._ On you and on your warning both!--Carlisle! That paper! _Queen._ But consider! _Cha._ Give it me! There, signed--will that content you? Do not speak! You have betrayed me, Vane! See! any day, According to the tenor of that paper, He bids your brother bring the army up, Strafford shall head it and take full revenge. Seek Strafford! Let him have the same, before He rises to defend himself! _Queen._ In truth? That your shrewd Hollis should have worked a change Like this! You, late reluctant ... _Cha._ Say, Carlisle, Your brother Percy brings the army up, Falls on the Parliament--(I 'll think of you, My Hollis!) say, we plotted long-- 't is mine, The scheme is mine, remember! Say, I cursed Vane's folly in your hearing! If the Earl Does rise to do us shame, the fault shall lie With you, Carlisle! _Lady Car._ Nay, fear not me! but still That 's a bright moment, sir, you throw away. Tear down the veil and save him! _Queen._ Go, Carlisle!