_The Officer._ Lost, utterly lost: just when we looked for Pym To make a stand against the ill effects Of the Earl's speech! Is Haselrig without? Pym's message is to him. _3d Spec._ Now, said I true? Will the Earl leave them yet at fault or no? _1st Spec._ Never believe it, man! These notes of Vane's Ruin the Earl. _5th Spec._ A brave end: not a whit Less firm, less Pym all over. Then, the trial Is closed. No--Strafford means to speak again? _An Officer._ Stand back, there! _5th Spec._ Why, the Earl is coming hither! Before the court breaks up! His brother, look,-- You 'd say he 'd deprecated some fierce act In Strafford's mind just now. _An Officer._ Stand back, I say! _2d Spec._ Who 's the veiled woman that he talks with? _Many Spectators._ Hush-- The Earl! the Earl! [_Enter_ STRAFFORD, SLINGSBY, _and other_ Secretaries, HOLLIS, Lady CARLISLE, MAXWELL, BALFOUR, _etc._ STRAFFORD _converses with_ Lady CARLISLE. _Hol._ So near the end! Be patient-- Return! _Straf._ [_To his_ Secretaries.] Here--anywhere--or, 't is freshest here! To spend one's April here, the blossom-month: Set it down here! [_They arrange a table, papers, etc._ So, Pym can quail, can cower Because I glance at him, yet more 's to do. What 's to be answered, Slingsby? Let us end! [_To_ Lady CARLISLE.] Child, I refuse his offer; whatsoe'er It be! Too late! Tell me no word of him! 'T is something, Hollis, I assure you that-- To stand, sick as you are, some eighteen days Fighting for life and fame against a pack Of very curs, that lie through thick and thin, Eat flesh and bread by wholesale, and can't say "Strafford" if it would take my life! _Lady Car._ Be moved! Glance at the paper! _Straf._ Already at my heels! Pym's faulting bloodhounds scent the track again. Peace, child! Now, Slingsby! [Messengers _from_ LANE _and other of_ STRAFFORD'S Counsel _within the Hall are coming and going during the Scene._