_Pym._ Let me speak! --Who may not speak again; whose spirit yearns For a cool night after this weary day: --Who would not have my soul turn sicker yet In a new task, more fatal, more august, More full of England's utter weal or woe. I thought, sir, could I find myself with you, After this trial, alone, as man to man-- I might say something, warn you, pray you, save-- Mark me, King Charles, save--you! But God must do it. Yet I warn you, sir-- (With Strafford's faded eyes yet full on me) As you would have no deeper question moved --"How long the Many must endure the One," Assure me, sir, if England give assent To Strafford's death, you will not interfere! Or-- _Cha._ God forsakes me. I am in a net And cannot move. Let all be as you say! (_Enter_ Lady CARLISLE.) _Lady Car._ He loves you--looking beautiful with joy Because you sent me! he would spare you all The pain! he never dreamed you would forsake Your servant in the evil day--nay, see Your scheme returned! That generous heart of his! He needs it not--or, needing it, disdains A course that might endanger you--you, sir, Whom Strafford from his inmost soul ... [_Seeing_ PYM.] Well met! No fear for Strafford! All that 's true and brave On your own side shall help us: we are now Stronger than ever. Ha--what, sir, is this? All is not well! What parchment have you there? _Pym._ Sir, much is saved us both. _Lady Car._ This Bill! Your lip Whitens--you could not read one line to me Your voice would falter so! _Pym._ No recreant yet! The great word went from England to my soul, And I arose. The end is very near. _Lady Car._ I am to save him! All have shrunk beside; 'T is only I am left. Heaven will make strong The hand now as the heart. Then let both die! * * * * * ACT V SCENE I. _Whitehall._ HOLLIS, Lady CARLISLE. _Hol._ Tell the King then! Come in with me! _Lady Car._ Not so! He must not hear till it succeeds. _Hol._ Succeed? No dream was half so vain--you 'd rescue Strafford And outwit Pym! I cannot tell you ... lady, The block pursues me, and the hideous show. To-day ... is it to-day? And all the while He 's sure of the King's pardon. Think, I have To tell this man he is to die. The King May rend his hair, for me! I 'll not see Strafford. _Lady Car._ Only, if I succeed, remember--Charles Has saved him. He would hardly value life Unless his gift. My stanch friends wait. Go in-- You must go in to Charles!