_Straf._ Why, he 'd not have me steal away? With an old doublet and a steeple hat Like Prynne's? Be smuggled into France, perhaps? Hollis, 't is for my children! 'T was for them I first consented to stand day by day And give your Puritans the best of words, Be patient, speak when called upon, observe Their rules, and not return them prompt their lie! What 's in that boy of mine that he should prove Son to a prison-breaker? I shall stay And he 'll stay with me. Charles should know as much, He too has children! [_Turning to_ HOLLIS'S _companion._] Sir, you feel for me! No need to hide that face! Though it have looked Upon me from the judgment-seat ... I know Strangely, that somewhere it has looked on me ... Your coming has my pardon, nay, my thanks: For there is one who comes not. _Hol._ Whom forgive, As one to die! _Straf._ True, all die, and all need Forgiveness: I forgive him from my soul. _Hol._ 'T is a world's wonder: Strafford, you must die! _Straf._ Sir, if your errand is to set me free This heartless jest mars much. Ha! Tears in truth? We 'll end this! See this paper, warm--feel--warm With lying next my heart! Whose hand is there? Whose promise? Read, and loud for God to hear! "Strafford shall take no hurt"--read it, I say! "In person, honor, nor estate"-- _Hol._ The King ... _Straf._ I could unking him by a breath! You sit Where Loudon sat, who came to prophesy The certain end, and offer me Pym's grace If I 'd renounce the King: and I stood firm On the King's faith. The King who lives ... _Hol._ To sign The warrant for your death. _Straf._ "Put not your trust In princes, neither in the sons of men, In whom is no salvation!" _Hol._ Trust in God! The scaffold is prepared: they wait for you: He has consented. Cast the earth behind! _Cha._ You would not see me, Strafford, at your foot! It was wrung from me! Only, curse me not! _Hol._ [_To_ STRAFFORD.] As you hope grace and pardon in your need, Be merciful to this most wretched man. [_Voices from within._ _Verso la sera Di Primavera._