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!

_Hol._ And all beside Left Stafford long ago. The King has signed The warrant for his death! the Queen was sick Of the eternal subject. For the Court,-- The Trial was amusing in its way, Only too much of it: the Earl withdrew In time. But you, fragile, alone, so young, Amid rude mercenaries--you devise A plan to save him! Even though it fails, What shall reward you!

_Lady Car._ I may go, you think, To France with him? And you reward me, friend, Who lived with Strafford even from his youth Before he set his heart on state-affairs And they bent down that noble brow of his. I have learned somewhat of his latter life, And all the future I shall know: but, Hollis, I ought to make his youth my own as well. Tell me,--when he is saved!

_Hol._ My gentle friend, He should know all and love you, but 't is vain!

_Lady Car._ Love? no--too late now! Let him love the King! 'Tis the King's scheme! I have your word, remember! We 'll keep the old delusion up. But, quick! Quick! Each of us has work to do, beside! Go to the King! I hope--Hollis--I hope! Say nothing of my scheme! Hush, while we speak Think where he is! Now for my gallant friends!

_Hol._ Where he is? Calling wildly upon Charles, Guessing his fate, pacing the prison-floor. Let the King tell him! I 'll not look on Strafford.