Browning's England Part 14

_Charles._ Have I not trusted you?

_Wentworth._ Say aught but that!

There is my comfort, mark you: all will be So different when you trust me--as you shall!

It has not been your fault,--I was away, Mistook, maligned, how was the King to know?

I am here, now--he means to trust me, now-- All will go on so well!

_Charles._ Be sure I do-- I've heard that I should trust you: as you came, Your friend, the Countess, told me....

_Wentworth._ No,--hear nothing-- Be told nothing about me!--you're not told Your right-hand serves you, or your children love you!

_Charles._ You love me, Wentworth: rise!

_Wentworth._ I can speak now.

I have no right to hide the truth. 'Tis I Can save you: only I. Sir, what must be?

_Charles._ Since Laud's a.s.sured (the minutes are within) --Loath as I am to spill my subjects' blood....

_Wentworth._ That is, he'll have a war: what's done is done!

_Charles._ They have intrigued with France; that's clear to Laud.

_Wentworth._ Has Laud suggested any way to meet The war's expense?

_Charles._ He'd not decide so far Until you joined us.

_Wentworth._ Most considerate!

He's certain they intrigue with France, these Scots?

The People would be with us.

_Charles._ Pym should know.

_Wentworth._ The People for us--were the People for us!

Sir, a great thought comes to reward your trust: Summon a Parliament! in Ireland first, Then, here.

_Charles._ In truth?

_Wentworth._ That saves us! that puts off The war, gives time to right their grievances-- To talk with Pym. I know the Faction,--Laud So styles it,--tutors Scotland: all their plans Suppose no Parliament: in calling one You take them by surprise. Produce the proofs Of Scotland's treason; then bid England help: Even Pym will not refuse.

_Charles._ You would begin With Ireland?

_Wentworth._ Take no care for that: that's sure To prosper.

_Charles._ You shall rule me. You were best Return at once: but take this ere you go!

Now, do I trust you? You're an Earl: my Friend Of Friends: yes, while.... You hear me not!

_Wentworth._ Say it all o'er again--but once again: The first was for the music: once again!

_Charles._ Strafford, my friend, there may have been reports, Vain rumors. Henceforth touching Strafford is To touch the apple of my sight: why gaze So earnestly?

_Wentworth._ I am grown young again, And foolish. What was it we spoke of?

_Charles._ Ireland, The Parliament,--

_Wentworth._ I may go when I will?

--Now?

_Charles._ Are you tired so soon of us?

_Wentworth._ My King!

But you will not so utterly abhor A Parliament? I'd serve you any way.

_Charles._ You said just now this was the only way.

_Wentworth._ Sir, I will serve you.

_Charles._ Strafford, spare yourself: You are so sick, they tell me.

_Wentworth._ 'Tis my soul That's well and prospers now.

This Parliament-- We'll summon it, the English one--I'll care For everything. You shall not need them much.

_Charles._ If they prove restive....

_Wentworth._ I shall be with you.

_Charles._ Ere they a.s.semble?

_Wentworth._ I will come, or else Deposit this infirm humanity I' the dust. My whole heart stays with you, my King!

[_As WENTWORTH goes out, the QUEEN enters._

_Charles._ That man must love me.

_Queen._ Is it over then?

Why, he looks yellower than ever! Well, At least we shall not hear eternally Of service--services: he's paid at least.

_Charles._ Not done with: he engages to surpa.s.s All yet performed in Ireland.

_Queen._ I had thought Nothing beyond was ever to be done.

The war, Charles--will he raise supplies enough?

_Charles._ We've hit on an expedient; he ... that is, I have advised ... we have decided on The calling--in Ireland--of a Parliament.

_Queen._ O truly! You agree to that? Is that The first fruit of his counsel? But I guessed As much.

_Charles._ This is too idle, Henriette!

I should know best. He will strain every nerve, And once a precedent established....

_Queen._ Notice How sure he is of a long term of favor!