UC-NRLF B M 713 bMS %'f'i>^!!J'-; ">:• ^►'K» -'^. V K( >i> j'^. »^> 'A>J<>\^f> ►■. J-L^ KV >• I* 'V »^^J ►>;>&?) ^"^ >- *■ H>:fe >>" V HBRART UNIVERSITY OP CAUFORNIA ^7//vv>i^/ /'/ ' y/,/'///^ KING CHARLES THE FIRST. KING CHARLES THE FIRST A DRAMATIC POEM IN FIVE ACTS BY ARCHER GURNEY ALDl DISCIP. Till ANGLVS LONDON WILLIAM PICKERING 184G LOAN STACK C HIS WICK : PUINTED BY C. WHITTINGHAM, COLLEGE HOUSE. Q-hKs DEDICATED Co tf}z ^emorp of tfte CHURCH'S ROYAL MARTYR. ADVERTISEMENT. LET me preface the few remarks I have to make by the assertion, that this work is a poem, not a political manifesto, despite the theme of this " Advertisement." So much was absolutely necessary as a preparative for what must as necessarily follow. The preface and notes to this poem (as well as the poem itself), were written in the autumn of last year, and therefore some observations upon English Conservatives and Conservatism con- tained in them may seem unnecessarily severe. If, however, a Richmond, Bentinck, Straf- ford O'Brien, Disraeli, and many others, have redeemed the supporters of Church and State from the opprobrium of lethargy, and have evinced talents and courage worthy of their exalted cause, it must not be forgotten viii Advertisement. that a large majority of the Peers of England have virtually sealed their own condemna- tion (as far as that condemnation lay within their power), by allowing themselves to be made the tools of a ministry, which they at once detested and despised, and by supporting measures with their votes and voices which their consciences enjoined them to reject. We do not say that some amongst them have not been influenced by nobler motives, but even these have been but too much swayed by the considerations of private friendship. Mutual reproaches however for the Past are useless. Let us look now for the dawn of a brighter day ! The modern St. John has fallen with his party. It would be almost needless, however, to remind my readers, that those who have succeeded him in office are opposed to all the great institutions of the country, and that a violent assault upon the Church may be expected ere long, which will not be re- pelled without the display of unwonted cou- rage and resolution. October 26, 1846. 4, Maddox Street, Regent Street, London. PREFACE. WHATEVER, regarded abstractedly, and in themselves, be the merits or demerits of this Work, the Author is anxious to place at once on record his conviction, that it by no means rises to the height of the great argument which it pro- fesses to illustrate and develop. It is difficult in- deed to conceive a nobler subject, than the truly glorious life and death of our Holy Martyr-King. Since an objection may be raised to the Work, ah initio, on the score of a wild excess of admira- tion in its Author, I shall do well to state at once, that I firmly believe King Charles the First of Eng- land to have been one of the noblest of all mere human creatures that have breathed the air upon this earthly planet. In quoting Clarendon's praises, I may remind the reader that that worthy loyalist was an experienced statesman, not likely to be se- X Preface. duced by enthusiasm into any commendations sur- passing the bounds of truth. Rather may it be said of him, that he often evinced a disposition to quarrel even with the King's actions, which can only be accounted for on the ground of a general love of censure, or at least a habit of very severe, if even accurate, investigation into the thoughts and actions of his fellow men. He then, the expe- rienced, wary Clarendon — he, the aged, calculating, sometimes temporizing statesman says, summing up his eulogy of this blessed martyr, " To conclude, he was the worthiest gentleman, the best master, the best friend, the best husband, the best father, and the best Christian, that the age in which he lived produced." And more than this, I boldly add, he was one of the very best of Kings ! This is no place for an extended essay on this widely branching theme. Suffice it to say, that King Charles evinced on the one hand a patience and gentleness which have rarely or never been equalled by man, and on the other, a degree of moral courage which necessarily exposes to some contempt the comparative pusillanimity of even a Clarendon, with all his (more or less) faithful con- temporaries. When Pym and Hampden with their abettors had talked Sitid forced down all the loyal Peers and Commons ; when those even who fled to the King Preface. xi at York, (Vide Clarendon and IVhitlocke,) refused to signify their own convictions to the world by means of a loyal declaration ; when, in a w^ord, a despicable fear of censure and ridicule, and a con- temptible dread of being styled illiberal, suspended all the thoughts, words, and actions of those who should have supported the Crown and Church ; then, then did King Charles step forth singly, and pen those memorable declarations of defiance to his rebellious and foul-mouthed "Parliament" w^hich should be painted in letters of gold, as Palladia of our constitution, on the walls of our public edifices, and more especially on those of our new halls of legislature. No man who has read these admirable composi- tions with an unbiassed mind, can have failed to recognize, that the landmarks of true liberty were then first clearly laid down within our British Is- land. No man, who has even once and carelessly perused them, can have failed to be struck by the majesty of their sentiments and the courage exem- plified in their production. And when we further consider that at the time these edicts or addresses were penned, the King stood virtually alone, that those who should have been his best friends and supporters were then morally cowering in the dust, we shall feel, that our admiration of this true cou- rage, this reliance on the hoped for mental nobi- xii Preface. lity of his subjects, can scarcely possibly attain too high a pitch, or be expressed in worthy accents. These observations lead me naturally to remark, that a strange resemblance will be found by the attentive observer betwixt the earlier days of Charles the First and our own immediate era. This re- semblance I have endeavoured to bring artistically before the reader's mental view. Of course, no perfect historical parallel can ever be traced be- tween any two periods. But one remarkable point of similitude we should not forget. Then, as now, a melancholy absence of true manly resolution, of noble self-conscious fortitude — in fine, of moral courage, characterized the so-called Conservative party, the supporters of Church and State. Then, as now, agitators were fierce and turbulent. A Cobden and a Bright have had their forerunners. If I name Hampden or Pym, I shall be held per- haps to pay too great a compliment to our existing " seditioners." But circumstances made those so- called " great men " of other days, and might make our own contemporaries. They, the Roundheads of the 17th century, had vast powers of popular ora- tory, an apparent political enthusiasm, and above all, extreme boldness or impudence. I do not think that their modern imitators can be considered very inferior to them in either of these respects. Nay more, if England then had its Cromwell, Ireland now has its O'Connell ! Preface. xiii Then too we had a Young England, well-mean- ing, but semi-liberalizing, consorting with smooth Hampdens. We might easily point to living anti- types of a Falkland or a Sidney Godolphin.* For a St. John — the Author does not assert that anything approaching to a parallel can be drawn betwixt that minister and the present f premier of the realm. St. John was indeed a double-dyed traitor, who, on the ground of expediency, perpe- tually betrayed the cause entrusted to his care : but then he never professed to be a cordial loyalist ; he never at any period of his life expressed an ardent affection for his country's institutions ! And thus we do not recognise that systematic series of " co- zenings and equivocations " in his policy which seem to be the proudest boast of modern English ministerialism. — Above all, however, to complete this remarkable parallel betwixt two ages, we find in both periods an indolent cowardly inertness the main characteristic of all political adherents to the Church. The attacks upon it arose indeed then from widely differing sources ; but their results in our oivn day may yet be found the same. It was not the Author's intention, in this Pre- * See Note on the Character of Lord Falkland. — Page 259. t This was written, it will be remembered, in November 1845. xiv Prefa.ce. face, to enter at any length into the mighty poH- tical questions involved in this subject — I have already said more indeed than I wished to do. For historical evidences, corroborative of the facts I have detailed, and justificatory of the characters I have drav^n, I may refer the reader to the Notes appended to this work. This only would I yet say. The character of Hampden, so often highly extolled, has been painted by me with the darkest colours. I fully believe that remarkable man to have been more supreme for vile and infamous cunning, veiled beneath the mask of excessive honesty and single- mindedness, than any one of his factious contem- poraries. I may also observe that the facts which I have introduced are for the more part corrobo- rated by historians widely differing in their opinions, and that none of these facts are adverse, though some may indeed be considered supplementary, to the truth. For the latter, (I allude to the interviews betwixt the King, Pym, and Strafford, in the first, and the King and Cromwell, in the fifth act,) they are at least very consistent with probability, and borne out, in my opinion, more especially in the first of these two instances, by various subsequent circumstances and results. With these exceptions, I have introduced no important historical fact which is not well authenticated. Of one liberty, which all dramatic writers on historical subjects make free Preface. xv with, I have mdeed availed myself: I mean the right to bring the more remarkable circumstances of days or hours into such a space as may place them within the boundaries of dramatic reproduc- tion. To conclude, this Poem claims to be some- thing more than a political manifesto, however bold and independent. It would be treated as a poem also, apart from all political or religious considera- tions. Still the Author must once more express his ar- dent desire, on the one hand, to awaken the friends of the Church and State, and the protectors of the Rights of Labour, from their melancholy and long- continued lethargy, and on the other, to yield some aid (however slight) to the enthronement in the hearts and souls of Englishmen of their murdered Patriot-King. Archeii Gurney. Rock Vale, Devonshire, Nov. 5, 1845. DRAMATIS PERSON.E. King Charles the First of England. The Duke of Gloucester, his childf seven years of age. Royalists and Cavaliers. Earl of Strafford Duke of Richmond Marquis of Hertford Earl of Bristol Earl of Southampton Earl of Lindesey Lord Digby Mr. Serjeant Herbert Lord Keeper Littleton Archbishop of York Sir Dudley Carleton Bishop Juxon Prince Rupert Lord Astley Earl of Lichfield Lord Falkland Mr. Hyde Lord Capell Sidney Godolphin Sir Marmaduke Langdale Sir John Cansfield Walter Cansfield Sir Richard Gourney Colonel Page. St. John Vane the Elder Doubtfuls and Traitors, Lord Savil William Murray. Pym Hampden Young Vane Fiennes Cromwell Hazlerig Fairfax Ireton PuritanSf Roundheads, and Rebels. Earl of Northumberland Earl of Holland Earl of Essex HOLLIS Strode Richard Cromwell Simon Jephson LiVESAY. Queen Henrietta. The Princess Elizabeth. Wife and Daughters of Cromwell. Citizens, Soldiers, Puritans, Cavaliers, Horsemen, Pages, Ladies, S^c, KING CHARLES THE FIRST. ACT I. 1641. Scene I. Westminster. Before the Entrance to the House of Commons. In the foreground Hyde and Hampden in converse. A large body 0/ Puritans and Citizens of the Puritan party tvith mob, and a few Cavaliers standing in small bodies to the right, occupy the background, on either side of the Grand Entrance, As the curtain rises Confused Cries are heard from within the House. y)YM rises !— Peace I— Hail, hope of Israel ! PEOPLE \_without~\. Hail, Great Pym I — The people's champion ! B 2 King Charles I. act i. PURITANS. And the Lord's Appointed staff! OTHERS. A fountain in the waste ! Let the PhiHstines tremble I PEOPLE. Death to Strafford ! HAMPDEN \_after a pause"]' You hear those cries, good Master Hyde ? You hear ? What boots it then that you and I waste time — (Time ever precious, for the which we both Must render up account to God: misuse. Be sure, condemns us — ) as I said, why waste The precious moments in such vain dispute ? The King must yield ! Here is no cause for hope Or fear. You see how all are ranged against him In steadfast resolution ? Shall one man Oppose a mountain toppling down ? HYDE. Oh Sir, Oh Hampden, — pardon lack of ceremony ! sc. I. King Charles I, 3 The great occasion of the hour doth waive All minor shows of custom : let me speak As man to man; in some sort openly, With confidence ! You have a heart to feel, A brain to think : not senseless is your ardour. Heedless of right or wrong, like many there Within. 'Tis true, you are not the King's lover, You think he did you wrong — HAMPDEN. Did England wrong ! Revenge, I thank the Lord, I know not. HYDE. Well, So be it : England wronged he. He is man, And man is apt to err. You, in his place, Had erred perchance as he. Yet howsoe'er This be, from you I ask for pity. HAMPDEN. Pity, Sir ? When justice speaks — HYDE. I do degrade my King ! 4 King Charles I. act i. Yet you have power, vast power : though Pym may rule The popular voice in eloquent debate, Methinks, you o'ersway Pym. HAMPDEN. You do mistake. I am the humblest of the humble, I : Nor aye aspired — HYDE. Be this too as you say ! I meant not to accuse you of ambition, Save for what you deem England's weal. But surely To use that power, Heaven may have deigned to grant. For righteous ends, can never misbecome you ; Nor may I Hampden deem supine. HAMPDEN. I said not I was supine. HYDE. Thence would I urge upon you This course of action. You have power o'er Pym» sc. I. King Charles I. 5 To move, if not command. Employ it then For Strafford and for Truth ! Employ it, Hampden, To save your King- from perjury : for oh ! He is your King still ; and a noble King, As your own heart may teach you. Whither stray I ? Back to the point ! You have condemned Earl Strafford : On what just seeming, with what inward surety Of lawful right, I will not stay to question. Enough: you have condemned him ; rather say. If it so please you, that the peers condemned him ; And yet you scarce will question — we two standing Alone as now — they were your mouthpiece, nought Or more or less. Well then : before high Heaven I speak and call on you to hear. You think In your most inmost heart Earl Strafford traitor. So be it : therefore have you sealed your oath To his sure guilt. The King, your and my master — Now listen, Hampden — he in his most secret, Most inmost heart of hearts, deems Strafford guilt- less ! Shall he then set his hand unto his guilt ? Condemn whom he thinks innocent? Would you 6 King Charles I. act i. Forswear yourself, were you as he ? 0, pause Before you answer ! Seek not from your King What would disgrace his meanest lowest subject. Let Strafford live ! In banishment — As captive — Captive for life ! — E'en as you will. But oh ! Ask not what may not be without your Lord's J)ishonour I HAMPDEN \_after a pause']' Hyde— CRIES yVom within the House. The King must yield I Live Pym, Honour to Pym ! Strafford shall die ! PEOPLE [^without]. Shall die ! We'll storm Whitehall ! The people's foes shall perish : Together, all together ! HAMPDEN. Mark yon cries ! Be they mine answer ! If you seek to save The crown of England, strive to bend your master To just compliance with our England's weal. sc. I. King Charles I. 7 Deem me not stern ! I judge the King well-meaning, Kindly in spirit, ill advised. For me, I had as lief control the waves of ocean And calm them at my will, as rule these billows Of popular emotion. It is said, And must be done I Earl Strafford dies. I prythee Think me not deaf to thy keen arguments : Had I free choice, perchance, the loyal zeal Which yet is mine might tempt me — to injustice ? No, scarcely that I And Strafford I believe Most guilty. Howsoe'er this be, I hold The King is not as any private man. He represents the vast executive : He moves while we do counsel. Thus the act Of Strafford's death will not be his, though his : He signs as King, not man. He hath no choice, Since parliament with voice unanimous Now urges — See, some friends of yours approach ! Pardon me ! I will leave you to their greetings. And enter now the House. [^Lord Falkland and Sidney Godolphin have issued from the House, Hampden exchanges bows with them as he passes and enters. 8 King Charles I. act i. PEOPLE \_who recognise Hampden entering']' Hail, worthy Hampden ! Bulwark of Judah's strength ! A tower of refuge ! The voice of holy Truth I Hail, Hampden, hail ! HYDE \^to Falkland and Godolfhin~\. There passes of all honest hypocrites. All plain, straight, truthful, most unguileful liars, The very worst and first ! GODOLPHIN. How say you, Hyde ? Hampden ? the English Hampden ? Oh you err ! Why, liberality may sure command — HYDE. Name not the word, Godolphin, in mine ears ! Its hollow echo maddens me I FALKLAND. What, Hyde ! The gentle, courteous Hyde, thus ire-bestraught ? Ah, you are angered by poor Hampden's firmness : Be that his vice then, if you will ! But now To other matter. Pym hath spoken erst, Is speaking still. We seek you. sc. I. King Charles I. 9 HYDE. And for what ? FALKLAND. To hear him. GODOLPHIN. Oh, his eloquence to-day Seems more than human. To our ranks he turned To where we sat, we dingers to the King : Gentlemen, spoke he, would you save your Monarch Awake you now to all the hour's demands. The people are in arms. Both Peers and Commons Backed with all England's voice, speak Strafford guilty : The King stands in the gap. For God's sake then, Avert the coming danger. Trust us, gentlemen : We know that you, as we, desire true freedom, Abhor vile tyranny : we nothing doubt, You are prepared (whate'er your former course, While doubt still rested, might be), now that Strafford Is thus deemed guilty, you are all prepared, I say, to swell our cries for justice. England Speaks now through me : in Freedom's name she calls ye 10 King Charles I. act i. To act as her true sons : persuade the King, That this must be ! Good friends — HYDE. Enough ! enough I Prate not the rebel cant ! FALKLAND. Oh, this is prejudice Indeed : not reason, Hyde. Godolphin speaks The truth. And St. John too — HYDE. Ay, he? FALKLAND. He owns The King must be persuaded ; morally Constrained. HYDE. The traitor ? owns ? GODOLPHIN. Come, Hyde, go back With us. Hear Pym ! HYDE. For what ? To prove a traitor too ? sc. I. King Charles I. 11 Do you then think some sounding words of his — Oh Falkland, oh Godolphin, that my faith Should prove reproach to you, that I should now Be powerless to maintain the cause of right, Without condemning your desertion ! FALKLAND. Hyde, Desertion ? HYDE. And what then, can be such deeds ? Such thoughts ? You know Earl Strafford guiltless, know — GODOLPHIN. We thought so. But who is not fallible ? Since England speaks, and Freedom — HYDE. Come despair ! All's lost. The very best and noblest, those Who longest stemmed the tide, now borne away Sink down the deep abyss, still down — still down — And ne'er perchance shall rise again. Godolphin, My heart is all too full for words : that thou. That Falkland here, whom I believed my friend, 12 King Charles I. act i. His King's true friend — that he should fall thus blindly ! Oh Friends ! can I not give ye back yourselves ? You knew, you still must know, however Strafford May in light things have erred, that he is guiltless, As you or I, or any other man. Of treason. Can a thousand voices change What is not to what is ? A million ? myriad ? Let England speak, let all the world decree I Shall you and I for this belie our souls. And say, *' This Strafford whom we loved must perish " ? Shall we desert our King ? We now alone Are his, or were till now : he knows, as we, That Strafford was to England loyal ever. Loved England as ourselves, or more ; Shall we then Turn on him with his foes, and bid him slay, Against his conscience, his most faithful subject, Who ever loved him, ever — FALKLAND. For his sake. Our Monarch's, do we act and speak, dear Hyde. sc. I. King Charles I. 13 What would you have ? You see the world's in arms Against us : rebel crowds will soon besiege Whitehall. No troops are nigh. There rests not choice. The King must yield, or (fearful thought, I own, Yet soon perchance dread deed !) his sacred life, Her life, the Queen's, dearer to him than all, The Prince's, England's weal — in fine, I find No words to paint those horrors, which, you feel As I, may burst upon us ! HYDE. No! Our slavish fears create the dangers, Falkland, From which those fears would fly. Could we act boldly ! Could we meet Pym, o'erthrow him — FALKLAND. Idle dream ! GODOLPHIN. He rests within the people's hearts, good Hyde ! They are his bulwark. HYDE. Falkland ? 14 King Charles I. act i. FALKLAND. I can aid not. Heaven be my witness, I would save my King : And to that end concession now alone Can aught avail. GODOLPHIN. Yes, Hyde, concession ; trust us ! HYDE. Ay, when the sole defences of the state Crumble away as ye do, then concession — Concession ? True : the plea of honest fraud. Of most infantine truthful guile, is this : Of Hampden, and of St. John. " But concede:'' All will be well ! You would secure the mansion : Hurl then aside some few foundation-stones To steady all the rest ! 'Tis like that they Who ask such samples of your olden bulwarks Will rest content with these ; ay, very like ! Concession to a wrong against man's conscience Is tantamount to fall ! Here lies the right And there the wrong : take once the downward path, Abandon once the vantage ground of justice, sc. I, King Charles I. 15 On grounds of what men call expedient ; then Is no return : all's lost. — I do perceive I speak in vain. The poison of this age, The spurious vain delusive liberality Which tramples upon right, and in the name Of Freedom, doth usurp tyrannic sway, This hath infected you. I scarce can hold ye My heart's true friends henceforth ! GODOLPHIN. Nay, Hyde ! FALKLAND. Dear Hyde ! GODOLPHIN. We are not so resolved — FALKLAND. We are most willing To hear thy counsel. HYDE. Mark yon Puritan, Who issues from the door, the Brewer's son ; That most malignant Cromwell. He comes charged With tidings of Pym's sovereign eloquence, 16 King Charles I. act i. Which prove vile treason loyalty. Attend him I He seeks his Puritanic friends, to spread The rumour of this triumph ! Rebel cur I FALKLAND. Here then at least our voices jump together. I hold the man most dangerous. GODOLPHIN. I abhor him As poisonous toad or viper. There's a craft, A guile, which hath no fellow, smoothes his brow, While his stern dogged eyes — HYDE. Hist, mark him only ! CROMWELL \_who htts issued from the House, coming forward, Puritans gathering round him~\. Yes, chosen of the Lord, I the most lowly Of all the sons of Israel, I beheld, I heard, and I will speak ! PEOPLE and PURITANS. The godly Cromwell I Hear him, av, hear him I sc. I. King Charles I. 17 CROMWELL, Heaven and earth bear witness To the oppressor's fall ! to Israel's triumph ! The Lord hath spoken. Ay, his mighty voice Our ears hath smote. The Spirit moved his servant And he hath prophecied in trouble's hour. PEOPLE. Whom means he ? CROMWELL. Pym, the vessel of God's justice. The sword of the Most High ! and England's champion. Oh, mighty was the Spirit's power within him, And he did speak ; we heard. Woe ! woe ! he cried To Babylon, to empires built on fraud, And sway tyrannic : to their rulers woe, Their counsellors. The avenging sword of justice Shall overtake their flight ; and him — (he spoke, And godly fire shone in his eyes) ; him, Strafford, The worst of the oppressors, vengeance' sword Shall now lay low. But madness can impel Aught Englishman to urge his King to ruin : 18 King Charles I. act i. But hatred of the Lord, but lust satanic Can urge aught seeming Christian to defence Of one so stained with hell-born crime as Strafford. Hear, oh ye senators : above is throned A Power that will condemn ye if ye falter. Without stands ranged the People : ay the People ! Proves not this day that ancient proverb true ? The People's voice and God's own voice are One. He is a rebel to the state, a wretch Who dares defy his God, the People's hater, Who now breathes word for Strafford ! PEOPLE. Righteous Pym ! Wise Pym ! the Champion of the Right ! CROMWELL. And then, Pym ended thus : or to this purport — I May never speak his words or breathe his fire : " Heaven then demands the fall of this proud man, Earth ratifies the sentence. One alone In heaven or earth, the King, bids all defiance ; And seeks to shelter Strafford. Last were I sc. I, King Charles I. 19 Of all to whisper aught of evil import Against the anointed head ; yet let us think, The people's wrath is deadly. If they throng Around the palace now, demanding Strafford Their rightful prey, and if the King refuse To hear them ; if, when all his counsellors This act of legal justice urge on him, When Heaven commands, when earth demands, he still In obstinate perversion 'gainst his nature Refuse to bend ; what judgment thence may flow On us, on him, I fear to think. Alas ! I cannot but remember Israel Had power of old to crush tyrannic Kings. Lived there not Jehu ? Was not God with him ? Our King is just, is good : as such I love him ; But as he is misguided to his ruin. Our England may revenge. Think friends, of this ! We cannot blind the people ; they have eyes. Have arms. May Heaven maintain its cause ! " He spoke. At first an awful silence followed ; then. The loud acclaim of shouts approving burst 20 King Charles I. act i. As it would reach high heaven. And St. John rose. I pass'd from forth the hall to speak with ye, And for the future arm ye. PEOPLE. Thanks, brave Cromwell ! He fears no tyranny. PURITAN. He yet shall prove A strong avenger of the Lord I CRIES. Live Cromwell I FALKLAND. See, see, the doors are cast aside. The sitting Is ended. PEOPLE. Hail, ye Champions of the Right ! Hail Chiefs of Israel ! [ The members issue from the House, Amongst them are Pym, Hollis, Hampden, Young Vane, Fiennes, Hazlerigy Strode, many other Puritans y and Cavaliers; amongst the latter, Sir George Lisle, the elder Vane, St. John, sc. I. King Charles I. 21 PEOPLE \_confusedly~\. Hampden, honest Hampden I True Hollis, too ! — No Hollis ! Strafford's friend Is he. Young Vane, the noble Vane ! Ha, Pym ! hail Pym ! the Champion of God's cause ! Live Pvm for ever ! PURITAN. Samson, smite, destroy The fell Philistines. CRIES. Death to Strafford ! Death To all his friends ! Live Pym ! PYM \_whe)i the tumult has subsided^. Knows no man here, Of tidings from Whitehall ? SERGEANT HERBERT \_coming forward~\. Alas ! I know : I spoke the King but erst. PYM. His answer, Herbert? HERBERT. Was — was — alas ! refusal still. I pray you 22 King Charles i. act i. Do not think me to blame. I have besought, Entreated him upon my knees to yield : In vain ! Not one of all his counsellors But bids him cede to what must be. He still Remains unmoved as rocks. HAMPDEN. And hope ye not To change him ? ST. JOHN. As his Minister of State, And yet the friend of England, I would answer, " Never : I have no hope I " I must avow His obstinacy fatal ; but what is 'Twere vain to hide. HYDE. Most candid counsellor Of Royalty ! for once perchance, unwittingly. Thou serv'st thy Master ! Ay, ye hear aright : Ye will not change him : he abandons not His servant. \_to Falkland and Godolphin']. See ye that the very tidings Of his fixed will cowes rebels into silence ? sc. I. King Charles I. 23 Prove the King's friends but firm, all may be well. Hampden is baffled : Pym too bites his lip : They thought the tidings of Pym's triumph here Would work strange miracles. Now undeceived They gaping stand at fault. HAMPDEN [/O jPyWz]. Leave them to me ! The people will attend me. [^ Advancing^. Eng- lishmen : Ye have heard that nought can move your Mo- narch's will ; That he is firmly bent to shield a traitor From your just wrath. If ye do think obedience Is your best duty ; if ye rest content To let this Strafford riot in your blood, — As he will do, I doubt not ; then I counsel Your swift dispersion to your several homes. — My countrymen, our weakness is our ruin. Perchance, some centuries hence, when England's sons Shall feel true love for freedom, shall have hearts And souls to ward their dearest — then what now Our weakness hinders, may be done. For us, 24 King Charles I. act i. It boots us, if we would not hazard all, To bow beneath the yoke, and feel our foes Ride over us triumphant. Let these Bishops To their Starchambers drag us : let the King Abolish England's Parliament : and Power Make every Englishman a Slave. So be it I The thorns we sow, we reap. PEOPLE. It shall not be ! No, never ! We are free ! We will have Freedom I Hence to the Palace — to Whitehall ! Hampden. Good friends, I counsel not such acts : your own hearts only Should teach ye what to do. For aught constrained Is valueless. people. Let us depart ! o' the instant ! Let the King know the People's power ! FIENNES. Ay— ay- He will yield then, believe me. sc. I. King Charles I. 25 YOUNG VANE. He must yield ! Compulsion knows not Ifs. HYDE. t. And think ye then To awe King Charles to fear ? O bootless thought! Has he ne'er proved his courage ? He, your King, Supported by the inward trust of Heaven — Should he — Enough ! when hath he trembled yet ? When trembled for himself? And should he yield His friend, his subject ? — Ye may never hope it. All will prove vain. FIENNES. He speaks the truth. It will Prove vain. We know, the King will yield not. HOLLIS. Ay: And he is King, remember ! — After all. Prayers would move more than threats. What say you, Hampden ? Is't you who counsel this — this seeming treason ? HAMPDEN. I, Holhs ? 26 King Charles I. act i. HOLLIS. Ay : you dream not of revolt ; I will believe you : but to what may this, 3TiLst all this lead? " Touch not the Lord's Anointed ! *' So Heaven hath spoken. YOUNG VANE \_to Pym who stands abstractedly. All is lost, dear Pym. The People halt irresolute. Our friends Seem terror-struck. HYDE. Oh Englishmen, retire, Each to his home ! What justice claims of him Your King will sure perform. Heaven frowns upon The semblance of Rebellion. Wait some davs ! The King will render reasons for his acts. And ye may gather here again, to claim What ye then hold your dues. MANY AMONGST THE PEOPLE. He's right. We know Hyde loves the People too. sc. I. King Charles I. 27 OTHERS. Let us disperse ! PYM \_wdking from his reverie']. That, that, must gain the goal ! [He advances towards the People. Friends, Enghshmen, I have sure means to work your King to justice If ye support me : throng ye round the Palace, I seek his Royal presence : and within The hour is Strafford sentenced. PEOPLE [corifusedly]. Strafford perish I Hear Pym ! — We will obey thee. FALKLAND. With a word, He sways them to his will. PYM [_to the People]' About your business ! /too must haste to mine. The end of justice. Your vile oppressor's death, rests with yourselves. Raise your free voices round Whitehall : their echoes May find some entrance to the King : and so 28 King Charles I. act t. Until we meet, our goal obtained, farewell ! This is the hour of England's fall for ever, Or dawn of her great glory. — On to victory ! {^Amidst loud and discordant cries o/" Death to Strafford!" « To Whitehall!'' the Crowd retires on every side, and the scene changes. Scene II. Chamber in the Royal Palace of Whitehall. En- trances right and left. The ivindoiv in the back- ground commands a vieiv of the Thames. Time, towards evening. King Charles and Queen Henrietta enter in converse from the right. QUEEN. Nay, Charles, you'll grant me audience here at least ! You never yet refused to hear me speak — And now — when all's at stake — KING CHARLES. The very reason Why I would hear you not. IMuch is at stake — sc. II. King Charles I. 29 I know it — much I now must venture. Must I I have no choice. Why then renew a theme So painful ? QUEEN. Dearest Charles, this Strafford now — You do not think me cruel : nay, you know I would do much to save the weakest, poorest, — And far more one, whom I believe your friend: — Yet — after all — has he a gentle soul, A kind soul, this proud Strafford ? Me he loves not, I let that pass. I do not think of that : But had he not some bloody counsel ever For war and carnage ? If your heart says, " Yes," Your people are not so far wrong, and Strafford — KING CHARLES. Strafford hath ofttimes erred. I own him proud, Perchance too proud — at times too absolute, Too heedless of the means to gain his end. I think all this ; nor would I answer only, " He sinned, if he so sinned, for me !" For evil I never may, nor will, abet ; least, surely. When practised in my name. But Strafford, love. 30 King Charles I. act i. Hath never deeply erred, nor needs excuses. He has a noble spirit, oh most noble ! His very vices from his powers proceed : His firmness may be warped to sternness, and His hasty zeal to sanguine execution ; Yet with all this, we know, we both well know, He hath most loyally acquitted him. Hath proved him my true servant : more than this, Hath shown him England's friend at soul. I love him; And all who throughly know must love : thou too ! Thou can'st not truly wish me to dishonour. Unjustly to dishonour such a man ? Speak ; let me know my own true Henrietta, For in these prayers I lose thee. QUEEi^ [af I er a pause"]. It is so; Yes, Charles, I must in sooth obtain thy pardon, For hinting thoughts like these. Misjudge me not! I do believe this sentence necessary, And strove to veil the horror of the deed From thy dear eyes : to lead thee if I could Truly to slight this Strafford : thence with pangs sc. II. King Charles I. , 31 Less dread to immolate him. Thus I chose To risk the seeming hateful in thine eyes, By such suggestions, for thy sake. KING CHARLES. Dear wife : I know thee now once more ; for never yet I thought thee base in soul. QUEEN. Yet, Charles, I pray thee, — Complete this sacrifice ! — I scruple not To own to thee, I do believe Earl Strafford Guiltless of treason, nay, a noble pillar On which to stay thy throne. I weep his death. I have already wept in floods of tears, The need for this most dreadful prayer of mine, " Slay thy true servant ! " Oh, I feel that he Would be the first to yield his life for thine. Would press this course upon thee. All deraand^ His fall. Thy very Privy Council, all Exhort thee to subscribe this deathly sentence. Thy people raging howl for thy assent : And threat thy death, our death, thy children's death. 32 King Charles I. act i. If thou resist them. Ay : I fable not. I have too certain tidings of their daring. What then remains — CHARLES. But death, if death be needful ! Dear child, thou know'st I have no skill in words : I cannot frame and mouth my purpose grandly, But simply act the right. I will not yield : — Nor think so dread the danger ! QUEEN. Dearest Charles, Let me entreat thee, not for thy life's sake, Though that be much to me — be All, my Charles ; — But for my own poor life do I conjure thee — Charles, I shall seem base ; yet think me so ! 1 will bear all to save thee from thyself: — Then oh ! remember, (for myself I speak. Since I through me alone reach thee,) in France, Where pass'd my happy childhood, free was I, And safe, and blest ; here now for years have dwelt, A prey to ceaseless fears ! and now my life — I cannot act this part ! No, Charles, dear Charles ; sc. II. King Charles I. 3 o Thou know'st that I would die for thee : thy throne, Thy children — these demand some thoughts from thee : Thou stoop'st, to save them. KING CHARLES. For my sway, dear wife, With honour only would I live to hold it. And for our children — dear, dear pledges ! Ah, Thou dost but wound my heart with these vain terrors : Nor they nor I have aught to fear ! CRIES \_from without heard gathering in the distance'] . King Charles ! Strafford — yield Strafford's head ! Awake, King Charles ! QUEEN lirembling]. Hear'st thou ? KING CHARLES. I hear. PAGE [entering from the left]. Sire, crowds beset the palace, And urge — D 34 King Charles I. act i. KING CHARLES. Go, friend ! We heard their cries. See only That none molest or mock these crowds ! Retire ! [Exit Page (L). Dear Henrietta, tremble not ! — This is Indeed an hour of trial : — scarce for me ; For duty far too loudly cries within me. To leave aught power of choice. But thou, a woman, Not bound as I to Strafford, — knowing little Of his surpassing merit ; feeling too More deeply than thou thinkest : (thought preemi- nent In woman, I, for one, could ever love not :) Thou hast a fearful contest to encounter With thy love's fears. Sweet, think not of these broils ! All will be well. The people's rage moved lightly Will even as lightly melt to love again. List not those cries ! How strangely do they blend With the sweet bells from yonder gothic tower, Pealing athwart the waters. Such the contrast Of mild religious awe to earthly clamour ! For on the morrow, and the morrow's morrow, sc. II. King Charles I. 35 At this still hour those bells will still peal on. But these harsh sinful cries, the moment's offspring, Will with the moment pass to nought away : They, and the passions, even as briefly raging ; And, as the echo of those cries, borne far Up the deep silvery Thames, there dies in air In the dim distance, seeming well to blend With the calm beauty of the hour, and heighten The melody of silence ; so, the thought On this vain uproar shall in future years Prove but a gentle memory ! since we shared The cares, it wooed to life, together, QUEEN. Charles ! king CHARLES. Dear Henrietta — see our mother. Nature, How peacefully she smiles : as if to tell us Such fears and cares as these need scarce amaze. Scarce fright us from ourselves. I never saw, Methinks, the waters smile so lovingly, Beneath the golden kisses of yon sun Who sinks so grandly down. Yon dark clouds gather, 36 King Charles I. act i. In the far east : they seem, as threatened they, " Soon 'neath night's sway shall we invade the realm Thou holdest still, proud sun — yon western verge Of heaven : the lightnings then may leap from us And laugh thine orb to scorn ! " What smiles the sun? — " Poor fools, I shall arise, when dawns the morrow. And scatter ye afar : meantime, rejoice ! Live out your little hour — I would not scorn ye ; Ye too may serve your end ! " — Can you not point The moral to these fancies ? QUEEN. Dearest Charles, I fear you will despise me. KING CHARLES. My sweet wife ! Despise thee? I? Go to our children, dearest I Bear them this kiss from me. I will not wish Their sire were thoughtless once again as they : No, let us make them envy us ! The task, The painful task is ours. If we can conquer. sc. II. King Charles I. 37 Shall they enjoy in purer halcyon hours : So hope, so trust, dear wife ! and now, now leave me ! I have yet much to think on. In an hour I may be at thy side. [Exit the Queen (R.) [The cries without increase in loudness and frequency. The King stands awhile list- ening : then speaks. My people ! Ye Whom I have ever loved thus wound me. Oh ! This is most hard to bear ! Poor Henrietta ! I could not own mine urgent fears to thee — But I do think thy terrors may not lead thee So far astray, as I would fain persuade. I am alone. Those who should serve my cause, Should fight my battles, join in arms against me. Or craven fly the contest. Hyde alone With Falkland steadfast proved : and even of these What hour assures me ? And Capell ? — O Strafford I Thou art more faithful than they all : 'tis true Thy nature hath perchance a sterner bent ; But at such hour, to stem such tide, avails No well-intentioned weakness. All my friends Or would-be friends yield to the moment's clamour. 38 King Charles I. act i. My council all, without one doubtful voice, Demand my Strafford's death : the bishops too. The holy pillars of the church — alas ! That I should say it — they are silent, or Adjure me to my shame : save one, poor Juxon ; And even he hath left my side : hath yielded His office in dark danger's hour ! — This Pym, This Hampden ! Oh, these men have mighty sway ! They reign despotic o'er the Commons, and They thirst for Stratford's blood — and my poor people Mimic the cries which traitors — Ha I who comes ? PAGE [on the lefi]. Sire, all the members of your secret council Crave audience. KING CHARLES. Bid them enter straight. [Pa^e retires. Poor Strafford, Thou little thought'st when thou did'st yield my service Thy every thought and deed, thy life could aye Prove dangerous to thy Master. Oh whate'er sc. II. King Charles I. 29 These traitors deem — though I may banish thee — Thou shalt have such sure earnest of my love As shall secure thee purer joy in exile Than thou e'er knew'st in height of sway. They enter, To take my latest answer. Enter Lord Keeper Littleton, St. John, ilie elder Vane, Earl of Holland, the Arch- bishop OF York, Sir Dudley Carleton, Sergeant Herbert, Lords, Bishops, ^c, KING [after a pausel. Why, my Lords, Doth now your presence honour me ? LORD keeper LITTLETON. O Sire ! Yon crowds without may prove our simplest answer. We come to urge you yet again to grant The loud demand of England. Blame us not: Our love and duty lead us hither now. Even at the peril of our lives ! We pray you Relax the royal rigour of your will ! Bend to your subjects' prayers ! 40 King Charles I. act i. KING CHARLES \_ofter a pause^. Do all your voices Concur in this request ? SIR DUDLEY CARLETON. They do indeed, Your Majesty. EARL OF HOLLAND. Without one sole dissentient ! ST JOHN. And we would pray your Majesty to mark The all but certain issue of refusal, — It is rebeUion on your subjects' part. And, as we fear, at least a social chaos. Here is no room for doubt or choice. The people Speak all as one. Your royal life's in danger ; So is the Queen's, your consort, if you yield not To justice' loud demands. KING CHARLES. You, reverent Bishops, Concur you in this counsel ? ARCHBISHOP OF YORK. More than this I s€. II. King Charles I. 41 We deem such course not only most expedient, But surely right and just. KING CHARLES. Your reasons, Sir ? Think you my conscience nought ? ARCHBISHOP OF YORK. Your public conscience As monarch. Sire, constrains the very actions Your private will might shrink from. For alas ! There is no question, whether you should save Or should not save Earl Strafford : only this Remains to learn ; if you would perish with him ! The conscience of a king to save his kingdom, The conscience of a husband for his consort, The conscience of a father for his children. Will all o'erweigh the conscience of a friend. ST. JOHN. And, to be brief, the people thunder. Sire, Even at your palace -gates. No time for doubts Is this. Or yield, or — KING CHARLES. Silence, Sir ! My Lords 42 King Charles I. act i. And Gentlemen, 'tis fit you hear once more My royal resolution — which no voice From earth or hell shall change. I speak too warmly, And do demean myself by this sharp zeal. Enough. Full calmly then ; my choice is ta'en. I will abide the brunt of crowds or Commons : I will not yield the life of him, I hold More true, more loyal to his King and England, Than now the best of all my subjects. Go, And bear this answer to my people ! Charles, If that sufl&ce not, will himself confront them. And calm their ardours down. ST. JOHN. What desperate madness — KING. You have your answer. Sir. Retire ! SERGEANT HERBERT [stepping forward]. A page Craves entrance, Sire. He has some weighty mis- sive. KING CHARLES. Bid him approach ! sc. II. King Charles I. 43 PAGE \hearmg a letter on a salver]. A letter, from the Earl Of Strafford, in the Tower ! COUNSELLORS. Ha ! Strafford writes ! KING CHARLES [taking it], 'Tis well. Withdraw, my Lords. With this true subject Who now would woo our hearing through this mis- sive, I commune but alone. Once more I give My oft-urged answer. Banishment perchance For some few years I may be urged to yield to ! Nought further. Fare ye well ! [ The Lords of the Council^ ^c. retire, Charles remains alone. And now. Let me give audience to my loving Strafford ! What writes he ? " Sovereign Liege and most dear Master I" Pause, O my tears ! I would not let ye flow For many griefs : let not my pride in this 44 King Charles I. act i. True servant's faith unman me ! Noble Strafford ! What askest thou ? Ha ! As I half suspected : He calls on me to slay him I Princely soul ! Whom thy King envies in thy Tower. — He bids me Think on the dangers my posterity !Must run through him ; assures me that the thought Of their or my great loss through him, would work His soul to frenzy. " For my sake," he says, *' Dear Sire ! work thou the will of these stern men, And let my death thy royal kingdom free From all these troubles." Noblest, truest subject ! I do believe my steadfastness to serve him Hath wrought him bliss indeed, but woe as well, Through fears for me and mine. For, know I not. Held I his place, the fears of what might chance Through my protection to my king, would work me Much sorrow, nay, much torture ! / should wish too That my poor single life should not be balanced One moment 'gainst the welfare of my country, The safety of my King. It well befits thee, Dear Strafford, thus to act : but me behoves As King to shield my servant : as I will do. They reach thee but through me and mine. And Oh! sc. II. King Charles I. 45 I do not yield my duty to my love In this : for England's peace and England's being Are not at stake. Even were they — But I feel These terrors need not fright me. This commotion, When they who work it find it yields no harvest, Will quickly die away. Again I PAGE [once more appearing f-R.J]. Your Majesty, One of your trusty Commons, as he words it, A loyal burgess, craves your audience. KING CHARLES. Ha! His name ? PAGE. Sire, — Pym ! KING CHARLES. Bid him forthwith draw nigh ! [Exit Page. He comes in happy hour. I do believe him, Despite his treasonous essays, of all Our factious foes the worthiest. I will speak him, And end his hopes to change our will. Henceforth He shall not doubt his monarch. 46 King Charles I. act i. Pym is ushered in by Page, who immediately again retires. PYM [^who bows lowly~\. May I then Approach, Sire ! KING CHARLES. I have wished to see you here. 'Tis well we meet at last, you, Sir, and I : And learn from closer ken to know each other. What seek you of me ? PYM. For the suit of England Against Earl Strafford I would pray your hearing. KING CHARLES. Speak, Sir. PYM. I need not now renew discourse Upon that noble's guilt. Whate'er his merits Your courts of Parliament have judged him worthy Of ignominious death. Your nation, Sire, As with one voice requires this sacrifice. Why do you idly strive then — (pardon me sc. II. King Charles I. 47 If I should seem disloyal : 'tis in words Not thoughts) — why seek you still to save one doomed, And justly doomed, by Earth and Heaven? KING CHARLES. Pym, We speak as man to man : and to your question I give as plain an answer. I do shield My servant, though the world proclaims him guilty, Because I know him innocent. You know too That menaces and clamour only, gained The sentence of his death ! And therefore — PYM. Pause, For the crown's sake ! for England's sake ! your hfe's ! The lives of all you hold most dear I The people Are raging in their frenzy : none may check Their ire — save you Sire only — KING CHARLES. By submission : — By basest cowardice ! You know me not. 48 King Charles I. act i. PYM. The Queen, your consort — KING CHARLES. Ha ! One more such word, I drive you from my presence ! Dare not, Sir, To menace her ! PYM. I menace not. So be it ! One other thought I still would urge. KING CHARLES. Speak briefly ! PYM. Grant then your hopes be realized, these crowds Reduced again to silence, and the crown Awhile secured. Still one near danger threatens, Which I esteem a good, and but resign For Strafford's life. KING CHARLES. What mean you ? PYM. Sire — the Church ! KIN^ CHARLES. Ha ! What of that ? sc. ir. King Charles I. 49 PYM. You know the Bill designed To extirpate all Bishops from our soil! By me supported, with my full approval, That Bill must pass first Commons and then Lords. You know, how powerless are your friends : how void Of courage or of force. The people. Sire, May, as you feel, be lightly moved, to raise Far louder cries for this, than Strafford's death. In brief, if Strafford dies not, speedily The church you love shall pass away for ever ! I swear it ! — If you yield to Strafford's death, I will lend seeming aid to this great measure, But will not let it pass the Commons' hands Whilst you sway England's weal ! — A compact, Sire! Pym never lied. It is not Hampden speaks. Nor Vane ; but Pym. — The Church or Strafford ! Choose ! I will not pause to touch on Laud ! KING CHARLES [_after a pause']. Without there ! [To Page entering. E 50 King Charles I. act i. Prepare — I had forgotten Pym still present. Farewell, Sir ! [_aside2 Strafford only shall resolve me. [To Pym. Within few hours you learn my sure decree ; Never to be recalled. — The Church, or Strafford ! \_As the King and Pym go out on separate sides the scene changes. Scene III. Strafford^s Cell ivithin the Tower lit by moonlight. Strafford alone. STRAFFORD. A STILL calm night ! and through this darksome grating I mark the quiet moon, and stars of heaven. All peaceful ! Would my heart were hushed as they! But how should I know calm, whilst I believe The State, my very King, through me in danger ? Were I but dead ! And so these knaves triumphant ? sc. III. King Charles I. 51 These most accursed foes of right ? these brawlers ? Pestilent — Shame thee, Strafford ! Still the old Impatient passions ! Nothing- stills thee then ? Captivity nor care ! But it is hard, It is much more than hard, that men like these, These mouthers of lip-honour, crafty workers Of all sedition, all accursed disorder, These Pym and Hampden thus should master Strafford, And brand as rebel I traitor ! one — No more. I will not think on't. What must be, must be. May my King yield ! — Hark ! some one stirs with- out. The gaoler — and a voice ? It must be HolHs. He only here may seek me. [After a short pause, enter Hollis. Yes, 'tis thou I Be greeted, friend ! HOLLIS. Be greeted, Strafford ! STRAFFORD. How Fare my dear children ? 52 King Charles I. act i. HOLLIS. Well, poor friend. STRAFFORD [after a short pause]. The King ? What does he ? Know'st thou ? HOLLIS. He refuses still — The crowd beset the palace gates this eve, Full many thousands strong; for her life's sake The Queen implored him ; and his counsellors All, all, thy death demanded. — He was firm ! STRAFFORD [with a burst of affectionl. My noble King ! I thank thee, thank thee. Heaven, That gave me such a monarch ! Not that I My life would shield : but that he thus should deign To peril all for me. O Heaven, reward him ! Dear Master ! Yet — this joy is not — not selfish : For pride in such a King may kindle joy Full loyal ! — Still this must not be. — Oh, Hollis ! There's not a man in England save King Charles Would act a part like this ; and, from his mercy, Fools dare esteem him weak ! I know him, Hollis. sc. III. King Charles I. 53 He is not weak, save in his modest kindness Which aye believes his servants must be true, And yields his better reason to their counsels Too oft : too oft ! Enough of this. You see How noble is my King — but I must save him ! He may not peril England for my weal — Nor his own righteous head. Oh Hollis, Hollis ! What are these friends of yours? Pym, Fiennes, Hampden ! Or men or fiends ? And you can call them friends? I do beheve, were you not bound to me Through such familiar ties, you would be first Amongst my life-seekers ! HOLLIS. I know not, Strafford ; Happy for me, I am not called to judge ! The ties you speak on, do absolve my soul From such fell duty. But the men you blame Have noble hearts and souls. STRAFFORD. Malignant traitors ! False to their King are they. 54 King Charles I. act i. HOLLIS. And true to England ! STRAFFORD. You mouth their language. How can this be so ? If England's King be noble as King Charles, Be just, be pious, royal-hearted ; who Shall dare to part the Twain ? O no more phrases ! You hear this cant within the House all day : Retail it not to me ! I have to learn And ever shall have, how pure loyalty Is inconsistent with the love of England, Because your King in all thinks not like you. Are you infallible ? Must he be wrong, You right, that you condemn him for not sharing All your vain fancies ? He reveres the Church, For instance — owns in that his Maker's image, Would die for it at any hour — and you Think it a soulless idol. Goes right with you, When you pronounce your King must be distract To dare contend with you? Your Sovereign Com- mons? Since when have they monopolized all right, All sense, all justice ? But the King must needs sc. III. King Charles I. 55 Appear a Tyrant if he dare to claim A single thought his own ? Out on yo^ir tyranny ! Which is the direst servitude of all ! When brawling knaves command and gaping fools, Thinking them Gods — By Heaven, they shall not conquer ! This Hampden and this Pym ! I must not die And leave my King all lonely. Hyde I know Hath courage : but for all the lesser brood, Essex or Holland, Falkland — ay, the best ! They are as light enclosures, bulrush reeds Entwined to guard some lofty statue's form From the encroaching seas. HOLLIS. Hark ! some one comes ! STRAFFORD. Strange visitants at such an hour ! Enter the Gaoler, ushering in King Charles, who is enveloped in a long mantle, with his hat drawn over his brows. gaoler [^io the King~\. I go. Sir,— 56 King Charles I. act i. Should not this gentleman withdraw ? [ The King hows. STRAFFORD. Most strange ! [Aside] If it should be — if I if! — O God ! — [^aloudl Dear Hollis, I pray you leave me for this night. Farewell. I need your prayers that God may send me light How I should further act in this. HOLLIS. Farewell Dear Strafford ! Arm you for the worst. Your heart Acquits you. So may Heaven ! \He goes. The Gaoler also retires. A pause. STRAFFORD [hesitating']. • Should I think— KING CHARLES [throwing aside his mantle]. My Strafford I STRAFFORD. Yes, my King ! 'Tis thou I Oh, now All is repaid ! [He falls at his feet. sc. in. King Charles I. 57 KING [raising Am]. Come to my arms, true servant ? Thy deep adversity for my poor sake Doth make thee part of me ! STRAFFORD. O my dear master ! This honour and this love ! Such joys, ofttimes Repeated, would — No more of me ! My King : You come to tell me what my heart foresees ; You yield to my request ? You will confer The noblest of all martyrdoms on Strafford ? KmG \_after a 'pause']. Such was my will. The truth be told at once ! Pym will destroy the Church if thou art saved ; Hath sworn to save it if thou diest. Power Is his supreme o'er Lords and Commons : and He never lies. I doubt not then that this Is so. — And so decreed thy death, dear Strafford : And hither came to bear myself this message. But on my progress hither have my thoughts Already changed their bent. 58 King Charles I. .act i. STRAFFORD. Not so, my monarch ! Duty must vanquish love ! Or rather say, Thy love for God must plead with louder voice Than any earthly love — KING CHARLES. Yet list me, Strafford ! Thou art a faithful servant, as I know. Can'st thou advise me then to rush upon This fearful deed ? not only losing thee My truest friend, but thereby all my life To long remorse devoting ? Thou may'st think ; Even if this course I take, urged by the hour And its demands, in future years the thought Of thy desertion will revive again, And live, an aye undying scorpion here Within my soul. Whatever chance to me I shall no more be happy. Henceforth, Strafford, A cloud is on my brow and on my being. Whatever sunshine smile, a dull dense night Will be upon me and around me ever. I bid farewell then from this hour to joy. To peace of conscience — self-approval — all sc. III. King Charles I. 59 That makes life blest ! Can aught demand — now speak Thine inmost thoughts — thou know'st, I say not half Which I do feel, — can aught on earth demand Such sacrifice? STRAFFORD. The Church, Sire, is of Heaven ! Yet more. How should you feel such woes as these By making me most blest ? O, my dear monarch ! Think you it is not martyrdom to die For King and country ? Is not martyrdom To loving souls of all earth's goals the highest ? And howsoever rough my being seem Thy grace would teach it love, thy loving goodness, Were it more keen than all war's blasts. In truth I shall rejoice in such a death. Thus cheered By your sweet grace, it will be sweet to die, In the sure hope of life beyond the grave Where we may meet again I KING CHARLES. ^ Ay, noble Strafford ! 60 King Charles I. act i. Thou may'st consent to die through loyal love ; — And true it is, the world will laud thy name For thy pure rectitude of heart — but mine P My baseness in deserting thee — Oh, men Will scorn me, and with right ! — I cannot speak The cause of such desertion. Seem I selfish ? Yes I am weak, I own ; and aye must be so. I cannot bear that all the hearts which loved me Should be estranged — that those, whose friendship ever My heart esteemed most dear, should henceforth deem King Charles — a heartless coward. Shame, my Strafford, Is a dread heritage : which I must leave Unto my children, if I thus desert thee ! STRAFFORD. Desert me — O my King ? Ah I would indeed All earth did know thee as yon Heaven doth see thee Most saint-like pure, and good. Yet should I tell thee With my rude lips — the highest martyrdom. sc. III. King Charles I. 61 Even that was borne on earth by Earth's One King Of Kings — is earthly shame and scorn. The day Will come, my King, when thou shalt stand before The Heavenly Judgment-seat ; and thy accusers Shall know thee spotless then, and quail — My King ! / need not speak of this. For me to teach thee, Is as a child would prompt a sage. Believe, It is my joy, my highest joy, to die ! I know, thou can'st not doubt. And for thy Fame — The fate of England rests at stake — yet more, The fate of God's own Church ! So I who else Would die to shield that Fame, must bid thee stain it, It may be for some months or years, in men's Vain thoughts, by even that subject-life's surrender Which ever was thine own ! KING CHARLES. I. know not, Strafford, If I do err ! — Whatever rests at stake. Truth still is truth ! I should not quit its path. Nor set my hand to that most lying sentence Which thee condemns as Traitor. STRAFFORD. Sign it not then ! 62 King Charles I. act i. Let not this one slight obstacle endanger Both State and Church. Grant some Commission only To others in thy name. This will suffice : And shield thee from the guilt of seeming falsehood. For inward truth — Heaven knows, and I too know thee ! Once more — once more — Oh, let me not entreat This loving boon in vain ! If I have ever Deserved thy favours, give me in my death The joy of shielding thee and England's throne From danger. — Sire ! Such end will be most gloriou s. Most blest ! KING CHARLES [^afler a pause]. My Strafford ! — Fare thee well then, If this must be — STRAFFORD. I thank thee ! and I bless thee ! Oh, may my blessings guard thy royal head ! Bless thou me too I KING CHARLES. StraflPord, my generous servant. My noble friend — go thou to deathless glory sc. III. King Charles I. 63 In this world and the next ! I bless thee, StrafiFord ; And, when before the Eternal's judgment-throne _ We meet, perchance the heart that tortures now^ May think with joy, with pride, on this dark hour, For thee and me ! Farewell — farewell — farewell ! On earth for ever I STRAFFORD \_druggli71g With his emotiori]. Yet one word ! The world, Pym and his friends, must know not thou hast been With me ! Thou must conciliate them, my King. For those who should be thine are all too weak To shield thee. I must needs some wonder show When I the first more formal tidings hear Of my near death. KING CHARLES. So be it, well-loved Strafford ! This too ? — Oh, worse than martyrdom is mine ! For thee, — thou art, thou must be blest ! And so, Farewell ! farewell ! \_King departs hastily (L). STRAFFORD [_kneeling~\. Shield him, my Saviour, ever ! \^Cur tain falls. "l 64 King Charles I. act ii. ACT II. January 1642. Scene L Secret Council-chamber of the Malignants or Puri- tans in Coleman Street, Pym, Hampden, Hollis, Cromwell, Young Vane, Fiennes, Sir Arthur Hazlerig, Strode, and many other Puritans, ^c, in hot disputation. YOUNG vane. TT TNHE ARD of insolence ! They dare presume, These Counsellors, this King, attaint a Pym, A Hampden, Hollis, of High Treason ? Tush ! Our ears deceive us ! What we heard we heard not ! They, who may bless our mercy, that they still Preserve — sc. I. King Charles I. 65 HAMPDEN. Dear Vane, this zeal befits you well. Yet be not hurried unto hasty words : Think well, dear Vane ! You may expose yourselves To dangers. YOUNG VANE. Dangers, borne for you, were pearls Of price. But 'tis not so. Why speak of dangers ? I laugh the thought to scorn. This peevish King ! — Nay — let him look t' himself! — CROMWELL. Such lowliness As our great Hampden's doth befit the Lord's Own servant. Meek of spirit — aye Unglorying in the flesh : but we will blow Like Joshua's trumpets loud defiance. Soon The gates shall fall — FIENNES. Who knov/s though, how the King Dreamt on such enterprise ? — I scarce had thought That Hyde or Falkland would have dared advise Aught fraught with danger. Yet they must, no doubt. F G6 King Charles I. act ii. HOLLIS. No. Digby, he did all. The others, trust me, Had little hand in it. PYM. Nor Digby much ! — Englishmen, I do think the King, King Charles, Was his own prompter here. HAMPDEN. Ay, doubt it not ! HOLLIS. And if he was, perchance, he had some cause ; — Some little cause I — YOUNG VANE. How mean you ? HOLLIS. Why, you know, — That virulent remonstrance — needless too — He grants you all you wish, arrives from Scotland In hope of some return for all : and then, just then, You seize the bishops whom he loves as life. Immure them ; last, present this said address In which you every old complaint renew, Rekindle every grievance — sc. I. King Charles I. 67 YOUNG VANE. Hollis, Hollis, Is this the hour to taunt us ? — You're a friend To freedom : that I know — or else your words Would raise suspicions. — Why, in England's name. What have we done amiss ? — These insolent Bishops ! — We do immure them. Well — they had deserved A sterner fate. So let them thank our mercy ! — And as for this address — the King's a tyrant, We told him so — we oped his ears to justice — Will make him feel it too : — And now you taunt — When this Charles Stuart attaints yourself and four More trusty Englishmen for using breath To speak God's truth. CROMWELL. God hardeneth the oppressor ! We have endured this vessel of his wrath — How long ! — HAMPDEN. You are resolved then, countrymen. With due regards to your own lives and fame To guard your friends ? — If so, ye will unite — 68 King Charles I. act ii. YOUNG VANE. In bidding all defiance to the King, This very day. HAMPDEN. And if my voice might move, As I in sooth have little claim, (yet God Is mighty in the weak one — simple truth Is all my boast — for wherein should I glory Save God, and God alone ?) — My countrymen. If ye give ear to aught I urge, then may This counsel meet your grace. Ye know that Church, Which most of us assembled here esteem Of Babylon, I mean that Bishops' Church, Wherein vile men assume the guise of Christ And his high office, — this is the main rock, The strong foundation of Malignancy. If against this we now proceed, the King Who else might taunt us, will be humbled soon. Let us not rest content with such mere fragment Of what is right — which even yet the Peers Dare question — the expulsion of these Bishops These foes to God from England's councils. Rather sc. T. King Charles I. 69 Demand ye the destruction, root and branch, Of that foul blot upon the land — that Church — Rather that Charnel-house of Christ and Truth ! — Demolish it, and in its stead erect A holy, chaste Assembly of God's children. If ye do deem this counsel wise, forthwith, This very day, proceed we to the task. CROMWELL. The Vineyard of the Lord must be renewed. Purge ye the foxes thence ! — FIENNES. Erect the banner Of Israel !— PURITANS ''[_confusedly~\. Break the Idols ! — Ashtaroth And Baal I — Spread the stakes of Holiness : Spread wide I PYM. I ask a hearing. PURITAMS. Pym would speak ! Hear Pym ! — PYM. This must not be. The Lord hath deigned 70 King Charles I. act ti. Illuminate his servant ; and the time Is not yet full for this completion ! Babylon Shall perish in her harlotries : yet now The measure of God's wrath is filled not. Pause then ! — This hateful Church — this Type of Antichrist Must yet be spared a little while. Ye ask me, Watchman, what of the night ? — And I reply — The light yet breaks not, but the dawn is near. The morning- breezes whistle rudely by, And there is grayness in the Heavens. Wait yet ! Possess your souls with patience ! 'Neath the Altar Of Holiness cry ye — and cease not ever. How long, O Lord, holy and true, how long — And peradventure soon these cries shall gain Fit answer. For the present — now to speak In carnal wise, I must admonish ye. The friends of Babylon are strong, and many Who would be yours will ye repel from ye By such procedure at such hour. Suffice it, If I have any sway in England's counsels — CROMWELL. If thou hast sway ? — We all are thine. sc. I. King Charles I. 71 PURITANS. All thine. CROMWELL. The Spirit of the Lord is strong upon thee: Thou comest as from Bozrah, having trodden The oppressors under foot ! — PYM. Then do not deem I would dissuade ye from most rigorous answer To these malignant threatenings ! Even this day I will to such conclusions urge the House, As shall confirm the King, we fear him not ; But are assured, resting in God's own hand. And working his good work, we soon may purge The Realm of all malignants ; gag at least All saucy tongues ; and teach the Throne its duties ! Mayhap its lawful fears ? — PURITANS. God is with Pym ! And we ! — and we ! — YOUNG VANE. On to the House then straight ! The hour is come for action. 72 King Charles I. act ii. PURITANS. To the House ! — CROMWELL. Our Joshua lead us and his worthy brethren ! Let the Amalekites be crushed ! PURITANS. Thou God Of Judah, God of Hosts, be with us ! — Hence ! — [ The Assembly disperses amidst great confu- sion. Scene changes. Scene H. Chamber in the Royal Palace of Whitehall. The King, Lord Keeper Littleton, and St. John in converse. ST. JOHN. And therefore. Sire, I say, a scheme so wild As this, so vain — king CHARLES. No more, Sir, I beseech you I At least in such a tone. You may design sc. II. King Charles I. 73 To serve me, but such arrogance of speech Befits nor me to hear nor you to proffer. ST. JOHN. How should I speak, Sire, when your throne is thus Set on the hazard? England's voice demands Concession. You reply by the Attainder Of England's best beloved — KING CHARLES. I will not hear Such language. It reminds me that a St. John Hath once held nearest counsel with those men Whom I account my foes, and yet perchance Is more their friend than mine. ST. JOHN. You wrong me, Sire, And — be this as it may, if — if indeed, I do not hate those patriots, still my counsel Yields not less weighty truths. The English people Are mighty — they demand the extirpation Of every wrong. We may not hope to hush them By mere bravade — far less by tyrant force. The people will be heard — and Pym and Hampden 74 King Charles I. act ii. What are they but the people's mouthpieces ? You must concede then to their fair demands Fair hearing. LORD KEEPER LITTLETON. Or, — we'll grant, my gracious Sire, That these men err, that in all pending questions The true right rests with us, with Royalty, Still power is theirs, as none can dare deny, Most terrible ! None now dispute their pleasure ; Our truest friends desert us. Was it meet then At such an hour, with prospect of such dangers, To risk your all on such a cast ? O Sire ! Retreat while yet 'tis time. Send to the Houses Your gracious word through us, that this Attainder Shall not proceed, that all things shall return To wonted peace : and then the direful storm Upgathering, may be scattered, quite averted, The Throne of England saved. ST. JOHN. . Which else, remember, May run dire risks ! For if this cloud should burst, / cannot tell the issue ! None may tell ! sc. II. King Charles I. 75 But this we know, however sacred, Monarchy May not for aye endure, and Monarchs' lives Have in such brawls been perilled. They who slew A Strafford, when they deemed such slaughter just, Might scarcely spare more sacred heads. Then — KFNG CHARLES. Peace, Sir ! Such fears spring from no loyal breast. The Com- mons Might truly — but I will not trust myself With words. Go, Sir, and say right plainly, The King may not be awed ! I will conceive You honest, since you seek for such construction. No more ! From you, Lord Keeper, I had hoped In other hours for other deeds : but Time Is fraught with changes, and the leaves will cling not When blow the winter breezes. Else to you I scarce should need to say; His subjects' power Combined with wrong may never fright their Mo- narch From his appointed duties. — Fare you well. We shall take counsel with ourselves alone, 76 King Charles I. act ii. Or those we see uncowed by treason. [^In a lower tone] St. John, You reckon on our weakness. Rest assured, Our eyes are on you. If we deem you faithless, You fall to rise no more. No answer, Sir I [ To both] Away to your appointed tasks ! Acquaint Both Houses that their King demands the traitors ! \_Lord Keeper Littleton and St. John withdraiv. KING CHARLES [aloue']. Base insolence ! This St. John dares to threat me, Presuming on his sway, and my reliance Upon such knaves as he. Or knaves, or fools ! Ay, such are all my chosen counsellors. With rare, most rare exceptions ! Bitter words ? I grant you that — but is not bitterness, The only fruit such wrongs as mine can ripen ? What have I done, what hath my country done. To groan beneath vile traitors' sway? — Oh Heaven, Forgive these cries ! Our fathers may have sinned ; We too, alas I perchance, unwittingly Have drawn this vengeance down. — Do I act rightly ? Did it befit me to behold mv laws Dishonoured, social order set at nought, sc. II. King Charles I. 77 The very Church of God, her best and noblest Doomed to destruction, — could I see all this. And rest inactive still ? I know full well Nothing can glut these rebel tyrants' cravings Save the prostration of my realm before them. The sacrifice of all I swore to cherish. To guard for ever. All their wildest prayers, ( Which recognised some law, some show of reason,) All granted, I returned from Scotland hither To meet — what ? fresh requests ! Day after day More fiercely press they onward : — they require The sole command of England's troops ; they seize My very sources of existence : plunge Within the tower the Church's bishops — wherefore ? Because, (their very being hazarded By the fierce mobs, set on by these smooth villains,) They dared protest against that Parliament Which would no means employ to guard its mem- bers Debarred from it by force. Ay — seized for this W^ere Christ's own servants ; cast within the dungeon I And not a voice — no, not one single voice In either House was raised to speak for iherriy 78 King Charles I. act it. For justice ! save that one most daring man Professed, he thought them only mad, — not traitors ! Thus were they sent, to share thy punishment, Pure-minded, open-hearted Laud ! Thy zeal For thy insulted King, and for the Church Thy holy mother, at an earlier hour Awaked these patriots' wrath ; and none were found To succour thee : when, had true English courage Inspired one English heart and tongue, perchance — Yet no, I wrong thee, Hyde ! Thy fortune proves, One man unaided cannot turn the tide Of fate. — I have long hoped, have prayed some helpers Might rise in danger's hour, to stay the torrent, To roll it back, to kindle loyalty In English hearts again. Amongst the Commons Even now the larger half would shield their King, Could they gain courage but to speak or think ! Yet as this might not be, what now remained, Save by my own high royal power to quell The hydra of sedition, to arrest The torrent's course, to save my crown and realm, And God's blest church ? This have I done, Heaven knows sc. II. King Charles L 79 With pure intent ! The laws shall judge these men : Not I, but they, shall fix their due. Ha ! Digby ? And in such haste ? Enter Lord Digby. LORD DIGBY [entering], I used your signet, Sire, To gain admittance, without ceremony. Pardon my boldness ! KING CHARLES. Speak, my faithful Digby ! What say the Lords and Commons ? Will they yield These five whom we attaint ? LORD DIGBY. I have no hope Of their submission. For the Commons, Sire, They loudly breathe defiance. They record Already in their votes, the law shall never Touch member of their body, till themselves Have bade that law proceed. A fresh address To Majesty, insultingly defying Its legal povy'ers, and once again renewing 80 King Charles I. act it. Their own seditious calumnies, is now Debated earnestly. The populace Is gathering too from every side. Your foes Proclaim you powerless. " None shall dare to touch These patriots, whatsoe'er they speak or move!" Such is the cry now rising — KING CHARLES, Say no more ! Words cannot aid us. I do see the hour Is come for deeds. Give orders that a retinue (Not over large — I would not have them think We would by force o'ersway them,) hold them ready To follow us to Westminster. Myself Will from the House demand these five accused For justice to decree their fate. No words ! This must be. Go I Some little time may pass Ere the due train assemble. Seek me here When they await our orders. \_Exit Lord Digby. Righteous Heaven ! Seems thif a tyrant's act ? A deed of power Oppressive ? Thou dost know, necessity In justice' cause, alone impels my will. Yet some few moments may I seek perchance sc. Ill, King Charles I. 81 For fitting patience, needful strength, from Heaven, Within my closet ! I shall know, must know, If I be King, or but a name, this day. \_Exit. Scene III. Interior of the House of Commons, Westminster, Many Members seated on either side. To the righty amongst others, Pym, Hampden, Fiennes, Cromwell, young Vane, ^c. To the left. Lord Falkland, Hyde, Sidney Godolphin, St. John, Sir Harry Vane, ^c. The Debate is being carried on. HAMPDEN [m continuation']. Thus, Gentlemen, I will not say, we erred not ; Only thus much. If Englishmen be bound To silence in the Commons' house, if here They cannot speak their grievances, nor dare Redress their wrongs, then be this clearly known As law and right, (if law, — if right,) that thus Men may not be misled by what seems freedom G 82 King Charles T. act it. To freedom's honest course ! //"this be so. If England's Commoners assembled here Dare not pursue the path of right, and seek To purify the realm, without incurring The sentence of transgressors, be it known Henceforth that England is a Monarchy- Despotic ! that its Ruler's Will is Law, Which none may dare to challenge ! Hitherto^ We knew not this ; and thence, in sober truth, I cannot deem the friends accused with me More guilty than myself of any treason. We have proclaimed the truth, and striven to quell What we deemed falsehood. Understand me, Sirs, I question not, z/"this King's Will be Law, This may be made a crime : but could such sen- tence Be retrospective ? We umoitiing erred. I do appeal to the most loyal souls. Whether such innocence accord with guilt? God reads our hearts — the God of Israel — He knows mine pure of ill's intent. And there- fore Would I this loyal Declaration press sc. III. King Charles I. 63 On all, for your unanimous assent. You all do know, and Holy Writ assures, If the least member suffer, all the body Must share both grief and danger. Haste we then To stay the King from such unwonted courses ! Place we the tenor of our wrongs before him, Which may persuade him how to act ! I move, — And I would gain no party triumph here, But speak as Englishmen to loving brothers, — That this Address, with voice unanimous From all, for all, be placed before the King. \_HampdeR seats himself. PURITANS AND MALIGNANTS. The righteous Hampden ! — Mild, and just, and mighty I — His will be done. CAVALIERS OR ROYALISTS [_confusedly~\. Think you? — This seems — In candour I must avow — And yet the King's the King — Patience, hear Sidney ! SIDNEY GODOLPHIN \_rises']. Gentlemen, I rise, 84 King Charles I. act ii. — Though an unworthy Member, ill deserving Your trust in me, by youth and inexperience Oft tongue-tied, — to express my heart's assent To what hath erst been spoken I I have friends Such words from me may wound : but at such hour Silence or doubt were crime. The liberties Of England are at stake. I cannot pause Nicely to weigh the merits of the question ; To canvass every word in this Address. Enough. Our freedom of debate this day Demands defence, which I for one withhold not. I love my King, I trust I love my King : His Counsellors perchance in this misguide him ! But even to angels would I yield not basely My England's dear bought liberties. I pray That no division shame our this day's counsels ; But that our King be warned, for his own sake. By his own royal Parliament I \_Godolphin seats himself, HAMPDEN. Well said ! CAVALIERS. My voice is with Godolphin's. Hyde — hear Hyde — No ! — freedom — England's Liberty — sc. III. King Charles I. 85 PURITANS. Is Saul Amongst the prophets ? Tremble, Babylon ! Thine hour is nigh. HAMPDEN [_to young Vane afside^- Take heed, dear Vane, take heed I Your words may breed dissension yet. YOUNG VANE. The truth At least be spoken I \^He I'ises'] Englishmen, Go- dolphin Hath charged ye wake indeed with mickle cause. Think for what cause we do debate this day. Your bravest, wisest, noblest, England's pearls Of honour, would the boar of tyranny Rend with its monster tusks. It well befits Great Hampden, in his simple innocence, Fearing no ill, to speak thus patiently. Thus calmly. We who see his life at stake, With other lives as dear, we cannot rest So tranquil. We must needs know indignation At the bare thought of such demand as this, Of such assault on five pure lives. ^Tis clear 86 King Charles I. act ii. The King would fright us, would constrain us crouch Like hounds to lick his feet. Such hounds we are not! Or if we are, let all who thus would whip us With fell Oppression's goad, hold well their own ; Lest in some moment of reviving courage We flesh our teeth within their necks. O God, O righteous God of Israel, shall we tremble Beneath a tyrant's frown ? No, tell the King We serve him as his subjects not his slaves. We will not turn from our appointed task To meet his humours, will not cease to cleanse The Augean stall of state — and more, this Church ' It shall be freed from Dagon- worship — freed From Papal mummeries. Bishops nevermore Shall lord it o'er God's heritage. In fine. We will not yield one single reformation In State or Church, which here hath been designed. Power shall be met by Power, and Craft by Wis- dom. None can o'erawe us, none shall dare beguile. For noble Pym, for upright Hampden, Hollis, s€. Ill- King Charles I. 87 For Strode, and Arthur Hazlerig — for England, Whose majesty is now impugned, for one, For all of us, I call upon ye, Sirs, To bid defiance to this stern Oppressor ! — Who'er contests our right is fool or knave. PURITANS \_loudly~\. The walls of Jericho are reeling now ! Heard ye the trumpets' blast ? Hail, righteous Vane, Brave Vane ! HYDE \_rising']. I claim brief hearing. Gentlemen. CAVALIERS. Hear Hyde!— Speak, Hyde! HYDE, However strange may seem My conduct, though a thousand voices join Against me, though my fate be instant seizure. And lifelong penance in the Tower, I rise To speak my heart's true thoughts : I do believe My King more sinned against than sinning. Grant This act of his be ill-advised — even I 88 King Charles I. act ii. Oppose its execution — would not yield The five Accused : rest we content, good Sirs, With this refusal ! Why demand we more ? Why this insulting paper place before Our Monarch's eyes ? Why thus anew rekindle Flames long-extinguished now ? For pity's sake, I would entreat the House to pause. All friends Of loyalty do I conjure with me To yield resistance to this strange Address, Well-meant, perchance, but ill conceived. Our freedom Needs not such stay as this, and it befits us To prove, that though constrained to disobey, We still do love our Monarch ! [ Hyde seats himself. CAVALIERS. Nobly spoken ! — 'Fore George — I vote with Hyde. And I. And I. — Freedom and Loyalty ! ST. JOHN {^rises']. I cannot let The brief remarks of this most zealous gentleman Pass without note or comment. Of the Crown sc. III. King Charles I. 89 Appointed Minister, it rests my duty To guard its interests ever. Therefore I, For the King's sake, entreat this wise Assembly Not rashly the misjudged miscalled Address Before you to reject. The King must know Your firm resolve. I in his name demand An absolute answer. Either yield his suit, Or send such full reply as shall convince him Threats may not work his purpose. Otherwise He may resort to louder threats, and these Entail ill-omened deeds, all unavailing Since you are thus resolved. Once more I say, Let your full bent be known, that so, your King And mine may not act blindly. Royalists, I call on you — and all I trust are such — To aid me in conveying truth, plain truth, To your liege Lord and Monarch ! \_Seats himself. CAVALIERS [_confusedhj~\. There's no choice ! — It must be — St. John errs not — let the King Know all — we'll not deceive him — Tush ! I vote With Hyde— Still Hyde !— Be stedfast ! 90 King Charles I. act ii. PYM \^rises2' Gentlemen, I too would crave your hearing. There are limits To all appointed Power. True loyalty Degenerates ne'er to serfage. But if we, If Hampden here, and Hollis, all we five Accused, be sacrificed, think you henceforth One man will breathe in safety in this England ! If not, it ill befits an Englishman To waive the loudest protest 'gainst such deed Of violence. I feel that England's fate Hangs on the balance now. Could our five lives Save England, I would bless the axe descending To end them even this hour. But 'tis not so ! No, we must live, dear friends, must live for Eng- land — Not die ! — perchance the lighter task ! — for oh ! What deeds, the thought of which we dread our- selves. Far grasping Tyranny may force us on ! — My friends, I well may think that in this hour The spirits of the mighty dead who fell For liberty may throng this hall to list Our consultation. Fate of unborn ages sc. III. King Charles I. 91 May rest on our resolve. One pause of doubt, Of seeming fear, and all is lost ! Thenceforth Is England chained for ever ! Wake, then, wake Unto the dread occasion of the hour I Saints of the Lord and lovers of your country ! Unite as one, to work the will of Heaven ! [.^n anxious murmur has crept along the Pu- ritan ranks. Fiennes, who sits next Pym, whispers to him. FIENNES. King Charles is nigh to seize you, with a host Of followers ! You must fly. PYM. We ivill withdraw ! — [Aloud^ Not trembling, as convicted malefactors. Quit we this hour your senate's halls. The bravest May yield awhile to Tyrant Power, and thus Their brethren shield from risk of loss through them. We do withdraw awhile, and leave ye to Your counsels. Only rest ye still assured. This hour confirms the liberties of England, Or lays them ever low. Your only weakness Can lie in self-mistrust. Be bold, brave friends ! 92 King Charles I. act ii. Then Heaven shall bless your deeds, and Tyranny Shrink baffled from your presence. God protect ye!- [_Ppn, Hampden, Hoi I is, Strode, and Arthur Hazlerig leave the House, amidst great com- motion. PURITANS \_confiisedhj~\. Our shield and buckler is the Lord ! — In vain The Wicked bends his arrows. Praise the Lord ! — thou false tongue — that wickedly, despitefully Dost wound the righteous — King of Babylon, Thine hour is come ! — A PURITAN. Against the Lord of Hosts Belshazzar boasted him I The hand went forth — Mene — Tekel — Upharsin ! CROMWELL [^rising']. Men and brethren, 1 do beseech ye, hear me, for the Spirit Doth move my tongue to utterance. Hitherward The Oppressor hastes ! When he doth speak to us, W^hen he demands our brethren, let us yield sc. III. King Charles I. 93 No answer — none ! So shall our godly silence Seem to his carnal ears more terrible Than shouts of armed warhosts ! List we all His words, and in our heart of hearts reply we, " How is the Oppressor fallen ! He hath come To sue our aid. We trusting in the Lord Will set at nought his malice." Men and brethren, Your servitor hath spoken. PURITANS. Godly Cromwell ! — The Lord is with him ! Ha, the King I the King ! In silence stern receive him ! Pause. Then enter the Ki^G. followed by Lord DiGBY, and Retainers, who remain at the en- trance. The King steps forward, and mounts to the President's chair, which its owner has de- serted, from luhich he gazes round the Assembly. Profound silence reigns. KING CHARLES \_half aside']. They are not here ! [ To the House'] I grieve the occasion. Sirs, Of your King's presence. Yesterday I sent For those, whom I have charged with treason. You* 94 King Charles I. act ii. Replied, with no obedience, but a message. I must declare to you no King of England Can be more careful of your privilege Than I. But Treason cannot claim its use. Therefore I come to tell you plainly. Sirs, That I must have these men. I see they now Are flown, and thence my search is useless here. Should they return, I shall expect you. Sirs, To send them to me straight. And I assure you I do intend no force against these men, But such proceedings as your lav/s commend Most honourable. Let me add too this, Since for the moment I have failed my purpose; I have no will, no thought, to work you harm : Whatever for your good my tongue hath granted And for my people's good, that do I swear To execute : and so, God keep you ever ! — \_The King passes slowly and with dignity to- wards the entrance. Confused Cries from the House. Privilege ! Privilege ! CROMWELL [m the foreground, aside']. King Charles, I hate thee i — sc. IV. King Charles I. 95 That hate my soul shall kindle ; others souls Shall also light with fire divine ! — perchance Shall lead — Whither, weak erring- fancy, stray'st thou ? Down, down, unruly thoughts ! — Jehovah, reign I Confused Cries from the House. Privilege ! — Pym and Hampden ! — England ! — Freedom I — \_Scene closes. Scene IV. Street in the City. Twilight* A confused rabble constantly augmenting throngfi the street. CITIZEN. I TELL ye I beheld him with these eyes. The King speeds hither ! SECOND CITIZEN. Wherefore ? — What's his object ? THIRD CITIZEN. We are no Papists. Here he'll scarce find friends. 96 KiiNG Charles I. act ii. PURITAN. Say, rather, haters ! Lies he not m wait Like to a Hon in his den ? to catch The poor, to persecute the true of heart ? CITIZENS. Stand by the Parhament ! — For Pym and Hamp- den ! — APPRENTICE. 'Tis time, my masters ! — Ireland have they sacked, These Papists : well, we know who laid the plot ! And England too — PURITAN. Mourn, mourn in dust and ashes, Jerusalem ! — Drew not King Ahab's sins The ancient vengeance down ? — FOURTH CITIZEN. King Ahab's sins ? — Now, Sir, you wrong our King. I own he errs ; But he hath grace — was ever kind- — THIRD CITIZEN. Such kindness As shews the vulture to the dove ! — What Papist, What vile Malignant have we here ? sc. TV. King Charles I. 97 CITIZENS. Secure him — The slave and traitor ! OTHERS. Tear him limb from limb ! PURITAN. Arise, O Lord ! — Ark of our Strength, arise, And save this city I Let the lying lips Be silenced in the grave ! — This royal Saul — SECOND APPRENTICE. He comes — the King ! FIFTH CITIZEN. No, younker, no ! — His worship Our tyrannous Lord Mayor, with all his train Of Counsellors, — they only hither press. THIRD CITIZEN. Receive them with due anger ! Let them know What 'tis to rouse the people ! SECOND PURITAN. Vile Philistine ! We still have slings and pebbles. David's soul Is mighty yet in us. H 98 King Charles I. act ii, CITIZENS [tumultuouslyl. Down with all Tyrants ! Pym — Hampden — Hollis — Parliament — Enter the Lord Mayor, Sir Richard Gourney, followed by seine few 7nembers of the Common Council, the City Sheriffs, ^c. SIR R. GOURNEY. Good friends — The Cries redonble. Pym — Hampden — Parliament — We'll live and die For Freedom. Down with Tyrants 1 SIR R. GOURNEY. Down with Tyrants ? Why so shout I, good Masters ! — Englishmen Should all be free — CROWD [ttimultuously]. Hear him ! — The Members ! — Privilege !^ SIR R. GOURNEY \^with a loud voice']. We claim for all the privilege of justice, And ne'er a man of us would wish for more. — Think you if any peer of England's realm Should machinate against your peace, my friends. sc. IV. King Charles I. 99 The peace of England — Privilege should serve him ? Your King, who hates all tyranny, who loves With a true heart his people, even now In the GuiWhall has laid his wrongs before us And asked our loyal aid. We told him, crowds Who knew not half his goodness thronged the way. Thence counselled we return by water. He With royal zeal replied, " I love my people, And through their ranks will pass, or nevermore Behold Whitehall again." — Now hither comes he. Confiding in your loyalty. Good friends, Let him have cause to know you're Englishmen With English hearts. He ever loved your city. Proffer some faint return for all his goodness, And greet him on his course ! THIRD CITIZEN. We will do so. After his high deserts I PURITAN. Take up thy proverb Against the king of Babylon, and sa}*. The fir trees shall rejoice at thee, the cedars — • 100 King Charles I. act ii. FIFTH CITIZEN. Now comes the King indeed ! APPRENTICE. 'Tis he ! THIRD CITIZEN. Receive him With due acclaim ! Swell ye the chorus, Masters ! CITIZENS \_tumultuously~\. The Parliament I Down — down with tyranny ! Live the five Patriots ! Privilege ! Enter King Ch^ri^^s, followed hy Lord Digby and Retainers. sir r. gourney [to the crowd]. Stand back I Press not on God's Anointed ! CROWD [even more loudly]. Privilege ! The Members ! Down with Tyrants ! KING CHARLES [stepping forward]. Pause awhile, (jood Gentlemen! — [To the crotvd'] — Am I the Tyrant, friends, sc. IV. King Charles I. 101 Of whom ye speak ? {^General silence.^ See, I am come amongst ye, To show, that I relv on vour affections ! And these alone ! I seek no other guard. A score of followers scarce is with me. Friends, The tidings of your fears have worked me sorrow : Whence may these spring ? I have accused even now Some men of treason. If your laws, the laws Of England, deem them innocent, their safety Shall forthwith be assured. I will not think then That you could shelter these accused amongst you. Others, my nearest friends, at the demand Of even these men now charged, have stood their trial. Why should not they in turn ? I know that justice Is dear to Eno^lish hearts — and seek from vou What you would all expect as due from me. So much to end these needless fears is spoken. May Heaven preserve me as I seek your good, And England's good as well ! [To his train.] Set onward, Sirs ! My good Lord Mayor, farewell ! 102 King Charles I. act ii. SIR R. GOURNEY. Pardon me, Sire, I crave my right, as Guardian of the City, Awhile to follow in your train. KING CHARLES. True servant ! Act as you will in this. — To all, farewell ! I shall expect in you a loyal people — And you shall find in me a loving King ! [^The King and Train, accompanied by the Lord Mayor, ^'c. depart. FIFTH CITIZEN. Beshrew my heart ! But the King means all fairly. OTHERS. Ay, does he, Masters ! PURITAN. Hone3^ed is his tongue, Poison of asps beneath his lips lies hid. THIRD CITIZEN. Let not a few soft words degrade us all To slaves. The Patriots shall not die. We'll save them ! sc. V. King Charles I. 103 So tell the King- ! Follow him ! With your cries At least assail him ! SECOND PURITAN. Let your war-shout be The words of Israel to Rehoboam ! So shall the King know, lue will serve him only While he doth serve the Lord. CROWD \_confasedly~\. Hence ! — Privilege I The Patriots — Hampden — Pym — For England ! Freedom ! [Whilst the 3Iobfolloivs the King tinmtltuousb/, the Scene closes. Scene V. Chamber in the Roy a I Palace of Whitehall. Evening. Queen enters hastily from the left, followed by Ladies^ ^c, QUEEN. Again these crowds assemble I Charles, dear Charles, 104 King Charles I. act ii. Perchance thy hfe's at stake. Knows no one tidings ? PAGE [from the right']. All is confusion round the Palace^ Madam. The mob is gathering — QUEEN. Thou must pass through them, My own dear husband ! SECOND PAGE [entering^' From the city, Madam — A messenger. QUEEN. Bid him approach ! — Great Heaven ! He comes perchance — What bring'st thou ? [ To the Messenger, ivho has been ushered into the chamber from the right* MESSENGER. From the King Assurance, Madam, of his swift return. Crowds had beset him, but his royal grace So moved their stubborn hearts, that even the roughest Did him fair courtesy. He's near. sc. Y. King Charles I. 105 QUEEN, Thanks, thanks, Thou Blessed Virgin ! thou hast heard my prayers. And he returns — is safe ! His royal grace Hath moved their hearts ! O Charles, my dear, dear husband. Now am I proud of thee ! Thou art indeed A King. This royal valorous deed of thine. This firm demand for justice 'gainst thy foes, These traitors, — this commands my admiration Though all the world condemn ! And thou must conquer. Nought but thy fear to shed thy subjects' blood Hath placed thee in such perils. Thou hast waked ! Henceforth a brighter future thee and me Shall gladden ! Haste even now that I may tell thee How much I love thee for this firm resolve ! Yes — yes — the lion lay couchant in thy nature. Or — let me seek a nobler image here ! The light that ever shone, though calmly, mildly, If waves and winds assail, can shoot aloft And drive afar all foes. — Thou wakest, Charles 1 Ha ! St. John I 106 King Charles I. act ii. Enter the Solicitor Geyieral, St. John. (R.) ST. JOHN. Madam — I would crave of you A moment's audience — and alone. Its matter Concerns your husband and my monarch — highly ; It brooks not of delay. QEEEN [fo her Ladies, 5fc.] Withdraw, good friends, Beyond our hearing ! {They obey. Now, Sir, for your secret ! ST. JOHN. Secret I scarce may call it — yet the words WTiich I would speak — none save yourself should hear. QUEEN. Speak swiftly then. I count you as my foe, And have no ear to list your warnings long. Not for one moment — were my fate alone At stake ! ST. JOHN. It is not. Madam. — That of Charles My Monarch, also, now — but to the point ! Count me or friend or foe — the words I speak sc. V. King Charles I. 107 Are sober truth. You do rejoice, perchance, In what you think your royal husband's prowess ? QUEEN. I do — I do ! and wish his Christian pity Had not so long* enchained his will ! ST. JOHN. Ay, Madam, I guessed your ardour. You perchance are one Who wooed the King to this demand. " QUEEN. Not so. His own desire impelled him. ST. JOHN. Whatsoe'er Or cause or motive here, — so much is certain. — You seal our Monarch's fall, if you incite him To further progress in such course. His friends Are one and all estranged. This hour will give Sure proof, when one and all disdain his summons To join his Council here. The Puritans Are up in arms — and fearful murmurs. Madam, Creep round from ear to ear. His very life And yours may be endangered ! 108 King Charles I. act ii. QUEEN. Charles's life ? ST. JOHN. The axe that slew a Strafford, may perchance, Salute his master ! Thus they cry. Believe not That these are idle threats. I do repeat, Not even Hyde or Falkland will be found To join the royal counsels. Would you save Your husband, then entreat him to recede From this rash course. Nay, would you serve him truly. You would do more than this — reproach him even For such wild rashness — in your children's name And yours ! You know him ofttimes slow to act And patient, but when once to anger goaded Not easily dissuaded from his purpose. If he pursues this course — and I do think Such is his firm-fixed will, — I cannot promise Another sun shall rise on Eno-land's King-. Sedition's seeds are sown around. One hour May breed a poisonous harvest. Far and wide The train is laid. Let it but burst this niffht — o And then the Monarch's throne — sc. V. King Charles I. 109 QUEEN. You do amaze me ! ST. JOHN. Doubt, then, and seal his fall ! It rests with you To save or doom him. Now with joy receive, Applaud him — nought will turn him from his goal ! And he is lost — with you — with England's crown, Your children ! — Force yourself to seeming anger, Chide him for this rash daring — let him think On his four children — he shall live to bless you ! Doubt not, or work his death ! I leave you, Madam, To act as true, not selfish, love may prompt you ! [Bows and Exit. (R.) QUEEN. Stay, St. John ! — Guide me, Heaven I O Charles, dear Charles ! Must I receive thee thus? Yet for thv sake, Thy children's sake — Lie still, weak heart ! PAGES. The King ! LADIES, ETC. Ah, praised be Heaven I 110 King Charles I. act ii. QUEEN. Thou Blessed Virgin, aid me ! King Charles enters, followed b\j Officers of the Court, ^c. from the background, KING CHARLES \_in entering']. Say ye ? Nor Hyde nor Falkland here ? Ye err ! It cannot be. I prayed their presence. officer. Sire, They could not come. Such was their only answer ! KING CHARLES. Good God ! Such, Falkland's answer ? Such, Hyde's answer ? Now too, at such an hour, when hasty action Might save the State. I cannot seize the Traitors, I have no power — no means alone. And Hyde ? He faithless too ? It cannot be. And yet — I sought not for his counsel in this deed , Knowing his over-caution. This hath moved him To anger — false he cannot be ! Kind Heaven ! Save thou such souls as his — let them not sink In this wide general deluge of all faith, All honour, loyalty ! Oh at this hour sc. V. King Charles I. Ill Much might he do to aid me ! Falkland too ! Yet I could scarcely hope his presence. O, My Saviour, grant thy patience to thy servant ! — The Lords of Holland and of Essex then — , They, by their duties bound, must come. Approach they? PAGE. Even now a messensrer — KING CHARLES. From them ? A messenger ? Not they in person ? PAGE. They do hold their lives In danger, fear to seek Whitehall, have gone To yield the angry citizens assurance That they do mean them well — KING CHARLES. But of themselves They think then ! They desert me ! Henrietta, [Approaching the Queen, ivho has stood apart concealed by her ladies. I saw thee not. I find in thee at least True sympathy : though all the world abandon^ 112 King Charles I. act ii. Dear wife, thou dost commend me as I know. QUEEN \_speaking ivith d'ifficuUxf\. Charles — for thy children's sake — my sake, turn, turn, From this rash course ! Thou see'st, thy bootless zeal Hath all but wrought thy ruin — yet may woi*k Our deaths — thy death. I must reproach thee, Charles — Nor can I trust thy love for me or mine Till thou dost yield thy purpose — dost recall This dread attainder. For a while farewell. I leave thee to thy thoughts. \_Aside?[ If I should linger One moment more — Hence ! hence ! [Exit (L.) followed by her ladies. KING CHARLES [after a pause]. My wife too? — I Am all alone then ! — am alone ? Not so ! God is still with me! I am not deserted. [Curtain falls.] sc. I. King Charles I. 113 ACT III. Scene I. Interior of the House of Lords in Westminster HalL Many Peers occupy the Ministerial and Opposition Benches, Amongst the former, are Lord Keeper Littleton, Duke of Richmond, Earls of Monmouth, Southampton, and Bristol, Lord Newark, Lord Capel, ^c. Amongst the latter, the Earls of Northumberland, Pem- broke, Essex, Holland, ^c. M.R,V\m, attended by a Deputation from the House of Commons, consisting o/* Hampden, Fiennes, Young Ya^v,, and Cromwell, is pleading at the Bar of the House. Confused clamour of applause and disapprobation. TTTISE counsel! — Let Malignants tremble ! — Insults To England's Peers ! — The People's rights ! — No ! Treason ! — I • 114 King Charles I. act iii. PYM [jwhen the tumult has subsided, in continua- tioii] . I tell your Lordships, these Petitions, which I now present to you, demand but justice ! In them you hear the voice of mighty England, Or rather say, the Cry ! You need not wonder If the extreme occasion of the times Lead to some vehemence of speech. The agony In which our kingdom labours is so dread. So universal, every part alike Is by these terrors overwrought. And whence Proceed such ills ? Whence, but from that fell Faction, Those vile Malignants, who obstruct the course Of justice? Never yet did Church require Such sweeping reformation as this realm's : But while the Bishops and corrupter Clergy Continue in their power, there is slight hope Of such long wished-for freedom. In a word, The Commons labour to attain the good Of England ; but a factious party, here And elsewhere, dares obstruct their labours. — 'Till The officers of England's brave militia sc. I. King Charles I. 115 Be by true men appointed, it were vain To hope for peace. And yet Malignants breathe, Papists, and those who herd with them, who dare Dispute the will of England — dare confirm These great appointments in the foes to freedom. Let these beware ! The hour of vengeance comes. Let not too long the most malignant linger To yield assent to the demands of justice ! They shall but seal their fall. — For us, the Com- mons, We shall rejoice if England's Peers awaking Combine with us to save the realm ! But should They fail, we yet will shrink not from our duty ; And England's great historians of the future Shall tell Posterity, that, at such crisis. In such extremity, the Commons only Performed their part, while England's noble Peers Shrank from their task, from lack of sense or cou- rage ! — \_ After a short 'pause.'] The Peoples needs I bring before the House, And press immediate consultation on them* 116 King Charles I. act hi. PEERS [_confusedly~\. Most wisely spoken ! — Somewhat freely ! — Well ! — The truth is truth ! — Our thanks ! — EARL OF BRISTOL [^aside to the Duke of Richmond']. Nay, calm your Grace ! At such a moment speech would only madden These lawless rebels. DUKE OF RICHMOND [ill reply]. Scoundrels ! — dogs ! — By Heaven, I have no words to speak mine ire. They dare In our own presence stigmatize as foes To England, as Malignants, all who aid not Their every hell-born project I Can no insult Awake a spark of fire in English breasts ? — Shall we be trodden on, and humbly kiss The feet that crush us ? EARL OF HOLLAND \_rising']. Thanks, most worthy Sir, Thanks, honest, truly loyal, Master Pym, For this well-urged oration. As I trust, Such words may move the hearts of all who hear To timely counsels. We will haste forthwith sc. I. King Charles I. 117 To enter on the projects you would forward In England's name ; of England's cry, for which You have this day laid vouchers high before us. We do entreat your kindly thoughts of us, With those of the most loyal gentlemen Who stand beside you. — May the Commons find Sure friends in England's Peers ! LORD KEEPER LITTLETON [nsiwy]. Kind Sirs, farewell. In the Crown's name we thank you. [Pyw, Hampden, ^c. ivithdraw, EARL OF HOLLAND. Now proceed w^e To quick debate on this most weighty question ; The placing of the fortresses of England In trusty hands, such as our worthy friends The Commons may approve, and further vesting The whole militia of this loyal kingdom In well-aflfected officers. Delay — DUKE OF RICHMOND. I cannot, will not brook this insolence, This folly ! \_rises'] I, my Lords, demand the House 118 King Charles I. act hi. Pass to the Order of the Day. Myself Precedence claim. My motion stands recorded, Nor can the " loyal" Commons' entrance here Affect my vested rights. For these petitions, They in their course may claim observance due : But ill consorts it with our dignity To set aside the order of debate For insolent complainings like to these. — For most malignant (/ will use the word With juster aptness) taunts and insults, rendered By scum of earth ! Cries. Ha ! Treason ! — Madness ! — Frenzy ! Retract I — retract ! — DUKE OF RICHMOND. I will not. Liberty Of speech I claim, such as a burgess here, A Pym, hath dared usurp this hour. Cries. — Retract ! — He's mad ! — LORD KEEPER LITTLETON [^aside to tliose around him.~\ What ? dare at such an hour oppose sc. I. King Charles I. 119 The wish of Pym ? He seals his ruin — ours — All England's ! EARL OF MONMOUTH. Heaven ! We're lost. EARL OF BRISTOL. He is imprudent. Yet have the Peers of England fallen so low, Reply to would-be rebels seems mere frenzy ? LORD CAPEL. They have, they have, wise Bristol ! 'Tis in vain To stem the torrent. EARL OF ESSEX [^risiiig^. We demand, his Grace Retract such words, for England's sake, our sake ! Lest the insulted people, in their ire, Inflict on us dire vengeance — indiscriminate. In patriot wrath ! Cries. Retract ! — Retract ! DUKE OF RICHMOND. Once more, I will not ! What I said was rightly said. 120 King Charles I. act hi. If any be malignant, not with me The term took origin, not they are so Who love their King and would preserve their country From worse than lawless frenzy. I resume. Proceed we to this day's appointed purpose : Examine we the grounds of accusation Against a Peer of England, founded on His reckless progress through the streets of King- ston In coach with six — ay, six fierce steeds ! My Lords, Most dread and warlike armament is this : On which right lawfully and loyally A charge of deadly treason hath been founded ! — This from the most alarming tenor then Of the dread charge, requires our instant care, Lest these wild steeds should plunge in frenzy's ire. Even through the Commons' halls ! O think, my Lords, What awful perils to both State and Commons^ (By far the greater of the twain !) lie couched In this. sc. I. King Charles I. 121 \_Slight ironical laughter from the Ministerial Benches. Loud and increasing Murmurs from the Opposition, EARL OF HOLLAND [_to those around him'], 'Tis true. He hath the right to press His motion first upon us. Yet this must Be stayed. 'Tvvere madness dully to expose Our sacred cause to ridicule. DUKE OF RICHMOND. My Lords, I move for a Committee to examine Into this treasonous rebel-act I Proceed we Forthwith to their appointment. EARL OF ESSEX \_in a low tone']. Thou, Northumberland, First give the signal. EARL OF NORTHUMBERLAND \_rising]. Since his Grace persists In this demand, I move, the House adjourn ! Loud Cries from the Opposition, Adjourn ! adjourn ! 122 King Charles I. act hi. DUKE OF RICHMOND [^(o Ms friends']. Ay, see you, how they silence The voice of truth ! — EARL OF BRISTOL. Dear friend, your course is noble, But it will seal your ruin. DUKE OF RICHMOND. Think you so ? Why, even now they fear ! Cries from the Opposition, ever increasing in violence. Adjourn ! adjourn ! DUKE OF RICHMOND \_loudhj']. With all my heart, adjourn to Doomsday, or For six months at the least ! — EARL OF HOLLAND. Hark ! Treason ! Treason ! Opposition Cries, He would destroy the realm I — Vile treason ! — EARL OF NORTHUMBERLAND \_rising']. With Your leave, I move, this House should rise not now sc. T. King Charles I. 123 Until the Duke explain his words' intent ; In thus a motion urging, which would seal The ruin of the state ! — He asks adjournment — For six whole months. — Cries. Explain ! — Demand like this Is worse than treason I EARL OF BRISTOL [^asiile to the Duke~\. Say you made no motion ! — Yield them not power to seize you on aught pretext As traitor to the State ! Cries. Explain I — Expel the Duke ! Attaint him ! — DUKE OF RICHMOND \_again rising"]. Good, my Lords, these words of mine Were spoken on the moment's provocation As private comments. — How can man conceive A motion in such words ? — I scorn to say I meant them not as such. — EARL OF HOLLAND \_rising']. Howe'er this be, 124 King Charles I. act hi. A proposition fraught with ills so dire May not in jest be proffered. We who guard The liberties of England, dare not let Such motion pass without most scrupulous Enquiry. — I demand his Grace be bade Withdraw, while we his purport question. EARL OF BRISTOL \_'nsing, very ivarmlyl. Never !- O my good Lords, you cannot yield to this ? — Such tyranny — LORD LITTLETON \_rising hastily']. He too will seal his ruin ! — Forgive a friend's entreaties ! The good Earl Is overwrought by friendship. For the sake Of lasting peace, yield we this one demand, And let the Duke withdraw ! I nothing doubt Few hours will prove his innocence. Meanwhile - DUKE OF RICHMOND. No ; I demand a hearing ! — Cries \_confused']. Hear him ! — Cast Him forth in Freedom's name ! in England's ! — sc. I. King Charles I. 125 EARL OF ESSEX. Never Such daring words as his be spoken here Again ! EARL OF NORTHUMBERLAND. Some signal punishment. LORD CAPEL. And Pym P Should he pass free ? — CONFUSED CLAMOUR. Expulsion — Treason — Hear him ! — Malignants — Loyalty — Adj ourn — Attaint ! — \^All the Peers have risen, and press around or towards the Duke of Richmond, who stands unmoved. Great and Jong cojitinued Tumult, on which the scene closes. 126 King Charles I. act hi. Scene II. Vestibule of the House. Westminster. Pym, Hampden, Young Vane, Fiennes and Cromwell in converse. The Clamour continues for some time to he heard from within. CROMWELL. A GODLY service hast thou this day rendered. Great Pym ! Thy words have wrought dissension 'midst The locusts of the land. It passes doubt. This most malignant son of Edom, this Last hope of Babylon, " His Grace " of Richmond Falls even this day — this hour ! — FIENNES. And then the Lords Will scruple not to work our will. YOUNG VANE. This Richmond Was the Malignant's only stay. Deprived sc. II. King Charles I. 127 Of him, they'll feel the game already lost, Feel that God's sentence hath gone forth, and so Yield prompt compliance. PYM. , Nothing, friends, is done Till all be done ! — Such be our peace-cry ever ! — Remember ye, when Saul the Amalekites Had slaughtered, so the Lord's behest obeying : In that he slew not Agag, Samuel said, " Thou hast rebelled against the Lord thy God, And so shalt rule not Israel." Think we, friends, On this ! — Until the whole militia's power Be vested in our hands, we may not pause In our demands. What though this Bishop's bill. So long on hand, for cancelling their share Of temporal majesty, and driving them From England's Parliament, as fell Malignants, Be past the Lords at last — yet nought is won, Till this militia bill shall seal our triumph. The King too — yet we know not, if discretion Will teach him yield assent — even to this first, This Bishop's bill ! — If not, his Parliament Must act without him ! — 128 King Charles I. act hi. HAMPDEN. That were dangerous I I do not mean to urge, the want of precedent Would work prevention in such case. Yet surely, If we can gain our end by usual ways. We had as well avoid all strained recourse To unaccustomed forms. The English people Should aye be gently led. They have a love Of ancient customs, we had better far Draw profit from, than openly resist. YOUNG VANE. But how — PYM. Let Hampden speak ! If I do err not, He, aye so gentle and so seeming-mild, Hath run before us all. Is it not so ? What godly project hast thou, righteous Hampden, To aid our cause ? to move the King to yield ? HAMPDEN. From you what should I hide ? You are myself ! I love the place where the Lord's honour dwelleth, And such conceive your souls. Thus, plainly, then. You know the King's uxorial dotage : how sc. II. King Charles I. 129 This Papist woman's life is dearer far To him than England's honour. We have proofs, As you do know, of her most treasonous Designs, against our liberties — for which Her life might well be questioned. PYM. True, good Hampden. HAMPDEN. Well, then, by means of these proved sins of hers, Which place her (in a fashion) at our mercy — You do conceive me? — CROMWELL. Verily ! — HAMPDEN. We may Perchance, persuade the King, even for her sake To yield assent to our desire. A friend, Who knows our thoughts and knows the Queen as well. Bears such plain warnings to her, such averments Of what may soon befall — as scarce can fail To move God knows I act for Israel's good, And for the Lord's high glory. Ye approve me ? K 130 King Charles I. act hi. PYM. Most worthy Hampden, thou hast saved thy country I This cannot fail ! YOUNG VANE. And shall not I — If it do We'll make your warnings true. The Queen's Attainder Must follow ere a week hath past. PYM. It shall so ! — CROMWELL. The Moabitish woman in her harlotries Shall perish ! — Enter Strode hastily from the right. YOUNG VANE. Strode ? — STRODE. Dear Pym and Hampden ! Vane ! Come to our House I pray you ! You are needed, Much needed. That most insolent malignant, Sir Ralph — PYM. Ha ! — Hopton ? sc. II. King Charles I. 131 STRODE. Even he ; — he said But now, we went too far to charge the King- " With rank apostasy." His friends, methinks, Gain courage from his boldness. Come, dear Hampden, Come, eloquent Vane, come Pym, thou first of all ! And silence this Malignant ! — PYM. Be it so ! — Bide here, friend Cromwell ! — Hold thou watch awhile, How this intestine conflict of the Lords Finds end — if Richmond be expelled or no. Come, guards of England's liberties ! [_To Cromwell. Friend, leave not Thy post appointed. — CROMWELL. I obey — the Lord, Through you, commanding! — 132 King Charles I. act hi. YOUNG VANE. Haste ! We'll crush this Hopton ! [_Exeunt Pym, Hampden, Strode, Young Vane and Flennes. CROMWELL \_alone, after a long pause']. Ay, if the Spirit's voice deceive me not, (God is not man to lie) then am I destined To higher tasks than this, — attendance on A Pym I — and yet that Pym is called — I doubt not — Why envy ? — Yet, my hour will come. — Of old Obeyed not Joshua, when the voice of Moses Enforced the Lord's decrees ? his lusty vigour Did he with pious will subordinate. Waiting the hour of rule. That hour did dawn ! Hence, carnal longings, that would tempt me 7ww To claim preeminence ! — I do foresee — However long delayed — the strife is nigh — The war of brother against brother, deadly. Decisive ! — Though these men with whom I stand, Whom I do follow, think all power is theirs, Yet well I know, dark Hell is not subdued. Yet Lucifer shall rise again, to war sc. II. King Charles I. 133 Against the Saints ! — When gains the King resolve, (Weak idle dreamer !) when he musters courage To bid the Saints defiance, even that hour, The fools, now tongue-tied, who would aid the cause Of darkness, will with all their arms' endeavours Seek to approve their stubborn hate to Heaven ! I know them. Then my hour at last shall come. I have not words. My very utterance Hath rough impedement — but in war I think To serve the Lord of Hosts — to overthrow The Idols — smite the foes of Israel I — Such be my task appointed ! — Those who now On me think lightly, then mayhap shall hail me A Gideon, a Deliverer ! — and — the end ? Is — Triumph of the Saints ! Millennial Glory! — I doubt not. First : ivho then must die ? — Ye eyes Gifted with sight prophetic, what behold ye ? — A scaffold — and a Hate to all God's haters Is lawful — most approved to thee, Charles Stewart ! What said the Spirit in Philippi's camp, As pagans make report? — Thine evil Genius Am I, O King ! To one, who slew a Tyrant, Those words were spoken. He, who yet may slay. 134 King Charles I. act hi. Reechoes them this hour. As Jehu struck By God's command the Tyrant of his days, So I, by holy impulse driven, seek Thine end ! — Beyoyid that vision, then — what more Behold I ? — Ha, an earthly crown ! — Ye tempt me, Unruly thoughts I — and yet — Heaven's will be done ! What God shall force me on ^W^ho comes ? Tumult again echoes from within. The Duke of Richmond, accompanied by the Earls of Southampton and Bristol, issues from the Hall of Council. EARL OF SOUTHAMPTON. Be not distraught with anger ! — EARL OF BRISTOL. Good, your Grace, Trust my experience ! — I am old — you young. True, never have I seen such days as these. Or heard such accusations. Yet, so much I may advise. When our worst foes seem mad With anger, when our friends are cowed to coldness, The wisest course is silence. What did I, When Buckingham by all the Court supported, In days long past the most egregious lies sc. II. King Charles I. 135 Against my honour urged ? — What was my course, I say ? — Did I not, seeing every gate Unto my Sovereign's hearing closed against me. Did I not seek retirement ? DUKE OF RICHMOND. Other days Are these, my dear-loved lord. For Buckingham Was not a rebel like these men, designing To strip the Crown of every dignity. To work our England's fall. — Should I withdraw To leave my King, my country, undefended ? No, though they drive me forth, I will return, And yet return again, and they shall find Nought but immurement in their deepest dungeon Can silence Richmond ! EARL OF BRISTOL. But who knows ? Dear Duke, You still have many friends. To-morrow, all This clamour may have died away. DUKE OF RICHMOND. Hark ! hark ! Those cries without ! — Nay, songs ! — 136 King Charles I. act hi. CROMWELL \_ivho htts stood on one side, regarding them with malignant eyes ; hut hearing the tumult without the house, has gazed from the casement, and now steps forward']. Proud Lords ! The cry of all the earth goes up against ye. — Hear ye the war-songs of the Saints ? — The people Speed from the furthest bounds of England hither, To lay their just demands before you Peers. These are from Hertford. Mark yon floating banners I See, thousands throng the way I — And London's saints Have all poured forth to swell the cry for vengeance ! Tremble ! — The Lord hath said, " I will repay." DUKE OF RICHMOND. Base slave ! — EARL OF SOUTHAMPTON. He speaks the truth. They wend them hither — Let us withdraw ! — or in their frenzied ire — Us might they tear piecemeal. — DUKE OF RICHMOND. Let us then meet them ! sc. II. King Charles I. 137 EARL OF BRISTOL. Richmond, I die with thee, if thou wilt die ! — But canst thou thus desert thy King ? when most He needs such aid ? Awake thee ! Work thou not More harm to Heaven's true cause this day, than all Its fiercest foes ! Come with me ! DUKE OF RICHMOND. You are right I On then ! — I live for thee, dear Master ! EARL OF BRISTOL. Speed we ! \_They retire on the right. The Clamour is constantly increasing ivithout. Words from the Croivd's " War-song" are heard at iiitervals. CROMWELL {^triumphantly']. Children of wrath, ye fly in vain I The Lord Shall overtake ye ! Is your pomp brought down Even to the grave ? When said ye in your heart, We will ascend above the heights of Heaven, Dreamt ye of this dishonour? — Hither — hither, Ye chosen of the Lord ! With loud acclaim 138 King Charles I. act hi. Proclaim the triumph his ! With shawms and trum- pets Set forth his praises ! Let the Saints be joyful: A two-edged sword be in their hands to execute Vengeance upon the heathen ! Bind their kings With chains, their nobles all with iron fetters : Such honour claim his Saints ! Praise ye the Lord ! REBEL SONG \_fromivithout~\. Give forth each Criminal I Slaughter the traitors all ! Low let our foemen fall ! Hampden, we call on thee ; Pym, this thine office be — Guard England's Majesty ! So crushed be Tyrant's power ! So sealed be Freedom's dower ! This is the chosen hour ! The Petitioners make their entrance tumultuonsJy. Cromwell places him at their head. Many Peers, ^c. issue, some in wonder and alarm, some in tumult, from the Hall of Council. Amongst sc. II. King Charles I. 139 them the Earls of Holland, Essex, and North umberland. PETITIONERS \_confusedly~\. Hail, great Northumberland ! Hail, worthy Hol- land ! Brave Essex ! [ Their Cries are taken up and repeated by the Crowd without. EARL OF HOLLAND. Welcome, gentle friends. We stand Prepared to hear your wrongs. EARL OF ESSEX. But enter ! enter ! Even at the House's bar with all due form. We'll hst you. PETITIONERS. Essex — Holland — live. [ The Peers, Petitioners, ^c. stream into the Inner Hall. CROMWELL [m the foreground^- These sons Of Belial — these malignant Peers, will scarce Gain courage now to taunt the Lord's own people. 140 King Charles I. act hi. Hark ! now more godly sounds ! yet rife with zeal And holy resolution ! From this hour Date we the fall of Babylon I PURITAN SONG \^withoilt']. Smite ye the rulers, lay them low ! The Lord our God shall overthrow. Dash ye their heads against the stones ! Such vengeance many a crime atones. The Lord commands, — his Saints obey : Cast down, uproot, consume, and slay ! REBEL SONG {^blending in wild confusion with the Puritan strain']. So crushed be Tyrant's Power, So sealed be Freedom's Dower ! Wake ! This is Vengeance' Hour ! {^Great Confusion, Cromwell stands with up- raised eyes and clenched hands, listing the songs of vengeance. Then, as if inspired ivith sacred frenzy, he cries ivilh a loud voice, Jehovah ! and so passes with rapid strides to the interior of the Hall. The Tumult still continues, and appears even to increase in fury. After a while, the Scene gradually changes. sc. III. King Charles I. 141 Scene III. Chamber in Windsor Castle. Evening, King Charles, alone, sits in the hack ground, at the Casement. KING CHARLES. Far, far from noisy clamours here ! How peaceful, How heavenly is the scene ! The golden stars Come out, still one by one. How little think The dwellers in those pure and holy orbs Of our vain cares below ! And yet, I err. They too may have to fight the fight of Faith, To combat 'gainst Dishonour, Against Injustice : And whatsoe'er their fate, or calm, or marred By frequent storms like ours, it us beseems not To grieve, that we must struggle, ere we gain The goal of victory I Had our parents stood — Our primal parents, — this in sooth had been not : But choice presumes the power from good to fall. They fell. One, Holy, Great, Supreme, Eternal, 142 King Charles I. act hi. Died for our sins. We yet may rise again, But not without perpetual conflict here ! Murmur not, man, but bless Almighty Goodness ! Thy choice was evil. Had no choice been granted. Thou wert a will-less slave. — But whither stray My thoughts ? Whate'er the origin of ill, (Which I conceive most clear,) this know we surely, That ill exists, and must be battled with. Without us and within us. — Surely, surely. Some deadly sin of mine, which I myself Conceive not, must have wrought, in part have wrought. The woes my England bears. Could such a land As mine, a land that boasted loyalty To all its Kings, thus disaffected prove, Without strange provocation ? Grant, the spirit Of discontent, of disobedience, — worse Than all, of hatred to God's Church, — be spread Now far and wide, — and so, despite all efforts, Must work dire evil ! Could I find no means At earlier hour to lull the rising storm ? Did I not woo the tempest forth by rest. By indolent repose ? Or if not this ; sc. III. King Charles I. 143 Did not my swift dismission of the Parliaments Who would not yield the needful votes to end The wars themselves commenced, — did not this rashness Fan ashes into fiery flames ? Yet no ! I erred not there. My people felt and knew How wTonged I was by those tyrannic Commons. Vain now these thoughts ! What has been, has been. Turn Thine eyes then on the dreary Present, Charles ! What should'st thou do ? Thy foes, and England's foes — {That are they) — these demand thy prompt assent Unto the banishment from England's Councils Of all the Church's servants. Much they promise If I but yield in this ! O idle thought ! I yield no more. Once, once I sinned thus deeply, When thou didst die, my Straiford ! — So, again, I sin not ! No, reflection long hath taught me, We may not yield to 111 in hope of Good From 111 arising-. All the world mav sue Or threat ! — Ye holy Counsellors, pure Guides Of Christ's blest Church, — I will not e'er desert ye. 144 King Charles I. act hi. Enter Page from the Right. PAGE. Your Privy Council, Sire, request an audience. KING CHARLES. Admit them. \_P(ige retires.^ In my fate seems this most painful ; That my best friends do cause me greater woe Than my worst foes for ever prompting me To my dishonour — urging the surrender Of all these insolent offenders claim. And Hyde and Falkland are amongst such friends I They come. — Enter Lord Falkland, Mr. Serjeant Her- bert, Sir Dudley Carleton, Hyde, St. John, Lord Savil, ^c. I greet you fairly. Gentlemen, What would you of me ? SERJEANT HERBERT. Sire ! we scarcely need To name our prayer. Once more we seek your presence. Beseeching you to grant, without delay, Your royal signature — sc. III. King Charles I. 145 KING CHARLES. My worthy Herbert, I ever honoured you. In other days, You had a stately trusty pillar proved Of England's realm. Alas, your noble nature, Too gentle for such hours, has bent beneath The adverse storms of hate. I blame you not : I count you faithful still. Yet Heaven be witness. How little, one short fleeting year ago, I could have thought, my Herbert would have urged me To such a deed as this ! abandonment Of my first duties ! — Others too I see — Falkland and Hyde but to the point ! — Good Sirs, I swore to guard the Church's rights for ever. That oath is registered in Heaven. — LORD FALKLAND. O Sire, For worlds, I would not urge you break your oath ! But this can not be now ! The Church's rights Are spiritual only. Yield in this ; Cede but her temporal powers, which to her essence L 146 King Charles I. act hi. In nought pertain ! Thus may you better guard The Core, which still remains behind. ST. JOHN. And, Sire, Whatever here be urged, however right Or wrong this measure in itself, ^tis now Too late to dream of crushing it. Both Lords And Commons are as one : the Land combines To claim this Act of Justice — so they call it. And let me add, most terrible convulsions Must follow your refusal now. Vast crowds Patrol our London's streets — they threaten death To all whom they esteem malignant. If You yield not, even the Monarch's life — KING CHARLES. Of old I know you. Sir. No more I — I speak to you. Lord Falkland. Nice distinctions here you draw ; But does not conscience tell you that the Church, The Guardian of the State, should also join In all her councils ? Think you that Religion Is as a thing apart from Life ? or one To raise, to o'erinform it? — Wherefore more? — sc. III. King Charles I. 147 My Lords and Gentlemen, our souls must tell us, If party blindness doth not narrow them, That England's Church from England's Council- board Should never be excluded ! — Ask you then Your King to yield to wrong ? — I turn to you. Speak, Hyde ! — Is this your prayer ? — HYDE \^after a pause], Alas, it is so ! — — Far brighter days may come, will come, I doubt not — Wrong may be then atoned. The Church's foes Are in the ascendant now ; and. Sire ! the nation Seconds their voice in this. — KING CHARLES. It is not so ! — No, no, despite the thousand, artful frauds By which the Land's true pastors have been driven From their flocks' keeping — still the people, Hyde, Revere the Church ! — How should they fail to love her? — Hath she not loved them truly ? Gave she not — No more of this ! — You know, as well as I, 148 King Charles I. act hi. The loyally, the faithfully afFectioned Throughout this land are silenced by a faction ; Brawlers alone allowed to speak ! And ivhy P Why thrones that faction o'er the land triumphant? Why doth it now, in either House, presume To tyrannize ? — I wait your answer, Hyde— Yours, Falkland ? — Ye do speak not. — Know ye not, Half of the Commons' House, full half at least, Are ours in heart, the Church's friends ; and more, Far more than half, amongst the Peers ! And yet, This faction rules triumphant ! — W^herefore, say I, Is this ? — Because — the shameful moral weakness. The worse than cowardice of England's guards, True guards — hath yielded, scarce wath show of conflict, To every insolent demand ! — Perchance I wrong you, Hyde. For you alone raethinks Have striven ! — Yet at last you yield : you too ! — Yes, here I see you at this hour, entreating Your King to seal his shame ! Concession urging To his and England's foes ! — And I am all Deserted. — Yes, my every counsellor sc. III. King Charles I. 149 Would press me to a deed of faithless treason ; Treason to England, treason to mj'self, Treason to Christ's blest Church ! — O worst of sorrows. When courage but inspires the assailer's heart, The bold bad man's ; and all the would-be faithful Fear even to assert their loyalty, Or claim their thoughts their own ! — When this sad cowardice Invades the breasts of any realm's defenders, (No matter, whence it springs — from moral weakness. Or dulness, or sad indolence), then, then, Be sure, that realm is lost ! — Heaven will not save us. If we its proffered mercies grasp not. — Friends, I leave ye to your thoughts. Retire ! — ST. JOHN \_aside to SavU~\. The Queen Now seeks him. She will gain her point ! — SAVIL. You think ? 150 King Charles I. act hi. ST. JOHN. Ay, mawkish tenderness weighs more with him — But see ! then trust me ! — \_Bowing, the Members of the Privy Council retire, Hyde, the last, HYDE \_returning hastily]. Sire ! you do not scorn me ? [He kneels. KING CHARLES. No, no, dear Hyde ! — I know thee true of heart ! Perchance, held / thy place — but go now, go ! The King of England never may betray His servants, Hyde ! — Ha ! fell not Strafford ? — Leave me ! — That crime be now atoned ! — HYDE [kissing his hand]. My noble Monarch ! [ife ivithdraws. KING CHARLES \_alone~\. It was a painful task to speak so plainly — To tell a Hyde and Falkland, that their weakness Alone ensured an England's fall. And yet The truth is truth ! — I should not hide it. — Ha I My Henrietta ! sc. in. King Charles I. 151 Enter the Qveen from the left. She appears much agitated, and bears in her hand various papers, QUEEN. Charles ! — have you yet saved me ? KING CHARLES. What mean you ? — QUEEN. What ? — You ask me ? — O Charles, Charles, And can you — can you doubt ? — This signature Is granted ? KING CHARLES. Never shall be granted. QUEEN. Ah!— You would ensure my death then ? — As you know, And long have known, these foes of yours, this faction. Project my accusation of high treason — My death !— KING CHARLES. I fear, their wild fierce frenzy Might prompt them to such deed — or any deed ! — 152 King Charles I. act hi. I know them rather fiends than men — and therefore Consent to part from thee ! tho' with thy presence My joy in Ufe departs. — Yet, since exists This danger (though I scarce beHeve the leaders Have thought with serious will of this); yet still, Since aye from hour to hour their hell-born thoughts More impious grow, till scarce they seem themselves To find sufficient ill to glut their fancies, And so, for want of lesser game, the men Who treason saw in Digby's equipage Might chance attaint even thee ; I have decreed. That thou should'st leave me — should'st to Holland go— And now the hour is nigh — QUEEN. Oh never, never The hour will come when I reach Holland's shore If now you yield not ! — I have sure advices That they forthwith the Attainder will present, Within the week, if you " hold firm," since thus You choose to call mere frenzy ! — KING CHARLES. Dearest Wife ! This cannot be ! You err. sc. III. King Charles I. 153 QUEEN. Read but these vouchers ! And for the rest — [ Going to the door on the left. Draw nigh, Sir ! William yiuRRAY enters. KING CHARLES \_readingl^. God in heaven ! Canst thou behold such villany, and yet Withhold thy thunderbolts? [^Seeing Murray^. Whom have we here ? QUEEN. One I have ever trusted — Murray, Charles. In Hampden's counsels, too. He brings me tidings. KING CHARLES. O curse of evil age ! to use such means As these, — But speak, Sir. What beheld, What heard you ? MURRAY. Sire, a wilder ire than even In Strafford's time they knew, pervades the breasts Of all the people ! ^Gainst yon royal Lady, The Queen, my mistress, this is most directed. 154 King Charles I. act hi. Her men conceive your counsellor. Yet worse, More fearful tidings bear I. Hampden, Sire, And Pym, project her prompt attainder For treason 'gainst the realm, and nothing now But your assent — KING CHARLES, How know'st thou this ? MURRAY. I learnt it From Hampden's lips ! He said the fell conclusion Was forced on him — KING CHARLES. False-hearted traitor ! him Of all these foes, I do but go, go Murray ! Thou hast said all ? MURRAY. Of highest import. Sire ! KING CHARLES. Enough. Withdraw. l_Murray retires on the Left. QUEEN. And now ? sc. III. King Charles I. 155 KING CHARLES \_after a long pause~\. My will is changed not ! QUEEN. How — KING CHARLES. Hear me, Henrietta I I believe All this concerted — for effect — to fright me, By this smooth villain, Hampden. For my part, You know I place no truth in your aUies, Your emissaries. They, I do believe. Have wrought us oft more ill, than all our foes' Worst daring. Pass we this. Be Murray true : He too may be deceived ! I tell you, dearest ; Now that calm thought my first wild thoughts can follow, I see this may not be ! Attaint the Queen Of England ! No : the hour is not yet ripe For villanies so foul. If anything Could wake our recreant friends to manly action, It would be this. That well our foes do know. Besides, the natioti would receive with horror Tidings of such vile treason ! Hampden, dearest. Is far too crafty, far too worldly-wise, 156 King Charles I. act hi. To risk such frenzied hazard. Calm you then ! Fear nought ! You shall depart in safety ! QUEEN \_after a long pause']. Charles, You do not really think my fears for me Alone could move me thus ! For you, for you I tremble ! Pardon this deception, Charles ! — I thought I best might move you thus. KING CHARLES. Dear Wife, I deemed so, from the first ! I read your soul. QUEEN \_1ialf playfully]. And can I ne'er deceive you, then ? But now. Now plainly, truthfully, — (I know you like not These wiles of mine. Yet for your good, my Charles — ) Well, to the question, to this mighty question : Charles, I do feel your crown is now at stake, Your life ! and think — not only all 7ny future, Your children's and your country's rest on this ! Your children, Charles ! or rather say, your son — Our gallant eldest ! Can you nought for him Abandon ? Make your stand on this, the nation sc. III. King Charles I. 157 Will side against you ! Almost all men think These Bishops should not sway the state. KING CHARLES. Dear Wife — You may speak thus ! but I ? — \_Restramwg his einotion.'] You are not bound By all the tender ties of pious joy, By all the charities of meek religion, By faith, by zeal, by love, to England's Church ! — Yours is another creed, — estranged communion! You do not feel as sacred, as ordained By Heaven, the rights which I through life have learnt To cherish, and have sworn to guard ! — Perchance, Your priests, as I believe, have urged you, dearest, From hate to England's Church, and wish to work Her downfall, to adjure me thus. You droop Your eyes and brow ? O gentlest Henrietta ! That this sad barrier still should stand between us ! Thy soul be not all mine ! Still, if thou lov'st Thy Church with fervour, then may'st thou con- ceive. What ties, what chains of dutiful affection 158 King Charles I. act hi. My blessed Church hath loving wound around me. I cannot aye abandon her. No more ! For thee, fear nought ! Thou shalt depart in safety : I will myself — QUEEN \_deeply aff'ected~\. Think not of me ! Dear husband I Forgive me, O forgive me ! That I thus Should cross thee ever ! that my luckless fate Should doom me still to work thy woe ! And yet Thou lov'st me ! Oh, how ill, how ill deserve I That deep, that pure affection ! Save indeed That I too love thee, Charles ! and love may claim Love's answering fervour. KING CHARLES {^embraces her^. Leave me now, sweet wife I My mind is harassed by conflicting feelings. I fain would be alone. Take this thought with thee ; — Despite the barriers Heaven hath reared, thou wert — Thou art — my blessing ever ! Fare thee well, Awhile : I seek thee soon. l^Qiieen retires on the Left. sc. III. King Charles I. 159 KING CHARLES [_alone']. Poor Henrietta ! If this should be ? If these vile foes of hers Should dare ? — I will not think it : yet I know not To what strange madness their malignant spirits — Hampden, 'tis true, would never risk such cast ; But Vane, young Vane ! Well, well, this must we hazard — For duty's sake even this ! And worse, still worse ; (For such attainder ne'er could gain its end,) From my refusal, civil war — Yes, yes, 'Tis so indeed ! Such wild satanic frenzy, Misnamed religion, fills the Church's foes, That if I still maintain her bishops' rights, Fierce strife must be the consequence ! And blood — My subjects' blood— shall flow ! Well let it. Thus It must be — at some hour ! And yet — yet Heaven Enlighten me ! Should I not use all means Such evil to avert ? It may be — may be — That if my foes demand aught tvorse than this, Aught more abhorrent to the people's hearts — 160 King Charles I. act hi. The Church's whole destruction, — or the seizure — In fine, aught Treason yet not pressed upon us, — The nation then at last may wake to reason, May by its voice control them ! Then, my friends May gain the force to speak, which now they have not, — And in the end Most fearful thought ! The blood Of thousands poured like water, when my will Might yet avert this horror-r-might perchance. By momentary yielding, work such change Is this doubt weakness ? Be it so. Yet no. It springs from love ! My people^ shall I plunge ye In this worst ill below, — this civil conflict, Unparalleled, most deadly — whilst there rests Aught hope of yet my friends to life awaking ? For waked they only, then our foes would pause. Would dare demand no more. And shall I sign, then ? Again betray my duty ? Reason, Charles, And love must guide thee ! Nay, and duty bids thee Preserve thy people's lives. Intestine war ! sc. III. King Charles I. 161 deadly curse ! All the sweet sanctities Of life invading — brother against brother, Father Against son arraying — if I now Refuse to sign, I seal thy certainty : But if I sign, I may avert thee. — Fears, For my sweet wife, my children, do ye press me, Without my knowledge, to this deed ? Perchance — And even if so, ye scarce are base ; and Heaven May pardon ye. My Church too ! May I not Avert thy downfall ? All now rage against thee ; Thy friends to the tempestuous current yielding Demand this act of me. If this be granted. If temporal power be ta'en from thee, to render In happier hours again And Laud, dear Laud — His life too may be sacrificed ! Nay, all These holy men, immured within the Tower, — 1 can foresee, can know, (as it had chanced Already,) if I now rest firm, within The week, all these will be attainted too. And in the end 1 must ! [i/e goes to the Table, on which lies the Bill for signature. [_Pausing2 I shall seem weak, — M 162 King Charles I. act hi. The world will say " He aye deserts his friends, This feeble fickle Charles ! " In after ages My shame perchance Yet more, my Council even. Still nigh, who heard my firm resolve, who now Must think the Queen's entreaties moved What their calm reason could not, — they will scorn me. Even while they loudest praise the deed. So be it!— Such scorn must be endured ! \^He sign^.'] 'Tis done. O England, Much do I sacrifice to thee. Alas ! Perchance most vainly. And for all my love Thou giv'st me scorn. I feel, my heart forebodes, All will prove vain. The dread intestine strife Must come, must come ! my subjects' blood must flow. — Still, I have acted for the best : my heart. My heart approves me. Let the world condemn — Let all ! — \^He goes to the Entrance, R.~\ Who waits without ? PAGE [^appearing, R~\. Your pleasure. Sire ? sc. III. King Charles I. 163 KING CHARLES. Call all the Privy Council hither — those At least who have not left the Palace. PAGE. Sire, They wait without, not far. They hoped that still — KING CHARLES. Is't SO? — Well, summon them ! [Page withdraws. They knew the Queen Would seek me, that my love would grant to her, Or rather say, my weakness, what my soul Condemned ! Thev come. Pause. Then enter Hyde, Falkland, Savil, St. John, Herbert, ^c. KING CHARLES \_holding forth the Bill~\. Behold our signature ! Your will, Sirs, hath been done. Take it, and leave us ! SERJEANT HERBERT. O Sire— FALKLAND. Most blest concession ! 164 King Charles I. act hi. ST. JOHN. Blest in sooth I Safety and love have counselled ! HYDE \_angrily']. St. John, peace !— My monarch Enter the Queen from the Left. QUEEN. Charles, you tarry : and our Gloucester Ah — what — what see I ? You, Sh's, here ? HYDE l^hastily2' The King Hath pleased to grant our humble prayer. ST. JOHN \_triumphantly']. The Bill Is signed ! QUEEN. O Charles, I must rejoice ! You save Yourself and us ! Yet, whence this change ? ST. JOHN. Your Majesty Perchance may best conceive. sc. III. King Charles I. 165 SIR DUDLEY CARLETON. Our thanks, dear Madam, Are due — ST. JOHN. Are surely due ! KING \_standing apart~\. The deed is done ! And may not — sJioiiId not be recalled ! [ Turning to the Privy CouncHS\ I yield For England's sake — to save her, if I may, From civil strife ! Perchance I err, but Heaven Knows I would work its will. Yet ye, who praise, Think me at heart and what will England think? The world ? — Posterity ? My foes must triumph. Go, Sirs, and spread my shame. My soul, yet arm thee ! Go ! I would commune with my God alone. [ Whilst the King stands on the Left, his eyes bent on earthy as if lost in reverie, the Queen leans forward vainly to meet his glance, and the Counsellors depart, Hyde, his eyes ivef with tears, amongst the last. The Curtain falls. 166 King Charles I. act iv. ACT IV. Scene L — 1645. — June. Royal Camp on the Heights near Harhorough. The Scene represents the Interior of the King's Tent. The Curtains are drawn aside in the background, so as to afford a general view of the Royal En- campments, and the distant hills and moors. It is Seven in the Morning. horseman's drinking song [heard from the distance'] . (ARE, Care, go hang, go hang ! Fate life's cords may sever; Still we'll sing, as first we sang, When joy's clarions loudest rang. The King for ever ! Death, death, come buss, come buss ! 'Twere a vain endeavour, Should'st thou hope to trouble us ; Come, we greet thee, shouting thus, The King for ever ! c SCI. King Charles I. 167 Life, life, beyond the grave, We will fear thee never ! We are bold as we are brave, Loyalty our souls should save — The King for ever ! King Charles, ivho has issued from the Interior compartment of his Tent on the right, approaches the background, and listens to the concluding verse of this song. He reclines his head mourn- fully, and appears to pray. YOUNG cavalier's SONG \_heard from the distance'] . I. My lady she rose in the dawning so clear, And bent from her casement to Love's Cavalier : Go, fight for thy King and thy country, she said. The banner of Glory above thee be spread, And Angels hold guard o'er my Cavalier's head ! Yes, he sighed, King and country lay claim to my sword, But Love is my Ruler, and Love my Reward. TI. They met too below. Could she frown on his prayer When he sped o'er the hills rebel roundheads to dare ? No, many a sigh did she breathe for his fate. 168 King Charles I. act iv. And called on Heaven's kindness to shield him from hate : Then blamed her sweet tenderness — dear one, too late ! For the kisses, which trembled with passionate fear, Were sweeter than prayers to the young Cavalier ! KING CHARLES \_letting fall the Curtains in the background — after a pause'] . Light songs and drunken revels I Little thought On the great hazard of this day — on God — Or on God's judgments. May I hope for con- quest Whilst my best friends so all unworthy prove them Of Heaven's high guard? — Alas, my noblest friends Have past from earth — as Heaven had ta'en them hence To spare them future horrors, ills too great For even them to remedy. Carnarvon, Brave Lindsay, Aubigny, — even more than these. My Cornish Worthies, Slanning and Trevanion, — With their most loyal leader, faithful Gentleman, Whose dear loss caused me tears I proudly shed, My own Sir Bevil Glanvil ! Add to these Young noble Grandison ; Godolphin, too. sc. I. King Charles I. 169 AVho proved he loved his King; and then, thou Falkland ! Who by thy stainless loyalty redeemed Thine early weakness. — AH have past away ! And left me — in the west, a lawless Goring-, Licentious, impious, w^orse than twenty foes. Though brave; another Glanvil, how unlike To his undying namesake ! Best of all, Thee, valorous, truthful Hopton, for whose life I should thank Providence ! Yes, thou liv'st still. And here too, I have friends. Yet how, How close my eyes to the unwelcome truth. That license stains the best of these ? Not Astley, Not Lichfield, — these are faithful to their God As me ! But for my nephew Rupert, and His friends, — alas, that I should have such cause To blame them ! Can I e'er forget, good Heaven, The recent storm of Leicester — my, my Leicester ? (For am I not its King?) Wherein my subjects By Rupert's horsemen first, and then by others. Seduced through their example, were — or slaugh- tered, Or pillaged, at the least. With friends like these, 170 King Charles I. act iv. Should I even hope for victory ? Who's to check The insulting rapine of such loyalists Triumphant? Rupert even could not stay them, Once bent on vengeance. Then too, if I turn To our foes' ranks, I find Rebellion there, 'Tis true ; but yet a seeming Piety. Religion, Even misdirected, proves some check. — O King Of kings, and Lord of lords, if thou foresee'st In thine eternal wisdom, that my triumph Will not secure thy Church from fall, nor save This state from rapine ; — and men's minds are yet So all-distorted from their bent, I fear In any case such ills ; — then reach, O Lord, Thine end, even by my fall — my Death ! — if that Seem good to thee. Perchance Remorse will work Even in my foemen's hearts, what bare Defeat Could never. — Steps are nigh ! Enter Prince Rupert and Sir Marmaduke Langdale. prince rupert. 'Tis insolence To cross me thus, Sir ! sc. I. King Charles I. 171 SIR MARMADUKE LANGDALE. May the King decide ! PRINCE RUPERT. Decide ! It is decided ! KING CHARLES. How, my nephew ? PRINCE RUPERT. I would advance, Sir, to survey the foes' Positions. Langdale here — SIR MARMADUKE LANGDALE. So please your Majesty, 'Twere madness PRINCE RUPERT [_to Sir Marmaduke~\. Will you let me speak, or no ? How dar'st thou KING CHARLES. Nephew, peace ! I will not hear Such words as these, before 7ne : shame upon you, On such a morn, when England's fate's at stake, To brawl thus loud, to chide Sir Marmaduke, Our faithful counsel ever ! 172 King Charles I. act tv. PRINCE RUPERT. Yes. And I Must ever be to blame ? By all the saints I will not brook this I KING CHARLES l^severely'J. Are you mad ? — Withdraw, Until you learn more manners ! PRINCE RUPERT. Uncle ! KING CHARLES. Well, Sir. I long have known you rash, but never yet Heard words so thoughtless in our royal presence ! If you can speak not with due reverence, As you should do, we bid you instantly Withdraw. PRINCE RUPERT. I did not mean 'tis hard. Sire, hard^ That I must ever be condemned ; unheard, too ! KING CHARLES. That is no just complaint. You know me prompt sc. I. King Charles I. 173 At any hour to hear you ; know, too, Rupert, That I am blamed by many, my best friends. For favouring you too highly ! I have deemed Pre-eminence your due ; but your rash spirit In constant broils entangles me. You act As you would work my ruin. PRINCE RUPERT. O my King ! KING CHARLES. I know you true at heart, yet not the less Must blame this rashness. — To the point ! What ask you ? — Good Langdale, hear him speak ! PRINCE RUPERT. Sire, in plain words, We know not where the foe now lies, nor guess How strong his forces. I would forward ride With my brave horsemen, and behold. Sir Mar- maduke Cries out against one forward step. 174 King Charles I. act iv. KING CHARLES. Speak, Langdale ! What moves thee to this counsel ? SIR MARMADUKE. As I know. Your Majesty must think as I do. Here We hold the vantage-ground. You know the Prince : If he advances, we shall have to follow, And then must fight at loss. KING CHARLES. And yet I side With Rupert ! Chide not, dear Sir Marmaduke ! Uncertainty hath ever much of ill. I count it best to know our foes at once. — But who comes here ? Ah, Astley and brave Lichfield I Our Council fills. Enter Lord Astley and the Earl of Lichfield. LORD ASTLEY. Good morrow to your Majesty. sc. T. King Charles I. 175 EARL OF LICHFIELD. We wish you happiest fortune. KING CHARLES ^to the latter^- That attend You too, my brave young- friend, to-day ! [To Astley] Dear Astley, You're welcome hither. Give us now your coun- sel, You both — on a moot question here. Yet stay I Digby and Hyde approach. First let them join us. E7iter Lord Digby and Sir Edward Hyde. DlGBY. We greet your Majesty. HYDE. Dear Sire, good morrow. Be this day prosperous to our arms ! KING CHARLES. If Heaven So wills ! We greet and thank you, Gentlemen. Now to this question. Should my nephew Rupert, 176 King Charles I. act iv. As I advise, proceed, with his good horse, To view the foemen's powers, or should we rest Inactive here ? Speak all, as wisdom prompts you ! LORD DIGBY. I counsel swift advance, for honour's sake I We gain a great advantage in attack. Yielding the semblance of assured success To us — of fear to our opponents. Sire, The fortune of the day rests more in this Than all that force or skill may afterwards With noblest zeal perform. You, Astley ? KING CHARLES. So too deemed I. LORD ASTLEY. Know no better counsel, Sire. KING CHARLES, And Lichfield ? LICHFIELD. For the onset, good, my Liege No long delay ! sc. I. King Charles I. 177 KING CHARLES. My Hyde? HYDE \_after a pause~\. Though a CiviHan, So, little skilled to render counsel here, I must oppose these valiant Lords, and urge you To hold the heights. There is no need, no cause For such strange haste. PRINCE RUPERT. Friend Hyde, you err there shrewdly ! The army's hot for fight. Now in the hour Of lusty manhood let us lead them on. And victory must be ours ; but if we linger. Right soon their hearts will droop. Your books, good Hyde, May teach you much — KING CHARLES. No more, good Nephew mine ! Since I do share your counsels, and moreover, Four out of six on our good Council-board Approve the deed, it shall be even thus. You may ride forward. N 178 King Charles T. act iv. prince rupert. Thanks, thanks, Sire ! KING CHARLES. Stay, Rupert ! You will not rush upon the strife, without Occasion. Mark me ! Since I trust your pru- dence, You'll prove you worthy of your charge ? PRINCE RUPERT. And whv Should I be doubted ? KING CHARLES. Rupert ! PRINCE RUPERT. Pardon, Sire ! KING CHARLES. Thou need'st not pardon, Rupert. But thy zeal Transports thee ever. — Well, no more ! I know Thou mean'st the best. Wert thou but gentle, Rupert, As thou art true, right few or none should matcli thee. Thou hast our love. Farewell I sc. r. King Charles I. 179 PRINCE RUPERT l^ofected^. I go then, Sire, To serve you by my deeds at least ! \^He departs hastily. KING CHARLES. Thou, Astley, Wilt rest with us to day. But who comes here So swiftly ? Doth the Prince return ? Not so. Enter Colonel Page, with Guards leading Simon Jephson, Prisoner, What means this ? colonel page. Sire, a rebel puritan Erst captured, lead we to your presence. He Blasphemes your Majesty : the soldiers ask His death, nor could I shield him from their fury Save by conveying him where you might render His final judgment. king CHARLES. Who then — page. Simon Jephson, 180 King Charles I. act iv. A wealthy leader of the accursed Faction In these parts, Sire. KING CHARLES. Speak, Jephson ! Wherefore dost thou Blaspheme our royal name ? JEPHSON. The prophets cursed Of old their tyrants. Curse thou Meroz bitterly ! The Scriptures spake. And for the King prepared Is Tophet. DIGBY. Canting slave ! Beseech your Majesty, Let him be hung o' the instant, and his carcase Fatten the fowls of prey ! KING CHARLES. No ! See we first If he himself believe. No deep conviction, However wrongly founded, should be all Despised. Say, Jephson, — since men call thee thus, — Know'st thou aught ill, aught crime in us, to prompt Such words, such bitterness ? sc. I. King Charles I. 181 JEPHSON. Hast thou not striven To make this England but thy slave, thy tool, To trample on at will ? Hast thou not dared Attaint five chiefest saints of deadly treason ? Hast thou not waged against the Lord most high Fell warfare ? And in Leicester, even now. But few days hence, hast thou not slaughtered there. And murdered ? — like to lions, greedily, That make the poor their prey. For mine own loss — Then died my wife and child — my dearest ones — But let that pass ! — of this I will not plain me ; But think on all the thousand orphans' cries Which soared that day to Heaven ! O guilty King, Those prayers shall grow to chains to drag thee downward, Down, down the deep abyss to Hell, when knells Thine hour appointed ! « KING CHARLES. See ye, Sirs ; The man hath had dread wrong. Joy then with me 182 King Charles I. act iv. That I not rashly slew him. Wife and child ! — O Heaven ! Those who are fathers, friends, amongst you, And husbands, as myself, will scarcely need Excuses for aught frenzy in this rebel. — Unhappy man, could I recall the Past, And by my wish or prayer revive the Dead, Thou should'st not curse in vain. But this may be not ! We pity and forgive thee : ay, in truth, Have little to forgive. Yet, for thy charges. Hear this. We never sought to bind our England In any chains of servitude. We loved her. And ever wished her happy. War was forced Upon us, by the traitors whom thine error Pronounces saints of God. Our followers' license Hath cost us bitter grief — more deep, more bitter, Than all the woes of our adversity — Believe a monarch's word ! JEPHSON. I do defy thee ! Thou can'st not shake my faith ! Seducing spirits, Mislead not God's anointed. I would quit Thy hateful presence. sc. I. King Charles I. 183 KING CHARLES. Be thy wish fulfilled ! Friends, lead him hence, and give him careful ten- dance. It is our pleasure, none molest his person — So tell our host ! \_Colonel Page and Guards retire with J ephson. DIGBY. This bounteous lenience, Sire, Works ill, not good. The enemy destroy Their noblest captives. Men have all to lose Who fight for us, and nothing risk when side they With traitors and with rebels. Is this just ? Or politic ? KING CHARLES. Perchance it is not, Digby. Yet seek we not for friends from servile fear. If good means cannot serve us, ill means shall not I And we would rather lose with honor, than By stern injustice win. But who come here ? Enter Sir John Cansfield, with his Son, Walter Cansfield. Ha, Cansfield, thou returned ! 184 King Charles I. act iv. SIR JOHN [Arwe^/iwy]. Hail, gracious Sire I KING CHARLES. Whom bring'st thou with thee, good Sir John ? Ye speed Perchance to share a bloody field. SIR JOHN [^rising, having kissed the King's hmid, to his Son^' Dost hear ? Sire, ^tis my youngest and my last I KING CHARLES. Your last. Sir John ? SIR JOHN. The two, besides this youth, still left me, Died, Sire, last week. We beat the rebels oif. — They fell with fame. I may say that I KING CHARLES l^offiected^- O Cansfield ! Dear trusty servant : that thy master's cause Should strip thee thus of all thy branches ! Now This last, too. sc. I. King Charles I. 185 SIR JOHN. Falls he in your service, Sire, His life is — 'Tis his mother's grief These tears ! They shame me ! KING CHARLES. No, they honour thee, good Cansfield ; I will not speak of aught return to thee : What can requite such loss ? But should we conquer, This son at least Enough ! Deeds speak, not words. SIR JOHN \_after a pause~\. Your Majesty's acceptance of his service Is all I ask. One gracious word from you. KING CHARLES \_turning to Walter Cansfield^. Young man, if you your sire resemble, little You need of counsel. I will say but this — If you do fall in England's cause and mine, That fall may work to others grief; for you It shall reap glory. It is not success Which gives our actions true renown — but Faith And Fortitude. Be these then thine ! — Our eyes 186 King Charles I. act iv. Are on thee. For thy loyal father's sake, Our heart already loves. ASTLEY. A messenger ! An Officer 0/ Prince Rupert's enters hastily. KING CHARLES. What news ? OFFICER. My liege, the Prince implores your haste. KING CHARLES. To follow him ? OFFICER. So please you, yes. We cannot Retire without incurring imminent danger Of misconception — triumph in the foes, Dismay in us and ours. irtNG CHARLES. Set onwards then ! Or right, or wrong, 'tis now too late to pause ; We must support the Prince. Sir Marmaduke, Thou lead'st our left. Thou, gallant Lichfield, haste To head our own brave horse. So forward, gen- tlemen. sc. I. King Charles T. 187 We fight for England's liberties and justice : May Heaven betide us, as our cause is good. \^Alarum without. The Lords and Officers depart hastily, the King at their head, through the issue in the background. The Scene changes. SCENE II. Interior of Cromiveirs Tent in the Rebel Camp. Cromwell alone. He is seated at a table in the foreground, and apparently lost in thought. After a pause he speaks. The hour is nigh of vengeful retribution ! This day a crown is won or lost by thee, Charles Stewart. More hast thou to lose, perchance, Than I to gain : for I Hence selfish visions ! I am God's champion. England's cause is mine : " Save England, and then perish Cromwell !" — Speaks The Spirit thus ? — Not so : for that low voice, Within me breathing ever, what is this, 188 King Charles I. act iv. If not the Spirit's voice ? — The Fiend's ?— Hence, hence, Suggestion hellborn ! — No, should Heaven thus will, Thus destine me for sway, am I not far More fit to rule an empire than this weak Poor Charles? My conscience answers, " Yea, I am so ! " But one thing doubt I not : whate'er my fortune. Be my sway ruled above, or no, this King Must die the death ! — Yes, yes, dissemble not Thy purpose with thyself ; elected Cromwell, Elected for this work I — though it may fit thee To veil, in God's good cause, thy just designs From common eyes Who now, I may say boldly, Who now can hope to check my will ? avert My settled purport ? Hollis ? powerless is he Against one word of mine ; and Vane and St. John, They think them mighty, but their Lord am I, As they shall find ere long : — for Fairfax here, And Ireton, they are parts of me, nor dare To think without me. Two, who might have dared Oppose me, are no more — John Pym and Hampden. For Pym, he was not girded to the work sc. II. King Charles I. 189 Of vengeance, false remorse oppress'd his spirit ; He died the death of those who leave the plough Erehalf the field be furrow'd. — But thou, Hampden, Thou had'st perchance subdued me ; for thy guile Was matchless. — Well, thou art gone, and now I fear No rival — save this King, this Stew'art I — Charles Stew'art, Thou art a mighty foe, I own it. Even in thy weakness. I am feared by men. But thou art loved ! Thou steal'st their hearts away By thy faint smiles, and in adversity Might'st yet subdue a nation. Thou must die, Charles Stewart ! Enter Ireton, Fairfax, and Skippon. FAIRFAX. General, good morrow. CROMWELL \_starting and rising~\. In The name of God be welcome, friends ! — What bring- vou ? IRETON. Tidings that Rupert for attack prepares. 190 King Charles I. act iv. SKIPPON. These lost Philistines leave their heights. CROMWELL. How say ye ? On to the conflict then ! The Lord of Hosts Shall lead us. Skippon, go thou forth — already Our troops await the signal. SKIPPON. It is so. CROMWELL. See thou, with Doiley, that their hearts be bold, Their carnal man accoutred for the onset. Forthwith I draw yon veil aside \_poi7iling to tjie curtain in the background'] and speak To all the host. \_Exit Skippon. FAIRFAX [to Cromwell~\, Whispers the Spirit to thee The issue of this day ? CROMWELL [solemnly^. Upon the mountains I saw their legions scattered, and the ensign Of the One Lord Jehovah waved on high Victorious I Ay, my heart assures me, Fairfax, sc. II. King Charles I. 191 The war finds end this day : and then, then, Fairfax, The kingdom of the saints is stabHshed : Then, Ireton, shall the great Redeemer reign Of Israel — then the bright Millennium dawn. No more ! — We combat for the Lord of Hosts This day : his grace is on us. Ireton, cast Aside yon curtains ! [_Ireton obeys. The rebel host is descried drawn up in order on the plain. Fare ye well, blest brethren, In the good work ! Each to your post, I pray you ; Whilst I to these my chosen followers here Some words of godly comfort breathe. — Ere long Shall we rejoice together. \_Fairfax and Ireton retire. CROMWELL \_standing at the entrance to his tent, his face turned towards the army]. Praise the Lord For Israel's avenging ! Hear, ye Kings ! ye Princes, Tremble ! — Thou goest forth before thy people, O gracious God ! Iniquity prevailed, Until thy servants rose to wage thy battles. They chose new gods — the tyrants of the land ! 192 King Charles I. act iv. Was there a heart to feel, an arm to smite, Amidst our Israel's thousands ? Ye awaked, Ye chosen of the Lord, awaked from bondage. The Princes fought against ye, now they fight ! With ye the angels war from heaven ; the stars Fight against Charles, your Sisera ! The rivers Shall sweep them far away. The Lord hath said. Curse ye this Meroz ! curse ye all the foes To God, and to his saints ! — Set onward then ; This day the mighty work shall be completed. Blow ye the trumpets. Cry ye as of old, The sword of the Most High, and Gideon ! The hour of his redeemed is come ! THE ARMY [fumultuously']. The sword Of God and of his servant, righteous Cromwell ! Set onward for the fight ! CROMWELL. The Lord of Hosts Is with us ! — Smite, subdue, consume, destroy ! [ With loud ejaculations and psalms of triumph the army sets forward ; Cromwell mounts his horse without the tent, and hastens to their head. sc. III. King Charles I. 193 SCENE III. Part of the Field' of Naseby, horseman's song. Strife, strife, all hail, all hail ! Ours be brave endeavour : Fortune like a fickle gale Bids not aye the brave prevail — The King for ever ! Spears, spears, be couched in rest ! Foes ! we ne'er will sever, Till the shock of breast to breast Proves the strongest worthiest — The King for ever ! The Horsemen appear in the background riding. Prince Rupert, with tivo Adjutants, wheel be- fore them, and give the word to halt, the prince [after a pause"]. Boys, have ye hearts to serve King Charles ? Then follow Your Rupert on to victory. Your lasses o 194 King Charles I. act iv. Give ye no busses, if your spears be dyed not In roundhead gore this day ! Ye know these knaves Good foes, as Marston Moor hath taught ye. Joy, then, In such strong wrestlers for the prize ! — Set on ! England shall curse the man, your King shall scorn him. Who flies a foe this day. HORSEMEN \_loudly']. King Charles and Rupert I [ The Horsemen set themselves in motion, the Prince at their head. Their Song is heard from the distance. Heaven, Heaven, receive our souls! Truer hearts beat never : Die we while war's thunder rolls. Shout we still, till crack the poles, The King for ever ! sc. IV. King Charles I. 195 SCENE IV. Another part of the Field, Enter Lord Astley, Colonel Page, and other Officers, with Guards, ^c. PAGE. Prince Rupert hath already charged. astley. And we then ? Where is the King ? OFFICER. He comes. I saw him yonder Ride down the glade, and speak some words of cheer To the three regiments, that hold SECOND OFFICER. See, see — Far on the left ! — Cromwell's assailant there ! — He bears upon Sir Marmaduke. page. - The King ! 196 King Charl-es I. act iv. Then enter King Charles, accompanied by the Earls of Carnewarth and Lichfield, Sir John and Walter Cansfield, and other Offi- cers, ^c. king CHARLES. My lords and gentlemen, I pause not now For many words ; the rebel foe 's before ye. If ye do love your country and your King, Your Church, your God, fight boldly in the fray ! I do believe the fate of England rests On this day's issue. — Further speech we need not. Conquer, or die ! — A nobler martyrdom The holy Laud knew not upon his scaffold. Your monarch shares your fate. CONFUSED cries. God and King Charles ! king CHARLES. Astley, it pains me to restrain thine ardour ; Yet rest thou here awhile, secure this pass ! Such thy first task to-day. — Set onward ! cries. Onward ! [_AU, save Astley, Officers, and Guards, depart on the right. sc. IV. King Charles I. 197 A ASTLEY. Serry your ranks ! — Stand firm ! — Gaze forth, friend Wilton ! How goes the fight ? OFFICER {J'rom a raised part in the hack ground~\ . Most rarely ! Ireton^s troops Are yielding, good my lord. — The Prince pursues them. ASTLEY. And Langdale ? OFFICER. There — all's doubtful yet. The spears And helms of the Malignants seem to flame In the sun's rays. ASTLEY. Such flames their blood may quench, Or ours, ere long I The King ? OFFICER. He heads the troops Right gallantly ; they meet their foes, my lord. The ranks of Fairfax : high his standard floats, I know it ! ASTLEY. It shall trail in dust to-night. — 198 King Charles I. act iv. That we must linger here !- OFFICER. The Prince, my lord, Ah*eady conquers. Ireton's line is broken — His forces fly ! And now the King too — honour, All honour to King Charles I — Back Fairfax bends His line. MESSENGER [Jiastily arriving]. Ride onward, onward, gentlemen ! The King commands. — One charge on Fairfax' square With your brave aid may end the fray. ASTLEY. Thanks, Heaven! — Thou know'st how busy we this day must be, Good Lord ! If we forget thee, do not thou Forget our souls. Set onward boys ! Oncers, Guards, S^c. King Charles And England ! \_Astley and his followers depart. The Stage remains aivhile unoccupied. Battle cries and trumpet blasts are heard from the sc. IV. King Charles I. 199 distance, blending in ivild confusion. Eventually they seem to approach. Enter Sir John C a^syield, Jlghtiny on foot ivith Live SAY, a gigantic Roundhead, LIVESAY. Die, thou gray-headed traitor to thy God ! SIR JOHN. My aged arm ! — Cannot such cause renerve thee ? Old sword, dost fail me ? \^Sir John, sorely ivoimded, staggers, and all but falls. LIVESAY. Perish in thy crimes I Enter Walter Cansfield, hastily. WALTER. Ha ! wretch ! \_He rushes forward and confronts Livesay. Sir John falls. LIVESAY. And who art thou, rash boy ? WALTER \^ furiously"]. The son Of him thou murder'st ! 200 King Charles I. a.ct iv. LIVESAY. Die then ! \^Theijjight fiercely. SIR JOHN. For her sake — His mother's sake — O God ! — \_Livesay has disarmed Walter and beaten him to his knees. LIVESAY. Young spawn of hell, I crush thee I WALTER \_rising ivildly and grappling with Livesay, whose sword he seeks to rend away^. Not so soon I SIR JOHN [half risingl. He's lost — lost — lost ! WALTER. Victory — victory ! — Thanks, Lord I [ With the might of frenzy he ivrests Livesays sword from his grasp, and smites him to earth with it. The Puritan dies. Walter kneels in praise, SIR JOHN. My son sc. IV. King Charles I. 201 WALTER [^rising and rushing to his side']. Dear father SIR JOHN \^ faintly]. Thou art wounded. WALTER. Not on me Think now ! SIR JOHN. Oh, all is past for me, dear son ! Live yet to glad thy mother's eyes I — Live yet To serve thy Monarch's cause ! WALTER. Yes, yes, my father ! — Thy blood flows fast ! SIR JOHN. Thou can'st not hem its course. Life ebbs. How goes the day ? WALTER. Well— well I I SIR JOHN. Thanks, Heaven! So let thy servant part in peace ! [ife dies. 202 King Charles I. act iv. WALTER. My father I Look up, look up. — He's gone ! — O blest in death To think all well ! — Alas, I fear— I saw Our left wing- waver and return I cannot. I do believe I die too. — Dear, dear father I At least, he thought not that I Colonel Page, Officers, and Guards appear in the background. PAGE \_to Officer\ Ride, Wilton, ride ! Recall the Prince, for Heaven's sake I or, I fear. All's lost I — We'll wait thee here. \J^xit Officer. WALTER \^famthj\. How fares the field ? PAGE. Young Walter Cansfield ? — And thy sire beside thee. — Ha ! dead I — thou dying too, as thy cheeks' paleness And loss of blood Assist him, friends. WALTER. Vain, vain ! I am sped. sc. IV. King Charles I. 203 PAGE. Was yonder outstretched lofty form Thy foe's ? OFFICER. The terrible rebel, as men call him — Stern Livesay ! PAGE. Ha ! thou fought'st him ? WALTER. With God's grace I slew him. For my father's life I fought, So wonder not — but speak ! The day ? PAGE. Goes ill. Cromwell hath charged the King. He bade us guard This pass, and send some envoy to recall Prince Rupert from pursuit ! Soldiers and some few Officers of the Royal Army appear flying hastily in the background, COLONEL PAGE [loudly]. Arrest the flyers ! What means this, friends ? 204 King Charles I. act iv. FLYING SOLDIER. AlPs lost I OFFICER. Lord Carneworth turned The monarch's steed. We could not stay our soldiers. PAGE. Return ! return I Enter Lord Astley ivith Officers. Flyers have continued and continue from this time to throng the background passing onward to the left. ASTLEY. Shame on ye, soulless cowards ! Back to the field with me ! officer. The King hath fled ! astley \_striking him down~\. Foul liar ! 'Twas a false alarm ! My friends, The King fights at our head I Return, return I If ye desert him, all is lost ! \_Many folloiv Astley to the Field. sc. IV. King Charles I. 205 COLONEL PAGE. Back flyers ! — We still must tarry here ! — By Heaven ! the King Doth shame us all. [ The Flyers continue constantly to increase. . Cries from the Background. All's lost ! all's lost ! Enter from the right Prince Rupert aiid his Horsemen^ with Officers^ ^c. PRINCE RUPERT. For England I For Charles ! for Rupert ! \^He and his Horsemen, with loud shouts charge through thejlyers. WALTER CANSFIELD [^who has been supported arid tended by Page's folloivers, carried away by en- thusiasm']. Onward to the field, Speed thou my soul ! — Burst, burst thy bonds asunder I — I die ! Forgive my sins, just Heaven ! [He falls back and dies. 206 King Charles I. act iv. COLONEL PAGE. Such death, In honour's arms, be mine ! There fell the last Of Cansfield's loyal race ! OFFICER. All's vain — all's vain ! The flyers still increase. The King, the Prince Are overborne — MESSENGER [^from the right to page]. On, Colonel, to the field ! The King would hazard all for victory. Never man shewed more calm resolved courage, More royal zeal than he ! \^Page and his friends also hasten to the charge. Meanwhile, the Scene is thronged bg confused hosts of flying Royalists. The shouts and tumult of the battle approach ever nearer, till at last the Rebels, driving the Royalists before them, attain this spot. The King and Prince Rupert, in various parts of the field, are seen riding up and doivn, and exhorting their disheartened men to charge. puritans \_triumphanthj'] . Sword of the Lord And Gideon I sc. IV. King Charles I. 207 OTHERS. Cromwell ! PRINCE RUPERT \_from the distance']. Stand, dogs, standi THE KING. Charge, men Of England ! COLONEL PAGE. All is vain ! ROYALIST CRIES. Retreat! retreat! PURITANS. Smite, smite, and overthrow ! PRINCE RUPERT [^to the King']. 'Tis vain ! You must Withdraw, Sire — KING CHARLES. God's high Will be done I PURITAN CRIES. For Cromwell. The Lord of Hosts prevails. \_ Amidst tumultuous outcry, the King, Prince Rupert, and other Royalists, retire on the left, still Jighting in retreat. The Puritans Jill the Stage. 208. King Charles I. act iv. See I Fairfax, Cromwell ! Hail, chiefs of Israel I Fairfax and Cromwell enter from the background with Officers, ^c. CROMWELL. Haste ! pursue, pursue ! Smite ye the tyrants I None be spared ! Com- plete The work of heavenly vengeance ! Cries. Follow Cromwell ! A Fairfax ! Cromwell ! Heaven and England triumph. [] Tremendous tumult. The Puritans follow in pursuit. Scene changes. Scene V. . A Pass some little way from the field of Naseby. Lord Astley and Officers ^c. guard it. FIRST OFFICER. The Earl of Lichfield, too ? sc. V. King Charles I. 209 ASTLEY. Ha I Lichfield dead ? Most luckless day ! Was never braver gallant — Beat never nobler heart. And lost — all lost ! And all so well nigh won ! Had not the Prince, As ever, thought alone on his own glory,—- Had he but succour borne, — not followed madly Their routed Left - - Well, well, what's done is done ! Were / the King though Comes he, friends ? SECOND OFFICER. Even so. ASTLEY. I read it in your eyes. — When he has passed, We follow. Enter King CakRU^s, folloived by Page and others, KING CHARLES. Swiftly rode we. We have distanced The Puritan pursuit. Where bides the Prince ? PAGE. He follows, Sire — is nigh ! p 210 King Charles I. act iv. KING CHARLES. Ha I Astley, here ? ASTLEY. We guard the pass, Sire, till your Majesty- Hath 'scaped all danger. KING CHARLES. Faithful, gallant Astley ! I am much loved, if hated much. This yields Some joy in sorrow. OFFICER. Sire, the Prince I KING CHARLES '[_aside']. We meet then. Rupert, thy frenzy hath destroyed thy King This day ! Enter the Prince with his followers. PRINCE RUPERT. The King? KING CHARLES. Here, Rupert, safe I We meet ThuSy Rupert ! sc. V. King Charles I. 211 THE PRINCE [icildly]. O my King ! You can but curse me — I— I KING CHARLES. Dear Nephew, you are now my all — Forgive, my Astley ! — Friends, the past be past ! Think not on blame ! All have done well, this day ! And now, one word. Henceforward little hope Remains of conquest. I shall chide no man Who, for his wife or children's sake, should leave My hapless cause this hour ! To those thus severed By fortune from my side, I say, •' God bless ye — Your King will love ye still, wheree'er ye bide !" Now onward ! Loud Cries from the Royalists. Onward all! The King for ever ! KING CHARLES. Come, then ! Your King rejoices in your love. God's with us still, while we ourselves desert not ! \^The Royalists set forward. The Curtain falls. 212 King Charles I. act v. ACT V. Jan. 7, 1649. Scene I. CromweWs Audience-Chamber in Whitehall. CROMWELL \_alone~\, 'nr^HIS day a tyrant dies ! — England, rejoice ! My zeal hath wrought thy safety. — Yet, even yet, Let me not triumph ere the hour. I fear I scarce know what. Fairfax would gladly stay us ; But him we can find means to check. The nation, Ay, ay, the people — they themselves confess not Their proper good. I verily believe They would yet save this Stewart, had they power. But he must die ! God's cause — the world's — re- quires it. For Freedom's, for the Gospel's sake, alike. sc. I. King Charles I. 213 His life is due. He would tread down the Com- mons, Would elevate these hell-sprung bishops still. My duty then was clear I Whoever blame me, Whatever pangs I feel, I act not here As Cromwell, but as England's minister, Condemned to strike the blow. Enough : he dies I His patience in these troubles, (obstinate Perversion of the will, which I do curse !) This hath wrought many weaker hearts to pity ; To me it proved him trebly dangerous, And so ensured his judgment. I will think No more. To business I [^He rings a bell on his table. Wait there none without ? [ To Attendant, who appears at the entrance. ATTENDANT. The Major-General Harrison CROMWELL [^interrupting him]. Admit him Without delay ! ATTENDANT. Four Peers, so please you. Sir, 214 King Charles I. act v. Are also in attendance. CROMWELL. Peers ? What mean'st thou ? / know no Peers in England I ATTENDANT. Pardon, Sir, Those called by men, after such carnal wise ; As Richmond, Hertford, Lindsey, and Southamp- ton. CROMWELL l^aside^' They come to plead for [_aloud'] Let them wait ! Forthwith Bid Harrison enter. [Exit Attendant. He hath power o'er Fairfax, And must, whate'er is needful, work him to. Despite his frenzied wife. Enter Harrison. Well, Sir, what tidings Of Fairfax? HARRISON. General, he is blindened still — Grace not vouchsafed. sc. I. King Charles I. 215 CROMWELL. Go to him straight from me. Hold him in check ; — he must not know this deed Is wrought to-day, till it be wrought I Acquaint him, That in my godly wrestlings yesternight In prayer, I strove to raise one for this monarch ; But my tongue clove unto the roof o' the mouth — Heaven thus pronounced its will. For greater surety. Call on him, Harrison, beside thee now To pray, for fuller light on this emergence, If Charles's death be willed above or no. Thou too wilt pray. Detain him in such worship Until the hour be past ! HARRISON. Since you command — CROMWELL. I pray thee, rather. Do this, Harrison, And reap thy full reward in earth and heaven. We cannot ever please ourselves in working The will of Gracious God. It pains me sorely 216 King Charles I. act v. That Heaven hath trusted me with this commission To work a tyrant's death. But I obey. Whatever be the consequence. So thou Perform the Lord's command, and fear not. Eng- land Shall bless our names for ever for this service. Farewell ! HARRISON. I haste to work your will and Heaven's. [Exit. CROMWELL. And now then for the sought for audience Of these malignant Peers. They come to me I They find at last where true power lies. Ha ! ha ! — Beware I Repulse these godless thoughts, O Cromwell ! Subdue all carnal pride. \_After ringing his bell, to the Attendant, who reappears^ The Lords may enter. After a pause, the Duke of Richmond, the Mar- quis OF Hertford, the Earls of Lindsey, and Southampton, are ushered into the Au- dience Chamber, Theg remain alone with Crom- well. sc. I. King Charles I. 217 CROMWELL. What seek ye ? DUKE OF RICHMOND. Justice ! EARL OF HERTFORD. Mercy ! CROMWELL. For yourselves ? DUKE OF RICHMOND. None dare accuse us. CROMWELL. Think ye ? EARL OF SOUTHAMPTON. For the King, Our King, your King, we speak. CROMWELL. I know him not. I have no King. I know the man, Charles Stewart I DUKE OF RICHMOND \_controlling himself]. We will not brawl for titles, General. Speak you of Charles, we of the King. But hear us, For Heaven's sake, hear us ! In this awful hour, 218 King Charles I. act v. When you have reached the pmnacle of might In all men's fancy, when you have to seal Your endless shame or glory — now, now pause, And prove to the admiring world that Cromwell Nor fought, nor lived for self, but England only ! Yet have you power, even yet, to save the King — To save his people from the direst crime On record, hellish regicide ! CROMWELL \_sneeringly interrupting him']. Your grace ? DUKE OF RICHMOND. None hear us, Cromwell, none. Thou may'st re- pent. Restore thy noble King to power again, And so secure thine own, as his state's pillar, As his right hand of office. What we offer. King Charles shall sanction. Yet bethink thee, Cromwell I All order, all degree, have reached their end The hour thy Monarch dies. That hour the rabble May push thee from thy seat of council ! Pause, then, sc. I. King Charles I. 219 Secure more certain good with honour, Cromwell, Nor choose foul shame, perchance with earthly- ruin ! We wait thine answer. CROMWELL. Said you not, Lord Duke, That none did hear us ? And you also urged me To prove I lived for England — England only ? I will prove that^ my Lords. Now, to my sight. All England is around me, even here. And hears your every word and mine, and reads My every thought. I have no secrets, Sirs, From England. In her presence I reply : The King must fall ! He is a godless tyrant. And I am doomed his executioner, By will, if not with actual arm. This, Sirs, Is my commission. I for this have lived. And will this task fulfil. DUKE OF RICHMOND. Blaspheme not, Cromwell, For mercy's sake ! — that mercy which one day We at Heaven's bar may seek together ! Crom- well, 220 King Charles I. act v. I pray thee — I implore thee, spare thy King ! I am thy foe — yet on my knees would lie Before thee, could I shield his sacred life ! Cromwell, show mercy ! CROMWELL. When the Lord hath spoken, Man has but to obey. Pardon, my lords. But I must crave your absence. I have business Of weighty import calls me. EARL OF SOUTHAMPTON. Shall we thus Return ? O friends ! DUKE OF RICHMOND. My King ! — O agony ! Cromwell, behold ! — kneel all ! See, England's Peers Are on their knees to thee. Recall this sentence, Thou hast the power. Give the King life, but life ! We'll bless thy name ! All else may follow - - - Cromwell I [Cromwell rings the bell hastily^ on which two Attendants enter. 2 sc. I. King Charles I. 221 CROMWELL [ triumphantly'] . Ye kneel before the Majesty of England, Set forth in me so humble ! I rejoice To mark your patriot lowliness. But rise — Subjection of your hearts will serve our purpose. We look not for such outward symbols. [ To the Attendants] Show These nobles to our gate ! [ The Peers have risen indignantly. And you, Sirs, seek Charles Stewart, if ye will, and tell him, Cromwell Will work the will of Heaven. My Lords, good day. DUKE OF RICHMOND. Then rest accursed ! thou CROMWELL \_loudly']. Ho, guards, without ! Guards enter. Conduct these four men hence. Give them fair escort Unto Whitehall, should they demand it. [ The Peers withdraw, guarded. 222 King Charles I. act v. [^ Aside, in the foreground^ Now To see, myself, if all things are prepared For this great Judgment hour. My heart rejoices In this subjection of the proud of spirit. What now shall mar my joy ? I do achieve My hfe's great task, and vanquish — General > ATTENDANT. Your son. CROMWELL. Ha I Richard ? Enter Richard Cromwell. RICHARD. Yes, my father — I ! CROMWELL. What seek you ? RICHARD. Bid these men retire ! I crave Some speech with you. CROMWELL. I have no time for follies. sc. I. King Charles I. 223 RICHARD. You must — must hear me I CROMWELL. Must I ? — Duteous son ! Yet be it so ! Some moments then — Retire ! [ To the Attendants. They obey. Cromwell and Richard Cromwell remain alone together. Now speak ! RICHARD. O father, I have sought for days A hearing — hoped too to the last ! CROMWELL. Hoped what ? RICHARD. You would not slay your King ! — not murder him Anointed England's Ruler I CROMWELL. Dare you speak thus ? RICHARD. I dare. You know me weak. Well, I am weak, But strong enough to speak for justice, father — 224 King Charles I. act v. To cry aloud against this crime I CROMWELL. Poor boy, Thou art bestraught ! RICHARD. With horror for such deed I It may be so. Yet hear me — hear me, father — For Heaven's sake, hear I You know the King most true. Most just, most good. He ne'er can use again His power to harm you. If you work this murder, There is no pardon — none — for you. All earth And heaven will cry against you. I, your son. Must hate, must curse I And even those who praise you Will in their hearts abhor I You are alone Henceforth — alone on earth — in other worlds To what communion doomed ! Relent, relent. Or draw down God's eternal wrath upon you ! Your soul must feel these truths — it must, my father I Think me a fool, a babe, in earthly wisdom — Out of the mouth of sucklings God may perfect — sc. I. King Charles I. 225 CROMWELL. No more. I'll hear no one word more ! Yet thou List this reply ! Think'st thou my life's great pur- pose Should be abandoned in fulfilment's hour For paltry fears and scruples ? Think'st thou, Richard, Thy trembling prayers could awe my soul ? No : curse me, Condemn me, if thou wilt ! My course is chosen, And I retrace no step. Though all alone On earth henceforth, as thou dost prophesy, My spirit shall not quail. I will not flinch From my appointed duties. For the rest — T -o n m '-2 SJ 03 ii !i:0 \ > GENERAL LIBRARY - U.C. BERKELEY BDDDb7flma ■i^-i^J^^iS: ■?J^C<^^