ll!

_Many of the Presbyterians._ I hold with Pym! And I!

_Strafford's Followers._ Now for the text!
He comes! Quick!

_The Puritan._ How hath the oppressor ceased!
The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked!
The sceptre of the rulers, he who smote
The people in wrath with a continual stroke,
That ruled the nations in his anger--he
Is persecuted and none hindreth!

[_The doors open, and STRAFFORD issues in the greatest disorder, and
amid cries from within of "+Void the House+!"_

_Strafford._ Impeach me! Pym! I never struck, I think,
The felon on that calm insulting mouth
When it proclaimed--Pym's mouth proclaimed me ... God!
Was it a word, only a word that held
The outrageous blood back on my heart--which beats!
Which beats! Some one word--"Traitor," did he say,
Bending that eye, brimful of bitter fire,
Upon me?

_Maxwell._ In the Commons' name, their servant
Demands Lord Strafford's sword.

_Strafford._ What did you say?

_Maxwell._ The Commons bid me ask your lordship's sword.

_Strafford._ Let us go forth: follow me, gentlemen!
Draw your swords too: cut any down that bar us.
On the King's service! Maxwell, clear the way!

[_The +Presbyterians+ prepare to dispute his passage._

_Strafford._ I stay: the King himself shall see me here.
Your tablets, fellow!
[_To MAINWARING._] Give that to the King!
Yes, Maxwell, for the next half-hour, let be!
Nay, you shall take my sword!

[_MAXWELL advances to take it._

Or, no--not that!
Their blood, perhaps, may wipe out all thus far,
All up to that--not that! Why, friend, you see
When the King lays your head beneath my foot
It will not pay for that. Go, all of you!

_Maxwell._ I dare, my lord, to disobey: none stir!

_Strafford._ This gentle Maxwell!--Do not touch him, Bryan!
[_To the +Presbyterians+._] Whichever cur of you will carry this
Escapes his fellow's fate. None saves his life?
None?

[_Cries from within of "STRAFFORD!"_

Slingsby, I've loved you at least: make haste!
Stab me! I have not time to tell you why.
You then, my Bryan! Mainwaring, you then!
Is it because I spoke so hastily
At Allerton? The King had vexed me.
[_To the +Presbyterians+._] You!
--Not even you? If I live over this,
The King is sure to have your heads, you know!
But what if I can't live this minute through