"Your Majesty provoked it," answered Pym calmly. "And had the bishops shown more of the meekness proper to their calling they would not now be in the Tower for their foolish proclamation."
He still held himself erect, though he was in feeble health and weary from standing. The King marked his fatigue, natural in one of his age, but his innate courtesy was stifled by his hatred of this man, and neither policy nor kindness moved him to bid John Pym be seated.
"We must discuss these things," he said. "I am willing to be reasonable, and you have the reputation of a moderate. But you have some fanatic fellows of your party, Mr. Pym—Holles, Haselrig, Hampden, and a certain Oliver Cromwell."
"These gentlemen you name," replied John Pym, "are no more nor less fanatic than a hundred others, sire."
"They have stood forth of late as notable in voicing certain daring opinions," said the King, who, though he had himself carefully in hand, was not able to be more than barely civil. "You must not think, Mr. Pym, that I have overlooked them."
"What is the meaning of Your Majesty's reference to these gentlemen?"
"Only this," replied Charles steadily, "that you and I could work together only if you refused your company and counsels to these I have mentioned—and some others, as my Lord Kimbolton, Mr. Strode, and the Earl of Essex."
"They are all," said Mr. Pym, "as well able to advise Your Majesty as myself. And, sire, if you sincerely wish to please your people, you will entertain no prejudice against these men, for they are highly esteemed and trusted by all."
"Enough, enough!" cried the King, in great agitation, hastily rising. "I might consider terms with you, Mr. Pym, but not with every heretic whose voice is loud enough to catch the ear of the vulgar—but do not misunderstand me—you will hear from me again. To-day—to-day the sun sets and it groweth chilly." He looked round the garden, now filled with sunset light, with an abstracted air. "Think of me kindly, Mr. Pym, and tell the Commons their honour and safety is my chiefest care—as I hope theirs will be the welfare of the nation."
"Our talk, then, hath no conclusion?" asked Mr. Pym, who argued little good from this abrupt dismissal.