The King peered at them a little before he knew them.
"John Pym and I will never speak together more," he said abruptly and in a hoarse tone. "When I returned to London it was not with the purpose of winning these men but of punishing them, and to that purpose I adhere."
"Lord Falkland," answered Rupert, "said Your Majesty had promised him to take no violent measures, and to consult him and your new advisers in all your actions."
"Of late I have had to make many promises that are impossible for me to keep," returned Charles gloomily. "If men press on a king they must expect he will use all weapons against them. I shall act without my Lord Falkland's advice. How can he," added the King with a grand air, "or any man, know what I feel towards these men who threaten my sacred crown and God His Holy Church? Who imprison my bishops and take from me—my friends?" his voice broke into sadness. "Truly, as I stood by this dial, I thought it was like an emblem of my life, all the sunny hours numbered and the finger now moving into darkness."
"But to-morrow will see the sun again," cried Rupert, "and so Your Majesty, coming from an eclipse, shall behold a brighter day."
"Alas," answered Charles, "the moon is misty and clouds and rain threaten for to-morrow. But though I am encompassed with many dangers I will not hesitate to bring these traitors to judgment."
"This is what I from the first advised," said the Queen. "When we came from Scotland, and the people were shouting and the city feasting us—then was the moment to strike."
"It is not too late," replied Charles.
"Take care it be not," urged Henriette Marie. "Last autumn half a day's delay ruined my Lord Strafford, so quick was this accursed Pym."
"He shall be avenged," cried the King in great agitation. "This time I will strike first—keep it from my council. The King acts for the King, now. Come in, my dear love, our short winter day is over—I feel it cold."