108
CROMWELL
Lambert [to Joyce, in an undertone.
Cromwell sends
Men hither to arrest us!
Joyce [in an undertone.] He knows all!
This time we may not doubt it.
Overton [in an undertone.] Even so,
We'll hew ourselves a passage with our swords.
Lambert [in an undertone.
And then what should we do? Doubtless the square
Is by his troopers held.
[Another blast of the trumpet.
Richard [glass in hand.] The devil take you!
At such a time as this to harass us!
The Voice Without.In the name of Parliament, open the door!
Barebones.Let us obey. [He goes to the door.
Lambert [aside.] My head upon my neck
Doth sit unsteadily, about to fall!
[Barebones opens the door of the tavern; the other conspirators remove the shutters and uncover broad grated windows, through which can be seen the wine-market thronged with people. In the centre of the stage is the Public Crier on horseback, surrounded by four poursuivants in livery, armed with pikes, and by an escort of archers and halberdiers. The Crier has a trumpet in one hand and an unfolded parchment in the other.
Scene 11.—The Same; The Public Crier, Poursuivants, Halberdiers, Archers, Populace.
[The conspirators stand aside at the right and left of the stage.
