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Lewd places, where th' observance of the fast
Would slighted be.
Lambert [aside.] Would sligh… Good! once again I'm quit
For the mere fright!
[To the Puritan conspirators, in an undertone.
For the mere fright! Until to-morrow. Now,
Methinks, 'tis time to part.
Garland [in an undertone.] Methinks,… Where shall we meet?
Barebones [in an undertone.
In the great hall at Westminster. To-morrow.
Before the fatal hour shall sound his knell,
To his unholy throne, by me prepared,
I, Noll's upholsterer, will introduce you.

[The conspirators, assembled about Barebones, press his hand in token of their assent.

Overton.'Tis well. Now let us part, in silence all,
But openly.
Crier and Poursuivants. But openly. God bless the English people.
The Puritan Conspirators [under their breath.
And death to Cromwell!

[Exeunt the Puritans.

Richard Cromwell [to the Cavaliers, as they prepare to go away.

And death to Cromwell! Bah! 'tis tiresome
To be thus hunted in a joyous feast!
'Tis plain my father is no longer young.
For my part, I would have no throne on earth,
At cost of a fast-day.

[Exit with the Cavaliers.