Monaldeschi was slain at Fontainebleau,
Her letter tells.
Cromwell. So she's avenged herself
Upon this former lover?
Filippi [still in an undertone.]Mazarin
Vouchsafed permission to my outraged Queen
To blot him out e'en in the heart of France.
Cromwell [to Whitelocke, in an undertone.
Rare hospitality—for murder given!
Filippi.My Queen, self-exiled from her throne, bespeaks
Asylum 'neath the great Protector's pow'r.
Cromwell [surprised and displeased.
She doth seek refuge here?—Without delay
I cannot answer. We've no palace here
To give a queen.
Don Luis [aside.] They'll have one for a king
Ere long.
Cromwell [to Filippi, after a moment's pause.
'Twere better she remain in France.
For kings dethroned, noisome is London air.
[To Whitelocke, in an undertone.
His harlot Queen! a vile, immoral jade!
Who'd show herself unclad to public gaze!
How now?
Filippi [bowing and pointing to the casket.
My mission still is unperformed.
Will not your Highness graciously be pleased
To ope this casket?
Cromwell. What does it contain?
Filippi [bowing again.]Open, my lord.