136
CROMWELL
Of the whole world, and not the King! The thing
Without the word, the power without the title!
Mere tinsel! Empire and rank are one.
Thou know'st, my friend, how it doth mortify,
When one leaves far behind the common herd,
And sees the summit close at hand, to feel
That there is something still above one's head!
Ah! were it but a word, that word is all.
[At this point Cromwell, who has forgotten himself so far as to lay his hand familiarly on Thurloe's shoulder, suddenly turns with a start, and looks at a low door, concealed in the hangings, which opens slowly. Manasseh-Ben-Israel appears, and pauses on the threshold, casting about him an inquisitive glance followed by a profound reverence.
Scene 6.—Cromwell, Thurloe, Manasseh Ben-Israel, an aged Jewish rabbi, in a grey gown, all in rags, bent back, piercing eyes beneath dense white eyebrows, a broad, wrinkled forehead, tangled beard.
Manasseh [bowing to the ground.
My gentle sir, God guide you to the end!
Cromwell.It is the Jew, Manasseh Ben-Israel.
[To Thurloe.] Go finish your despatches.
[Thurloe seats himself at the great table. Cromwell approaches the rabbi. In a low tone.
What wouldst thou?
Manasseh [in an undertone.]I have fresh news. There is a Swedish ship,
Laden with caroluses which she brings
To th' exiled monarch's friends, moored in the Thames,
