My lord, e'en as I speak.
Cromwell. A neutral flag!
Ah! if by thy assistance, I the whole
Can deftly confiscate, the half is thine.
Manasseh.In very truth? The vessel's yours, my lord.
But look to't that at need some one's at hand
To bear me aid.
Is an unfailing talisman. Now haste,
And come anon to tell me how thou farest.
Manasseh.One word, my lord.
Cromwell. Say on.
Manasseh. My duty is
To tell you that your Richard doth conspire
With th' Cavaliers.
Cromwell. Thou sayest?
Manasseh. Clifford's debt
To me he paid. That tells all that's to tell.
Cromwell [laughing.]Thou seest everything in thy strong-box!
My son is indiscreet; his friendships are
Ill-sorted; nothing more!
Manasseh. To pay pistoles
And count them not; 'tis something strange!
Cromwell [with a shrug.] Now, go!
Manasseh.In mercy's name, my lord, since it doth chance
That the good fortune I do sometimes have
To serve you, for my recompense therein,
Our synagogues reopen and revoke
The law against astrologers.
Cromwell [dismissing him with a gesture.]Thereon
We will reflect.
