Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/154

I know this man. His words are reasonless;
But, mad or not, methinks that he's escaped
From London Tower rather than from Bedlam.
I go to seek my lord.
[Exit.

Scene 9.—The Same, less Thurloe.

Broghill [in a patronizing tone, to Carr.
I go to seek my lord. I might, in sooth,
Be sponsor for you, friend, but—
Carr [with a melancholy smile.] … but— So it was
That in Mount Zion to the Son of Man
The devil did his guaranty propose.
Whitelocke.Stubborn!
Waller. Stubborn! Incurable!
All. Stubborn! Incurable! A fig for that!
Let us expel him!

[They advance once more toward Carr, who gazes steadfastly at them.

Carr. Let us expel him! Back; avaunt, I say!
I must have speech with this audacious man,
Who, in our soldiers' eyes, is self-transformed
From Maccabæus to Iscariot.
Broghill.Madman!
Waller. Madman! A neatly-turned periphrasis
To tell to Cromwell!
Carr. To tell to Cromwell! I the angel am
Sent hither to give warning unto Lot
Ere Sodom is consumed by flames from heaven.
Waller [laughing.]How now! God's angels shaven as thou art?
Colonel Jephson.I see with pleasure thou dost rise in rank.
From man to angel thou art now transformed.