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To set the people free by slaying thee.
Cromwell.For that much thanks!
Carr. For that much thanks! Then, that we should restore
To the Long Parliament its lawful power
Shattered by thy malignant despotism.
But I had scarcely entered when I saw
A Philistine in velvet doublet slashed
With satin. There were three of them. The chief
Of the conspirators assailed my ears
With briefs and bulls and quatrains—
Cromwell. With briefs and bulls and quatrains—Quatrains?
Carr. With briefs and bulls and quatrains—Quatrains? Yes,
'Tis by that name they call their heathen psalms.
Ere long came Saints and pious citizens;
But, fascinated by strange spells, their eyes
Smiled on the demons mingled with the angels.
The demons shouted: "Death to Cromwell! death!"
And 'neath their breath they said: "Now let us turn
To our advantage their embittered strife;
To Babylon Gomorrah shall give place,
The roofs of sycamore to cedarn roofs,
And bricks to stones, the bridle to the yoke,
The brazen rod to th' iron sceptre.
Cromwell. The brazen rod to th' iron sceptre. Ah!
And Cromwell to the second Charles—not so?
Carr. Such is their dream. But 'tis not Jacob's will
That they shall slay an ox with his own sword
And he have not his share; that Cromwell be
Struck down, and Stuart gain his end thereby.
Between two evils one must shun the worse.
And evil as thou art I much prefer
Thy rule to any royal debauchee's,
Stuart, or Herod, worthless parasite
Of the old uprooted oak! Wherefore confound
These plots that by my voice are known to thee!