Richard.Spare me the wrath of my irascible
And captious father. Promise me, my friend,—
I am with golden nobles well supplied,—
That you to the Protector will say nought
Of what you saw this morning.
Rochester. Willingly.
Richard [offering him a purse embroidered with his arms.
See, here's my purse; for not ingrate am I.
Rochester [taking it, after a moment's hesitation; aside.
Bah! 'tis a resource! and, when one conspires,
One needs a well-lined purse, in very truth.
Moreover, greed comports with my disguise.
[Aloud.]My lord is generous—
Richard. 'Tis well, 'tis well!
Pray take it and go drink.
Rochester [aside.] Upon my word!
This ending is far better than I feared.
Richard.My friend, how much canst earn at this thy trade,
Besides the gallows?
Rochester. A most learned divine—
Richard.Nay, as a spy?
Rochester. My lord doth flatter me!
Richard.In thy employ a philosophic mind
Is most essential. Wherefore blush?
Rochester. My lord!
Scene 18.—The Same; Cromwell.
Cromwell [a Bible, with emblazoned covers, in his hand.
List, Master Obededom, to this verse
