Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/194

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182
CROMWELL

Too soon; in punishing a trait'rous knave
'Twas occupied.

Rochester [in a loud voice and with the air of one inspired.] O threefold happy chance!

God rescues Eleazar from the hands
Of King Antiochus!
Carlisle [to Richard.] …chus! To your apartments
I beg your Honour to betake yourself;
I 'm bid to place two archers at the door.
Richard [to Rochester.
'Tis thou who by thy treachery hast brought
Me to this pass!
Rochester [aside.] … pass! My wits have gone astray!
'Tis I who cause the Lord Protector's son
To be imprisoned! And from the fierce wrath
Of Cromwell's son, 'tis Cromwell rescues me!
Nathless, against the father I conspire,
And I have done no wrong unto the son.
Richard.Wilt thou affront me with thy challenges
Again, thou coward?
[To Lord Carlisle.] Do not trust this man;
He has two faces. I would not repine
Could I have paid him for his dastard words
As I was fain to do. The double face
Should have four buffets.
[Exit Richard, surrounded by the halberdiers.
Rochester [aside.] …ve four buffets. This is what it means
To wear a Roundhead mask!


Scene 23.—Earl of Carlisle, Lord Rochester, Thurloe.


Thurloe [to Rochester.
My lord, esteeming much your weighty speech,
Doth name you chaplain to his household, sir.