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Into such depths of crime, would he incur
The fire or the rope?
Rochester [authoritatively.] …pe? The rope. And may
His Amorrhean father and Cethean mother,
'Neath the same condemnation, die with him!
The Leader [gravely.]But why the rope?
Rochester [embarrassed.]The rope?—Oh! oh! 'Tis thus—
One mounts the gallows by a ladder, and—
God shewed his faithful shepherd in a dream,
That by a ladder one to Heav'n ascends.
[Aside.]I cannot easily forbear to flout
These fellows to their faces.
Cromwell [observing Rochester with satisfaction.
These fellows to their faces. In good sooth
He is a learned man!
The Leader [thanking Rochester with a gesture.
He is a learned man! We'll hang them, then.
[Exeunt the Ranters.
Rochester [aside.] Gad; there are some poor fellows fairly tried!
Cromwell [to Rochester.]I am content with you.
Rochester [with a reverence.] …you. My lord's too kind.
Giraff [to the other Jesters.
No one of us could better have adjudged.
[Enter Thurloe.
Thurloe [to Cromwell.]The Privy Council.
Cromwell. The Privy Council. Well.
Thurloe. The Privy Council. Well. Their purpose is—
Cromwell [hastily.]I know. Let them come in.
Trick [to the Jesters, in an undertone.
I know. Let them come in. Now, mountebanks,
Give place to the wise men.

[At a gesture from Cromwell, exeunt the Jesters, Rochester and Hannibal Sesthead, and two