ACT THIRD. THE JESTERS
209
footmen remove the table laden with jugs, beer and pipes. Thurloe ushers in the Privy Council, who enter in double file, each member taking his stand in front of a stool, while Cromwell ascends to his chair of state, and Milton, led by his page, goes to the chair by the table. Whitelocke, Stoupe and Lord Carlisle take their places near the Protector, on the steps leading to his platform.
Scene 3.—Cromwell, the Earl of Warwick, Lieutenant-General Fleetwood (Cromwell's son-in-law), the Earl of Carlisle, Lord Broghill, Major-General Desborough (Cromwell's brother-in-law), Whitelocke, Sir Charles Wolseley, William Lenthall, Pierpoint, Thurloe, Stoupe, Milton. Each of the characters dressed in the costume of his office or rank. Cromwell takes his seat and puts on his hat. All the others seat themselves, but remain uncovered.
Cromwell [aside.]The twitter of these birds we'll e'en abide.
[Aloud.]Most honourable privy councillors,
Be seated all and let us pray a moment.
[He kneels, and all the councillors do the same. After a few moments of meditation Cromwell rises and resumes his seat, and they all follow his example. He continues with a profound sigh.
To govern England I have scant desert;
But God, whom my resistance doth make wroth,
Bids Parliament my burdens multiply
By overwhelming me with too great power.
