Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/261

The structure as a whole 's in wretched taste.
Cromwell.In wretched taste! Oh! that is quickly said.
A noble edifice, and well deserves
Our admiration. Ancient as it is,
Nought could surpass that temple, were it not
Degraded by the worship of false gods!
[After a pause.
And in that city you saw nothing more?
Davenant.Nothing, my lord.
Cromwell [smiling.] …my lord. Nor e'en a visit paid
Of mere civility to one Charles Stuart?
Davenant [in consternation, aside.
An unexpected blow!
An unexpected… [Aloud.]My lord, I swear
I saw him not.
Cromwell. I saw him not. That papists to their oaths
Are true, I know full well.—But tell me this:
Who quenched the candles? Was it not Lord Miilgrave?
Davenant [aside.
Ah! he knows all!
Cromwell. Ah! he knows all! That you, in honour bound;
Saw not the King, I know.—The hat you wear
Is of peculiar shape. Prithee, excuse
My lack of ceremony: will you not
Exchange for this of mine?
Davenant [aside.] Exchange for this of mine? I am betrayed!
[Aloud.]My lord—
Cromwell [snatching his hat from him.
My lord—Nay, give it me! much thanks.

[He hastily feels inside the hat and takes out the royal missive, which he unfolds and reads with great eagerness.—He interrupts the reading with triumphant exclamations.