ACT THIRD. THE JESTERS
251
Now nought remains
To do but crush them all!—'Tis manifest
That God is with me.—Ah! the Parliament.
[Enter the members of Parliament, in ceremonious garb, escorted by Thurloe. The Speaker walks at their head, in his robes of office, followed by the clerks, preceded by the sergeants-at-arms, the mace-bearers with their maces, and the Usher of the Black Rod.—Cromwell goes up to his chair of state, and the Parliament gravely halts within a few steps of him, outside the circle of stools.
Scene 14.—Cromwell, the Parliament, Earl of Carlisle, Whitelocke, Stoupe, Thurloe.
[At a sign from Cromwell, Carlisle and Thurloe go to him.
Cromwell [in an undertone, to Carlisle.
Lord Carlisle, go you and arrest forthwith
The men on guard to-night at the park gate.
[Carlisle bows and exit.
[In an undertone, to Thurloe, handing him Rochester's scroll.
Take this upon the instant to one Bloum.
[Pointing to the superscription.
Thou 'lt see his address here. Or better still,
That my design may move more smoothly, let
Sir Richard Willis be the messenger.
Thurloe [takes the parchment, bowing.
Enough, my lord. [Exit.
Cromwell [aside.] That name of Bloum conceals
Old Ormond whom my star betrays to me.
[He sits down and puts on his hat, Whitelocke and Stoupe take their places by his side.
