Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/268

Whitelocke [in an undertone, to Thurloe.
What do I hear? What says he? He declines?
Thurloe.He hesitates. He fears some hidden peril.
Cromwell [to Thurloe, in an undertone.
It must be so!—Let us defer the hour.—
At swords'-points with the Cavaliers, 'twere well
To ensure Puritan neutrality;
And let us not, in this twofold dilemma,
Put two thorns in our foot and on our arms
Two burdens. Let us first of all elude
The net that Ormond close about me draws.
I shall have time enough to grasp the crown.
Let us appease the Puritans at first
By shunning that great honour.
[Aloud, to the others present.
By shunning that great honour. Go in peace.
We seek the counsel of the Lord!

[Exeunt all, except Thurloe, with profound reverences and gestures of amazement.

Scene 15.—Cromwell, Thurloe.

Thurloe [aside.]Something has happened here within the hour.
Cromwell [aside.]'Tis well! let this reluctance put them off
Until to-morrow.

[They remain silent for a moment. Cromwell, leaning on the arms of his chair, seems deep in thought. At last Thurloe walks toward him and bows.

Thurloe. Until to-morrow. It is late, my lord.
Cromwell [roughly.]Go bid them ring the curfew.
Thurloe. Go bid them ring the curfew. Need you not
To rest a while?