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Cromwell. To rest a while? Ay. But I have no wish
To sleep.
Thurloe. To sleep. Where do you lie to-night, my lord?
Cromwell [aside.]Oh! what a life is mine! To hide each night
Like any lurking thief! Ah! who would reign,
To change each night the place where he may sleep!
And everywhere, about us, and within,
Fear, always fear!
[Aloud.] …ways fear! Here let my bed be placed
Thurloe.What! in the Painted Chamber! Charles's judges—
Cromwell [aside.]Ah me! again that memory invoked!
Thurloe.'Tis here, my lord, that they are said to meet—
Cromwell [aside.
Ah! Charles!
[Aloud.] …Charles! You have too long a memory!
Obey.

[Thurloe hangs his head, goes out, and returns followed by servants who prepare a bed and bring two lights. Cromwell, who has said nothing while the servants were in the room, goes up to Thurloe when they have left.

Obey. Moreover, if the night be dark,
If there's a ghost here, me he will not see.
[Pressing Thurloe's hand, and pointing to the bed.
This bed is not for me.
Thurloe [in amazement.]For whom, then, is 't?
Cromwell [in an undertone.
Speak lower. He for whom this bed's prepared
Fears not kings' phantoms, no, nor headless ghosts.
Thurloe.What is the secret?—
Cromwell. What is the secret? Hush. Do what you're bid.