Manasseh [with an affirmative gesture.
There.
Cromwell.And when?
Manasseh. To-morrow.
Cromwell. Liest thou not?
Manasseh.Thou son of Amnion! Lie! Is it thy wish
That I evoke thy demon here and now?
But first, to bring him to subjection, thou
Must needs repeat in unison with me
Eight lines beginning all with the same letter.
Manasseh [alarmed.]But some one hears us—
[He goes to the bed and discovers Rochester asleep.
Yes, the charm is broken.
He has heard all.
Cromwell. Nay, think'st thou that he could
Have overheard us?
Manasseh. Most assuredly.
Cromwell.Then he must die!
[He draws his dagger and goes to Rochester's side.
Manasseh. Strike! for thou canst not do
A better deed.
[Aside.] E'en by a Christian hand
We 'll immolate a Christian!
Cromwell. If it be
That he has overheard the interview
'Twixt Cromwell and the Jew, then let him die!
[He raises his dagger over Rochester, then pauses.
But he is sleeping.
Manasseh [touching his arm.] Well?
Cromwell [still uncertain.] He is so young!
Manasseh.It is the Sabbath! Strike!