Poor parricide!
Rosebery. He's such a boon companion!
Cromwell [aside.]Is 't so?
Sedley [to Rosebery.
His father, I believe has learned
That he this morning drank to the King's health?
[Rosebery replies with an affirmative nod.
Cromwell [aside.]The traitor!
Ormond. Look you, gentlemen, in words
The time is passing. Let 's begin to act.
Cromwell [aside.]Before my eyes their plot 's developing.
To all these rats of Egypt, this king's crew,
We will throw Whitehall open like a trap.
Wilmot 's the bait, and Cromwell is the spring,
Which closes suddenly that none escape.
Ormond [to the Cavaliers, in an undertone.
Let us accost the soldier.
[He walks toward Cromwell.
Cromwell [presenting his musket.] Who goes there?
Ormond [to Cromwell, in an undertone.
Brother—Cologne!
Cromwell [aside.] I've not the countersign!
What's to be done?
Ormond. Cologne!
Cromwell [aside.] What to reply?
Rosebery [to Lord Ormond.]Well, what's the matter?
Ormond [pointing to Cromwell.
He does not speak.
Rosebery. What if, by any chance,
Cromwell 's become suspicious of our plot
And changed the guard?
