Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/298

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286
CROMWELL
Cromwell. Sir William Murray detains them.

Murray. What are they saying there? With deference,
You all are wrong. This man is one of us,
I am full sure. For were it otherwise,
Seeing us grouped together by this wall,
He would long since have given the alarm.
I doubt not that a little gold, my lords,
Will speedily disarm him. We have nought
To fear, save for our purses, from this man.
If he speaks not, it is because he wants
A few gold pieces more. If he is deaf,
Hears not your countersign, it is because
He has the greedy humour of the Saints.
'Twere better far to buy a new safe-conduct
Than poniard him—for that would make a noise.
Rosebery.Murray is right. In sooth, the boorish lout
Would not forbear to cry that he was murdered.
Clifford [sighing.
Ah, well! then let us treat.
Downie. Ah, well! then let us treat. Ill fortune wills
That we are very ill supplied with funds.
Sedley.This Cromwell is a thief! To confiscate
Our brig as contraband! And on the throne,
The English throne, this chief of brigands sits!
Ormond.That hoary-headed clipper of good crowns,
The Jew Manasseh hath advanced to me
A sum of money; but 'tis spent.—But, stay!
I had a purse from Rochester—
[He feels in his doublet.] 'Tis here.
[He takes a purse from his pocket.
Rosebery.Most timely succour!
Clifford [pointing to Cromwell.
Most timely succour! 'Tis a monstrous shame