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Cromwell.I do my destiny fulfil.
Murray. I do my destiny fulfil. 'Twere better far
To sleep in a good bed.
Cromwell [aside.] … in a good bed. Better for thee.
Murray.Standing upon the frozen ground, alone,
Your shoulder by a heavy musket bruised,
You wake and watch; and he whose cross you bear,
Cromwell, your chief, is sleeping peacefully.
Cromwell.Ah! think'st thou so? It cannot be, my friend.
For Cromwell doth not sleep when I 'm awake.
Murray.With what false tales he doth delight your ear!
Cromwell.And so thou dost believe that he 's asleep?
Murray.Ay, I am sure of it. To you he owes
That blest tranquillity and slumber sweet.
He takes the pleasure, leaves to you the pain.
Cromwell.In sooth, it is ill done.
Murray [aside.] … it is ill done. Now our success
Is sure. He is dissatisfied—'tis well!
[Aloud.
For recompense of such devoted service,
Does your great Cromwell even know your name?
Cromwell.I think so.
Murray [shrugging his shoulders.] Bah! how innocent you are!
How simple-minded!
Cromwell [aside.] …le-minded! 'Tis a cunning knave!
Murray.Think you that Cromwell, from his splendid throne,
Would condescend to look so low as you?—
Nay, nay, he does not even know your name,
My friend. 'Tis sure!
Cromwell [aside.] … 'Tis sure! He 's sure of everything;
Save that he 'll have his head in place to-morrow!