Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/309

Murray. The Stuarts' right and Cromwell's clownishness,
My friends all urging me in one direction,
Success against so pitiful a wretch
Being beyond dispute, I joined this plot.
Cromwell.Your arguments I follow and approve.
Murray.Look you, my friend! We stand for principle.
William the Norman violated it;
But he repaired the error in due time
By marrying his son, Henry the First,
To Maud of Scotland, in his early youth.
The Stuarts from the Athelings and them
Trace their descent in an unbroken line.
It follows thence that our King Charles the Second,
Sprung from both races, in himself unites
The rights of Saxon and of Norman, both.
Cromwell.'Tis plain.
'Tis plain. [Aside.]I understand this reasoning
But ill.
Murray. But ill. I leave the question to your judgment.
Cromwell [aside.]He chooses well his judge, upon my word!
Murray.The claim of our young King is clear as day.
Cromwell.Doubtless.
Murray. Doubtless. Nathless a Cromwell doth contest it!
Is 't not unheard-of that this turkey-vulture,
Should leave his barnyard for the eagle's nest.
If he had talent, well! But I repeat,
'Tis Jericho a-crumbling without trumpet.
Cromwell [aside.]Well said!
Murray. Well said! His destiny doth ever march
Toward the throne; but 'tis a phantom vain
Which fades to nothing if it be but touched.