Have terror-stricken been, beyond a doubt.
Enoch.I love this work at night—it is well paid.
With my ten children—mortal creatures all—
I 've lived upon this platform two full weeks.
A Fifth Workman.
Soon we shall see if Oliver will do
As it is meet he should, and for the throne
Will with the scaffold pay.
Tom. For Master Barebones,
For the upholsterer alone, not us,
Th' affair is profitable. He supplies
These curtains and these chairs and these brocades,
And of our wages takes at least three-fourths.
Nahum.A money-changer of the Temple he!
Fifth Workman.A Mede!
Fourth Workman. Nay, rather a true son of Eve,
Who blindly walks upon the sword's sharp edge!
Nahum.And who, a mighty buttress of the arch,
Of Babel's tower a pillar and support,
Doth plant one foot in hell and one in Heav'n!
Tom.Hush! should he learn that we do him decry
As he his master, he'd have none of us.
Hold we our peace; he comes.
Scene 2.—The Same, Barebones.
Barebones [after a glance at his men.
Ah! this goes well.
[To the Workmen.
I am content with you. In very truth
There 's nought remains to do.
