Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/347

[Aside.] …nought remains to do. I am o'erjoyed
That they have finished this infernal task
Thus early. Now our friends, who 'll soon be here.
Can undisturbed and without witnesses,
Take counsel, look about, and so decide
How Noll may be most surely stricken down
In all his joy. How fortunate it is
That I 'm upholsterer to th' Antichrist,
And so may enter without obstacle
The outlawed tyrant's palace! I must e'en
Dismiss them all, at once.
[Aloud, to the Workmen.
Dismiss them all, at once. My brethren all,
Against the tempter ever be on guard,
And love your neighbor, wicked though he be.
[To the Master Workman.
Good Master Nehemiah!

[The Master Workman approaches Barebones, while the Workmen pick up their tools, and lamps and ladders.

Good Master Nehemiah! You must needs
Finish this cuirass of Toledo leather,
Immediately for my lord Protector,
Whom God defend!
[In an undertone, putting his lips to the man's ear.
Whom God defend! The leather that remains,
Far from all eyes, you'll fashion into sheaths
For our saints' daggers.

[The Master Workman bends his head in assent, and exit, accompanied by all the Workmen.

Scene 3.—Barebones, alone.

[He takes his stand, as if in contemplation, beforethe throne.
Barebones.Behold the throne! abominable structure,