Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/378

Overton [to the crowd.
Friends, he is right! In truth, is this the time
To laugh, when God is wroth and Israel weeps?
And when one man, oppressing them who once
Were his protection, seeks t' impose a throne
Upon the weary, overladen people?
When all things tend to augment England's woes?
First Citizen.True. But the soldier's something harsh of speech.
[The crowd gradually increases in size. Enter Nahum the carpenter.
Overton.Brethren, forgive this victim, great of soul,
The outburst of a heart by all this pomp
Embittered; let him mingle his lament
With our dear country's cries, alas! our mother's,
Whose womb is rent to-day by a king's birth!
Third Citizein.A king! that word offends, I know not why.
Second Citizen.All that I thought, this gentleman
explains.
Nahum.A king's a tyrant!
Second Citizen. A king's a tyrant! Long live the commonwealth!
Overton.And such a king! Cromwell! a very knave!
What was he yesterday?
The Soldier. What was he yesterday? A soldier.
The Tradesman. What was he yesterday? A soldier. Nay,
A brewer.
Third Citizen. A brewer. From this ghastly festival
Who will deliver us?
First Citizen. Who will deliver us? Who would have said
This thing of Cromwell? He, usurp a throne!
'Tis terrible!
Nahum. 'Tis terrible! He dares to call himself
A king! 'Tis rank impiety!
Second Citizen. A king! 'Tis rank impiety! A crime.