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down from the platform and joins the rest of the retinue. At that moment Cromwell spies the sceptre, which Lord Broghill has placed on the steps of the throne.

[In a voice of thunder.
How now! a sceptre!—Take away your bauble.
[Turning to Trick.
For thee, my fool!
[Renewed applause among the populace and the troops.
Trick [from his gallery.]Nay, let some greater fool
Put hand to it.

[Enter an usher. He bows before the throne and addresses Cromwell.

The Usher. Put hand to it. My lord, the High Sheriff waits.
Cromwell.Admit him.
[Enter the High Sheriff, followed by two sergeants-at-arms.
[To the Sheriff.]Well? How now?
The Sheriff [saluting.] …Well? How now? My lord, one Bloum,
And other prisoners, those condemned to death—
Cromwell [with a start.
What! is it done?
The Sheriff. What! is it done? No, good my lord, not yet.
Cromwell.'Tis well!
The Sheriff. 'Tis well! Their gallows Hewlet did erect
At dawn on Tyburn Hill. They crave, my lord,
An audience of you. Shall I proceed
To execution, or shall I delay?
Cromwell.What is their motive?
The Sheriff. What is their motive? A request to make.
Cromwell.Let them be brought before me.
The Sheriff. Let them be brought before me. Here, my lord?
Cromwell.Yes, here.

[At a sign from Cromwell, the Sheriff bows and