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My murderers, what would you ask of me?
Ormond.To die as loyal knights—die for our King.
Rochester.Ay, let us die for Rowland!
Ay, let us di… [To Rosebery.] For my part,
I am forever making loans to him.
'Twas money yesterday, to-day my head—
Another item on his long account.
Cromwell [to Ormond, after a moment's reflection.
Old man, be you yourself the judge.—If chance
Had willed that I should wear yon chains, and you
Should sit here in my place,—what would you do?
Ormond.I would not pardon.
Cromwell. I would not pardon. I do pardon you.
[Exclamations of surprise in the assemblage.
All the Cavaliers.What!
Cromwell. What! You are free.
Ormond. What! You are free. Great Heaven!
What! You are free … [To Cromwell.]Did you know
My name—
Cromwell [interrupting him.
My name—That matters little to me now.
[To Thurloe, in an undertone.
I could not answer for the multitude,
If he should name himself.

[He turns abruptly to Lord Broghill, who has thus far remained in his place in the retinue, glum and silent.

If he should name himself. My dear Lord Broghill,
One of your former friends is here in London.
[Lord Ormond and Lord Broghill turn about in amazement.
Broghill.Who, pray, my lord?
Cromwell. Who, pray, my lord? 'Tis Ormond.
Broghill. Who, pray, my lord? 'Tis Ormond. Ormond!
Who, pray, my lord? 'Tis Ormond… [Aside.]God!
Can he have learned—