Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/420

[Pressing Willis's hand.
But I rejoice, for you, not for myself.
[He leans over Willis with an air of mystery, and whispers.
Davenant's the traitor! Ah! could I but meet him!
Willis.Think you 'tis he? Mayhap, and mayhap not.
Distrust him! And, the peril once escaped,
Be prudent.
Ormond [pressing his hand.
Be prudent Ah! how oft we are deceived!

Cromwell [coming out of his reverie and directing Stoupe's attention to the Cavaliers.

To-morrow let these madmen, Stoupe, take ship
Upon the Thames; their punishment's remitted.

[He roughly apostrophizes Sir Hannibal Sesthead, who is flaunting his rich costume an the steps of the platform.

Sir Hannibal Sesthead, although you be
The cousin of a king, be pleased to know
That I would fain be master in my house.
Your morals are licentious, you have learned
In foreign lands manners that sort but ill
With the chosen peoples. Elsewhere carry them.—
Go hence and sin no more.
Hannibal Sesthead [aside.] …and sin no more. He will forgive
A plot more readily than sarcasm.
I am the only culprit to be punished.

[Exit with his pages and his dogs. The crowd jeers at him and applauds Cromwell.

Overton [to Garland, in an undertone.
Observe the people's fervid, clamorous zeal.
A speech, a nothing, changed them, as you see.
Rochester [to Rosebery, in an undertone.
'Gainst the Protector God doth us protect.