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That papist! Davenant! a royal spy!
Ask something else.
Milton. Ask something else. Permit me to insist.
He was of the conspiracy, 'tis true;
And he's a papist; he designed your death;
But you have pardoned these.
Cromwell. But you have pardoned these I cannot do 't.
Milton.I know that he hath had a leading part
In these dark plots; but—
Cromwell. In these dark plots; but—Say no more of him!
For he writes comedies.

[Milton, disappointed, walks away. Cromwell, with a more affable manner, recalls him.

For he writes comedies. It is our pleasure
To make you, Milton, poet laureate.
Milton.I, poet laureate! Nay, good my lord
Save in reversion, I cannot accept.
That post is occupied.
Cromwell [surprised.] …occupied. 'Tis occupied?
Pray, who has seized upon it?
Milton. Pray, who has seized upon it? Davenant.
Cromwell [with a shrug.
Under the late King Charles the First 'twas his!
Milton.Since he retains his fetters, let him keep
His laurel wreath as well.
Cromwell. His laurel wreath as well. An argument
Worthy a poet; phrases cubits long!
Bombastic creature that you are! And you
Would govern and forever reprimand
Rulers of states, the while you pass your time
In twisting words to idiotic metres!
Milton.Of parables King Solomon composed
Five thousand.

[Cromwell turns his back on him and motions to his son Richard to draw near.