Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/93

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ACT FIRST. THE CONSPIRATORS
81

Let us be friends.
Rochester [bowing]'Tis as you please, my lord.
Ormond.Think we henceforward of the King alone,
Whose service hath dire need of both our hands.
Rochester.It is no less my duty than my joy.
[They shake hands.
Great God! is't not enough to be assailed
With exile, banishment, death sentences,
A price upon our heads, et cœtera,—
The sad result of our ill-omened wars—
[He points to his disguise.
And this felt hat, and this infernal cloak?

Carr [having slowly taken a few steps, he clasps his hands on his breast, raises his eyes toward heaven, then turns them on the three Cavaliers in turn.

Continue, brethren!—At the holy place
When I arrive, methinks, of all the guests
Assembled at the blessed banquet, I
Am the least worthy. Let no man arise,
To greet old Carr. The clamour wherewithal
Your voices fell upon my ears, I see
Was but a contest of arms spiritual.
Rochester [aside]The devil take him!
Carr. The devil take him! Contests of that sort
Are most familiar to me; pray resume
Those combats which the spirit do sustain.
Rochester [to Davenant, in an undertone.
Or make one render up his spirit.
Davenant [in the same tone.] Or make one render up his spirit. Peace!
Carr.'Tis written: "Go ye all throughout the world,
And preach my word."
Rochester [to Davenant, in an undertone.
And preach my word." I'll con my chaplain's rôle.