University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

An Apartment in Cromwell's House.
Cromwell alone.
Crom.
So, my lord Broghill! We are shrewdly rid
Of one bold plotter. Now to strike at once,
Ere fresh conspiracies—
Enter Ireton.
What mak'st thou here,
Fair son?

Ire.
The Lords Commissioners refuse
To sign the warrant. He'll escape us yet.

Crom.
Refuse! What all?

Ire.
No; Harrison and Bradshaw,
And Marten, still hold firm.

Crom.
Too few! too few!
Aye, he'll escape. They'll treat. What say the traitors?

Ire.
The most keep stubborn silence. Harrison
Is hoarse with railing.

Crom.
Overhot! But that's
A fault may pass for virtue. Overcold's,
Your modish sin. Weakness or treachery!
Peters or Judases! They'll treat. They'll treat.
Where lies thy regiment?

Ire.
At Westminster.
One glance of their bright swords, one stirring note
Of their war-trumpet, and these dastard Judges—
I'll seek them instantly.

Crom.
Son, thou mistak'st.
Foul shame it were here in a Christian land
To govern by brute force—How many hast thou?

Ire.
A thousand horse.

Crom.
Or turn their very guards
Against the Judges—Be they trusty?

Ire.
Sir,
I'll answer for them as myself.

Crom.
Nay, go not.
No force, good Son! No force!
Enter a Servant.
What wouldst thou? Speak.

Servant.
The Colonel Harrison sends me to crave
Your Excellency's presence.

Crom.
Aye! I come.
Didst meet thy fellow Robert, and the gallant
Whom thou saw'st here this morning?

Serv.
Sir, they passed me
At speed.

Crom.
I come. No force, good son. Remember
This is a Christian land. We must keep pure
The Judgment seat. No force.
(Exit Ireton.)
At speed! Ere now
They have crost the Thames at Kew. We are quit of one
Bold Cavalier.—What said the Colonel?

Serv.
Prayed
Your instant presence, and between his teeth
Muttered “Faint craven souls!”

Crom.
Fie! Fie! to speak
Irreverently of such great ones. Faint
And craven souls! Follow my son; thou'lt find him
Heading his valiant horse. Bid him be still
Till I send to him—still as night. And now
For ye wise Judges!

(Exeunt.)