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The Crier [after a blast on his trumpet.
Silence! Let all give ear to what's to come.—
Hum!—"By his Highness"—
Harrison [to Garland, in an undertone.
Hum!—"By his Highness" Majesty, ere long!
The Crier."Oliver Cromwell, of this English land
The Lord Protector, to all subjects true,
Civil and military, doth proclaim"—
Overton [to Ludlow, in an undertone.
Ah! the word "subject" has returned, meseems!
The Crier."That, to the end that God's will may be known,
Touching the motion in the Commons made
By the honourable member, Alderman Pack, ,
That the said Lord Protector be named King"—
Ludlow [to Overton, in an undertone.
Good! the usurper hath cast off his mask!
The Crier."And, more than all, to save this most discreet
And learned people from the ills presaged
By the eclipse; and that Almighty God
May show himself a clement God to all,—
The Commons of the English Parliament,
Counselled by learned men whom all revere,
Have voted an extraordinary fast;
Enjoining thereupon all citizens
Their errors, sins and crimes to scrutinize."—
'Tis said!
A Poursuivant. 'Tis said! Amen!
The Crier. 'Tis said! Amen! God bless the English people!
The Chief of the Archers.Hereon, considering the aforesaid act,
We now enjoin upon all inn-keepers
Aind them who deal in food and drink, to close
Upon the instant shops and taverns, too;