Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/217

Trick [laughing, in an undertone to the other Jesters.]I worry him.

[Enter the Earl of Carlisle.
I worry him. The devil take Lord Carlisle!
He spoils our sport.
Rochester [drawing a long breath.] Ah! ah!

[Cromwell hastily leads Lord Carlisle to a corner of the stage. All the others walk apart, but keep their eyes fixed on the two.

Cromwell [in an undertone to Lord Carlisle, who bows.] He spoils our sport. Ah! ah! What of Lord Ormond?

Carlisle.He's changed his residence.
Cromwell. He's changed his residence. And Rochester?
Carlisle.We cannot find him. He in hiding is.
Cromwell.And Richard?
Carlisle. And Richard? He doth shamelessly insist
Upon denying all. The question might extort
Avowals—
Cromwell [sternly.] Carlisle, for his every hair
Your head is answerable. Well you know
How I abhor the torture. And for my son!
'Tis well enough for his confederates.—
And Lambert?
Carlisle. And Lambert? In his country-house entrenched,
Well guarded, he is busy with his flowers.
Cromwell [bitterly.]Most touching, verily! They all escape.—
At least I have a firm grasp on the crown!
Carlisle.About Westminster, by the crowd engirt,
The people and the soldiers loudly curse
The royal title which the Parliament
Of late hath voted to bestow on you.
Cromwell.Weigh well your words!
Carlisle. Weigh well your words! I crave your Highness' pardon.
Cromwell [aside.]Ah! all goes ill.