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248
CROMWELL

[Aloud.]'Tis well at times to leave one's home, and take
A little air.—What countries have you seen?
Davenant [embarrassed.
Why—Northern France—
Cromwell. Why—Northern France. Oho! you went not far!
'Tis said the banks of Rhine are beautiful.
Throughout my life I've longed to visit them.
Saw you them?
Davenant [in increasing confusion.] Ay.
Cromwell. Saw you them? Ay. In truth, you are most wise.
And Triers, too,—Mainz,—Frankfort,—and Cologne?
Davenant [aside.]He terrifies me with his gracious air.
[Aloud.]I did, my lord.
Cromwell. I did, my lord. Cologne! a learned town!
The country of Cornelius Agrippa,
And of Saint Bruno.
Davenant [uneasily, aside.] Let us hasten on.
[Aloud.]
Cromwell. Bremen I saw, and Spa. Let 's tarry at Cologne.
[Aside.]He fain would be at Bremen, I am sure.
[Aloud.]What of the University? 'Tis of
What century?
Davenant. What century? The fourteenth.
Cromwell. What century? The fourteenth. For a mind
Of lettered tastes an interesting spot.
I doubt not that you saw in passing through—
Davenant [aside.]Great Heaven! can he know?
[Aloud.] …ven! can he know? I—nay—saw what?
Cromwell.The great cathedral. Universally
Admired, 'tis said to be. Saw you it not?
Davenant [aside.]He knows nought of our plans.
[Aloud.] …nought of our plans. I did, my lord;