This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
348
CROMWELL

Garland.Like the archangel, Satan you 'll attack!
Lambert [embarrassed.
I am confused—
Overton [to Joyce, in an undertone.
I am confused—Mark how his colour changes!
Joyce [to Overton, in an undertone.
The coward!
Lambert [continuing.] I am happy—
The coward! I am…[Aside.]Nay, despairing!
What shall I do? That Ludlow!
What shall I do? That… [Aloud.]Such a choice
Doth greatly honour me; my heartfelt joy
I cannot well express.
Overton [to Joyce, in an undertone.
I cannot well express. He's pale with it!
Lambert [continuing.
But—
Garland [to Lambert.
But— May the God of them who fear no peril
Himself make manifest through you!
Syndercomb [to Lambert.] …manifest through you! Your part
Will be as simple as 'tis glorious.
[He goes upon the platform and points to the great chair.
Here Cromwell takes his seat—or Nabo, rather,
For he and Nabo have of all time been
A single devil.
[He steps forward and points to the place where Lambert is to stand.
A single devil. Here you take your stand.
Lambert [aside.]There is no help!
Syndercomb [continuing his demonstration.
There is no help! And you can easily,
Putting aside his cloak, the while you give
The crown, drive home the knife. I envy you.