ACT FIFTH. THE WORKMEN
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Earls of Warwick and Carlisle take their stand behind his chair, with drawn swords; Thurloe and Stoupe at his sides. The Lord Mayor, followed by the Aldermen, walks to the foot of the throne, bearing the cushion on which the sword is laid; he ascends three steps, kneels on one knee, and presents the sword to Cromwell.
Lord Mayor [to Cromwell.]My lord, I bring and place within your hands
The sword of state. A nation forged the steel,
Lacking an anvil, on the brow of tyrants.
The blade two edges has, and may be used
As sword of justice and as sword of war,
And, awe-inspiring on the battlefield
And in the sanctuary, each in turn,
Now glistens in the soldier's hand, now flames
Resplendent in the hand of God the Lord.
Now, London, venerable city, doth
Present it to you.
[Cromwell girds on the sword, draws it from its scabbard, lifts it above his head, then returns it to the Lord Mayor, who replaces it in the scabbard and retires, backwards.
Whitelocke [approaching Cromwell with the same formality as the Lord Mayor.
These the seals, my lord.
[Cromwell takes the seals, then returns them to Whitelocke, who retires. The Speaker of the Commons, followed by the other officials, comes forward, bearing the Bible with gold clasps.
The Speaker [kneeling on one knee before Cromwell.
My Lord, the Book.
[Cromwell takes the Bible, and the Speaker re-
