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Milton, interpreter and secretary;
A blind man—a good clerk, but wretched poet.
Rochester.What! Milton, friend of the King's murderers,
Who wrote the "Iconoclast," and God knows what!
The great Saumaise's mean antagonist!
Davenant.I'm well content to be his friend to-day.
No chaplain the Protector has, methinks.
[Pointing to Rochester.
For my lord, Milton can obtain the post.
Ormond [laughing.}A chaplain! Rochester! In very truth
A most diverting masquerade!
Rochester. A most diverting masquerade! And why,
Lord Ormond? I can play a rôle at will
In comedy; in "Le Roi Bücheron"
I've played the thief,—as you know, Davenant,—
And I can well assume the character
Of a psalm-singing Puritan divine.
One needs but preach until one swims in sweat,
And harp forever on the Golden Calf,
The dragon, Jezer's flutes and Endor's caves;
To gain access to Cromwell, a sure means.
Davenant [seating himself at the table, and writing.
Armed with this line from me, I promise you,
That Milton will commend you, good my lord,
To the old devil, and that he will take
You for his chaplain.
Rochester. You for his chaplain. Frances I shall see!
[He puts out his hand eagerly to take Davenant's letter.
Davenant.But let me fold it.
Rochester. But let me fold it. Frances!
Ormond [to Rochester.] But let me fold it. Frances! For the maid,
In heaven's name, play no mad pranks!