A day with Cromwell: a drama of history, in five acts, by Auctor.

  • Benjamin Ward Richardson
Date:
1869
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A day with Cromwell: a drama of history, in five acts, by Auctor. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    to posterity as designating all men of my age, quality, and position. My true name, nevertheless, is Joshua Buckthorn, the Honourable Joshua Buckthorn. Charles.—Have you children, Honourable Joshua? Josh. Sir, it were indeed once on the tapidge that my lineage would condescend; but Mrs. B., Sir, Honourable Mrs. Buckthorn, having unintentionally, quite unintentionally I assure you, Sir, on her part, played false to the nation the happiness was not realized. Charles.—Mind it not, Honourable Joshua, you are still the founder of a large family; the progenitor of all old Bucks hence- forward, and for good. Josh.—Truly, the idea pleaseth me; I will even tablet it: and now, Sir, may I ask for your honourable epitaph? Charles.—They call me Charles, Charles Harfleur. Josh.—[Writes.'] Charles Harfleur: and pray you, Mr. Charles Harfleur, whence come ye ? Charles.—Honourable Joshua, to men oflow cunning would I conceal myself; but as, to thy profundity, concealment were mere pretence, I confess me at once I am from France. Josh. [Aside. ]—The youth hath discretion beyond his octaves. [ To Charles.'] Noble Sir, my confidence is yours, but I pray you tell me, with thine eye even on mine; meditate you any harm to his Highness ? Charles.—Believe me, Honourable friend, I care no jot about his Highness, nor any Highness, nor any King, Lord, Potentate, nor Governor; I go in for three heads, peace, love, and fun; that is my creed, top, bottom, rough, hard, soft, all ways, any ways. Josh.—My own sentiments to an earthquake; and now, Sir, what can I do to please you ? Charles. —My first requirement is a personal honour. When in the East I did shoot birds of Paradise, and out of their plumage did in leisure hours, on board the “ Cavalier,” make this head- dress; the which, I pray you, Sir, to accept for your accomplished wife. [Presents head-dress.] Josh. [Aside.]—A most deserving youth! [To Charles.] Fair Sir, a bird of Paradise chaplet for Mrs. B. (the Honourable