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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    turn. It hath also a grooved barrel, and sendeth each ball two hundred yards with precision, except in a high wind. Cromwell. \ Talcing the weapon].—If it be true, ’tis a device will make England invincible. Is’t loaded ? Ishmael.—It is, my lord. Cromwell.—Go tie a cap upon the maypole there. How do I use the weapon ? Ishmael.—As an ordinary piece from the shoulder, my lord: as your Highness pulls the trigger, each charge will turn to the barrel till all are fired. Cromwell.—We will give fair trial. [_Cromwellfires.] Greatorex.—’Tis a hit. •A A Cromwell fires five barrels in succession. Cromwell.—Now fetch the cap. Ishmael. \Bringing the cap.~\—Your Highness hath given it five balls. Cromwell.—Excellent, excellent, Ishmael: where art thou from ? Ishmael.—Bromwychum, your Highness, a town of iron, with every house a forge. We made your Highness’ 0. C. swords at a forge there. Cromwell.—And swords they were ! Ishmael, we did surprise thee with our gifts, And thou with thine, in turn, surprisest us. Henceforward be thou our Commissioner To thy good townsmen, and make Bromwychum [ Checks them] The armoury of this fair Commonwealth. Then let your trusty metal ring where’er An Englishman, in peace or war, shall breathe. Soldiers, three hearty cheers for Bromwychum. And may this central English town become, As I do doubt not, with such skilful men As Ishmael in its midst, it will become, The heart and citadel of English might. Now then, give freedom to your pent up breath. Three cheers for Bromwychum and trusty steel! Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! The soldiers cheer and the scene closes. END OF ACT I.