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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    Josh.—Adieu! my noble Lords and Graces, adieu! [jExit all Josh, on one side, Duke and leonine on the other, walking backwards and lowing. Scexe II.—The Banqueting Hall of the Palace. Present the Members of the Parliament. (Sound of cannon heard.) Heralds and Trumpeters enter, followed by the Lord Protector in full state, surrounded by his Body Guard, Officers, and Council. As His Highness enters, the members rise. He takes his place on the Chair of State on the Dais. Smite'em is on guard at lower part of Hall. Sergeant-at-Arms.—His Highness doth command the House be seated. [Members take their seats.'] Silence ! The Speaker! TheSpeaker. [Rising].—My Lord Protector! may it please your Highness To hear from me, as Speaker of the House, The words and wishes of the Parliament ? Cromwell.— Whatever, Mr. Speaker, is the wish Of Parliament to speak, it is our wish, Nay, ’tis our duty, patiently to hear, And if it should be possible, obey. Gladly we testify that you are men Zealous in all good works; zealous to keep The two concernments greatest in this world— Eeligion free, and civil liberty. These things are Christianlike and honourable : They are provided for by you like men Like Christian men and men of purest honour, Like yourselves, Englishmen : I pray, proceed. The Speaker.—My Lord, your gracious words would feed the dumb j And do encourage us to hope the best. I am commanded by the Parliament Of England, Scotland, Ireland, to lay this Humble petition and advice, before Your Highness for acceptance; I do know Most sensibly, that I do speak before So great a person; whose exactitude Of judgment, ought to scatter and to chase All speeches unrequired, quick as the sun