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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    5G Cromwell.—Touched I thee, friend! truly I did but wander; Yet t’was an honest and a pleasant wandering1. Why, man ! thy sightless orbs are filled with tears : Go, take thy old apartments for to night, And do thy musings in the gardens here. Our daughter Claypole longs to talk with thee. Enter Josh. Buckthorn. Josh. [To Milton.]—Sir, I dobring a message from her Highness, that she does trust you will sup with the company to night. Cromwell. [To Josh.]—Tell Her Highness Mr. Milton is already invited and doth come. [Exit Josh.] [To Milton.'] No duties hold you from us ? Milton.—No; but a letter must be writ again Respecting the Waldense3. I would like Your thoughts upon it. Cromwell.—Dictate a letter in the noble strain, Thou know’st so well: repeat what thou hast said , That England bleeds whenever martyrs cry. Let firmness mingle with thy courtesy, And bid each Potentate know without stint, That if our friendly words should fail their mark. Our potent cannon, on the seven hills, Shall preach to Rome herself, with such a voice, That Rome shall pray for what she never gave, Mercy to the oppressed! Milton.—I’d lose restored sight to hear thy voice Speaking through cannon at the gates of Rome. Cromwell.—And I my life: but I have struck so hard The nations tremble at my very word. Milton, a man may even be too strong. Weak through his very strength. I am that man. I would lay down my life to scatter Rome, Yet cannot find pretence to touch a thing, So abject to my power. Enter Herbert Lee. Milton.—Here comes my friendly guide. I know his step.