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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    [Nora moving towards the Palace sees that she cannot escape meeting the Protector, and therefore retreats.] Nora.—He comes this way ; ’tis not his usual course. And looks around, as though he did expect Some hidden foe he is prepared to meet. I must play hide and seek, or rather hide. conceals herself under a lilac or cypress tree. ] Cromwell. [Passing in full armour, and guardedly.] There is a saying' culled from Holy Writ, Which my good father’s dying breath did bear To my quick ear, and left it there for good ;— “ Let him who thinketb that he standeth take heed lest he fall!” I stand and I take heed. The news I have Warns me to-day some traitor lies in wait To cross his sword with mine. I court the traitor; Yet find him not. It is a phantasy, Begotten of my guilt; my grievous guilt. Once round the beatagain and then to sleep, If sleep will kindly come to such as me. [Exit Cromwell sadly and watchfully. Enter Leonine armed and mashed, and passing Nora, who is still concealed. Leonine. [Aside]—Now then, my weary soul thou art repaid. Vengeance, hold back till prudence beckons thee. He enters yonder close set avenue; I’ll meet him there, and ere a guard shall rise Or an alarm be breathed; in drachms of blood And inches of my sword I’ll measure him, [Draws] Or he shall measure me. Thou patron saint Of noble men, Saint George ! be thou with me ! And oh ! my King, my holy martyred King! Let me remember thee with my whole soul, So that thy thousand sufferings on my heart, My hand may strike as doth become my task.