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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    \_ITe is about to advance intrepidly, when Nora, who mistakes him for her lover, rushes forward, throws herself before him, and clings to him.] Nora.—Charles ! Charles! is this thy boasted honesty, lhat thou should’st lead me thus but to betray I he friends who fostered me ? I cry aloud Alarm ! alarm ! alarm! guards ! treason! treason f Hark you, they move, and I will cling to thee 1 ill he is safely hedged with faithful men. [Noise of guards approaching.] Now fly and save thyself, there yet is time. [She releases her hold and falls.] Leonine.—Thwarted at last; the fiend hath a charmed life. [To Nora at his feet.] Woman, wert thou a man, my sword were stained With blood I sought not. [Aside.] It was well I laid A second plan to gain a safe retreat. Now through the gates a rat could not escape. [Exit Leonine rapidly. Nora. [Rising.]—Thank heaven it was not Charles, t’was not his voice. Alarm ! alarm ! Guards to the rescue, come. Close up the avenue, my Lord is there! Surround my Lord, a traitor seeks his life; Alarm ! alarm ! alarm! [Rachel and guards rush in and disperse in search. Lights appear in the Palace Windows. Scene closes.] Scene II.—A Corridor of the Palace. Noise of move- ment of Soldiers heard in the distance. Enter Lady Claypole and Mrs. Buckthorn. Mrs. Buckthorn.—Do not go further, Lady, ’tis not safe. Lady Claypole.—Oh ! I must know the worst. This state of doubt Is worse than worst of knowledge, worse than death. W hat did she tell me ? Mrs. Buckthorn.—Who, my Lady?