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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    Cromwell. [ To Smite'cm ]—Halt there and bring theprisoner backtous. [Smite’cm returns with Charles: at the same time the second body of Guards bring in Leonine. Enter also at the same time Herbert Lee who retires to a window at bach of stage.] Cromwell. [To the Guards who have newly entered with Leonine.]— Who is this man ? Leonine.—I answer for myself. I am the man Who doth deserve the scaffold; if desert Doth follow the attempt to measure steel, Fairly and freely, with the Lord Protector. I answer for myself: to take his place Who goeth there unjustly to his doom. I answer for myself: to save your souls The guilty sin of shedding guiltless blood. Smite'em.—I like that. It partaketh of martyrdom. Cromwell. [Aside.’]—His speech bears out Sir Richard’s last advice. [To Leonine], How many days hast thou been in this town ? Leonine.—Five days. Cromwell.—Under what name? Leonine.—Leonine. Cromwell.—And thy real name is ? Leonine.—Dunbar. Cromwell.—The prisoner! what had he to do with thee ? Leonine.—No more than this. He off his head in love With yon fair maiden, [pointing to-Nora] did obtain the ways Into the palace grounds, and knowing me Did tell me of his escapades, and make A confidant of me. I used him thus. And my offence most gross, but for my cause, I come to expiate; that he may live. Smite'em.—Thou may’st button up, Captain Colman. Thy wow is wind. Cromwell. [To Leonine.]—Thou speaketh truth, I have it all confirmed. [To Smite'em.] Give back that bond of death and change the men.