90
CROMWELL
Rochester and Davenant were sitting. They espy the other table and the pewter mugs which Carr overturned.
Clifford [gaily.] How, now!
The tables overturned so soon! I' faith!
So you've begun!—And but two mugs for three I
Who fasts among you?—Let us mend this fault.
[He replaces the table on its legs and summons a waiter, who covers it anew with jugs of beer and wine. The young Cavaliers hasten to take seats about it.
I'm thirsty, ay, and hungry.
Carr [wrathfully, aside.] They have mouths
To gnaw withal—no more! Hunger and thirst!
The heathen! 'tis their never-ending hymn.
They're shrouded in their carnal appetites!
Scene 8.—The Same; Sir Richard Willis, grey-bearded, in the costume of the old Cavaliers; he has the aspect of a sick man.
Ormond.Sir Richard Willis!
[All the Cavaliers rise and go to meet him. He walks with evident difficulty, and Rosebery and Rochester offer their arms to assist him.
Sir Richard Willis [to the Cavaliers.
For an instant freed
From durance, doth old Richard drag himself
To you, dear friends. A poor, weak man, alas!
And from the persecutions suffering still
Which weigh upon my life. My eyes have grown
Unwonted to the light, so constantly
Doth Cromwell meditate to harass me!
Ormond.My poor old friend!
