Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/410

exit.—Cromwell remains silent for a momentamid the acclamations of the people and the whispering of the generals and the Parliament; then he rouses himself with an effort from his meditation, and addresses Doctor Lockyer, who is among the retinue.

Yes, here. Good Master Lockyer, did we not
Make choice of you to preach the Word to us?
We wait your pleasure. Time and grace divine
Alike have wings.

[Slowly and as if embarrassed Doctor Lockyer ascends the pulpit opposite the throne.

Lockyer. Alike have wings. My lord, this is my text—
[He hesitates and seems disturbed.]
Cromwell.Speak, speak.
Lockyer [reading from a Bible that he holds in his hand.

"The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us."

Cromwell [interrupting him angrily.
Brother, where find you that. 'Tis a rash text
Lockyer.My lord, 'tis in the Bible.
Cromwell. My lord, 'tis in the Bible. Where?
Lockyer. My lord, 'tis in the Bible. Where? Look, read.
It is in Judges, chapter nine, verse eight.
Cromwell.Be still! What bearing hath that text upon
The present state of things? In Holy Writ
Can you find nothing better? Is there not
A verse and chapter with some relevance
To what is happening? As this, for instance:
"Accurst be he who leads the sightless wanderer
Astray."—" The sage is he who dares and doubts."—
"The archangel went forth into the desert