The Lord Don Cromwell's pleasure, it is said
That he holds Council for—
Don Luis [harshly, and with an oblique glance at the Duc de Créqui.] Who questions you?
Mancini [to the Duc de Créqui, in an undertone.
'Tis most diverting that a Spanish don,
Here in this palace, tremblingly, yet wroth,
Should beg a soft glance from an Englishman!
Upon his face shame doth contend with pride.
Don Luis [aside.] How will the Lord Protector take my message?
Duc de Créqui [to Mancini.
What place is this, Mancini?
Mancini. Monseigneur,
The banquet hall, as court of honour used.
The cipher of the murdered Charles, o'erlooked,
Remains upon these walls; and yonder see
Th' ill-omened window thorough which that King
Went forth to death. 'Twas but a single step
He had to take! And 'tis a regicide,
An impious, psalm-singing sectary—
An Usher [in a loud voice.
His Grace the Lord Protector of all England!
Scene 2.—The Same; Cromwell, in very simple military dress; leather doublet, broad baldric embroidered with his arms, from which hangs a long sword; Whitelocke, Commissioner of the Great Seal, in a long gown of black satin trimmed with ermine, and a huge wig; Earl of Carlisle, Captain of the Protector's
