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Monaldeschi was slain at Fontainebleau,
Her letter tells.
Cromwell. Her letter tells. So she's avenged herself
Upon this former lover?
Filippi [still in an undertone.]Mazarin
Vouchsafed permission to my outraged Queen
To blot him out e'en in the heart of France.
Cromwell [to Whitelocke, in an undertone.
Rare hospitality—for murder given!
Filippi.My Queen, self-exiled from her throne, bespeaks
Asylum 'neath the great Protector's pow'r.
Cromwell [surprised and displeased.
She doth seek refuge here?—Without delay
I cannot answer. We've no palace here
To give a queen.
Don Luis [aside.] To give a… They'll have one for a king
Ere long.
Cromwell [to Filippi, after a moment's pause.
Ere long. 'Twere better she remain in France.
For kings dethroned, noisome is London air.
[To Whitelocke, in an undertone.
His harlot Queen! a vile, immoral jade!
Who'd show herself unclad to public gaze!

[On turning about he sees the Envoy still standing near him in an expectant attitude. He addresses him as if amazed.

How now?
Filippi [bowing and pointing to the casket.
How now? My mission still is unperformed.
Will not your Highness graciously be pleased
To ope this casket?
Cromwell. To ope this casket? What does it contain?
Filippi [bowing again.]Open, my lord.