Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/156

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144
CROMWELL

Cromwell [gazing at Carr in surprise.]'Tis Carr
The Independent!
[To the others with a contemptuous wave of the hand.] Go!
The Independent! [Aside.] 'Tis passing strange!
[Exeunt all, speechless with amazement, and bowing low. Carr remains unmoved.
Waller [in an undertone, to Lenthall, pointing to Carr.
He said it. Let us leave Lot with the angel.


Scene 10.—Carr, Cromwell.


[Cromwell, left alone with Carr, gazes at him for some time in silence, with a harsh and almost threatening expression. Carr, tranquil and serious, with folded arms, fastens his eyes on the Protector's, without lowering them for an instant. At last Cromwell speaks, with a lofty air.

Cromwell.Carr, the Long Parliament imprisoned you.
By what means came you forth?
Carr [calmly.] … came you forth? By treachery.
Cromwell [surprised and alarmed.
What say you?
What say… [Aside.] Can it be he's lost his wits?
Carr [musing.]Yes, I the Supreme council of the Saints
Did mightily offend. Now, 'neath thy law,
Are all proscribed: I, blameworthy, by them;
They, innocent, by thee.
Cromwell. They, innocent, by thee. Since you approve
Your sentence, tell me who did break your chains?
Carr [shrugging his shoulders.