Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/162

I can reveal thy sore.
Cromwell [with disdainful satisfaction, aside.
I can reveal thy sore. Whate'er they be
To him who pays or flatters them, at heart
These good Republicans are all alike.
[Aloud.
What dost thou ask? A title and its arms?
Or military rank? or an estate?
Carr. Or military rank? or an estate? Thou say'st?
Cromwell.⁠What wouldst thou at our hands? speak.
Carr. What wouldst thou at our hands? speak. Abdicate.
Cromwell [aside.]⁠He is incorrigible!
[Aloud, after a moment's reflection.
He is incorrigible! Am I king,
That I should abdicate?
Carr. That I should abdicate? Mere subterfuge.
How now! dost palter with thy word so soon?
Cromwell [abashed.]⁠Why, no!
Carr. Why, no! I see that thou dost hesitate.
Cromwell [sighing.]⁠Alas! I have put force upon myself
An hundred times, not to resign my rule.
My power's my cross.
Carr [shaking his head.]⁠Thou dost not mend thy ways,
Cromwell. Methinks 'tis easier by far
For camel to pass through a needle's eye,
Or eel to swallow the leviathan,
Than for the rich and powerful of earth
To enter in at heaven's radiant doors!
Cromwell [aside.
Fanatic!
Carr [aside.] ⁠ Hypocrite!
[To Cromwell.] In subtle speech