Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/219

A crime deserving death, whereat doth smile
Beelzebub. But every punishment
Should have a twofold aim; humanity
Insists upon it for the sufferer's sake.
Scourging his body, we must save his soul.
Now, whether is the better, fire or rope,
To reconcile a sinner with his God?
The fire purifies him—
Rochester [aside.] …purifies him And the rope
Doth strangle him.
Cromwell. Doth strangle him. Daniel was purified
I' the burning triangle. But none the less
The gallows has its own advantages;
The Cross a gibbet was—
Rochester [aside.] … a gibbet was I much admire
The charming fashion wherein Oliver,
As in his own domain, ambles along
From punishment to punishment; drops one,
Takes up another, and unstumbling goes
From stake to rope, from rope to stake again.
He coruscates with many a hidden charm!
Cromwell [still reflecting.]How difficult it is to know the truth!
A knotty question 'tis; I reckon it
Among the subtlest and most delicate.
[After a moment's silence, he suddenly addresses Rochester.
Doctor, decide for us.
Rochester [aside.] …cide for us. As Pilate did,
He does.
Cromwell [to the Ranters, pointing to Rochester.
He does. He is another Cromwell, sirs.
Rochester [bowing.]Your Highness flatters me!
The Leader of the Deputation [to Rochester.
Your Highness flatters me If one should fall