Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/273

To Cromwell! One compels to sleep profound,
The other to give battle. I have changed
My demon, that is all.—Yawning—so soon?
[He seats himself on one of the folding chairs.
Thurloe [to Cromwell.
Is't poison that he drank?
Rochester [yawning.] … that he drank? Now, by my faith,
The question is most flattering to both,
To Cromwell and to me!
Cromwell [to Thurloe, in an undertone.
To Cromwell and to me! That we shall see.
Thurloe [aside, watching Rochester.
Poor man!
Rochester [yawning.] Ah me! my head is in a whirl.
[Yawning again.
When one has played a part the livelong day:
Fasted and prayed—preached much—and sworn but little,—
Worn a saint's mask—and borne a Hebrew name—
Old Noll's harangue—upon the Bible—heard—
'Tis hard— [He yawns.
'Tis hard— To fall asleep—at the dénouement!
[He yawns again.
God grant I may not wake hanged by the neck!
But with me Ormond, too, will be undone;
That is my sole regret.—I must dispel
The melancholy thought.
The mel… [He yawns.] …thought. Phial of hell!—
I scarce can lift my head.—Give you good-night,
Good Master Cromwell.—And God save the King!
[His head falls forward and he sleeps.
Cromwell [with his eyes fixed on Rochester.
What marvellous devotion!—Who would do
As much for me?
[To Thurloe.] Let's place him on this bed.