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Cromwell. 'Tis strange, indeed! Nought could more frightful be!
Manasseh.Perchance.—But no; the spectres I recall
Were seeking vengeance for the past, but thine—
'Twas for the future.—Wert thou not asleep?
Cromwell. No.
Manasseh. No. Such a vision ne'er was seen before!
For had it not appeared to thee awake,
'Twould be a dream, no more, and I have seen
More marv'lous ones.
[He falls to musing once more.
More marv'lous ones. A ghost that from the tomb
Came not! In all my long and weary life,
I 've not seen such a spectre!
[He turns to Cromwell.
I 've not seen such a spectre! When it fled,
What odour did it leave?
Cromwell [roughly.] … did it leave? What matters it?
What does my vision mean? I bid you speak.
Is it the truth? or is it but illusion?
"All honour to King Cromwell!" Shall I be king?
Remove the veil that hides my destiny.
Manasseh [his eyes fixed on the sky.
Ay, that's the star! Wherever in the vault
Of heaven it shone, I should discover it;
Though fixed, one seems to see it larger grow;
Brilliant, but at its centre there's a spot.
Cromwell [impatient.
Thine eyes have gazed upon the sky full long.
Shall I be king?
Manasseh. Shall I be king? In vain should I attempt
To flatter thee, my son; one may not lie
To the broad heavens. I cannot hide from thee
That in its course elliptical thy star