He paid them for my death as for a fête!
[He throws the purse on the ground with a gesture of disgust.
His recklessness leads on to parricide!
But someone comes.
[Enter Richard Cromwell, feeling his way in the darkness.
Scene 6.—The Same, Richard Cromwell.
Richard [walking slowly toward the front of the stage.
The night is none too bright.
Cromwell [unseen by Richard.
My son! Is't possible?
Richard. Set free at last!
Cromwell [aside.] I doubt not, by the thieves to whom thou hast
Betrayed thy father. In their blood-stained hands
Place thine fraternally!
Richard [still without seeing Cromwell.
And this is due
To having paid the sentry well.
Cromwell [aside.] Aha!
He says it!
Richard. I am free!
Cromwell [aside.] But at what price,
Thou villain!
Richard. True, it costs me dear, but I
Detest ingratitude.
Cromwell [aside.] Ingratitude.
To the paid cutthroat who doth leave thee free
To kill thy father—that thou dost detest!
Richard.Another frolic!
Cromwell [aside.] With what levity
This debauchee doth talk of murdering me!
