Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/328

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316
CROMWELL

Richard [to the Cavaliers.
Was it to serve this execrable end
That you invited Richard to your board?
That we were sworn allies in everything,
Gaming and revelry and gallantry?
And that my purse was ever at your service?
And now compare what I have done for you,
My jovial friends, with what you do to me!
Rosebery [to the Cavaliers, in an undertone.
Is he not right?
Jenkins [to Richard.] Well said, young man, i' faith!
But bear upon the radical defect
Of the affair: they 're not within the law.
Plead well the cause—plead! plead!
Richard [to Jenkins.] …cause—plead! plead! But, my good sir—
Jenkins.With you I do oppose this step.
Richard [to the Cavaliers, clasping his hands.
With you I do oppose this step. My friends—
Cromwell [aside.]I see the whole affair more justly now.
My son! ah! how unjust I was to him!
Certes, of this dark plot no more he knew
Than that the plotters gathered to carouse.
Ormond [to Richard.]Your father played with us, sir, for high stakes:
Alike we staked our heads. And he has lost.
Richard.Great God! you would in truth strike down the father
The while his son looks on!
[He cries with all his strength.
The while his son looks on! Help! murder! help!
[To the Cavaliers.
I have no other hope than in myself.
[He shouts again.