We may, meseems, find food for laughter here.
Death at Westminster, too, will play his part.
If I've good eyes, then Cromwell to his ruin
Is marching fast. His fortune, filled with wrath,
At last abandons him. I have but now
Traversed all London. Everywhere one sees
The passers on the street accost each other
With gloomy brow. I heard at Temple Bar
And on the Strand the jealous soldiers roar
At the mere name of king. 'Gainst Oliver
The factions have renewed their former bonds,
Exchanging signals from behind their cloaks.
On every side some threatening peril lurks.
Elespuru.What of the people?
Trick. They are looking on.
They're like the leopard watching two wolves fight:
He waits the while each doth the other rend,
Content to have the body of the vanquished
Remain to be devoured by him. In fine,
The mine is dug, and if I do not err,
Here on this spot 'twill burst, 'neath Cromwell's feet.
Giraff [with delight.
Ah! what a tumult will the fools and saints
Together make; they'll hammer with their swords,
And we will clap our hands!
Elespuru [singing.
Oliver, my friend, take heed!
Traitors ever traitors breed.
'Twas perhaps by Satan's seed
That was built this throne.
Death the platform did uprear.
To a pompous splendid bier
Changed it may be soon.
