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'Tis manifest by their high, lordly air
They're of my Lord Protector's regiment.
[The soldiers form in a double line from the throne to the door.

The Old Soldier [to Overton, in an undertone, pointing to the officer.

These officers of Ahab doublets wear
Of silk!
A Young Sentry [pushing him into the crowd.
Of silk! Stand back, my friend!
Overton [to the Soldier, in an undertone.
Of silk! Stand back, my friend! How rough he is!
These bravos have assumed the tyrant's airs.
Already doth the raw recruit insult
A veteran!
The Soldier [pressing his hand.] Patience!
The Officer [to his men.] …tience! The Holy Ghost
Doth here convoke us. For our general
Let us together pray.
Overton [to the Officer.] …pray. Your general?
Say, rather, for your king.
The Officer. Say, rather, for your king. What! he, our king?
Who dares insult him thus?
Overton. Who dares insult him thus? I.
The Officer. Who dares insult him thus? I. Then, you lie.
Overton.Nay.
The Officer. Nay. Cromwell, king! May the good God forbid!
Overton.He will be king to-day.
The Officer. He will be king to-day. Who says so?

[Enter the Champion of England, in complete armour, on horseback, flanked by four halberdiers who bear before him a banner with the Protector's arms.

Overton. He will be king to-day. Who says so? Look!