Gramadoch [strutting in front of the Champion.
How now, my Champion,—thou falterest?
Thou who wouldst fain uncounted lances break!
I purpose but to grind thee into dust
In two assaults; and afterward thou canst
Pick up the pieces.
The Champion [pointing to Gramadoch.
Guards, arrest this madman!
[The guards surround Gramadoch and seize him.
Gramadoch [struggling with them and laughing in his sleeve.
I am within my right.—The dastard cur!
He is afraid!—If he doth anger me,
I'll bring a writ of quare impedit!
[The Jesters in the gallery applaud, with shouts of laughter.
The Champion [in a solemn voice.
As no one has appeared to contravene
What I have said—no one except a fool
And blind man—I proclaim before the world
Oliver Cromwell of all England King!
The Champion's Attendants.
God save King Oliver!
[Profound silence in the crowd and the detachment of troops.
The Champion. Let us ride on.
Yes, yes, 'twas done to entertain the people.
Overton [in the same tone, pointing to the thunderstruck crowd.
Their aspect's threatening; they have nought to say.
