Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/394

Scene 12.—Cromwell, his Family, his Retinue, the Crowd.

[The moment that Cromwell appears in the doorway of Westminster Hall, amid the roar of the cannon (which has not ceased during the preceding scene), bells, fanfares and beating of drums, one can distinguish the acclamations that follow him from without.

Voices [outside.]⁠Hurrah! hurrah! for England's Lord Protector!
Overton [to Garland, in an undertone.
These knaves are paid to roar. But have no fear,
We'll silence them. 'Tis as it was when Noll,
At Grocer's Hall, dubbed Viner baronet,—
He was acclaimed in Cheapside for his gold.

[Cromwell stands a moment on the threshold and bows again and again to the crowd outside.

Voices in the Crowd.
Cromwell!—Ah! is that Cromwell?—He, the king!—
The regicide!—He's very ugly, faith!—
How short to be a hero!—I'd have said
That he was taller.—Not so fat I thought him.
How this man irks me with his broad-brimmed hat!
Take off your hat.—Since when, I prithee, mistress,
Do we take off our hats to Antichrist?

[Cromwell turns toward the assemblage within the hall.—Profound silence.

Cromwell [stepping into the hall.
Now in the Father's name, and in the Son's,
And in the Holy Ghost's, may peace be with you!

[Silence within the hall. The acclamations coniinue on the square.

Voices [without.
God save you, Oliver!—May Cromwell live