Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/408

Lambert, pale as death and speechless, is reparing to go down from the platform when Cromwell detains him.

Cromwell.⁠Ah! Lambert, you will dine with us to-day.
[In an undertone, as Lambert turns in alarm.
Why tremble still? He is no longer there.
Lambert [faltering.]⁠Who?
Cromwell [still in an undertone.
Who? Overton, whose mission was to urge
Thy wavering hand.
[With a sardonic smile.]⁠For you were in the plot
Lambert.⁠My lord, I swear—
Cromwell. My lord, I swear Nay, nay, swear not at all.
Lambert.⁠But, good my lord—
Cromwell. But, good my lord Oh! I have witnesses.
You were the leader.
Lambert. You were the leader. I the leader?
Cromwell. You were the leader. I the leader? Yes.
In name, at least. But your own hardihood
You feared to trust, and you would not have dared
To stab me, standing face to face.
Lambert. To stab me, standing face to face. My lord—
[Aside.]⁠The thoughts of every man are plainly writ
Upon his forehead for this tyrant's keen,
Unerring eye.
Cromwell [with a smile.] ⁠ Is it the truth, my lord,
As I have heard from lips not too discreet,
That to a quiet and retired life
Your tastes incline? And flowers, too, 'tis said
That you do madly love.
[In an undertone, grinding his teeth.
That you do madly love. Without delay
In my hands your commission you will place.

[He dismisses him with a gesture. Lambert