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down from the platform and joins the rest of the retinue. At that moment Cromwell spies the sceptre, which Lord Broghill has placed on the steps of the throne.

[In a voice of thunder.
How now! a sceptre!—Take away your bauble.
[Turning to Trick.
For thee, my fool!
[Renewed applause among the populace and the troops.
Trick [from his gallery.]⁠Nay, let some greater fool
Put hand to it.

[Enter an usher. He bows before the throne and addresses Cromwell.

The Usher. Put hand to it. My lord, the High Sheriff waits.
Cromwell.⁠Admit him.
[Enter the High Sheriff, followed by two sergeants-at-arms.
[To the Sheriff.]⁠Well? How now?
The Sheriff [saluting.] …Well? How now? My lord, one Bloum,
And other prisoners, those condemned to death—
Cromwell [with a start.
What! is it done?
The Sheriff. What! is it done? No, good my lord, not yet.
Cromwell.⁠'Tis well!
The Sheriff. 'Tis well! Their gallows Hewlet did erect
At dawn on Tyburn Hill. They crave, my lord,
An audience of you. Shall I proceed
To execution, or shall I delay?
Cromwell.⁠What is their motive?
The Sheriff. What is their motive? A request to make.
Cromwell.⁠Let them be brought before me.
The Sheriff. Let them be brought before me. Here, my lord?
Cromwell.⁠Yes, here.

[At a sign from Cromwell, the Sheriff bows and