But try to make him sleep. Pst! in a flash
The sleeping lion is a watchful cat;
The cat becomes a roaring tiger; then
The cutting claws are changed to velvet paws;
Velvet through which the treach'rous claws still pierce.
Cromwell.My learned chaplain, pardon me, I pray,
For urging you to stay not long among us.
Rochester [aside.]No fear!
Cromwell.Thanks to more fines than one, imposed
Most righteously, swearing, my holy man,
Is like to cost you dear in England here.
What'ver you do, you cannot hold your peace.
And, muleted by the law incessantly,
You soon would waste your substance in vain oaths.
Rochester.Thanks for the good advice.
[To the crowd which pursues him with laughter and
derisive cheers.
Applaud, vile brood!
Cromwell.Stay, doctor. Prithee, take your loving wife.
Rochester [trembling.
My wife?
Cromwell. My lady Rochester!
Dame Guggligoy [kissing him.] Dear spouse!
Rochester [trying to elude her.
God's mercy!
Cromwell. Be ye one.—What should we say
To see one half depart without the other?
[To Dame Guggligoy.
Follow your spouse!
