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 The Roundheads. Let us annihilate The traitor! The Cavaliers. Let us smite the vile usurper! Overton.No king! Lambert. No master! Harrison. Brethren, by your leave, I will set forth a scruple, with respect. To my mind our base-born oppressor seems An instrument of heaven: although he be A tyrant, he an Independent is At heart, and mayhap he 's the man proclaimed By Daniel in his prophecy: "The saints Shall seize the kingdom of the world and shall Possess it." Ludlow. Ay, so runs the text. Nathless The prophet, General, doth reassure Your mind, for that same Daniel elsewhere says: "The kingdom to the people of the saints Shall for my plans be given."—Hence 'tis clear That none must take it ere 'tis given him. Joyce.And then we are "the people of the saints"! Harrison.I bow to your great wisdom. But the while I do avow myself o'ermatched, nathless I am not, Ludlow, fully satisfied That these texts have the sense you give to them; And I would fain confer with you one day Upon these themes, forbid to the profane. Some pious friends we may convoke, thereon To hold deliberation; with their lights They will assist our feeble intellects. Ludlow.With all my heart. On Friday, if you please.
 * [ bows in token of assent.

Lambert [aside, as if absorbed in his thoughts.