Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/118

 To ridicule the sumptuary laws, And the glum Solons whose oppressive acts Tax at three shillings every English head? Is this, I pray to know, good comradeship? Did I e'er shrink from your mad escapades? Have I been seen less often than of yore, Despite the recent laws, at cocking-mains And horse-races? In fine have I not matched In every point your reckless hardihood, And played with you in all your comedies? Barebones [aside, wrathfully. The Sadducee! Richard. Duels and merry-makings And sinful pranks have found me ever fain;— What blame you in me? Clifford. Your good qualities, Whereof the merit is notorious, Are dear to us. Richard. But no. It well may be That I do think too highly of myself. Our eyes too often miss our own shortcomings, And only our own better side we see. Have I offended? Sedley. Nay. Richard. It likes me much To be informed. Rosebery. Richard! Richard. I make no doubt That you do me the justice to believe That I detest these cursed Puritans, As you do? Barebones. What? As we do? Richard. So I say. How tolerate those stupid sectaries, Who mar the sacred books with commentaries