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 To set the people free by slaying thee. Cromwell.For that much thanks! Carr. Then, that we should restore To the Long Parliament its lawful power Shattered by thy malignant despotism. But I had scarcely entered when I saw A Philistine in velvet doublet slashed With satin. There were three of them. The chief Of the conspirators assailed my ears With briefs and bulls and quatrains— Cromwell. Quatrains? Carr. Yes, 'Tis by that name they call their heathen psalms. Ere long came Saints and pious citizens; But, fascinated by strange spells, their eyes Smiled on the demons mingled with the angels. The demons shouted: "Death to Cromwell! death!" And 'neath their breath they said: "Now let us turn To our advantage their embittered strife; To Babylon Gomorrah shall give place, The roofs of sycamore to cedarn roofs, And bricks to stones, the bridle to the yoke, The brazen rod to th' iron sceptre. Cromwell. Ah! And Cromwell to the second Charles—not so? Carr. Such is their dream. But 'tis not Jacob's will That they shall slay an ox with his own sword And he have not his share; that Cromwell be Struck down, and Stuart gain his end thereby. Between two evils one must shun the worse. And evil as thou art I much prefer Thy rule to any royal debauchee's, Stuart, or Herod, worthless parasite Of the old uprooted oak! Wherefore confound These plots that by my voice are known to thee!