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 Cromwell.But you forget the locust. Rochester [aside.] Ah! the deuce! But who would put such vermin in his paunch? Cromwell.Nor do you say what 'tis most meet to know: "Who touches a dead body doth remain Impure till evening."
 * [Aside.] But it matters not

He is most learned! and one may well not have Ideas so strict as mine on such concerns. [Aloud.]One last word. To conform to Holy Writ, Must one his hair wear long or short? Rochester [with assurance.] Oh! short, Quite short! [Aside.]Thou Roundhead, make the most of that! Cromwell.Which leads you to conclude? Rochester [hastily.] This hair of ours Is vanity! For Absalom was hanged By his long hair. Cromwell. But Samson ceased to live When he was shorn. Rochester [aside, biting his lips.] The devil! fairly caught! Cromwell.So far as may be, to elucidate So grave a point, I go to fetch my Bible. [Exit

16.—, alone.

Rochester.Go to! that skirmish I sustained not ill. Though Puritan he be, the knave's no fool. I fear, in truth—St. Paul! who can he be, This traitor who is in the confidence Of Cromwell and of Hyde the Chancellor?— The villain!—But the old devil I deceived!