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 Richard.Spare me the wrath of my irascible And captious father. Promise me, my friend,— I am with golden nobles well supplied,— That you to the Protector will say nought Of what you saw this morning. Rochester. Willingly. Richard [offering him a purse embroidered with his arms. See, here's my purse; for not ingrate am I. Rochester [taking it, after a moment's hesitation; aside. Bah! 'tis a resource! and, when one conspires, One needs a well-lined purse, in very truth. Moreover, greed comports with my disguise. [Aloud.]My lord is generous— Richard. 'Tis well, 'tis well! Pray take it and go drink. Rochester [aside.] Upon my word! This ending is far better than I feared. Richard.My friend, how much canst earn at this thy trade, Besides the gallows? Rochester. A most learned divine— Richard.Nay, as a spy? Rochester. My lord doth flatter me! Richard.In thy employ a philosophic mind Is most essential. Wherefore blush? Rochester. My lord!

18.—

Cromwell [a Bible, with emblazoned covers, in his hand. List, Master Obededom, to this verse