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 By a blue ribbon. But your Adam, Eve, And hell and lake of fire! Shocking, all! Satan unclad beneath his scorchèd wings!— 'Twere bearable if he but cloaked his form Beneath a dainty costume; if he wore On flowing wig a jewel-studded casque, A dawn-hued doublet and a Florence cloak; As I recall, in the French Opéra, Wherewith the court at Paris did erstwhile Regale us, to have seen the Sun arrayed! Milton [amazed.]What! all this worldly jargon from a saint! Rochester [biting his lips, aside. Another foolish outbreak! Luckily He heard me ill; but nathless Rochester Doth constantly mismanage the affairs Of solemn Obededom.
 * [Aloud, to .] 'T was in jest.

Milton.Jesting 's a foolish thing!
 * [Aside, still facing.

How slightingly Doth Oliver entreat me!—When all 's said, What is 't to govern Europe, tell me, pray? 'Tis mere child's play! I fain would see him write, As I do, Latin verses.

Cromwell [abruptly.] Come, my masters, 'Twere well to laugh a while. Bethink you, fools, Some pleasant quip. Sir Hannibal Sesthead— Hannibal Sesthead [with a piqued expression. My lord, your pardon.—I no jester am, But cousin to a king of ancient race Who, be it said without offence to you,