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 ''footmen remove the table laden with jugs, beer and pipes. ' ushers in the Privy Council, who enter in double file, each member taking his stand in front of a stool, while ' ascends to his chair of state, and , led by his page, goes to the chair by the table. ' and ' take their places near the Protector, on the steps leading to his platform.''

Cromwell [aside.]The twitter of these birds we'll e'en abide. [Aloud.]Most honourable privy councillors, Be seated all and let us pray a moment.

To govern England I have scant desert; But God, whom my resistance doth make wroth, Bids Parliament my burdens multiply By overwhelming me with too great power.