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 Whitelocke [in an undertone, to. What says he? He declines? Thurloe.He hesitates. He fears some hidden peril. Cromwell [to , in an undertone. It must be so!—Let us defer the hour.— At swords'-points with the Cavaliers, 'twere well To ensure Puritan neutrality; And let us not, in this twofold dilemma, Put two thorns in our foot and on our arms Two burdens. Let us first of all elude The net that Ormond close about me draws. I shall have time enough to grasp the crown. Let us appease the Puritans at first By shunning that great honour.
 * [Aloud, to the others present.

Go in peace. We seek the counsel of the Lord!

15.—.

Thurloe [aside.]Something has happened here within the hour. Cromwell [aside.]'Tis well! let this reluctance put them off Until to-morrow.

Thurloe. It is late, my lord. Cromwell [roughly.]Go bid them ring the curfew. Thurloe. Need you not To rest a while?