Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/275

 Cromwell.'Tis well! [He takes the bag and places it on the table before him. Manasseh [aside. Nought can escape that lynx's eye. The Cavaliers are easily deceived At least: I take their ship away from them, And place my bank at their command. And so, Thanks to my craft, their resources are nought. Thereon, as is the custom of our trade, I sell to them again at cent per cent The money that I stole from them. For most Praiseworthy 'tis to steal from Christian dogs. Cromwell.What know'st thou new, thou purgatory-face? Manasseh.Nothing—save this: that 'tis in London rumoured At Dover an astrologer's been hanged. Cromwell.Well done! But art not an astrologer Thyself? Manasseh [after a moment's hesitation. Thou shalt not, saith the Decalogue, False witness bear. 'Tis true, I understand That book which even Satan finds obscure, Which Zoroaster read and Solomon. Yes, in the starry heaven I can read Your good and evil fortune. Cromwell [aside, his eyes fixed on the Jew. Strange his lot! To keep close watch on men and on the stars! Astrologer above, on earth a spy!

Look—yonder near the Scorpion, my lord,—