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 Cromwell [ironically.]An idol—head of gold and feet of wax! Murray.A paltry creature I have always thought him. Mere reputation does not me deceive I have judged Cromwell. That man would be king! What times we live in! He has not the art To foil a plot, anticipate a ruse! Why you yourself are many times more shrewd Than the besotted fool who at this hour Is taken in his bed! Cromwell [aside.] If he but knew How truly he doth speak, the idiot! Murray.Thinks he 'tis such a simple thing to reign? He, king! I would not have him for a courtier. Cromwell.You would be well advised. Murray. We may agree That he is skilled in brewing goodly beer. But hath he right to bear the bassinet And gambière? At most, no more than these. Upstart nobility. And is his name Equal in lustre to his trusty Milton's? Cromwell [aside.]Impertinent! Murray. He's not content to be A brewer of renown, but needs must play The great man, ape the tyrants and the heroes! Are not such petty squires ridiculous? He learns to yoke the people to his car, The hydra to subdue, the world to rule,— While brewing beer! Cromwell [aside.] The villain! Murray. And because Chance served him well, he deems himself a Capet, A Moses, or a Cæsar, by my faith!