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 He paid them for my death as for a fête! [He throws the purse on the ground with a gesture of disgust. His recklessness leads on to parricide! But someone comes. [Enter , feeling his way in the darkness.

6.—.

Richard [walking slowly toward the front of the stage. The night is none too bright. Cromwell [unseen by. My son! Is't possible? Richard. Set free at last! Cromwell [aside.] I doubt not, by the thieves to whom thou hast Betrayed thy father. In their blood-stained hands Place thine fraternally! Richard [still without seeing. And this is due To having paid the sentry well. Cromwell [aside.] Aha! He says it! Richard. I am free! Cromwell [aside.] But at what price, Thou villain! Richard. True, it costs me dear, but I Detest ingratitude. Cromwell [aside.] Ingratitude. To the paid cutthroat who doth leave thee free To kill thy father—that thou dost detest! Richard.Another frolic! Cromwell [aside.] With what levity This debauchee doth talk of murdering me!