Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/327

 Clifford [to .]When once the sword is drawn, then, good my lord, We needs must strike. We have but this brief hour; Let 's make the most of it. He 's in our hands, This Cromwell—let him die! All the Cavaliers [except  and. Ay, let him die! Jenkins [solemnly.]I do protest! Richard [intensely excited, aside.]They mean to kill my father! O Heav'n!
 * [He rushes into the midst of the Cavaliers.

Hold, murderers! All the Cavaliers. 'Tis Richard Cromwell! Cromwell [aside.]What doth he? Richard [to the Cavaliers.]Stay your hands! In pity's name, If of our former friendship there remains A vestige in your hearts, then, Rosebery, Sedley and Downie, list to me, I pray! Murray [impatiently.]Damnation! Richard. Spare my father! Sedley. Did he spare His king? Richard. Ah! that, I doubt not, was a crime; But am I guilty? Should I be the victim? In striking him, you strike me, too, my friends. Cromwell [aside.]Can this be Richard, heartless parricide? I am nonplust. Rosebery [to .]We love you like a brother; But duty must be done, whate'er betide. Richard.You shall not kill my father! Cromwell [aside.] He defends me! What happiness! I had misjudged my child.