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 Ludlow.Of such a blow the glory is immense; And I can well believe that each of us Doth crave that glory for himself alone. And I—if e'er my constant prayers besought From Heav'n some signal witness of its favour, The honour 'twas of striking Cromwell down With my own hand. Would that my sons might say Of their progenitor: "He overthrew The power of the Stuarts and of Cromwell; And twice did Ludlow slaughter tyranny!"— But this same Ludlow, loyal citizen, Doth place the welfare of his fellowmen Before his own. Lambert holds highest rank Among us. Bearer of the crown, he 'll be Upon the platform and thereby best placed To strike unerringly. Lambert [alarmed, aside.] What doth he mean? Ludlow.At such a moment, it most seemly is That to the public welfare every man Should sacrifice himself. So follow me. Ludlow his claim abandons and entrusts The honour of the blow to General Lambert. Lambert [aside.]Who asks him so to do? He murders me! 'Tis my undoing! Pride. Good! so let it be: To Ludlow's reasoning I give assent. Syndercomb.I sacrifice myself, [To .]And you shall strike. Lambert [in a faltering voice. My friends, this honour doth console me much In my affliction— [Aside.]Direful quandary! Wildman [to. You will strike Cromwell down! how blest are you!