Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/371

 We may, meseems, find food for laughter here. Death at Westminster, too, will play his part. If I've good eyes, then Cromwell to his ruin Is marching fast. His fortune, filled with wrath, At last abandons him. I have but now Traversed all London. Everywhere one sees The passers on the street accost each other With gloomy brow. I heard at Temple Bar And on the Strand the jealous soldiers roar At the mere name of king. 'Gainst Oliver The factions have renewed their former bonds, Exchanging signals from behind their cloaks. On every side some threatening peril lurks. Elespuru.What of the people? Trick. They are looking on. They're like the leopard watching two wolves fight: He waits the while each doth the other rend, Content to have the body of the vanquished Remain to be devoured by him. In fine, The mine is dug, and if I do not err, Here on this spot 'twill burst, 'neath Cromwell's feet. Giraff [with delight. Ah! what a tumult will the fools and saints Together make; they'll hammer with their swords, And we will clap our hands! Elespuru [singing.

Oliver, my friend, take heed! Traitors ever traitors breed. 'Twas perhaps by Satan's seed That was built this throne. Death the platform did uprear. To a pompous splendid bier Changed it may be soon.