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 Cromwell [to. Go, look to what they do with him. [Exit. Voices of the People. Strike down The traitor! Cromwell. I forgive him freely, brethren. He knows not what he does. Voices of the People [without. The Thames! the Thames! [Enter. Thurloe [to. The people are content. The Thames receives The frenzied prophet. Cromwell [aside.] Clemency, in sooth, Is an effective means. There's one foe less. But Heaven forefend that this good people should Become accustomed to such deaths as his!

Overton [to , in an undertone. A human victim offered to the idol!— The army and this heedless people—all Are his. Nothing he lacks; all that he needs He has. Our feeble efforts have but served To raise him higher than before. In vain One ventures to defy him, or combat. And now he can destroy us, one by one. He doth inspire love and fear alike. Content he should be. Cromwell [musingly.] When shall I be king?