Let us together make
Charles Rex the noblest name of Christendom.
_Charles:_
How shall I stand with the Episcopacy?
_Cromwell:_
All tyrannies must go together. We mislike no bishops save that they
stand by a tyrannous church. That we will destroy. It is there as I have
said. We attack not faiths or opinions, but despotism. Let a man think
as he will, but he shall command no other man to think it.
_Ireton:_
We will not persecute even our persecutors. But they shall stay their
hands, now and for ever.
_Cromwell:_
This is just; merciful even. Will you work with us together, sir, to the
salvation of our country?
_Charles:_
You are very patient.
_Cromwell:_
To great ends. Why do you deliberate, sir? What invention is needed? All
is so plain. And many wish you disaster. If you refuse this, it may be
hard to deny them.
_Charles:_
We do not fear disaster.
_Cromwell:_
But I offer you an ascendancy undreamt of. It should be plain.
_Charles:_
You offer much, and it should prosper. Or I think so. But I must
consider. One has old habits, not easily to be put by. One grows to
kingship thus, or thus--the manner does not readily change. But I will
consider it.
_Cromwell:_
Time presses.
Pages:
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71